Scenic stop: Ureddplassen
Kristoffer Møllevik / Visit Helgeland
Ureddplassen marks the northern gateway to the Helgeland coast. The rest area is part of the Norwegian Scenic Route Helgelandskysten, with benches, a world-famous toilet and great views of the midnight sun or the Northern Lights.
Key info
Accessibility: Easy. The rest area is right beside the Coastal Route (County Road 17) and can be reached by car or bicycle.
Season: All year.
Parking: There is plenty of parking at the rest area. However, it is close to a road with fast-moving traffic, so visitors should park considerately and make sure the entrance and exit remain clear and easy for others to use.
Find the parking with Google Maps
Ureddplassen is in northern Meløy, at the northern end of the Helgeland coast. For visitors arriving from the north, it marks the beginning of the section of the Norwegian Scenic Route Helgelandskysten that runs through Helgeland itself.
Along with parking, tables and benches, the rest area is home to what has been called the world’s most beautiful and famous architect-designed public toilet. Its open views towards the northern and north-western horizon make it a good place to see the midnight sun in summer and the Northern Lights in autumn and winter.
From Ørnes in Meløy, Ureddplassen is a 15-minute drive or around 45 minutes by bike.
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 nearby
Stay with a view of the stunning Svartisen glacier
Enjoy a memorable holiday at Engen Gård, surrounded by beautiful scenery and overlooking the Engenbreen glacier in Meløy. This location is perfect for couples, families, or groups of friends looking to spend quality time together.
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 option is Sea eagle safari along the coast i Meløy. These excursions start from Ørnes in Meløy municipality – but for your convenience you can request to be picked up elsewhere en route.
Støtt – 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.
A weekend of high adventure on the lofty peaks!
The picturesque Meløy Alps offers some of the wildest off-piste skiing in Northern Norway!
Myrvoll Kulturgård – traditional food, art and time to slow down
In Kilvika along the Coastal Route in Meløy, where rugged coastal nature meets modern industry, you’ll find Myrvoll Kulturgård – a small farm from the early 1900s, carefully preserved and given new life. Here, visitors are invited to experience traditional food, art and local history in a setting where the pace is a little slower.
