Øya Bolga sett fra lufta Lars Westwig
Øyene Bolga og Støtt er vel verdt et besøk

Just 338 metres above sea level, you’ll be rewarded with an incredible view of Bolga Island and the Meløy archipelago.

A hiking adventure: Bolgtinden

Key info

Difficulty: Challenging. Short but steep, with exposed sections.
Distance one way: Approx. 2.5 km
Elevation gain one way: 337 metres
Time one way: 1 to 2 hours
Season: May to October. Ice grips are recommended if frost occurs in late autumn.
Starting point: Ferry or express boat pier on Bolga
View starting point on Google Maps

The beautiful island of Bolga lies on the border between Meløy and Rødøy, in the northern part of the Helgeland coast. From the summit of the mountain on the island, you get sweeping views of the island groups in both municipalities, the dramatic Meløy Alps to the east, and the Svartisen glacier beyond.

The hike starts from the ferry or express boat pier and follows a short stretch of gravel road before you reach the trail leading up the first rocky outcrops. From there, you quickly reach a small plateau at Aksla before continuing up toward the ravine and the Bolgbørra cave. Bolgbørra is a popular destination in its own right, but from Aksla the descent is very steep — so pass it with care, and consider visiting it as a separate trip either before or after reaching the top.

Utsikt mot Meløya og Meløyalpene fra Bolgtinden Kitt Grønningsæter / Visit Helgeland

The final stretch to the summit mostly follows a good trail, but includes a few more exposed sections with ropes and light scrambling in the last few hundred metres. This part is fun if you enjoy a bit of a challenge, but it may feel uncomfortable for those who aren’t confident with heights or exposed terrain. You’ll still get a great view even if you choose to stop before the top.

From the summit, you can see peaks like Rødøyløva and Hestmannen to the south, the Meløy Alps to the east, Kunna and Støttvær to the north — and on clear days, even Røst, Værøy, and the Lofoten Wall on the horizon.

View hike descroption on UT.no
View starting point on Google Maps

A hiking adventure: Bolgbørra and Bolga round trip

Key info

Difficulty: Moderately demanding. Medium length with some challenging parts.
Distance (round trip): Approx. 6.5 km
Total elevation gain: Approx. 100 metres
Time (one way): 2 to 3 hours
Season: May to October. Traction cleats recommended in late autumn when frost may occur.
Starting point: Ferry or express boat pier on Bolga
View starting point on Google Maps

As an alternative or addition to the summit hike, consider taking the trail through the mountain ravine and tunnel cave known as Bolgbørra. Like a miniature version of the Torghatten hole, Bolgbørra is a tunnel that cuts straight through the mountain. The hike through the cave is just under 1.5 km from the ferry pier to a pebble beach on the north side of the island.

Bolgbørra på Bolga på sommeren Kitt Grønningsæter / Visit Helgeland

From there, you can choose to follow the trail all the way around the island — along beaches and rocky shores — to the 60-ton rocking stone at Kleppfiskbergan on the west side of the island. The full loop is around 7 km and takes about 2 to 3 hours.

View hiking description on UT.no

1. Follow the Norwegian Mountain Code and plan according to your ability and equipment

Short hikes on easy terrain don’t require much. If you’re heading out for an hour or two in the lowlands and not gaining much elevation, you won’t need a lot of gear or be in top shape. If it gets cold or you get tired, you’re usually not far from your car.

But if you’re heading into more challenging terrain—steeper, rougher, and above the treeline where the weather is more unpredictable—you’ll need to be better prepared. You should plan the trip based on weather and conditions, be fit enough to complete it, and be ready for uneven ground, boulder fields, slippery roots, and stream crossings. That means carrying a heavier pack with extra clothes and gear, and wearing sturdy hiking boots that support your ankles.

If you’re unsure about taking on a demanding mountain hike, start with an easy or moderate one and see how it feels.

Learn more about the Norwegian Mountain Code at rodekors.no
See what you should bring on your hike on VisitNorway.com

2. Stick to marked trails

A shortcut through unfamiliar terrain can easily turn into a long and difficult detour. What looks like a trail might just be a sheep path that leads you somewhere completely unexpected. If you want the hike to be as easy or challenging—and as long or short—as planned, it’s best to follow marked trails.

If you’re heading off-trail, it’s smart to follow a GPS track. You can download a GPX file from a hike description and use it on a GPS device, a smartphone app, or a GPS watch.

UT.no and the UT app offer hike descriptions with GPS tracks. If your hike doesn’t have one, you can upload a track to ut.no/mine-turer and access it in the app. It’s free, but you’ll need to create an account.

Always carry a map and compass as backup.

UT app for Android / UT app for iPhone

3. Talk to locals or join a guided hike

Locals often have useful tips about your planned hike. They can tell you where to park, whether there’s phone coverage, if the trail is wet, if rivers are high, or suggest a better alternative. Talk to the people where you’re staying, at the local tourist office, or other hikers on the trail—you might get some truly valuable advice.

The best option is to hike with a guide. You can join a group tour or book a private guide. These are experienced locals who know the area well. They’ll help tailor the hike to your needs and share insights that add to the experience.

4. Look out for cultural landmarks

Even high up in the mountains, you’ll find traces of past human activity—some hundreds or even thousands of years old. These can include ancient trail markers, signal cairns, hunting fences, huts, and shepherd shelters. If you spot something interesting, check the KulturPunkt app to see what it is—or use the app to find a cultural site as your hiking goal.

KulturPunkt app for Android / KulturPunkt app for iPhone
KulturPunkt.org

5. Remember your responsibilities under the Right to Roam

Norway’s Right to Roam means you can hike, bike, pick berries, camp, fish, and ski almost anywhere in nature. But it also comes with responsibilities—what we call the “duties of the Right to Roam.” Leave no trace, respect wildlife, and know the rules for hunting, fishing, cycling, and access in protected areas like national parks and nature reserves.

Read more about the Right to Roam and your responsibilities at VisitNorway.com

Thank you for respecting the local communities, and for helping us preserve the natural beauty of Helgeland!

Please:

  • Strive to leave no trace of your visit. Bring back all your rubbish, including used toilet paper, and discard it in the nearest rubbish bin.
  • Plan your toilet visits and use the opportunity when you pass a toilet. In the wilderness, make sure you are not a nuisance to others.
  • Respect the local wildlife. Keep a good distance from wildlife, livestock and birds. Keep your dog leashed.
  • Respect private property. Keep a respectful distance from houses and cabins.
  • Show good boating sense. Keep a good distance from shore and drive at a low speed, especially when you are close to anyone or anything on the water, including birds or animals. Avoid loud and disturbing engine noise. Be aware that some islands and nature reserves are important nesting sites, and that going ashore is prohibited during the nesting season.
  • Follow the Norwegian Mountain Code (Fjellvettreglene). Plan your excursion according to the weather forecast, your skills and experience.
  • Join a guided excursion or consider hiring an experienced guide, especially when you don’t have sufficient experience or knowledge to guarantee a safe trip.

Find accommodation, food and activities nearby

RIB sea rafting trips with Meløy Adventure

You are invited to join Meløy Adventure on a RIB sea-rafting adventure to the island of Rødøya and Rødøyløva (443 m). Other great options include a sea-rafting safari to explore the scenic Nordfjord, the spectacular island of Træna, or a visit to the remote island of Myken with a tour of its whisky distillery. These excursions start from Ørnes in Meløy municipality – but for your convenience you can request to be picked up elsewhere en route.

Lille Herstrand – Beachfront holiday home

Lille Herstrand is a modern holiday home just meters from the sea, located in Meløy at the northern end of the Helgeland Coast. Here, you can enjoy nature and the peaceful surroundings, perhaps from a kayak or boat?

The kayakers paradise at Støtt

From Støtt, you can paddle in the beautiful and sheltered archipelago of Støttvær or indulge in the thrill of surfing waves and breakers along the open coast. Join a course, embark on a guided tour, or rent a kayak of your own.

Restaurant Gammelbutikken – authentic local seafood

Restaurant Gammelbutikken is Støtt’s grand locale and exudes authentic coastal culture. Here, you can taste the best that the island and the sea have to offer in terms of local culinary treasures. They follow the entire value chain, from harvesting ingredients in the island’s natural surroundings and catching fish in the Vestfjorden, to serving it in the restaurant.

Støtt in Meløy – Top of Helgeland

The picturesque old trading post of Støtt offers some of Helgeland’s most beautiful and unique holiday experiences. Many adventures await you here, and you can enjoy charming quarters and great dining in historic buildings steeped in the island’s ancient coastal heritage.

More hiking adventures in the area

Explore more