The Norwegian Scenic Route Helgelandskysten and the coastal route Kystriksveien both run along the same coastline in Northern Norway. National Geographic counts this road trip among the 101 most scenic drives in the world.
Scenic Route Helgelandskysten and Kystriksveien
Embark on one of the world's most stunning road trips!
The stretch along the Helgeland coast is known as one of the most beautiful of the 18 Norwegian Scenic Routes.
Follow the coastal road
The Kystriksveien coastal route runs between Steinkjer and Bodø, and is about 650 kilometres long. The Scenic Route starts a bit further along, at Holm, and then runs 433 kilometres along the same roads up to Godøystraumen, just before Bodø.
It's a beautiful route that passes mountains, islands and famous landmarks. There are also several ferry crossings from start to finish.
You can drive the entire Kystriksveien in two days, but it would be a pity to not spend more time there. If you want to explore some of the beautiful islands along the road, and the route's equally stunning detours, you will need at least five to seven days.
It will take you about 2 hours to drive from Trondheim to Steinkjer, and you can easily fly to Trondheim airport and rent a car there. If you want to start in the north, you can fly to Bodø and rent a car there.
You can book plane tickets with Norwegian, Widerøe, or SAS.
Starting from the south, head to Steinkjer for the start of the Coastal Route Kystriksveien. Here you can learn more about the local history at Egge Museum.
Then drive for about an hour to Namsos. Several famous Norwegian rock artists come from here, and you can visit the Rock City experience centre.
Enjoy driving along the coast for about an hour and a half towards Kolvereid. From here you can take a 20-minute detour to the Coastal Museum in Rørvik, for a bit of maritime history.
From Kolvereid, it takes about an hour to drive to Holm, where the Scenic Route Helgelandskysten starts.
Just before Holm, you can embark on another detour. Hop on a ferry from Gutvik to the island of Leka. The nature here is truly special with its red rock landscape. Fun fact: The island is actually a little piece of North America that was left behind 60 million years ago!
Where to stay and what to do
Find a place on Leka for a night or two, as well as things to do!
Book nowLekaModern cottage on Leka island
Modern cottage with sea view on Leka for rent. The cabin was completed in August 2021 and is state-of-the-art furnished with everything you need. 3 bedrooms with room for 8 people. The cabin has a fully equipped kitchen, internet, TV with TV package. The view towards the world heritage Vega and the sunsets in the sea is unbeatable. The cabin is located alone, with no view from neighbours, and is a great starting point whether you just want to enjoy the silence, go for a walk on one of the many hiking trails on Leka, rent the host's boat or kayak or go for a bike ride to see the famous Ørnerovet. Guests can also play disc golf/freesbee golf at the cabin. Booking here: AirBnB.no It is also possible to order through finn.no here. Here, we know that everyone will enjoy themselves. Welcome!
To get even closer to nature, you can travel on two wheels.
On the Namdal coast and the Helgeland coast, you can rent a bike and go island hopping by speedboat or ferry. Kystriksveien Reiseliv and Visit Helgeland offer complete cycling packages.
Get ready for the first of several ferries, from Holm to Vennesund. It only takes about 15 minutes, so it's perfect for a quick break along the way.
All the Scenic Routes provide very special rest stops along the way, such as Sundshopen, with its stone jetty that extends into the water.
At Trælvikosen, about 36 km further on, there are 55 stepping stones leading to a small islet (pictured). The tide decides when they're submerged, demonstrating the shifts of nature.
The coastal town Brønnøysund is just a 10-minute drive away.
From here, you can either drive or rent a bike to get to Torghatten, the most distinctive mountain in this part of the country.
As you can see, there’s a hole right in the middle of it, and you can even hike through it!
Go back to Brønnøysund, eat a fabulous dinner at Svang (pictured), and head 14 kilometres north to Horn.
Stop for a gourmet meal, herb garden walk, and a good night's sleep at Hildurs Urterarium along the way!
At Horn you'll have two options: You can follow the scenic route and take a ferry to Andalsvågen, followed by a short drive and another ferry from Forvik to Tjøtta…
…or you can go for option two (recommended!), a detour to the Vega Islands. Take the ferry directly from Horn.
The archipelago is on UNESCO’s prestigious World Heritage list, largely due to its unique eiderdown harvesting. Learn more about it at the Vega World Heritage Centre, and stay in unique cabins inspired by the eider duck at Base Camp Vega.
Nearby, you'll find the Vegatrappa stairs that take you to the top of Mount Ravnfloget in 2000 steps.
Where to stay and eat
Find the perfect place for a night or two in Brønnøysund and Vega, as well as nice places to eat!
Book nowBrønnøysundVelfjord Panorama Caravan Camp
Consider a stay at Velfjord Panorama Caravan Camp, situated right on the sea in beautiful surroundings!Here you can really feel the energy of the natural elements, and enjoy the summer sun all evening. You can go fishing, take a boat trip, hike the mountains, go bicycling or kayaking, and relax with sweet dreams in your cosy rooms.
Book nowBrønnøysundHildurs Urterarium – culinary adventures
Hildur’s Urterarium is a vibrant and lush place where both the food and the surroundings are an integral part of the experience. The well‑tended herb garden is open to visitors and invites peaceful walks among herbs, flowers and a beautiful garden setting. Inside Restaurant Sagastuen and the old parlour, guests can enjoy the calm and cosy atmosphere, combined with flavours based on local ingredients – perfect for those seeking a break from everyday life and memorable tastes in good company.
Book nowBrønnøysundCorner Hotel
Corner Hotel – Hotel in the center of Brønnøysund, a coastal town in the middle of Norway! Corner Hotel offers affordable accommodation in close proximity to Norway’s perhaps most beautiful coastal stretch. Vega world herritage area is only a 25 minute boat ride away. The motel is perfect for those who want adventure and activity when visiting Helgeland.
Book nowVegaSavory farm food from Vega
At Stavsmarken Gård you will find a small farm shop with delicious homemade cured meats and meat products. You can also visit the café, which is open during the summer, where you can taste all the good things the farm has to offer or order a picnic basket to enjoy outdoors.
Things to do
Explore Brønnøysund, Vega, and the surrounding area.
Book nowBrønnøysundBike the Coast of Helgland in Northern Norway | Discover Norway
Breathtaking landscapes, with dramatic coastal cliffs, picturesque islands, and serene fjords that together create a captivating blend of natural beauty. Island Hopping by Bike in Northern Norway, is the perfect coastal adventure.- Book nowBrønnøysund
Hildurs Urterarium – culinary adventures
Hildur’s Urterarium is a vibrant and lush place where both the food and the surroundings are an integral part of the experience. The well‑tended herb garden is open to visitors and invites peaceful walks among herbs, flowers and a beautiful garden setting. Inside Restaurant Sagastuen and the old parlour, guests can enjoy the calm and cosy atmosphere, combined with flavours based on local ingredients – perfect for those seeking a break from everyday life and memorable tastes in good company. 
Book nowVegaVega World Heritage Centre
The Vega World Heritage Centre, which is beautifully located at Gardsøy, documents the history and culture of the Vega islanders. Here you can gain fascinating insights into the lives of these fishermen-farmers, and about their centuries-old local tradition of protecting the eider ducks who come to nest here – a tradition that led to Vega being granted UNESCO’s World Heritage status.
Book nowBrønnøysundA RIB sea-rafting trip around Torghatten
Sea Adventure Helgeland offers to take you on an unforgettable RIB voyage around Torghatten, the legendary mountain with a hole through it. We will explore part of Helgeland’s magnificent coastal archipelago. The voyage is also an opportunity to see the birdlife and the coastal culture of Brønnøy up close.
You can also reach Tjøtta from Vega and continue to follow the Coastal Route from there. The ferry takes just over an hour as it passes breathtaking scenery.
Drive from Tjøtta for 20 kilometres to Alstahaug.
In Alstahaug, make sure to visit the modern museum dedicated to Petter Dass, a local Lutheran minister and beloved Norwegian poet.
Next to the museum lies the beautiful medieval Alstahaug Church where Dass was a minister in the late 1600s.
Alstahaug is also the home of the mountains The Seven Sisters. These famous mountains offer several tough hikes, but can also be enjoyed from afar from the islands of Herøy and Dønna. The detour out to these islands is one of the easiest and most rewarding detours in the region!
Then head back to the main road and drive for about 15 kilometres to Sandnessjøen. Explore street art and the indoor water park in this small coastal town, which also provides a good base for some serious island hopping.
There are several islands that can be reached by express boats or by ferry. Check timetables in advance on entur.no or the Entur app.
Visit the remote Træna archipelago and enjoy the island's quirky and unique vibe. The boat takes a few hours and gives you a taste of the remote island life.
You can even spend the night at one of Norway's most unique resorts. Ytri Island Retreat offers 38 rooms and suites, a bar, a seafood restaurant, saunas, and an outdoor wellness area.
On the neighbouring "puffin island" of Lovund, you can spend the night in a modern design hotel or at one of the small, charming fisherman’s cabins by the sea.
Another extremely remote island worth visiting is Myken, with its 13 inhabitants – and a whisky cathedral!
Places to stay
Find great places to stay and eat on the islands and the area around Sandnessjøen!
Book nowSandnessjøenHotel Scandic Syv Søstre – Accommodation and dining in 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.
Book nowSelværTræna Arctic Fishing
Selvær, the second-biggest island of the Træna archipelago, is a quiet and cosy fishing community. Like the rest of Træna, it faces the open sea and lies far from the mainland. Here, you can stay in a modern quayside holiday apartment, and experience scenic Helgeland at its best. You will find excellent fishing, literally thousands of islets and skerries, amazing birdlife, and skies that glow late into the summer nights.
Book nowSelværNerstua Guesthouse- accommodation on Selvær in Træna
In the charming house Nerstua, on Selvær — at the outer edge of the Helgeland coast — you’ll find peace and a place to truly unwind. In this special island community, you can stay close to nature and the sea, and rest well between your big and small adventures.
Book nowDønnaBrygga on Dønna
“Brygga” is nicely located in quiet surroundings on the north-eastern side of Dønna, 7 km from the ferry terminal at Bjørn. Brygga consists of 5 apartments of 60 square meters each located right next to the sea. They also offera a sauna, conference room, boathouse, grill, hot tub and a cabin (Rorbu).
Book nowDønnaBrygga - Dønna
"Brygga" is nicely located in quiet surroundings on the north-eastern side of Dønna, 7 km from the ferry terminal at Bjørn. The wharf consists of 5 apartments of 60 square meters each located right next to the sea. They also offera a conference room, boathouse, grill, hot tub and a cabin (Rorbu).
Book nowTrænaHouse by the Sea – A unique place to stay on the island of Træna
The House by the Sea is a unique experience, thanks to its scenic location, incredible view and innovative architecture. The three cabins are designed to make your scenic experience an integral part of your holiday accommodation.
Book nowTjøttaOffersøy Camping - Accommodation with boat and bike rental
With Offersøy Camping as your holiday base, you can easily explore the islands of your choice along the Helgeland coast. You can island hop by kayak, or by bringing your bicycle on the express boat or ferry so you can explore various islands on two wheels. Either way, it’s a delightful way to immerse yourself in the region’s rich cultural heritage and feel close to the magnificent landscape and natural elements.
Book nowNesnaTopcamp Havblikk Helgeland – good food and lodging at Nesna
When you stay at Topcamp Havblikk at Nesna, you have access to varied activities that you can enjoy with family or friends. This campsite is well-suited to people travelling with caravans, campers or tents. If you prefer, you can choose a cabin or room.
Book nowNesnaBeer Tasting and Brewery Tour at Raus Bryggeri
Raus Brewery is located at the ferry terminal at Nesna. Here you can take a tour and taste the beer, and have a cold soda or beer inside the brewery’s bar or on the outdoor terrace. And you can shop for your way on in the brewery’s own beer and soda outlet.
Book nowTjøttaTjøtta 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.
Things to do
Explore the islands and area around Sandnessjøen with these fun activities!
Book nowTrænaArctic Freediving and kayaking in Træna
Dive below the surface and discover Træna’s beautiful underwater landscapes. In crystal-clear waters, among forests of kelp and sandy seabeds, you’ll encounter vibrant marine life — schools of fish weaving through the kelp, scallops and flatfish resting on the sand, and much more. Whether you want to freedive, snorkel, or paddle between the islands, you’ll find both equipment and experiences available at Kranberget on Husøy.
Book nowSandnessjøenA taste of Helgeland – a 2-day yacht trip from Sandnessjøen
Join a relaxed two-day boat trip along the Helgeland coast aboard the yacht Opus One. Departing from Sandnessjøen, the journey takes you out into the island landscape, where you’ll experience Lovund, local seafood, chocolate tasting and an overnight stay by the coast – all at a pace that leaves room for both experiences and relaxation.- Book nowDønna
Brygga on Dønna
“Brygga” is nicely located in quiet surroundings on the north-eastern side of Dønna, 7 km from the ferry terminal at Bjørn. Brygga consists of 5 apartments of 60 square meters each located right next to the sea. They also offera a sauna, conference room, boathouse, grill, hot tub and a cabin (Rorbu). - Book nowDønna
Brygga - Dønna
"Brygga" is nicely located in quiet surroundings on the north-eastern side of Dønna, 7 km from the ferry terminal at Bjørn. The wharf consists of 5 apartments of 60 square meters each located right next to the sea. They also offera a conference room, boathouse, grill, hot tub and a cabin (Rorbu). - Book nowSelvær
Træna Arctic Fishing
Selvær, the second-biggest island of the Træna archipelago, is a quiet and cosy fishing community. Like the rest of Træna, it faces the open sea and lies far from the mainland. Here, you can stay in a modern quayside holiday apartment, and experience scenic Helgeland at its best. You will find excellent fishing, literally thousands of islets and skerries, amazing birdlife, and skies that glow late into the summer nights.
Back in Sandnessjøen, you'll continue north and cross the Helgeland Bridge just outside of town. The impressive bridge is 1,065 metres long.
Continue for about 60 kilometres, including a ferry crossing from Levang to Nesna (car ferries to several islands depart from here), until you arrive at the Sjonfjellet rest stop. From here you'll get a stunning view of the islands of Lovund and Træna. You'll also find a toilet within the architect-designed building.
Follow the route for about 30 kilometres to the next rest stop, Hellåga. It offers a spectacular view as well as another impressively designed toilet.
18.5 kilometres further along the road you'll find Grønsvik Coastal Fort. It was established by the German occupying force in 1942 and is now a museum that's free to visit.
Drive north for 22 kilometres to Kilboghavn, and take the one-hour ferry to Jektvik. Fun fact: You'll cross the Arctic Circle during the ferry trip, entering the land of the midnight sun.
At the port you'll find another interesting toilet, as the building lights up in the dark. It's also a waiting room.
From Jektvik, you can take a detour to the island of Rødøy. The island is about 5 kilometres long and easy to get around on foot, so leave your car in Jektvik and take the ferry over. It takes about an hour to get there.
Enjoy kayaking on crystal clear waters, stunning beaches, and the incredible National Tourist Trail to the top of Rødøyløva.
When you're back in Jektvik, drive about 42 kilometres to Braset rest stop. This includes the final ferry crossing along the routes, from Ågskardet to Forøy.
At Braset you can enjoy the view of Engabreen, an arm of the Svartisen glacier. It's Europe's lowest-lying glacier! You can take a boat trip for a closer look, or you can go on a guided hike.
Things to do
Explore Rødøy, Svartisen and Meløy!
Book nowMykenMyken Bed and Soup
Myken is a small fishing community far from the mainland. The islands of this archipelago have no car traffic – in fact the main island has less than one kilometre of road. Myken invites you to experience its island scenery, the ever-changing sea, and the midnight sun.
Book nowGlomfjordRIB 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.
Book nowStøttHansinestua and Hagland – accommodation in historic houses on Gjerøy
In the beautiful island kingdom of Rødøy municipality lies Gjerøy – a vibrant island with around 50 year-round residents, surrounded by the open sea and sheltered coves. Here, you can unwind, explore the coastal landscape, and stay in authentic, historic houses – each with its own character and view.
Book nowStøttSTØTT top of Helgeland
Støtt Old Trading Post, dating back to the 19th century, is authentic, offering a unique base for your Helgeland holiday. As your host, we take pride in offering you personal hospitality, a unique range of activities and adventures, charming and elegant accommodation, and memorable dining experiences that highlight the very best locally-sourced ingredients.
Book nowSelsøyvikThe Sauna House at Selsøyvik
Stay right by the sea at beautiful Selsøyvik in modern, architect-designed studio apartments with a private swimming jetty and sauna. Enjoy long days in peaceful surroundings close to nature, just a short walk from one of Northern Norway’s oldest trading posts.
Book nowSelsøyvikAn idyllic Helgeland holiday on Rangsundøya
Just north of the Arctic Circle, in Rødøy municipality, lies Rangsundøya. At Helgelandsidyll on Rangsundøya, you stay in a glamping tent, apartment, or the "Eagle Dome." Rent a boat, kayak, or SUP and spend your days on the water or in the mountains of the island, and relax in the evenings in the sauna. Here, you can find peace and quiet, away from the crowds.
Book nowStøttStøtt in Meløy - 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.
Book nowSelsøyvikSelsøyvik Trading Post in Rødøy
Selsøyvik Trading Post is one of Helgeland’s oldest and most esteemed accommodation options. The island of Selsøyvik is beautifully situated along the shipping lane, surrounded by Rødøyløva, Hestmannen, and Svartisen. Here you will find accommodation, a large and beautiful guest harbor, a general store, and a café.
Head north for about 26 kilometres from Braset, through the 7.6 kilometre long and narrow tunnel Svartistunnelen, to Glomfjord. This is a great place for nature activities such as kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking.
Follow the road for 13 kilometres to Ureddplassen, where you will find what The Telegraph named the world's most beautiful public toilet.
Enjoy the panoramic view of the fjord and the Lofotveggen mountains in the distance.
Follow the coastline for about 8 kilometres to Storvika. This rest stop has a stone-vault bridge that takes you to a mile-long sandy beach. There are also toilet facilities here year-round.
Consider a detour to Sandhornøya island, where you can head to the stunning Langsanden beach.
Then head north for about 30 minutes to the world’s strongest maelstrom, Saltstraumen. Admire the mighty forces of nature at play.
About five kilometres down the road, you'll find the Godøystraumen rest stop, which also marks the end of the Scenic Route, or the start if you're going from north to south.
Have a seat and take a look at the powerful streams and the ocean beyond.
Explore Gildeskål
Find accommodation, places to eat and things to do.
Nice to know before you go
It's a long route with several ferry crossings and plenty of island hopping opportunities, so plan ahead when it comes to timetables for ferries and express boats. Make sure that you have plenty of time, as there can be long lines for the ferries during the summer months, especially in July. The weather can also affect boat traffic.
It's also recommended that you book accommodation well ahead during summer.
Information for cyclists:
If you plan to bike the entire route, be aware that it's a long and challenging ride. It's naturally divided into smaller sections, making it easy to plan a cycle trip over several days.
Expect heavy traffic on the main road during the busiest part of summer. Be aware that cycling is prohibited in the tunnel Svartistunnelen. You have to take an alternative route or a ferry to get around it. There are also several other long tunnels you have to go through along this route.
The southern part of the route is the easiest and most recommended part. Here, you can buy cycling packages with bikes and accommodation, from Sandnessjøen or Brønnøysund, where you also can rent bicycles at the tourist information centre. Vega, Herøy, and Dønna are particularly good destinations for a combination of island hopping and cycling.
This cycle route is also part of the National Cycle Route 1 and the EuroVelo 1 "Atlantic Coast Route".
Source: Norwegian Scenic Routes
Getting here and around
Plan your trip to Kystriksveien with Entur, Norway's official travel planner.
Tips for driving in Norway
Driving in Norway - Speeding
Driving in Norway - Caravan
Norwegian Scenic Routes
Explore the most beautiful drives in Norway! Find out what to experience along the Norwegian Scenic Routes, including lesser-known gems, accommodation, and wonderful detours.
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