Nordland between islands and glaciers

Nordland offers a variety of reasons to visit: coastal scenery and islands, insights into history and space exploration, as well as glaciers and trails. When choosing accommodation, it helps to first decide which theme you would like to focus on. Activities range from cycling and kayaking to exhibitions and guided glacier hikes.

Coast, cycling route and islands

The Helgeland Coast Scenic Route is the longest of Norway’s 18 scenic routes and passes through a coastal landscape. It is also part of National Cycle Route 1. Cycling restrictions may apply on certain sections. If you are planning a cycling trip, check the conditions for the section you intend to use.

The Vega Archipelago comprises more than 6,500 islands, islets and reefs. Visitors can rent kayaks to explore beaches, coves and shallow sea channels. This combines views of the islands with a specific activity on the water. The many islands and reefs give the archipelago a different focus from the cycling route along the coast.

Island history and space exploration

The Vega World Heritage Centre on Gardsøy documents the history and culture of the islanders of Vega. The centre includes a café with panoramic sea views. Visitor arrangements and information about the café may change, so check before making plans.

On Andøya, the Andøya Space Visitor Centre gives visitors the opportunity to explore the Northern Lights and learn more about space and Norway’s space history. Check visitor arrangements again before your trip. Escape 42 is also located at the centre: in a 60-minute science-fiction scenario, visitors search for clues and solve puzzles.

The two visitor centres have different areas of focus: the Vega World Heritage Centre is dedicated to island history and culture, while Andøya explores space and the Northern Lights. Escape 42 adds a puzzle scenario to a visit to Andøya. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose according to whether you are more interested in cultural history, space, or an interactive puzzle.

Glaciers, mountains and trails

At Torghatten, visitors can hike through the hole in the mountain. Trail conditions can change, so it is worth checking the latest information before setting out. Svartisen is Norway’s second-largest glacier. Guided glacier hikes are available there; availability depends on operators’ seasonal offerings.

The Nordland National Park Centre in Storjord in Saltdal has exhibitions about the wilderness and the national parks of Nordland County. Large parts of the nearby trail network are accessible to wheelchair users. As accessibility infrastructure can change, check the information before your visit.

Choose a focus for your accommodation search

For your search, you can first decide whether you want your stay to focus on the coastal route and cycling, island culture and kayaking, space and the Northern Lights, or a nature experience such as Torghatten or a glacier hike. Then use the relevant place or experience name as a reference for your further search. This lets you tailor your choices to your travel interests instead of treating the different offerings as a single focus.

Discover more destinations: Narvik Municipality, Oslo, Vest-Agder, Finnmark, Aust-Agder, Østfold, Hedmark, Akershus.

Go to the main travel overview: Norway.