Helgelandskysten – The Fairy Tale of Nordland

In the southern part of Nordland lies the picturesque region of Helgeland. Here, you’ll encounter majestic mountains like the Seven Sisters and Torghatten, a unique rock formation with a natural hole through its center. To experience the Helgeland coast authentically, we invite you on a cycling island-hopping adventure. Helgeland enjoys the midnight sun or bright nights throughout the summer, even south of the Arctic Circle. Thousands of untouched islands await, along with towering mountains, the UNESCO-listed Vega Archipelago, and a sun that never sets in summer.

This 6-day cycling tour starts and ends in Brønnøysund. You can order extra overnight stays in Brønnøysund the night before and after the cycle tour if you wish. You don’t have to worry about heavy luggage or getting stuck with punctures or other boring obstacles. Your luggage is transported from place to place, and the tour guide is always nearby with an accompanying car. This is a complete package consisting of bicycles, accommodation and several meals. So that you only have to think about enjoying the surroundings from the bicycle seat.

You will be part of a group (max 20 people) traveling together, but you will cycle on your own and at your own pace. The tour guide accompanies the group and is available throughout the entire trip. This is to assist in case of any issues with the bikes, but also if anyone wishes to ride in the support vehicle for parts of the route.

Photographer: Olav Breen.

Day 1 - Arrival to Brønnøysund and Torghatten - a memorable experience

Thon Hotel, Brønnøysund

28 km

52 m

29 m

Torghatten, a unique rock formation with a natural hole through its center.

Upon arriving in Brønnøysund, you’ll receive your bicycle as arranged with the tour guide. This takes place outside the Thon Hotel Brønnøysund, where you'll be staying until Tuesday. Many travelers choose to arrive on Sunday to enjoy a full day in Brønnøysund. You can book an extra night at the Thon Hotel via the order form if you wish to extend your stay.

Today’s cycling tour heads out to Torghatten, an easy and pleasant ride. The hike up Torghatten is a memorable experience, especially if you pass through the mountain's famous hole and circle around for the best views.

We recommend a 4 km detour (round trip) to the Norwegian Aquaculture Center in Toft. Here, you can explore a free exhibition and enjoy dining options, upgrading your knowledge about modern aquaculture.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at any spot you like in Brønnøysund. At 9:00 pm, we’ll gather at the Thon Hotel Brønnøysund for a brief information session.

Day 2 - The UNESCO-listed Vega Archipelago

Vega Havhotel, Vega

Breakfast,

27 km (expressboat to Vega)

47 m

40 m

Luggage will be delivered by the support vehicle at 8:30 am. The travel guide drives the support vehicle to the ferry terminal while you enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel. We then take the express boat from Brønnøysund to Vega, departing at 10:20 am.

Upon arrival in Rørøy on Vega, our travel guides will greet us, and we’ll begin our cycling route to the Vega World Heritage Center, continuing on to Vegatrappa for a hike up Ravnfloget.

In the evening, we’ll enjoy a 5-course dinner (included in the package) at the Vega Havhotel, where we’ll also spend the night. For those who wish to cycle further today, there are excellent routes available.

Day 3 - Flostad on Herøy, a “cycling paradise” known for its flat terrain

Fiskemottaket, Augustbryggo, Herøy

Breakfast

34 km (boat to Herøy and Brasøy)

47 m

46 m

After a delicious breakfast at Vega Havhotell, a new day of scenic adventures awaits. Cycle 7 km to Gardsøy, where the express boat takes you to Herøy – a beautiful trip through the spectacular Vega archipelago.

Arriving at Flostad, you’ll enter a true cycling paradise. The flat, open landscape and the many bridges linking the islands create perfect conditions for an enjoyable ride, with the mountains Dønnamannen, The Seven Sisters, and Lovund rising majestically on the horizon.

Ride south to idyllic Tennvalen, then head north toward Etcetera, a charming flower shop and café filled with color and fragrance. Continue northwest to Seløya and Augustbryggo, where dinner and overnight stay await.
Before dinner, you may explore the area or take an extra ride to Åkvika for a walk up Åkvikfjellet. Accommodation at Fiskemottaket on Seløy is in double rooms with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities.

Day 4 - Boat Trip and Cycling in the Archipelago

Scandic Syv Søstre, Sandnessjøen

Breakfast

40 km (ferry and 2 h boat excursion)

122 m

113 m

After a hearty breakfast at Havkanten, we embark on a scenic two-hour boat trip into the archipelago to visit the island of Skålvær.

Upon returning from the boat excursion, we cycle 5 km to catch the ferry back to Flostad. From there, we continue our ride toward Dønna, stopping along the way at the fishing restaurant Augustbryggo on Seløy, at the northernmost point of Herøy. Here, we’ll enjoy a delicious fish soup before continuing the cycling route toward Bjørn ferry station on Dønna. This day’s cycling tour is especially scenic, offering views of the Seven Sisters mountains to the east, Dønnamannen to the north, and Lovund to the west.

In the evening, we’ll stay at Scandic Syv Søstre, conveniently located in the center of Sandnessjøen, where you are free to choose your own spot for dinner.

Day 5 - Cycle along the Seven Sisters Mountains

Handelstedet Forvik or Vevelstad Gjestegård, Vevelstad

Breakfast

40 km

176 m

177 m

We cycle along the Seven Sisters mountains toward Tjøtta, stopping midway at the Petter Dass Museum and Alstahaug Church. Near Tjøtta, we’ll also visit the International War Cemetery, a site worth exploring. From Tjøtta, we take the ferry to Forvik, where we’ll visit the coffee roastery at Handelsstedet Forvik.

Some group members will stay overnight at Handelstedet Forvik, while others will stay nearby at Vevelstad Gjestegård. Most rooms have shared bathrooms, though two rooms with private baths are available at Vevelstad Gjestegård for an additional fee. In the evening, we’ll gather for a group dinner at Handelsstedet Forvik, where we’ll enjoy the northern Norwegian specialty, Boknafisk.

Day 6 - Cycle along the Coastal Route

Breakfast

31 km (ferry 15 min)

118 m

121 m

On the final day of the tour, we cyclel along the scenic Coastal Route (Fv17) from Forvik to Brønnøysund. This stage offers beautiful coastal landscapes and peaceful cycling, with a short ferry crossing from Anddalsvåg to Horn - a welcome break to relax and enjoy the view from the deck.

Along the way, we stop at Hildurs Urterarium, a charming herb farm known for its lush gardens and homemade food. Take a stroll through the garden and enjoy a tasty lunch (served only between June 21 and August 16).

For those wishing to extend their stay, it’s possible to add an extra night. You can stay at Hildurs Urterarium in cozy rooms without private bath/WC and enjoy a delicious five-course dinner in the evening. Alternatively, you may check in at Thon Hotel Brønnøysund for a comfortable end to your journey. The tour concludes where it began - at Thon Hotel Brønnøysund, around 2:30 p.m.