Bodo & the Helgeland Coast

Day 1  Bodø            
Upon arrival, collect your car and travel to the captivating city of Bodø.  Surrounded by fjords, mountains, glaciers and a beautiful coastline, this compact city offers plenty of opportunity to enjoy the spectacular outdoors. This evening, savour the town and mountain scenery from a skybar or visit Pust floating sauna and take an exhilarating dip in the arctic sea.

Day 2  Bodø            
This morning, drive to Saltstraumen to witness the world’s strongest tidal currents. Sit back and listen to the force of water tumble through the narrow strait. Be sure to time your visit with the current at its strongest which happens four times a day. In the afternoon, enjoy a hike up Keiservarden and be treated to breathtaking views of the Lofoten Islands to the North and West, and the Helgeland coast to the South.              

Day 3  Bodø to Mo i Rana            
Drive along Kystriksveien, also known as the coastal route. Recognised as one of the most scenic drives in the world, pass small fishing villages, mountains, and tranquil coves as you journey into Helgeland. Over this six hour drive, take stops to enjoy this stunning region including Ureddplassen, a unique resting area with the most beautiful views. The route to Mo i Rana, your base for the next few days, includes two ferry crossings.              

Day 4  Mo i Rana    
Spend today exploring the surrounding area. Perhaps travel to Austerdalsisen for access to Svartisen glacier, Norway’s second largest glacier. Take a boat ride (pre-book independently) across the lake before hiking to peer closer at this natural wonder.  

Day 5  Mo i Rana to Sandnessjøen    
Continue along the scenic Kystriksveien and cross the impressive Helgeland bridge to Sandnessjøen, your base for the next few days. Surrounded by sea, this charming town is overlooked by the impressive Seven Sisters Mountain range.    

Days 6-7   Sandnessjøen  
Encircled by picturesque mountains and beautiful islands, Sandnessjøen is an outdoor lovers paradise. There is an array of rewarding hikes, idyllic coves to kayak and islands to cycle in this area of Helgeland, with Sandnessjøen having excellent connections to other neighbouring islands, including the UNESCO World Heritage Vega Archipelago, Herøy, Dønna and Lovund for its puffin colony.  

Days 8-9  Sandnessjøen to Bodø  
Travel back to Bodø either by driving along the E6 highway or by Hurtigruten car ferry in the early morning. Spend one final night in Bodø before dropping off your car to continue your onward journey.