HELGELAND

The fairy tale of Nordland

Map of Norway with a red dot on Helgeland
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Helgeland lies in the southern part of Nordland in Northern Norway.

The National Scenic Route Helgelandskysten is one of the most beautiful drives in the world, while the Vega Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can also go on guided glacier walks on Svartisen, Norway’s second-largest glacier, or visit Lovund to see puffins. You’ll find national parks which are excellent for skiing and hiking.

In the summer you can experience the midnight sun, and in winter nights, maybe you'll get a glimpse of the northern lights!

Explore all the options below, or go directly to:

Go island hopping on the Helgeland coast. Aerial photograph of Træna in Helgeland, Northern Norway
Three people hiking the Helgelandstrappa sherpa stairs in Mosjøen, Helgeland, Northern Norway
People in hammocks in front of the Svartisen glacier in Helgeland, Northern Norway

There is something about the coast here.

With an ocean breeze and weather-beaten docks, mountains that soar above the deep blue sea, and a unique light that makes the colours sharp and bright.

Perhaps your adventure starts here, on one of the world’s most epic roads – the Norwegian Scenic Route Helgelandskysten.

Or maybe you want to follow the original coastal route, the highway of the seas, and go island hopping, with or without a bike.

Explore outposts like mythical Træna (photo), the whisky island Myken, and the puffin island Lovund.

Or grab an oar and explore the paddling paradises that surround Dønna, Herøy and Rødøy.

At Rødøy, take the sherpa steps to the top of Rødøyløva, a mountain that towers above the archipelago.

Have you ever seen anything like this?

It is incredible to walk into the hole that goes right through Torghatten.

Visit a mythical place

Hear the stories of Petter Dass, a local Lutheran priest and beloved poet, at one of Helgeland’s most impressive museums.

Or to learn about the ancient common eider traditions at the Vega islands. A bird’s eye view of this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a sure thing if you follow the Vegatrappa stairs to the top.

Sherpas have built the Helgelandstrappa stairs in Mosjøen – a town known for its colourful wooden houses in the Sjøgata street.

Hot tip: Enjoy tasty treats at Kulturverkstedet or Fru Haugan’s Hotel!

Ready for action-filled adventures?

Go rafting or join a guided cave tour, climb a via ferrata or fly across the Vefsna river on a zip line!

Glacier hiking is also possible at Svartisen.

Take the boat across Holandsfjorden or the Svartisvannet lake and experience Norway’s second-largest glacier!

Unless you just want to take a power nap and enjoy the panoramic scenery, that is.

Top things to do

Don't miss these highlights.

  • Torghatten mountain walk
    Brønnøysund

    Torghatten mountain walk

    Book now
    Svartisen glacier – Austerdalsisen and Engabreen

    Svartisen glacier – Austerdalsisen and Engabreen

    The Seven Sisters mountain range in Alstahaug

    The Seven Sisters mountain range in Alstahaug

    Lånan in Vega

    The Vega islands

    Mosjøen Via Ferrata
    Mosjøen

    Mosjøen Via Ferrata

    Book now
    The Rabothytta cabin
    Korgen

    Raboyhytta - the most impressive DNT cabin in Norway

    Skiing in Helgeland
    Mosjøen

    Winter Adventures

    The Helgeland-steps in Mosjøen

    Helgelandstrappa (Helgeland-steps)

    Mosjøen Zip-line
    Mosjøen

    Mosjøen Zip-line

Find more attractions
A waiter serving food at the restaurant Fra Marius at Utskarpen in Helgeland, Northern Norway

Delicious cheeses await at Sæterstad gård, while Vega Havhotell is known for their local delicacies.

Other popular dining spots include Hildurs Urterarium in Brønnøysund and Til Elise fra Marius (photo) in Utskarpen.

Head to Handelsstedet Forvik for a perfectly brewed caffeine fix, or to Dønna for a petit four at the local chocolate factory.

Food and drink

Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.

  • Til Elise fra Marius
    Utskarpen

    “To Elise from Marius” – from farm to table

    Book now
    Hildurs Urterarium
    Brønnøysund

    Hildurs Urterarium – culinary adventures

    Book now
    Vega Havhotell

    Vega Havhotell and restaurant

    3 Kalver - Restaurant/Cafe on Dønna
    Dønna

    3 Kalver - Restaurant/Cafe on Dønna

    Torghatten StrandRestaurant
    Brønnøysund

    Torghatten StrandRestaurant

    Book now
Find more restaurants
The Rabothytta cabin in Helgeland with snowcapped mountains in the background

And then there’s all those majestic mountains. Which peak should you climb, when you’ve already conquered the Seven Sisters?

Well, only one of them can boast Norway’s most stylish lodge!

The Rabothytta cabin lies right next to the Okstindbreen glacier, 1,200 metres above sea level.

Children can hike up here as well – motivated by the thought of the delicious waffles that await at the top!

Afterwards, you can join a guided tour on the glacier.

Where to stay

Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.

  • Dønnes farm
    Dønna

    Dønnes farm

    SYN ordinary rooms
    Lovund

    Lovund Hotell

    Vega Havhotell

    Vega Havhotell and restaurant

    Forvik old trading place
    Vevelstad

    Forvik old trading place

    Book now
    Helgeland Havhus in Tomma
    Husby

    Helgeland Havhus in Tomma

    Book now
    Støtt in Meløy - Top of Helgeland
    Støtt

    Støtt in Meløy - Top of Helgeland

    Book now
    Sæterstad Gård

    Sæterstad Gård

    Book now
    Fru Haugans Hotel
    Mosjøen

    Fru Haugans Hotel

More accommodation alternatives
A person cycling in midnight sun on the Lurøy island in Helgeland, Northern Norway
Northern lights over Træna in Helgeland, Northern Norway

In most of Helgeland, the sun never sets in summer – so you can sleep during the winter instead.

Or maybe not?

Find more information on Helgeland's official website.

Visit Helgeland logovisithelgeland.com/no/

Getting here and around

Plan your trip to Helgeland with Entur, Norway's official travel planner.

  • By plane

    There are direct flights from Oslo to Brønnøysund and Sandnessjøen.

    There are also direct flights from Trondheim and Bodø to Brønnøysund, Sandnessjøen, Mosjøen, and Mo i Rana.

    Ad: Norwegian – cheap and direct flights in Norway and over 70 European destinations

    By car

    The E6 runs the length of Helgeland and is the most direct route northwards.

    If you want to drive the scenic route, choose the Norwegian Scenic Route Helgelandskysten(“the Coastal Route”, Rv17) which stretches from Steinkjer to Bodø. Note that this road includes several ferry crossing.

    You can also reach the Helgeland coast via Tosenvegen (Fv76), Mosjøen (Fv 78) or Mo i Rana (E12).

    Plan your route, check traffic alerts, ferry information and more at the Norwegian Roads Administration website.

    Ad: Auto Europe – always a smooth rental experience

    By bus

    There are frequent bus services between the coast of Helgeland and many inland destinations.

    Ad: Vy ekspress - travel comfortably by bus throughout Norway

    By train

    The Nordland Line is named one of the world’s most beautiful train journeysby Lonely Planet and runs from Trondheim to Bodø. The train journey from Trondheim to Mosjøen takes about 5 hours, while the trip to Mo i Rana takes 6 hours. Trains from Bodø take 3 hours to Mo i Rana, and 4 hours to Mosjøen.

    Ad: Visit Vy's website for tickets and timetables

    By boat

    Several express boats and ferries take you between the destinations at the Helgeland coast.

    The famous Hurtigruten calls at Rørvik, Brønnøysund, Sandnessjøen, Nesna, Ørnes, and Bodø twice a day.

    Ad: Hurtigruten – the world’s most beautiful sea voyage

    Local travel

    Several buses run between the larger destinations in Helgeland.

    A number of ferries and express boats are ready to transport you between the destinations along the Norwegian Scenic Route Helgelandskysten (Rv17), and to and from the islands off the coast.

    Check out Travel Pass Nordland and travel with express boat, ferry, and bus for a seven days without extra cost!

Discover more

Woman looking at the midnightsun in Lofoten, Northern Norway
Northern Norway
A person watching the midnight sun at Senja in Northern Norway
Midnight sun
Vegaøyene in Nordland
The Vega Islands
  • Woman biking in Lurøy, Aldersund
    Kystriksveien – the coastal route
    The northern lights over the fishing village Reine in Lofoten, Northern Norway
    Northern lights
    Go island hopping on the Helgeland coast. Aerial photograph of Træna in Helgeland, Northern Norway
    Go island hopping along the Helgeland coast

Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

  • Food - Brim Explorer
    Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
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    CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
    Blazerbu - Norgesbooking
    NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
    Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel in Oslo, Eastern Norway
    Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
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    StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
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    Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
    Valevåg Camping
    CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
    Hotell Refsnes Gods - fasade
    Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
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    50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
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    Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
    Hardangerfjord - Authentic Scandinavia
    Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
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    Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
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    Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
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    Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
    The Hurtigruten ship MS Nordkapp in Geirangerfjord in Fjord Norway
    HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
    Skiing on finnmarksvidda
    Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
    Sykkeltur i Hardanger
    Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
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    Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
    Hop on hop off bus - Stromma
    StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
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    Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
    Aurora borealis Tromso - Fjord Travel
    Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
    Woodward - Arctic Campers
    Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
    Auto Europe
    Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
    Buss bilde - NOR-WAY
    NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
    Raumabanen - SJ Nord
    SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
    A bus driving along the coast in Norway, Vy express route vy146
    Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
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    Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
    Van 4 - Cabin Campers
    Cabin CampersExperience the road trip of a lifetime with our cabins on four wheels.
    Malangen resort - My nordic travel
    My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
    Campanyon - Arctic Dome Smiberget
    CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
    Airplane
    NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
    Elegant wooden hotel in mountain valley beneath snow-capped peaks.
    De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
    A woman hiking in the summer mountains by the fjord.
    CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
    Two women waving out the windows of a campervan with Benzini Campers on the hood
    Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.