Helgeland, Norway – Arctic circle, glacier, Vega island

White beaches and undiscovered islands

The Vega archipelago, situated off the Helgeland coast, is named one of the world’s top undiscovered island gems. You should also pay a visit to the Svartisen glacier and the Arctic Circle, and hike in mountains like the Seven Sisters.

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Kayaking at Rødøy, Helgeland.
Photo: Terje Rakke / Nordic Life / Helgeland Reiseliv

Glacier walking at Svartisen.
Photo: CH / Helgeland Reiseliv

Cycling with a view of the Seven Sisters.
Photo: Erlend Haarberg / www.visithelgeland.com/Herøy

Rabothytta cabin at Okstindan mountain, Helgeland.
Photo: Jan Inge Larsen / Helgeland Reiseliv/Hemnes

Træna, Helgeland.
Photo: Bård Løken / www.nordnorge.com/Træna

Trollhatten mountain in Brønnøy, Helgeland.
Photo: Ronny Lien / www.visithelgeland.com

Hiking at Vega island, Helgeland.
Photo: Øyvind Flatmo / www.visithelgeland.com/Vega

A puffin at Lurøy, Helgeland.
Photo: Erlend Haarberg / www.visithelgeland.com/Lurøy

Find activities and attractions

Whether you're going on a trip with your family, partner, or friends, you'll find plenty of things to do here.

Where to stay in Helgeland

Food and drink

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Getting here and around

Get in-depth travel information on Helgeland’s official website.

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By train

The Nordlandsbanen railway is named one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys by Lonely Planet and runs from Trondheim to Bodø. The train journey from Trondheim to Mosjøen takes about five hours, whilst the trip to Mo i Rana takes six hours. Trains from Bodø take three hours to Mo i Rana, and four hours to Mosjøen.

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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 National Tourist 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).

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By boat

Several express boats and ferries take you between the destinations at the Helgeland Coast. Find out more at Helgeland’s official website.

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

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By bus

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

Several buses runs between the larger destinations in Helgeland.

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

Find out more at Helgeland’s official website.
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.

Seasons and climate

Due to the temperate waters of the Gulf Stream, Helgeland has a much milder climate than other parts of the world at the same latitude.

January and February are the coldest months, with an average temperature of 1°C on the coast and -8°C inland. July and August are warmest with an average temperature of 13°C.

You can experience midnight sun and northern lights at Helgeland, even though the area lies south of the Arctic Circle.

The weather can change quickly in the mountain areas, so read up on safety in the mountains.

Get the latest weather forecast on yr.no.

Safety in the mountains

Return to hike another day

Norway is an incredible place to explore, with untamed mythical landscapes, mountains, valleys, and fjords. Before you enter the outdoors, get familiar with the nine simple rules of the Norwegian mountain code to help you stay safe.

Plan your trip and inform others about the route you have selected.
Adapt the planned routes according to ability and conditions.
Pay attention to the weather and the avalanche warnings.
Be prepared for bad weather and frost, even on short trips.
Bring the necessary equipment so you can help yourself and others.
Choose safe routes. Recognize avalanche terrain and unsafe ice.
Use a map and a compass. Always know where you are.
Don’t be ashamed to turn around.
Conserve your energy and seek shelter if necessary.

Read the mountain code with supplementary comments.

Helgeland also offers …

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Helgeland

White beaches and undiscovered islands

Find activities and attractions

Where to stay in Helgeland

Food and drink

Get inspired

Getting here and around

By train

By car

By boat

By bus

Local travel Helgeland

By plane

Seasons and climate

Safety in the mountains

Return to hike another day

Helgeland also offers …

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