Cycle Kystriksveien from Bodø to Steinkjer

Kystriksveien is a National Scenic Route known for its breathtaking landscapes, including the crossing of the Arctic Circle. Embark on an incredible cycling journey from Bodø to Steinkjer, traversing what may be the world’s most stunning coastline.

Bodø in the north and Steinkjer in the south mark the endpoints of Kystriksveien, and on this tour, you’ll cover the entire length of this coastal road. Along the way, you’ll experience beautiful natural scenery and fascinating destinations. A cycling guide and luggage transport are provided, ensuring a safe and comfortable trip. Unforgettable highlights of this tour include Saltstraumen, the islands of Lovund, Dønna, Herøy and Vega, as well as Torghatten and the unique island of Leka.

You should have been on a cycle tour before and have some experience, but you don’t need to be in super shape. The stages are 50-83 km per day (optional 92 km one day). 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. On this trips there will also be a cycling guide as well. 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 (approx. 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 Bodø in Northern Norway

Clarion Collection Hotel Grand, Bodø

Evening meal

You’ll arrive in Bodø the day before the cycling tour begins, staying centrally at the Clarion Collection Hotel Grand Bodø. An evening meal will be served at the hotel, as part of your package. In the evening there will be a information meeting at the hotel.

Take advantage of this day to explore Bodø at your own pace. The city offers several fascinating museums, including the Norwegian Aviation Museum and the Jet Museum. The hotel is ideally located in the heart of the city center, right next to the Glass House and the Stormen Cultural Center."

Day 2 - Saltstraumen - a Protected Marine Area

Saltstraumen Hotel, Saltstraumen

Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner

27 km

Bicycles will be provided for your journey by the tour guide, and your luggage will be transported to Saltstraumen. The ride from Bodø to Saltstraumen is a short one, following the bike and pedestrian path all the way to Tverlandet.

Upon arrival in Saltstraumen, we’ll check in at the Saltstraumen Hotel, where dinner will be served in the evening. Saltstraumen is home to the world’s strongest tidal current, which we’ll have the opportunity to experience up close today.

Day 3 - Scenic Sandhornøy, Medieval Gildeskål Old Church and Ureddplassen

Ørnes Hotel, Ørnes

Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner

76 km (bus to Kjøpsvik)

Today, we’ll cycle all the way to Ørnes, passing through Sandhornøy. It’s a long route, and the first section from Saltstraumen to Kjøpstad is challenging, with steep climbs. To ease the journey, we’ll take a bus to Kjøpsvik and begin the ride from there.

Our route takes us across the scenic Sandhornøy. If the weather is favorable, you may be tempted to take a detour to Langsanden (7 km extra), a two-kilometer sandy beach at the northern tip of the island. Perhaps a refreshing dip? We’ll pause at the Elias Blix Café before catching the ferry from Horsdal to Sund. On our way to Inndyr, we’ll visit the medieval Gildeskål Old Church, where several inscriptions on the tombstones offer a glimpse of Northern Norwegian humor and self-irony.

Continuing along the coast to Ørnes, we’ll stop at Ureddplassen. This rest area, celebrated by British press as the world’s most beautiful, features unique architecture and a stunning setting. From here, it’s simply time to relax and enjoy the remainder of the ride to Reipå and on to Ørnes. Upon arrival in Ørnes, we’ll check in at the Ørnes Hotel, where dinner will be served in the evening.

Day 4 - Sculpture Landscape, Blokktinden Mountain and the Arctic Circle

Lovund Hotel, Lovund

Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner

83 km (ferry and speedboat)

The day begins with a ferry ride from Ørnes to Vassdalsvik. From there, we’ll cycle along Bjærangfjorden, passing the sculpture Varde, a part of the Nordland Sculpture Landscape. After 30 kilometers, we reach Forøy, where we’ll take a ferry to Ågskardet. The next leg of the journey takes us toward Jektvik, passing the impressive Blokktinden mountain, which rises 1,032 meters.

During the one-hour ferry trip from Jektvik to Kilboghamn, we’ll cross the Arctic Circle. The final stretch continues southward to Stokkvågen. Midway, we’ll ride through the scenic Aldersundet and pass by the Grønsvik Coastal Fort. From Stokkvågen, we’ll take a speedboat to Lovund, where we’ll check in at the Lovund Hotel for a two-night stay.

Day 5 - Discover the Unique Island Lovund

Lovund Hotel, Lovund

Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner

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Lovund is a unique and vibrant island community with a character all its own. It thrives thanks to a modern aquaculture success story, boasting growth and prosperity. The island enjoys zero unemployment, no emigration, and an impressively young population with an average age of just 30. Lovund is also famous for its large puffin colony.

There are plenty of opportunities here to go on short or extended excursions, or simply relax and enjoy a leisurely day off.

Day 6 - The Scenic Sjonfjellet Area

Scandic Syv Søstre, Sandnessjøen

Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner

66 km (ferry and speedboat)

After breakfast, we’ll take the ferry to Stokkvågen and continue our journey south along the Kystriksveien. The cycling route to Nesna covers 66 km, passing through the scenic Sjonfjellet area.

Upon arrival in Nesna, we’ll board a speedboat that will take us onward to Sandnessjøen. If you’re tempted to cycle the entire way to Sandnessjøen, you can take the ferry from Nesna to Levang and add an extra 34 km to the route.

Day 7 - The Seven Sisters Mountains and Scenic Cycling

Handelstedet Forvik or Vevelstad Guest House, Vevelstad

Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner

61 km (ferries)

We set off for the islands of Dønna and Herøy, where we’ll be treated to fantastic views of the Seven Sisters mountains. The ferry departs from Sandnessjøen center and takes us to Bjørn ferry dock on Dønna. The ride to Herøy is often regarded as the most scenic cycling stage along the Kystriksveien.

We’ll cycle to the charming village of Seløy for lunch and then visit the Etcetera flower shop a bit further south on Herøy before catching the ferry back to the mainland. On the way to Tjøtta, there’s an opportunity to visit the Petter Dass Museum and the International War Cemetery at Tjøtta.

When we arrive in Forvik, we’ll be split between two accommodations located just a kilometer apart. In the evening, we’ll come together for a shared meal to enjoy the traditional dish, Boknafisk. We’ll also visit the unique coffee distillery at Handelsstedet Forvik.

Day 8 - The Island Vega, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Thon Hotel, Brønnøysund

Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner

45 km

After breakfast, we’ll cycle from Forvik to Anddalsvåg, where we’ll take the ferry to Horn. This first stretch is flat and easygoing, as is the rest of the day spent exploring Vega before heading toward Torghatten near Brønnøysund.

From Horn, we’ll take the ferry to Vega, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, we’ll visit the Vega World Heritage Center and climb the 1,500 steps of the Vega stairs. In the afternoon, we’ll take a speedboat to Brønnøysund and cycle out to Torghatten. We’ll stay overnight and enjoy dinner at Thon Hotel Brønnøysund.

Day 9 - Torghatten and a Tale of Giant Trolls

Sømna Kro og Guest House, Sømna

Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner

66 km

We’ll start the day with a hike up to the Torghatten hole, passing through and around the mountain before setting off on our bikes. While this tour often includes various ferries and boat rides, today’s route is entirely ferry- and boat-free.

Our first stop is Brønnøysund, where you’ll have some free time to explore the town, grab lunch, and visit a café. Afterward, we’ll continue cycling south along the Kystriksveien to Sømna, where we’ll spend the night at Sømna Kro og Gjestegård in Vik, Sømna.

Day 10 - The Island Leka - Norway’s Geological National Monument

Kysthotellet, Rørvik

Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner

78 km

We’ll visit the final island of the tour, Leka, known for its unique geology that sets it apart from all other coastal islands. By the end of the day, we will have cycled through an area resembling the Earth's inner layers. Our journey begins along the Kystriksveien to Vennesund, where we take the ferry to Holm. From there, a slightly hilly route leads us to Kjelleidet, where we leave Fv17 and head toward Leka. Along the way, we’ll catch views of the impressive Heilhorn mountain, towering 1,070 meters above sea level.

We’ll take the ferry from Gutvik to reach Leka. At first glance, Leka may look similar to other coastal spots, but as we reach the island’s west side, it becomes clear why this is Norway’s Geological National Monument. Naturally, we’ll cycle around the entire island to fully experience its fascinating landscape. For the night, we’ll stay at Kysthotellet Rørvik, where we’ll also enjoy dinner.

Day 11 - Rørvik - A Charming Coastal Town

Kysthotellet, Rørvik

Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner

40 km

At 08:30, we set off on a relaxed local cycling excursion in and around Rørvik. Today’s ride isn’t a long one, but it’s filled with experiences. We’ll head out towards Ytter-Vikna, enjoying beautiful coastal scenery along the way, and stop to enjoy our packed lunch outdoors in the fresh sea air.

The day is planned so that those who wish can also visit the Norveg Coastal Museum, a fascinating stop that tells the story of life along the Norwegian coast.

It’s a day to simply experience the essence of the Namdal Coast and the welcoming local community around Rørvik. After a day full of impressions, we return to Rørvik Kysthotell for a well-deserved dinner and overnight stay.

Day 12 - Steinkjer in the Heart of the Trondheimsfjord

Breakfast and lunch

82 km

Today we follow County Road 769, cycling south along the scenic coastline towards Namsos. We’ll take the ferry from Hofles to Lund, a pleasant break on the water with views of the islands and the open sea.

The first stretch to Hofles is mostly flat and easy to ride, while the section from Lund to Namsos becomes a bit more hilly and varied, offering great views and a satisfying final challenge. Upon arrival in Namsos, we’ll gather for a final group lunch to round off the tour together. There will also be an opportunity to take a shower at a nearby hotel before the journey home.

The last leg of our adventure, from Namsos to Steinkjer, will be by bus, from where you can continue your travels by train or bus to Værnes or Trondheim.