Helgeland
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With fairytale-like islands far out in the ocean gap, three national parks and the tallest mountains in Northern Norway, you have excellent odds for experiencing the northern lights.
Helgeland is the southernmost region of Northern Norway, and because it’s further south, you also have a few more hours of daylight in the darkest winter months. Perfect for travelers who's looking to combine aurora watching with other daytime activities like snowshoeing, skiing, winter kayaking or dog sledding! The region is also blessed with impressive natural wonders like Torghatten – a rock formation with a natural hole through the middle, the iconic mountain range De Syv Søstre (The Seven Sisters) and Svartisen – Norway's second-largest glacier.
And on the days when you want to take it easy, you can spend your time exploring the four cities Brønnøysund, Mo i Rana, Sandnessjøen and Mosjøen and their surrounding areas. There’s plenty of cozy cafés, exciting restaurants, artists and craftspeople, museums and exhibitions and more to be found.
Or maybe you want to embark on a boat journey along Helgelandskysten (The Helgeland Coast). Go island hopping by speedboat or ferry between islands like mythical Træna, the whisky island Myken, and the puffin island Lovund. Further south lies the Vega Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for eiderdown farming traditions.
The best places to see the lights
- Visit the remote Islands of Lovund, Træna, Myken or Støtt for a unique experience on the coast and an uninhibited view to the night sky over the sea.
- Go on a guided snowmobile tour and ride far into the high mountain areas with great comfort and security.
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.
By train
The Nordland Line 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 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.
By bus
There are frequent bus services between the coast of Helgeland and many inland destinations.
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.
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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 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).
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!
Lofoten Islands, Helgeland & Sognefjord
Extensive Train & Cruise round trip in Norway – 12 nightsEnjoy spectacular scenery as you head south along the Norwegian coast from Lofoten to Bergen. Highlights include the Lofoten archipelago, a fjord cruise on the Sognefjord, and a journey on the world famous Flåm Railway.