Helgeland

This region, with its rugged mountains, countless small islands, rocky islets, and narrow passages, is known as the Lofoten’s little sister. Helgeland is less vast than the Lofoten—and certainly less famous—but perhaps just as beautiful.

If you’re coming from the south, the island of Vega is the first one you’ll encounter. The Vega Archipelago, with more than 6,000 islands, has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2004. This is both because of its nature—you can go on beautiful hikes on Vega and take the Vegatrappa to the top of Mount Ravnfloget—and its culture: the population lives in a unique way with the elements and what the islands and the sea provide. In particular, eider duck down has always been an important and unique source of income for the community.

After Vega, the Syv Søstre soon come into view: the Seven Sisters. From the sea, you have a phenomenal view of these seven mountains, which range in height from 2,600 to 3,300 feet. If you love hiking (and are in good shape), you can venture out from Sandnessjøen or Søvika to climb one of the mountains. Or maybe you’ll climb them all!

Despite their significant height, the Syv Søstre aren’t the highlight of Helgeland. A bit further north lies Norway’s second-largest glacier, Svartisen: the black ice. This glacier reaches almost down to sea level and is accessible on foot from the water. Prepare for a tough hike through the rocky area, but you’ll be rewarded with a fantastic view of this massive glacier.

Geographically, Helgeland has another unique feature: half of the region lies south of the Arctic Circle, while the other half lies north of it. When you cross the Arctic Circle, you’ll see a large globe standing on the shore. And maybe Neptune will even make an appearance…