Photo: Tonje Brattås
Fjord Tours Articles / 10 Mar 2022

Helgelandskysten

Despite its stunning natural beauty and fantastic opportunities for unforgettable experiences and activities in Norway, Helgelandskysten (the Helgeland Coast) has remained relatively unknown for international travellers. A true hidden gem, the long stretch of coast along Helgeland is known as one of the most beautiful roads in the world, and the unique local coastal culture has plenty to offer visitors.

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Photo: Sigrid Haarberg /Www.Visithelgeland.Com

A coastal adventure

Crowned by National Geographic as one of the world’s most beautiful drives, Helgelandskysten is a fantastic destination for travelers all year round. Consisting of thousands of smaller islands in the south and towering mountains and long, narrow fjords in the north, Helgelandskysten may be Norway’s most beautiful stretch of coast. The Helgeland region is best known for its stunning coastline, but it has much more than that to offer visitors.

The Helgeland region is a true Norwegian paradise, and Helgelandskysten is known for its peaceful atmosphere. Stretching from the village of Holm in the south to the Godøystraumen inlet in Bodø in the north, the Helgeland Coast provides incredible views of the spectacular scenery in this region of Norway – from towering mountains and cascading glaciers to unique island archipelagos and rugged coasts, you’ll get to see it all. Traveling along Helgelandskysten is a true journey of contrasts, and the Helgeland National Scenic Route is one of Norway’s most stunning tourist roads.

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Photo: Nasjonal Turistveg Helgelandskysten, Saltstraumen -Steinar Skår/ Statens Vegvesen

Norwegian Scenic Route Helgelandskysten

Norwegian Scenic Route Helgelandskysten is one of Norway’s 18 listed scenic routes, and it’s the longest one. Stretching across 433 kilometers, this beautiful stretch of coast is well-known in Norway but has largely remained a hidden gem for international travelers.

Cycling along the scenic route is a great option if you’d like to experience a closer connection with the coastline, and this is especially well-suited during the spring and summer when the weather is usually warmer. Norwegian Scenic Route Helgelandskysten is included in National Cycle Route 1, a splendid cycling route running along the entire coast of Norway.

Driving along the Norwegian Scenic Route Helgelandskysten will offer plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling, and other adventures along the way – you can take detours to discover the island gorgeous island of Vega, explore the glacier Engabreen, or strap on your boots to climb one of the magnificent mountains in this stunning region of Norway.

Along the Helgeland coast, you’ll find some of Norway’s most stunning and well-known mountains and hikes. Seven Sisters is a mountain range stretching 10 km, and a very popular hiking destination in Norway. When you reach the top of either of the mountaintops in the area, you’ll be rewarded with a fantastic view of the surrounding fjords and thousands of little islands dotted along the coast. The Seven Sisters mountains are a true sight to behold, and we recommend bringing your camera!

008754 Emil Sollie Brixton Frames Helgeland Reiseliv
Photo: Emil Sollie Brixton Frames /Helgeland Reiseliv

Local experiences

There’s a rich local history and culture in this beautiful coastal region of Norway, and plenty for travelers to do and see in the area. In fact, the unique coastal culture along this stunning area has been awarded a spot on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Helgelandskysten can offer a range of interesting cultural experiences, being an area with a rich and interesting history. The Helgeland museum can’t be missed, with a range of exciting exhibitions.

Helgelandskysten is internationally known as a stellar destination for kayakers. If you’d like to explore the archipelago more closely, kayaks are a fantastic way to get around to the different islands. The beautiful island of Vega has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list due to its sustainable traditional eiderdown farming and is well worth a visit.

You can’t leave the area without checking out some of the peaceful, crystal white beaches along the Helgeland coast. There are plenty of chances for swimming in the summer, or all year round if you’re brave enough! 

Driving along the Helgeland coast gives you plenty of chances to explore the quaint towns along the way, as well as the many small islands, peninsulas, and fjords in the area. With breathtaking scenery, fantastic coastal walks, wild beaches, rugged mountains, and much more, Helgelandskysten is a real hidden gem of Norway. 

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Photo: Joergen J. Jensen / Helgeland Reiseliv