The Helgeland Coast has thousands of islands, islets, skerries and sheltered bays. The narrow fjords, majestic mountains and thousands of islands provide great variation and make the perfect setting for exciting adventures. Find your very own beach, stay in a traditional rorbu (fishermen's cottage) and experience the local culinary traditions as part of your paddling tour.
The Nesna Islands
The Nesna Islands comprise the islands of Tomma, Hugla and Handnesøya and are a good starting point for sea kayaking trips in Helgeland. Experienced kayakers can paddle from Nesna, or you can make use of ferries and express boats. Around all three islands, you will discover many small islets where you can pitch your tent under the midnight sun. The area around Tomma is especially ideal for paddling with wonderful sandy beaches, many good camping spots and lots of safe sources of fresh water.
Sleneset and Lovund
Sleneset boasts countless flat islands and is perfect for kayaking trips, both short and long. The islands in the area are located close to each other so if you wish you can always paddle near land, which means this area is ideal for kayakers of all levels. Sleneset and Moflag are good starting points. For the more experienced kayaker, we recommend the trip across to Lovund. Crossing the Lovund Cove is slightly exposed, but the stretch in open sea is quite short.
Rødøy
For experienced paddlers, Tonnes serves as a good starting point for the islands in the northern part of Helgeland. You can paddle via the fjords of Melfjord and Nordfjord with views of the Svartisen Glacier, experience the Arctic Circle islands of Vikingen and see the Hestmannen and Rødøyløva mountains. We recommend that beginners take a ferry or express boat to the island of Rødøy, where you can frolic in sheltered bays and on the white sandy beaches.
Offersøy and Tjøtta
These are easily accessible and protected areas and given the location on the Coastal Route are ideal starting points for longer kayak expeditions along the Helgeland Coast.
Herøy
There is a multitude of islands, islets and skerries in the area around the island of Herøy. Herøy also has a very central location in Helgeland and serves as a good starting point for experiencing the fantastic kayaking options on offer along the Helgeland Coast.
The Vega Islands
In the far south of Helgeland is the UNESCO World Heritage Vega archipelago offering many opportunities. You can paddle on day trips from the same destination for several days without taking the same route, and check out places such as Skogsholmen, Hysværet, Ylvingen and several other islands in the area. If you are in search of greater challenges, it is only a short distance to the open sea.
Kayaking course and kayak hire
The interior of Helgeland also offers good conditions for kayaking and canoeing. For kayaking courses, guiding, hire of kayaks and kayaking equipment and tour suggestions, please contact one of Helgeland's many kayak specialists: