A hiking adventure: Øvre Forsland and Forslandsdalen
Helgeland KraftWelcome to Øvre Forsland! In the heart of the beautiful northern Norwegian landscape, where mountains meet the sky in a spectacular display of natural art, lies Øvre Forsland – a treasure waiting to be explored by nature lovers and adventurous souls.
Key info
Difficulty: Easy
Distance one way: Roughly 6 km
Elevation gain one way: about 120 meters
Duration one way: 1-2 hours
Season: Spring-Fall
Trailhead: Parking lot by charging station by Forslandsvatnet
View trailhead on Google Maps
The trip to the facility at the innermost part of Forslandsdalen in Leirfjord municipality is approximately 12 kilometers round trip, and the road up to the power plant is closed to car traffic. The path is a gravel road, making it suitable for walking, jogging, and cycling. The route is hilly with some longer slopes, both uphill and downhill. At the parking lot, several electric car chargers are available, so you can charge your batteries while on the trip.
A trail for everyone
Forslandsdalen can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age or experience. With the hum of car traffic being a distant memory, the valley opens up as a paradise for pedestrians. The road through Forslandsdalen is an invitation to disconnect from the digital world and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. Along the valley, you’ll find several rest areas if you only want to walk part of the trail.
Thomas Schei
Thomas Schei
Linda Schei
Further up, towards the Toven mountain, Forslandsdalen offers spectacular hikes surrounded by majestic rivers cascading down the mountainsides, waterfalls providing reflection for any soul standing at their base, and a mountain leading you closer to an adventure in pure natural magic. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat to meditate and recharge, or you’re an avid photographer in search of the perfect nature shot, Øvre Forsland is the place to be.
We aim to keep nature clean, so we encourage everyone to take their trash with them when they leave the area. Forslandsdalen and Øvre Forsland are waiting for you!
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, dining and activities in the area
Tjøtta Gjestegaard – Accommodation and café in historical surroundings
Stay close to nature experiences in historic surroundings at Tjøtta Guesthouse, conveniently located near the Seven Sisters mountain range, cultural trails, and historical sites, with excellent ferry connections for day trips to the islands along the Helgeland coast.
Visit the recreated Viking chiefdom seat in Sandnessjøen
You are invited to an authentic Viking experience! Bring your family or friends and see the clothes and customs, partake in activities, and enjoy a Viking banquet.
Experience all of Helgeland with Helgeland Travel Service
Helgeland Travel Service (HTS) will gladly take you on a tour to Helgeland’s many attractions. Whether we explore the coast or inland tracts, on a clear summer day or a day with mist and rain, all of our excursions will show you the magnificent landscape of Helgeland.
The Havna festival
Music festival in Sandnessjøen
August 8th and 9th 2025
Locally known simply as “Havna” (the Harbour), this festival takes place in Sandnessjøen during the second weekend of August each year.
Hotel Scandic Seven Sisters – Accomodation Sandnessjøen
As a guest, you will immediately realize why the Hotel Scandic Syv Søstre bears the name of the Seven Sisters mountains. The hotel enjoys a great view of these renowned mountains. A holiday base here is perfect for exploring the many island treasures of the Helgeland coast, including Dønna and its colourful history, the idyllic island of Herøy, and the Vega archipelago, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
