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    Camper route Kystriksveien - from Trondheim to Bodø along the Helgeland Coast
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    Kystriksveien - from Trondheim to Bodø along the Helgeland Coast by Campervan

    Norway
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    Duration

    x days

    Distance

    1015 km

    stops

    9

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    About this route

    The Kystriksveien is the most beautiful road in Norway that hardly anyone drives: the county road Fv17 between Trondheim and Bodø, with six car ferries, hardly any traffic, and a coast consisting of thousands of islands, skerries, and steep granite mountains. Those in a hurry take the E6 through the interior; those who brought their motorhome to explore take this one. The route touches the UNESCO-listed Vega Archipelago, where eider ducks have been nesting in hand-built shelters for a thousand years, passes Torghatten with the hole straight through the mountain, crosses the Arctic Circle in the middle of a ferry crossing, and ends at Saltstraumen, the strongest tidal current in the world. Trondheim, with its Værnes airport and motorhome rental, is the logical starting point; Bodø has its own airport and the night train south, so the motorhome doesn't have to return. The ferries operate without reservation, except for Kilboghamn–Jektvik in summer; expect waiting times and use them for coffee. June to August is the period: then all ferries operate according to the summer schedule, and the sun does not set above the Arctic Circle. Discover all our camper trips through Norway.

    Highlights

    • Six car ferries across the fjords of Helgeland, with the Arctic Circle on the water;• The UNESCO-listed Vega Archipelago, with its eider shelters;• Torghatten: a mountain with a 160-meter hole straight through it;• The Svartisen glacier descending to just above the Holandsfjord;• Saltstraumen, the strongest tidal current in the world;• Mosjøen with the wooden Sjøgata and the climb to Øyfjellet;• Two nights in Bodø, with Kjerringøy's trading post;• The Gyldne Omvei of Inderøy: farm shops, cheese, and cider

    The route

    Motorhome travel photography

    Stop 1

    First stop

    Trondheim

    Trondheim breathes history, visible in the imposing Nidaros Cathedral and the colorful wooden facades of the historic Bakklandet district. The city stretches along the water, creating a sense of openness and space. Between the wide waterways and rolling hills lie cozy streets full of diverse eateries, from modern coffee bars to restaurants with local specialties. A walk along the quay offers views of the Nidelva river and the old warehouses, while bridges connect the different parts of the city. Discover the old neighborhoods, where the past is palpable everywhere. The alternation between monumental architecture and a relaxed, convivial atmosphere makes Trondheim an inviting destination. Visitors will effortlessly find enough to stay for a full day or longer, enjoying the combination of culture and the natural environment.

    Nidarosdomen
    Bakklandet
    Colourful warehouses
    Student city atmosphere
    Waypoints en route to Inderøy (The Golden Road)1 stop
    Camper trip to Inderøy (The Golden Road), Norway

    Stop 2

    Inderøy (The Golden Road)

    Inderøy is home to the well-known route Den Gyldne Omvei, an atmospheric detour through a rolling landscape. The peninsula is known for its local crafts, farm shops, and award-winning regional products. In the village of Straumen, you can experience the power of one of the country's strongest tidal currents. Art lovers visit the Nils Aas Kunstverksted here, dedicated to the famous Norwegian sculptor. The area invites you to peaceful bike rides along the fjord shore and through green meadows. Sample artisanal cheeses at Gangstad Gårdsysteri or visit one of the small-scale breweries. The view over the Trondheimsfjord and the surrounding islands remains captivating throughout the entire journey. This location offers an authentic glimpse into Norwegian rural life off the beaten path.

    Nils Aas Art Workshop
    Gangstad Farm Dairy
    Skarnsund Bridge
    107 kmfrom Trondheim
    1u 47m
    Waypoints en route to Torghatten1 stop
    Motorhome travel photography

    Stop 3

    Torghatten

    Torghatten is famous for one of Norway's most unique geological formations: a remarkable hole that completely pierces the granite mountainside. A wide, accessible walk leads visitors to the opening, where the mountain acts as a natural window. From this passage, a panoramic view extends over the shimmering sea and a vast archipelago of islands. The expansive layout of the area and its diverse landscapes invite an extended stay. Here, an entire day can easily be spent exploring the surroundings and admiring the rock formations. Despite its popularity, the serene tranquility of the place remains remarkably present, contributing to the special experience.

    Torghatten
    Hole through mountain
    Walking through the hole
    Archipelago views
    235 kmfrom Inderøy (The Golden Road)
    4u 5m
    Camper trip to Vega Islands, Norway

    Stop 4

    Vega Islands

    The Vega Archipelago consists of thousands of islands scattered off the coast of Helgeland. A ferry crossing takes you to a landscape where humans have lived in harmony with nature for centuries. The steep Vegatrappa offers a challenging climb to the top of Ravnfloget for a panoramic view of the ocean. In the fishing village of Nes, you can learn all about the unique tradition of keeping eider ducks. Hiking trails wind through a mosaic of flowery meadows and rugged rocks here. The tranquility of the islands is palpable as soon as you leave the busier coastal route behind. Small harbors offer sheltered spots to enjoy the sunset over the Norwegian Sea. It is a destination where the rhythm of the tides and seasons still dictates daily life.

    Vegaøyan
    Vegatrappa
    Nes
    55 kmfrom Torghatten
    1u 55m
    Motorhome travel photography

    Stop 5

    Kystriksveien

    The Kystriksveien in Nordland reveals an impressive coastline, where pointed mountain peaks and the open sea alternate. Deep fjords cut into the landscape, interrupted by characteristic fishing villages that give the route an authentic atmosphere. Regular ferry crossings create a natural rhythm and constantly offer new vistas of the countless islands and rock faces. The route passes along the foothills of the Svartisen glacier, an imposing natural phenomenon that further enriches the landscape. The symbolic Arctic Circle is also crossed on this route. Despite the wide panoramas and popularity, the surroundings remain serene and invite tranquility and wonder at the unspoiled Norwegian nature.

    Torghatten
    Svartisen glacier
    Island hopping
    Arctic Circle crossing
    95 kmfrom Vega Islands
    2u 20m

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    Motorhome travel photography

    Stop 6

    Mosjøen

    Mosjøen is centrally located in Helgeland, a region where history and vast nature converge. The picturesque Sjøgata is an eye-catcher, with its well-preserved wooden houses evoking a historic atmosphere. A stroll through this street offers a glimpse into bygone eras and invites leisurely wandering. The surrounding landscape extends with fjords and mountains, including the iconic Torghatten, known for its natural tunnel. From the mountain, expansive views of the surroundings can be admired. The combination of historical charm and the direct proximity to the rugged wilderness makes Mosjøen a place where the nature of Northern Norway reveals its impressive side. The overall ambiance breathes space and tranquility, characteristic of these northern regions.

    Sjøgata
    Helgelandstrappa
    Zipline adventure
    157 kmfrom Kystriksveien
    2u 34m
    Camper trip to Svartisen (Holandsfjorden)

    Stop 7

    Svartisen (Holandsfjorden)

    Svartisen is the second-largest glacier on the Norwegian mainland, towering impressively above Holandsfjorden. From the landing stage in Holandsvika, a short boat trip takes visitors to the foot of the mighty ice mass. The Engabreen is the lowest-lying glacier tongue on the European mainland and is accessible via a well-maintained hiking trail along the glacier lake. At Brestua, you can enjoy panoramic views of the blue ice while the surrounding mountainsides rise steeply from the fjord. The contrasts between the deep blue fjord, the green vegetation, and the cracking glacier ice create a unique visual spectacle. Adventurous hikers can take a guided tour across the ancient ice field. The area around the fjord offers peace and tranquility for those who want to experience the rugged nature of the Helgeland coast up close. The combination of a maritime atmosphere and Arctic landscapes makes this a characteristic stop along the coastal route.

    Engabreen glacier tongue
    Brestua
    Holandsfjorden
    212 kmfrom Mosjøen
    4u 25m
    Camper trip to Saltstraumen

    Stop 8

    Saltstraumen

    At Saltstraumen, water forces its way with immense power through a narrow strait, resulting in the strongest tidal current in the world. From the imposing Saltstraumen Bridge, you look straight down at the churning whirlpools that form when the tide turns. The power of nature is almost palpable here due to the roaring sound of the water. For fishing enthusiasts, the shore is a popular spot, as the nutrient-rich water attracts a lot of fish. It is essential to consult the tidal table beforehand to see the spectacle at its most powerful. The surrounding hiking trails offer various perspectives on the current and the rugged coastline. It is a fascinating place where the dynamics of the ocean and the Norwegian landscape converge.

    Saltstraumen
    Saltstraumbrua
    Tidal current
    127 kmfrom Svartisen (Holandsfjorden)
    2u 8m
    Motorhome travel photography

    Stop 9

    End

    Bodø

    Bodø is a city where the dynamism of modern life seamlessly transitions into the raw power of Arctic nature. Here, the rhythm of the sea sets the pace, with the nearby Saltstraumen as an absolute highlight, where one of the world's most powerful tidal currents forces its way through the narrow strait with impressive force. The surroundings are characterized by a rugged coastline and a vastness that remains palpable even in this vibrant city. You can wander for hours along the quay or explore the surrounding nature without the area ever feeling crowded. The fresh sea air and the unique light over the fjords and the rugged island world on the horizon are constantly present. You experience the elements here in their purest form, for example during a walk along the coast or by being surprised by the ever-changing spectacle of colours.

    Saltstraumen
    Kjerringøy handelssted
    Northern Lights spotting
    Culture Capital 2024
    29 kmfrom Saltstraumen
    33 min
    Interesting stops near Bodø1 stop
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