The Helgeland Coast is a massive archipelago of over 14,000 islands, white sand beaches, and mountains so unique they have their own folk legends. This route follows the Fv17, a National Scenic Route that relies on a "slow travel" rhythm of small ferries and coastal winding.
Here is your practical 10 to 12 day itinerary, starting from our base at Evenes Flyplass (Harstad/Narvik Airport) and heading south into the heart of the Norwegian coast.
Itinerary at a glance
- The Helgeland Coast: A 14,000-Island Road Trip
- Total Distance: Approx. 650 km (One way)
- Recommended Time: 10–12 days
- Highlights: Stetind, Saltstraumen, Svartisen Glacier, Torghatten, and the UNESCO Vega Islands
1. Evenes to Skarberget Ferry via Narvik – See the National Mountain
After picking up your campervan at Evenes Flyplass, head south toward Narvik to stock up at one of the towns supermarkets.
To drive from Narvik to the Skarberget ferry (check ferry times with Svipper or Entur), begin by heading south on the E6 highway. This scenic route takes you through the rugged landscape of Nordland, following the coastline of the Ofotfjord.
The Detour to Stetind
For a truly iconic Arctic experience, take a detour via Kjøpsvik to see Stetind, Norway's National Mountain.
- The Route: Instead of staying on the E6 directly to the ferry, turn onto Route 827 toward Kjøpsvik.
- The Sight: This detour leads you right past the base of Stetind, a massive granite obelisk that rises 1,392 meters straight out of the sea.
- Wecamp Tip: There is a well-maintained rest area at the foot of the mountain where you can park your van and take photos of the peak without needing to hike.
Reaching the Ferry
After visiting the Stetind area, continue south on Route 827 to reach Kjøpsvik, where you can take a ferry across the Tysfjord to Drag. Alternatively, you can head back to the E6 to catch the Skarberget–Bognes ferry, which is the primary link for travelers heading toward the Helgeland Coast. Both crossings offer panoramic views of the jagged peaks that define this region of Northern Norway.
2. The Journey South – Crossing Tysfjord
To get to the start of the Helgeland Coast, you must first cross the Tysfjord fjord. This region is famous for more than just its granite peaks; it is a legendary feeding ground for Orcas (Killer Whales). While the main herring run famously drew hundreds of whales into the fjord during the winter months in years past, pods are still frequently spotted throughout the year.
The Experience: Take the ferry from Skarberget to Bognes. This is one of the most beautiful ferry crossings on the E6, offering a panoramic view of the jagged peaks that separate the north from the Helgeland region.
The Stop: As you drive through Hamarøy, visit the Hamsun Centre, a striking piece of modern architecture dedicated to the famous Norwegian author, set against a backdrop of wild coastal meadows.
3. Bodø & Saltstraumen – The Gateway to the Coast
As you arrive in Bodø, you officially leave the E6 and join the Fv17 (Kystriksveien). Head 30 minutes south to Saltstraumen.
The Highlight: This is the site of the world’s strongest maelstrom. Check the tide table online to arrive when the current is at its peak.
Wecamp Tip: If you have a fishing rod, this is one of the best spots in the world to catch pollock from the shore.
4. Glomfjord & Svartisen – Touching the Blue Ice
As you drive south, the mountains get taller and the tunnels longer. You are heading for Svartisen, Norway’s second-largest glacier.
The Experience: Park your van at Holandsvika and hop on the small shuttle boat across the fjord. From the dock, it’s a scenic 3km walk (or bike ride) to the base of the Engabreen glacier tongue.
Why it’s special: Svartisen is the lowest glacier on the European mainland, meaning you can walk right up to the touchable blue ice.
Wecamp Tip: Stop at Ureddplassen—it’s a rest area with a wave-shaped toilet building and a view of the open sea that is frequently called the most beautiful in the world.
5. Crossing the Arctic Circle to Lovund
This part of the itinerary is all about the "island hopping" vibe. From Kilboghamn, you’ll take a ferry that crosses the Arctic Circle. Look out for the globe monument on the shore as you sail!
The Detour: Leave your van at the terminal or take it aboard to Lovund. This small island is famous for its puffin colony (over 200,000 birds!).
The Hike: A steep but short trail leads you to the top of Lovundfjellet for a 360-degree view of the "maze" of islands stretching toward the horizon.
6. Sandnessjøen & The Seven Sisters
Back on the mainland, you’ll arrive in Sandnessjøen, shadowed by the iconic Seven Sisters (De Syv Søstre) mountain range. You can see parts of this mountain range in the featured image at the top, where you also see the magnificent Helgeland Bridge that you'll be crossing.
The Challenge: Legend says these sisters were turned to stone when they were caught out by the rising sun. Today, they offer some of Norway's best hiking. You can hike one, two, or—if you’re feeling heroic—all seven in one day.
The View: If you prefer a relaxed pace, the view of the peaks from the Helgeland Bridge is world-class.
7. The UNESCO Vega Archipelago
Take the ferry from Horn to Vega. This isn't just a nature stop; it's a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for the ancient harmony between the islanders and the Eider ducks.
To Do: Hike the Vegatrappa (The Vega Stairs). It’s nicely crafted wooden steps lead you straight up the mountain for a panoramic view of the 6,500 islands that make up the archipelago.
8. Brønnøysund & Torghatten – The Mountain with a Hole
The final major stop is the town of Brønnøysund and its famous landmark, Torghatten.
The Highlight: This mountain has a massive, natural tunnel running straight through its center. The "hole" is 160 meters long and 35 meters high.
The Hike: A 20-minute easy walk takes you inside the tunnel. Standing in the middle, looking out at the turquoise sea framed by the massive stone arches, feels like being in a natural cathedral.
9. The Return Journey: Over Saltfjellet & the Arctic Plateau
To close the loop and return to Evenes, take the faster E6 highway north. This provides a stunning contrast to the coastal islands as you climb high into the mountains.
The Highlight: Driving over Saltfjellet, a high-mountain plateau where the landscape turns alpine and tundra-like. You will cross the Arctic Circle again, this time on land, marked by a stone monument and the Arctic Circle Centre.
The Glacier Stop: If you didn’t stop at the Svartisen glacier on your way south, you have a second chance now, but from the inland side. Unlike the coastal approach, here you can hike from the Fingerfjellet area toward the Østerdalsisen glacier tongue. The sight of the massive ice field spilling over the mountain ridge into the valley below is the perfect grand finale to your Arctic adventure.
Wecamp Tip: Sleeping on the Arctic Circle
You should consider spending the night at the Saltfjellet plateau. This is one of the few places in Norway where you can comfortably park your van at high altitude, surrounded by a vast, lunar-like tundra that stretches as far as the eye can see.
The spot to spend the night: Polarsirkelsenteret
Polarsirkelsenteret (The Arctic Circle Centre)is essentially a large parking area, but there is something undeniably magical about sleeping exactly on the 66°33' North latitude line. Once the day-trippers leave, the silence of the mountains takes over. It’s free to park, and the center offers restrooms and a café during opening hours. Watching the Midnight Sun skim the horizon from this elevated vantage point is a core Arctic memory.
The Sheltered Alternative: Storjord
If the wind picks up on the exposed plateau, head just north as the road begins its descent. The Storjord area is tucked into a lush birch forest and offers a much more sheltered, cozy vibe for a night in the van while still being surrounded by National Park wilderness.
10. The Final Stretch – Heading Back to Evenes
From the high mountain plateaus, it is a smooth and scenic cruise back through the lush valleys of Salten and Nordland. The road leads you directly back to Evenes Airport, where you’ll drop off your van and catch your flight home.
Feeling ambitious? Instead of heading back, you can combine this coastal route with a tour of the deep western fjords. Keep driving south, crossing the mountains all the way to our drop-off point in Oslo. It’s a legendary road trip that takes quite a bit longer, but it ensures you experience the absolute best of what Norway has to offer.
Wecamp Tip: How the Ferries Work
Free Ferries: On many of the smaller coastal routes, you don't need to do a thing. Simply drive on board, enjoy the view (and maybe a svele pancake from the kiosk), and drive off. Your AutoPASS tag won't be charged a cent!
Paid Ferries: On the busier stretches where there is a fee, your license plate or tag is scanned automatically. Since all Wecamp vans come equipped with an AutoPASS tag, you automatically receive a 50% discount on the fare. You don’t have to worry about the bill until after your rental period is over.
Ferry Queues: During the peak summer season (July), the most popular crossings like Jektvik–Kilboghamn can get busy. We recommend arriving 30–45 minutes before departure to ensure you get a spot for your van on the deck.
Read our full guide to ferries for campervans in Norway!
Ready to explore the quiet magic of Helgeland? The best way to experience these thousands of islands is with the total freedom of a campervan. See you on the coastal road!
