📷 Photo by Arvid Høidahl on UnsplashThe Helgeland coast: Kystriksveien to Bodø
Six ferries, a mountain with a hole in it, a glacier near the sea and the world’s strongest tidal current on Norway’s coastal road.
- Distance
- 534 km (332 mi)
- Driving
- 7 h 23 min
- Suggested days
- 6
- Stops
- 8
- Countries
- Norway
- Updated
- July 17, 2026
At a glance: 6-day road trip of about 534 km (332 mi) with 8 stops, from Steinkjer to Bodø. About 7 h 23 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Norway
Route description
Kystriksveien, the Fv17, is the slow alternative to the E6: about 650 km along an island-studded coast with six car ferries. Leave the E6 at Steinkjer and head north-west to the Holm–Vennesund ferry, then on to Brønnøysund, a small town right in the middle of Norway’s coastline.
Cross the bridge to Torghatten and climb to the hole through the mountain. Further north the Horn–Andalsvåg and Tjøtta–Forvik ferries lead to Sandnessjøen, beneath the peaks of the Seven Sisters, and the Levang–Nesna crossing brings you into ever wilder country.
The Kilboghamn–Jektvik ferry crosses the Arctic Circle, marked by a globe on the shore. Past Ågskardet and a short hop to Forøy, the road runs along Holandsfjorden, where a small boat takes you towards Engabreen; then comes Ørnes, a quiet fishing village.
The last stretch reaches Saltstraumen, where you should time your visit for the peak of the tide, and then Bodø. Ferries run all year, but book the longer crossings in July and allow extra time; there are good small campsites along the way, and the midnight sun shines here from early June to early July.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Steinkjer
Norway - 2207 km
Brønnøysund
Norway - 313 km
Torghatten
NatureBrønnøysund, NorwayA mountain with a hole right through it, about 160 m long, carved by the sea during the Ice Age. A steep path from the car park reaches the hole in about 20 minutes.
- 492 km
Sandnessjøen
Norway - 5113 km
Engabreen
NatureMeløy, NorwayAn arm of the Svartisen ice cap that reaches almost down to sea level. In summer a small boat crosses Holandsfjorden from Braset, then a path leads up to the ice.
- 625 km
Ørnes
Norway - 771 km
Saltstraumen
NatureBodø, NorwayOne of the strongest tidal currents in the world, forcing millions of cubic metres of water through a narrow strait and forming whirlpools. Check tide tables and watch from the bridge or the shore.
- 813 km
Bodø
Norway
Suggested stages and overnight stops
6 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Steinkjer → Brønnøysund · 207 km · 2 h 52 minOvernight nearby, for example: Mosheim Camping (3 km); Torghatten Camping (10 km).
- Day 2: Brønnøysund → Torghatten · 13 km · 0 h 11 minOvernight nearby, for example: Torghatten Camping (< 1 km); Torghatten (< 1 km).
- Day 3: Torghatten → Sandnessjøen · 92 km · 1 h 16 minOvernight nearby, for example: Sandnessjøen Camping (11 km); Kvitneset Camping (14 km).
- Day 4: Sandnessjøen → Engabreen · 113 km · 1 h 34 minOvernight nearby, for example: Furøy Camping (14 km).
- Day 5: Engabreen → Ørnes · 25 km · 0 h 20 minOvernight nearby, for example: Reipå Camping (7 km); Furøy Camping (17 km).
- Day 6: Ørnes → Bodø · 84 km · 1 h 10 minOn the way: Saltstraumen.Overnight nearby, for example: Geitvågen Bad & Camping (8 km); Saltstraumen Camping (11 km).
Best time to go
Cold, short days in November–April. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Norway: Electronic tolls by number plate. Automatic toll roads and toll rings; many routes include car ferries. Motorway limit for cars: 110 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is The Helgeland coast: Kystriksveien to Bodø?
6-day road trip of about 534 km (332 mi) with 8 stops, from Steinkjer to Bodø. About 7 h 23 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for The Helgeland coast: Kystriksveien to Bodø?
We suggest 6 days: about 7 h 23 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does The Helgeland coast: Kystriksveien to Bodø start and end?
It starts in Steinkjer and ends in Bodø.
Which countries does The Helgeland coast: Kystriksveien to Bodø pass through?
Norway.
Where can you camp along The Helgeland coast: Kystriksveien to Bodø?
OpenStreetMap lists 30 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Mosheim Camping, Torghatten Camping and Sandnessjøen Camping.
When is the best time for The Helgeland coast: Kystriksveien to Bodø?
Cold, short days in November–April. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
