Six magnificent hiking destinations in the Helgeland region of Norway

Norway’s Helgeland is a region where the sea, mountains, and islands meet in an exceptionally accessible way. Short ferry trips, clearly marked trails, and diverse landscapes make it an appealing destination for both experienced hikers and those looking for a more relaxed trekking experience. Don’t miss the video at the end of the article.

1. Helgelandstrappa

The first destination is Helgelandstrappa in Mosjøen. The trail ascents up Øyfjellet mountain and starts right at sea level. You can find the Google Maps location for the parking lot via this link. Parkkipaikan GoogleMaps sijainti tässä linkissä.

Climbing Helgelandstrappa involves about 4,000 steps and a vertical gain of around 800 meters. At the summit, vast views open up over Mosjøen and the surrounding Helgeland landscapes. The season greatly affects the experience: in spring and early summer, there can still be plenty of snow on the trail, and the weather can change rapidly. This is one of Helgeland’s classic climbs, rewarding hikers with the world’s longest stone staircase.

Read more about this hiking trail.

2. Rødøyløva

"Rødøyløva is located on the island of Rødøy, which can be reached via a free car ferry from Jektvik. The mountain rises almost straight from the sea to a height of about 450 meters and is one of the most famous landmarks on the Helgeland coast. Googlemaps-linkki parkkipaikalle.

"The hike to the summit is about four kilometers round-trip. The climb is short but steep, and features stone steps here as well. The open location in the archipelago makes the weather a major factor, as winds can be strong and clouds can hang low

From the summit, vast views open up over the archipelago and the sea. On a clear day, the landscape is open in every direction. Rødøyløva requires a basic level of fitness and careful monitoring of the weather, but in return, it offers one of the most impressive views in the region.

Read more about the trail in this previous post

3. Lovund

Lovund is reached via a free car ferry from Stokkvågen. The ferry crossing takes about two hours and makes a couple of stops along the way. The island is easy to recognize by Lovundfjellet mountain, which rises steeply right above the village.

Lovundfjellet is about 620 meters high. The trail to the summit is marked, but the climb is steep and demanding. There are also easier trails on the island, such as the coastal path starting from Vassvika, which runs by the sea and leads to a stunning sandy beach.

Lovund is especially famous for its puffins. The birds arrive on the island in spring and can be observed from marked viewing spots without disturbing their nesting. Sunsets over the sea are one of Lovund’s greatest highlights, and despite its small size, the island offers plenty to experience.

Read more about Lovund island in this previous post.

4. Dønna

Dønna can be reached either from the north via Sandnessjøen or from the south. The ferry crossings are free of charge. The island is particularly well-known for Dønnmannen mountain, which rises to 737 meters. This time we didn’t hike to the summit, but instead focused on an easy walk towards the starting point of the trail. This is a great reminder that in Helgeland, you can enjoy amazing experiences without long and strenuous climbs.

Breivika beach (Google Maps link) is one of the island’s highlights. It features a stunning, open sandy beach with camping and campervan sites located right next to it, right at the foot of Dønnmannen mountain.

5. Vegatrappa

Vegatrappa is located on the island of Vega (Google Maps link to one of the parking lots), which can be reached by a free car ferry from either Tjøtta or Horn.

Vegatrappa is a wooden stairway trail with a round-trip length of just under four kilometers. The vertical gain is around 300 meters. The route starts gently but steepens quickly. The stairs make the climb technically easy, but the steady ascent can definitely be felt in your legs.

The scenery opens up gradually throughout the entire climb. From the top, you can see a vast archipelago, the sea, and distant mountains. The open location means that wind and weather conditions affect the experience, and wet stairs can be slippery. Vegatrappa beautifully combines cultural heritage and nature.

6. Torghatten – The hole through the mountain

"The final destination is Torghatten, located near Brønnøysund. You can reach it via a bridge, and the drive itself offers beautiful sea views along the way. Torghatten is one of Norway’s most famous natural wonders, thanks to the massive hole that runs right through the mountain. Here is the Google Maps link to the nearest parking lot.

The hiking trail is short and well-marked. The vertical gain is around 150 meters, and the entire loop is about three kilometers long. The climb takes 20 to 30 minutes. The tunnel itself is approximately 35 meters high and 20 meters wide, with a clear walking path and steps running through it.

The light and scenery frame the view beautifully from both ends of the tunnel, making the place easily accessible yet truly memorable. Torghatten is suitable for almost everyone and quickly rewards you with one of Norway’s most unique nature experiences.

Six destinations that perfectly combine more demanding climbs with lighter walks. Watch the video and get inspired! Let us know in the comments which of these spots is your favorite.

Katso video, inspiroidu! Kerro kommenteissa, mikä näistä kohteista nousi sinun suosikiksesi.