Things to do

Bruneset

A trace of the Second World War

Bruneset fort is what remains of a German coastal battery from the Second World War, in the scenic surroundings of Fagervika in Leirfjord municipality. It formed part of the fortifications meant to secure German control of the Norwegian coast. Today you can see bunkers, the ruins of former buildings and defensive positions – a striking historical reminder. It is a fine spot for anyone interested in history or military remains, and an excellent viewpoint over the surrounding fjords.

Nordfjellet

Viewpoint, 180 m above sea level

Nordfjellet is a low hill near Fagervika in Leirfjord municipality. It makes an excellent short walk for anyone after quiet and good views over the fjords and the surrounding mountains. The route to the top is easy and open to everyone, and the reward is a fine panorama of the Helgeland region.

Reinesaksla

Viewpoint, 308 m above sea level

Reinesaksla is one of the finest viewpoints near Fagervika. From the top there is a spectacular panorama of the Helgeland bridge, the Seven Sisters, Dønnamannen and the islands of Lovund and Træna. The trail is about 3.7 km there and back and is moderately demanding – the last stretch is steep, but the views are the reward.

De Syv Søstre

Mountain range, up to 1,072 m above sea level

The Seven Sisters is one of the most distinctive sights in Norway: a group of seven peaks of differing heights forming an imposing, almost symmetrical ridge line, and one of the most recognisable symbols of Norwegian nature. The highest of them is Botnkrona at 1,072 m, but the others reach impressive heights too.

Photo: Clemensfranz · CC BY-SA 3.0

Dønnamannen

Mountain peak, 858 m above sea level

A distinctive peak in the Helgeland region, on the island of Dønna. Its most striking feature is a shape resembling the outline of a sleeping giant, which makes it recognisable from far away. It offers some of the best views of the surrounding fjords and mountains, including the Seven Sisters. The trail to the top is demanding, especially on the final stretches, where the climbs are steep.

Photo: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen · CC BY-SA 4.0

Helgelandstrappa

4,175 stone steps

Helgelandstrappa is the longest stone stairway in the world. It runs from the Vefsna river just outside the centre of Mosjøen all the way to the summit of Øyfjellet, 818 metres above the fjord and the town below. From the top, marked by a cairn called Øyfjellvarden, there is a breathtaking 360-degree panorama. Looking down, you can see the whole of the attractive coastal town of Mosjøen.

Photo: Tevollen · CC BY-SA 4.0

Vega

Archipelago, UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Vega islands comprise around 6,500 islands and islets with a long history of fishing and eider farming. Their natural beauty and distinctive traditions draw visitors looking for quiet, fine landscapes and closeness to nature.

Photo: Deerlamb · CC BY-SA 4.0

Torghatten

Mountain with a natural tunnel, 258 m above sea level

Torghatten is a mountain on the edge of Brønnøysund, known for the distinctive hole running through it. This unusual feature draws visitors from all over the world. People feel small walking through the 35-metre tunnel that the sea carved out thousands of years ago. You are not at any great height here, but the view is spectacular.

Photo: DXR · CC BY-SA 4.0

Svartisen

Glacier, 370 km²

Svartisen is Norway’s second largest glacier. It has two main parts – West and East Svartisen – separated by a narrow valley. Its highest point is 1,594 m above sea level. Parts of it reach 170 m below sea level and the ice is up to 450 metres thick, making it the deepest-seated glacier in Europe.

Photo: kallerna · CC BY-SA 4.0