Island Hopping by Bike along the Helgeland Coast

On our way from Brønnøysund to Torghatten, we stop to learn more about one of the coast’s natural resources. A guided walk along the shore introduces us to the seaweed and kelp that grow here, how they have traditionally been used, and how they are used as food and other products today.

We then continue by bike towards Torget and Torghatten, around 15 kilometres from Brønnøysund. The route passes through a varied landscape of farmland and coastline, with views across the surrounding islands and skerries.

Torghatten is one of the best-known landmarks on the Helgeland coast, famous for the large natural hole running straight through the mountain. Formed by erosion when the landscape was partly below sea level, the hole is around 160 metres long and 35 metres high. A well-maintained trail leads from the foot of the mountain up and through the opening, with views of the coast and islands on either side.

We spend the night at Torghatten before continuing north the following day towards Horn, where we take the ferry across to Vega.

Vega is made up of more than 6,000 islands, islets and skerries, with the main island of Vega at its centre. The landscape ranges from open farmland and wetlands to beaches and mountains, and the island’s quiet roads make it well suited for exploring by bike.

The islands to the west of the main island form an important part of the Vega Archipelago UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2004. Its status reflects a distinctive cultural landscape shaped by generations of fishing, farming and eider duck husbandry. One of its most important traditions is the practice of building nesting shelters for wild eider ducks and protecting them during the breeding season – a tradition that is still kept alive today.

On Vega, we have time to explore parts of the island by bike, with views of the Vega mountains and the surrounding archipelago. We spend the night on the island before taking the ferry from Igerøy to Tjøtta the following day and continuing north towards Herøy.

Herøy is made up of numerous islands, islets and skerries. The larger islands are connected by bridges, making this a particularly enjoyable area to explore by bike. The landscape is open and relatively flat, with views across the surrounding islands and towards the mountains of the Helgeland coast.

As we cycle through Herøy, we pass small coastal communities and farmland, crossing a series of bridges and narrow sounds along the way. One of the area’s best-known historic landmarks is Herøy Church, also known as the Helgeland Cathedral. The stone church dates back to the 12th century and reflects Herøy’s long history as a religious centre and meeting place along the coast.

We continue to Seløya, on the outer edge of Herøy, where we spend the night by the sea before continuing our journey towards Dønna.

Dønna has a more mountainous landscape than Herøy. Its most distinctive landmark is Dønnamannen, rising 858 metres above sea level and visible from much of the surrounding area. To the east, the Seven Sisters mountain range stretches across the island of Alsta, while to the west the view opens towards the islands further out along the Helgeland coast.

Along the way, there is an opportunity for a short hike before we continue towards the northern part of Dønna. We spend the night here, with the rest of the afternoon and evening free to explore or relax at your own pace.

Dønnes Church dates back to the 13th century and is one of the oldest preserved stone churches in Northern Norway. During our visit, we take a guided tour of the church and learn more about the history of Dønnes and the people who have lived here.

Nearby is Mount Dønnesfjellet, rising 128 metres above sea level. From the top, there are wide-ranging views across the Helgeland coast and the surrounding islands. On a clear day, you can see as far as Vega, Lovund and Træna, as well as several of the distinctive mountains along the coast.

After our visit to Dønnes, we continue south by bike to Bjørn, where we take the ferry across to Sandnessjøen.

Book North Travel takes care of all the practical arrangements, including accommodation, a tour leader and luggage transport.

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