Perhaps you’ve seen lovely photos from hikes on Instagram and Facebook, but dismissed it as too inaccessible? Good news! Hiking in Helgeland is much more accessible than you think. You can fly to no less than four airports in Helgeland where you can simply strap on your backpack and start your hike pretty much as soon as your feet hit the tarmac. We call this concept Fly & Hike. With just a few days or a free weekend you can climb some of Norway’s most popular peaks and treat yourself to once-in-a-lifetime views. Widerøe flies to Brønnøysund, Sandnessjøen, Mosjøen and Mo i Rana. All of these destination offer spectacular outdoor experiences.
Practical information on flying and hiking in Helgeland
Widerøe have routes throughout Norway from Kristiansand in the far south to Kirkenes in the far north east. Most of the planes are propeller planes with lower capacity than the big jets, making it easier for them to land in communities with only small runways. For more information on flying to Helgeland specifically, Widerøe have a dedicated page to travelling within the region.
If hiking is your main aim for the trip then from June to the end of September conditions should be good. Of course the weather is unpredictable, with most hikes in Helgeland being along the coastal zone, therefore always take with you clothes for all weathers. Conditions can still be good even into October, however autumn brings with it more chance of windy and wet weather before the snow sets in during November.
Visit Helgeland have a great webpage with all the information you could possible need.
Torghatten is the mountain with a hole right through it
Brønnøysund’s legendary mountain has always served as a navigational marker for sailors. And no wonder, there is no mistaking its characteristic shape and the famous hole through the centre. The hole, or tunnel, may look small from afar, but it’s actually 160 metres long, 25 metres wide and 15 metres high.
The hike up is less strenuous than many fear, and there are several different trail options. There is also a trail to the top of the mountain, but this is more challenging and only suited for experienced hikers.
Torghatten is located 14 km from Brønnøysund Airport, and you can take a taxi, rent a car or bike there.
The Rabot Cabin is potentially Norway’s most beautiful
The Rabot Cabin is not like other tourist cabins, at least judging by the architecture. The cabin is actually an attraction in its own right, located 1200 m above sea level, with two chimneys shaped like the two peaks behind it, Okstindan. The cabin, designed by renowned architecture firm Jarmind & Vigsnæs, opened in 2014. It is named after French explorer and glaciologist Charles Rabot. The Rabot Cabin is 200 sq. m and sleeps 30.
The Rabot Cabin has a lot of unique features, but the greatest ones are outside its windows—the spectacular scenery. Staying at the cabin is truly the icing on the cake. In this location and with these large windows, you’ll feel like you’re outside even when you’re not. Fly to Mo i Rana Airport, or Mosjøen Airport. Whichever one you choose, you’ll need a rental car.
The hike up is 1.5 to 2 hours, and somewhat less down. The hike is relatively easy and suitable for hikers of all ages.
Hike some or all of the Seven Sisters, for 360 degree views
It doesn’t matter which sister you decide to take, the views will always be spectacular. 360 degrees! For the most athletic and ambitious it is possible to climb all seven in a single day (the record is 3 hours and 43 minutes!), but most people settle for a peak or three. After all, you need time to take photos, enjoy the view and eat your lunch. Remember to keep your phone fully charged, photo ops come like pearls on a string.
From Sandnessjøen Airport it’s only a few kilometres to Søvik, where the ascent to the southern peaks begins. So hop in a taxi or rent a bike, either way you can begin your hike in mere minutes.
Once you’ve climbed a peak or two, you should also take the time to see the sisters from afar. The views are great from Dønna or Herøy outside Sandnessjøen. How about renting a bike and ride across Dønna via Herøy and back to the city? Or, if your thighs can take it after climbing the Sisters climbing Dønnamannen and viewing the Sisters from its peak?
Challenge yourself with Norway’s northernmost Via Ferrata!
Øyfjellet in Mosjøen now offers more breezy adventures than ever before. In 2017, a 400-metre long climbing route, which takes you 600 metres up to the top with the help of steel cables, rungs, ladders and bridges. The term Via Ferrata is Italian and means “iron path”. It describes a protected climbing route with permanent anchors and safety equipment.
This route in Øyfjellet has guided tours and you will be provided with all necessary safety equipment. Climbers must be 12 years old or older and the climb is suitable for people who are reasonably fit.
Øyfjellet also has two other popular routes, Trongskaret and Helgelandstrappa, and you can read more about all your hiking options. As if that’s not enough, you can take the Zip line from Øyfjellet and straight down into the city centre.
Mosjøen Airport is located just 5 kilometres from the city centre and its mountain, so you’ll be on the ferrata before you know it!
