“Island hopping” on the Helgeland coast is an adventure that we think all travellers should treat themselves to at least once in their life. And you can do this by kayak, local express boats, or on two wheels. You’re able to bring your bicycle on the express boat, and there are many places where you can rent a kayak.
You can fly to Bodø, Mo i Rana, Sandnessjøen or Brønnøysund, and from there start your “island hopping” adventure by boarding the express boat. If you have a bike or kayak, you can bring it with you – and either is a great and more flexible alternative to driving a car, especially during the summer. With the Travel Pass Nordland, you can travel as much as you like for a whole week at no extra cost. Think of it as “Interrail by sea”, and take full advantage of the special Summer Route.
Choose “your” island
Next, all you have to do is choose one of the many beautiful islands along the Helgeland coast. Maybe one of the larger islands such as Vega or Dønna, where you can cycle for many hours, hike the mountains and go kayaking amongst the islets and skerries? Perhaps you would prefer a smaller, weather-beaten island such as the fascinating Myken and Træna? Or choose tranquil days and great dining on Lovund or Støtt, Rødøya or Bolga?
Itineraries
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3 Kalver – Hearty dining at a farm restaurant
The farm restaurant called 3 Kalver (Three Calves), situated on the island of Dønna, offers satisfying dining in distinctive surroundings. The menu proudly features dishes based on quality local ingredients.
Christmas in the countryside
Christmas Market in Sandnessjøen
December 6th 2025
Join us in the countryside for a day filled with Christmas spirit. Christmas in the Countryside just outside of the cozy coastal town of Sandnessjøen is free for everyone, with activities like a hobby horse course, face painting, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and much more. Maybe Santa will drop by too?
Incredible guided ski tours on the Helgeland Coast
Join MAD Mountain Guides for a dream ski adventure along the stunning and dramatic Helgeland coast. With unique accommodations, untouched slopes, and experienced professional guides, you’ll enjoy a custom-tailored ski vacation like no other.
Hotel Sjyen – with fjord and mountain views
In the heart of the coastal village of Nesna, overlooking the fjord and the islands of Tomma, Hugla, and Handnesøya, you’ll find the newly opened Hotell Sjyen.
An idyllic Helgeland holiday on Rangsundøya
Just north of the Arctic Circle, in Rødøy municipality, lies Rangsundøya. At Helgelandsidyll on Rangsundøya, you stay in a glamping tent, apartment, or the “Eagle Dome.” Rent a boat, kayak, or SUP and spend your days on the water or in the mountains of the island, and relax in the evenings in the sauna. Here, you can find peace and quiet, away from the crowds.
Træna Arctic Fishing
Selvær, the second-biggest island of the Træna archipelago, is a quiet and cosy fishing community. Like the rest of Træna, it faces the open sea and lies far from the mainland. Here, you can stay in a modern quayside holiday apartment, and experience scenic Helgeland at its best. You will find excellent fishing, literally thousands of islets and skerries, amazing birdlife, and skies that glow late into the summer nights.
The Romantic House on Herøy
Det Romantiske Huset (“the Romantic House”) offers charming accommodation in tranquil surroundings by the sea, on Herøy on the Helgeland coast. The panorama is magnificent, spanning from the Seven Sisters mountains in the south to the peak called Dønnamannen in the north. Holiday adventures available here include kayaking, RIB sea rafting excursions, fishing, hiking, cycling and island hopping.
Sailing trips to Vega, Lånan and Torghatten
You are invited on an unforgettable sailing trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Area of the islands of Vega and the eider duck nesting site, Lånan, that for many generations has been protected by the islanders. Or choose a voyage to the legendary mountain with a hole through it, Torghatten.
Idyllic farm retreat on Dønna
3 Kalver is located on the scenic island of Dønna along the Helgeland coast, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful place to stay and dine surrounded by idyllic, quiet farm life, with Dønna’s stunning coastal nature right at your doorstep.
Himmelblå Brygge: Dining and accommodation at Ylvingen
To Norwegians, Himmelblå Brygge and the island of Ylvingen is well known from a popular TV programme. Fortunately, all visitors are welcome to dine and enjoy an overnight stay here. Some of the accommodation is unusual and the scenic surroundings are magnificent. And for young and old, Himmelblå Brygge offers lots of activities and great adventures!
