Stretching 650 kilometers along Norway’s Helgeland coast, the Norwegian Coastal Route (Kystriksveien, Fv17) delivers what many consider the country’s most authentic and dramatic road trip experience. Unlike the more famous routes that visitors rush through in a day, Kystriksveien demands time—six ferry crossings, over 12,000 islands, and a landscape where mountains plunge directly into the sea combine to create an adventure that cannot be hurried.
This is the Norway that existed before the tunnels and bridges connected everything. The rhythm of ferry schedules, the wait at tiny dock-side villages, the crossing to islands that remain accessible only by boat—these experiences connect travelers to Norway’s maritime heritage in ways that mainland highways cannot match. When you cross the Arctic Circle at Vikingen, standing at 66 degrees 33 minutes north with mountains and sea stretching to the horizon, you understand why this route is one of Norway’s 18 National Scenic Routes spanning 2,240 kilometers of the country’s most beautiful roads.
According to Visit Norway, Kystriksveien “showcases one of the most dramatic coastlines anywhere in the world” and offers “an authentic insight into Norway’s coastal culture and history.” Statistics Norway (SSB) data confirms the region’s growing popularity, with Nordland county recording over 2.1 million hotel guest nights in 2023.
Understanding the Norwegian Coastal Route
Complete Route Overview
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Route Name | Kystriksveien (Fv17) |
| Length | 650 km (404 miles) |
| Start Point | Steinkjer (Nord-Trondelag) |
| End Point | Bodo (Nordland) |
| Ferry Crossings | 6 required |
| Minimum Drive Time | ~10 hours (without stops) |
| Realistic Duration | 2-5 days |
| National Scenic Route | 1 of 18 (2,240 km total network) |
| Arctic Circle | Crossed at Vikingen (66°33’N) |
| Islands Along Route | Over 12,000 |
Why Choose Kystriksveien
The Norwegian Coastal Route differs fundamentally from other scenic drives in several key ways:
The Ferry Rhythm: Rather than viewing ferries as obstacles, experienced travelers embrace them as integral to the experience. The 10-60 minute crossings offer deck-side contemplation, fresh sea air, and perspectives impossible from land. Standing on deck as mountains slide past and seabirds wheel overhead connects you to centuries of Norwegian maritime tradition.
Authentic Coastal Culture: While other routes have become somewhat commercialized, Kystriksveien passes through working fishing communities where tourism supplements rather than dominates the economy. You share ferries with locals heading to work, fishermen moving between ports, and farmers transporting goods—authentic Norway.
Dramatic Geology: The Helgeland coast features some of Norway’s most striking landscapes—mountains rising vertically from the sea, glacier-carved islands, and geological formations like Torghatten’s legendary hole that inspire wonder and legend.
Arctic Circle Crossing: Few road trips offer the milestone of crossing from temperate to Arctic regions. At Vikingen, you cross the line where the midnight sun never sets on summer solstice and never rises on winter solstice.
The Helgeland Coast: Geography and Character
The Helgeland region represents Norway’s coastal character at its most dramatic:
| Geographic Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Islands | Over 12,000 islands, islets, skerries |
| Major Mountains | Seven Sisters (Syv Sostre), Torghatten |
| Glaciers | Svartisen (mainland Norway’s second-largest) |
| Fjords | Multiple deep fjords cutting into coast |
| Climate | Gulf Stream influence—milder than latitude suggests |
| Population | Sparse—small villages, fishing communities |
The Six Ferry Crossings
Ferry Information Overview
| Crossing | Route | Duration | Operator |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Vennesund-Holm | Across Folda fjord | ~15 min | Torghatten Nord |
| 2. Hofles-Lund | Velfjord crossing | ~25 min | Boreal |
| 3. Horn-Andalsvag | Bindalsfjord | ~25 min | Boreal |
| 4. Forvik-Tjotta | Vefsnfjord | ~60 min | Torghatten Nord |
| 5. Levang-Nesna | Nesnafjord | ~40 min | Torghatten Nord |
| 6. Kilboghavn-Jektvik | Nordfjord | ~60 min | Torghatten Nord |
Note: Exact crossings may vary by route choice; some segments offer alternative crossings
Ferry Practical Information
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Booking | Not required—drive on, pay aboard |
| Payment | Card accepted (most ferries card-only now) |
| Total Cost (approx.) | 800-1,500 NOK for all crossings (car + passengers) |
| Schedule Source | ruteinfo.no |
| Summer Service | Multiple daily departures |
| Winter Service | Reduced—verify schedules carefully |
| Wait Time | 10-90 minutes typical; plan accordingly |
Maximizing the Ferry Experience
On the Crossing:
- Go on deck for views, photos, and fresh sea air
- Observe local life—fishermen, freight, community connections
- Cafeterias available on longer crossings
- Electric outlets available for device charging
- Many crossings pass islands, skerries, sea birds
Practical Tips:
- Check departure times before arriving at dock
- Use wait time to explore dock-side villages
- Build 30-60 minute buffer into your schedule
- Summer evenings have less frequent service
- Some crossings have 2-3 hour gaps between ferries
- Weekend schedules differ from weekdays
- First and last ferries often less crowded
Major Highlights Along the Route
Torghatten: The Mountain with a Hole
Perhaps the most iconic landmark on Kystriksveien, Torghatten is a 258-meter mountain with a hole straight through it—a 160-meter long, 35-meter high natural tunnel created by sea erosion during the ice age when sea levels were 80 meters higher than today.
| Torghatten Statistics | Details |
|---|---|
| Mountain Height | 258 m (846 ft) |
| Hole Length | 160 m (525 ft) |
| Hole Height | 35 m (115 ft) |
| Hole Width | 20 m (66 ft) |
| Formation | Ice age sea erosion (~10,000 years ago) |
| Hike Duration | 1-2 hours round trip |
| Difficulty | Moderate (some steep sections, stairs) |
| Location | Near Bronnoysund |
The Legend of Torghatten: Norse mythology tells that a troll named Hestmannen shot an arrow at a maiden (Lekamoya) who was fleeing his advances across the sea. The hole is where his hat (hatten) was pierced by the arrow, turned to stone at sunrise along with the troll himself. The Seven Sisters mountain range nearby represents the maiden and her companions, also petrified at dawn.
Visiting Torghatten:
- Access from Torget, south of Bronnoysund
- Free parking at trailhead
- Trail well-marked, some stairs and rocky sections
- Walk through the hole itself—surreal experience
- Views through both openings frame sea and sky
- Best light: morning (east opening) or evening (west opening)
- Allow 2-3 hours total including drive and hike
- Basic cafe at trailhead (summer)
The Seven Sisters (Syv Sostre)
A dramatic mountain range rising from the Helgeland coast, the Seven Sisters create one of Norway’s most recognizable silhouettes—seven distinct peaks standing like guardians along the shore.
| Mountain | Height | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Botnkrona | 1,072 m | Highest peak |
| Grytfoten | 1,019 m | ”Pot foot” |
| Skjerdingen | 1,037 m | Distinctive profile |
| Tvillingene | 945 m | ”The Twins” |
| Kvasstinden | 1,010 m | ”Sharp peak” |
| Breidtinden | 846 m | ”Broad peak” |
| Stortinden | 910 m | ”Large peak” |
Best Viewing Points:
- Kystriksveien near Alstahaug
- Ferry crossing from Horn to Andalsvag
- Sandnessjoen town waterfront
- Sea kayak tours for dramatic close approach
The Legend: The Seven Sisters are said to be maidens turned to stone at sunrise while fleeing the troll Hestmannen. The mountains stand eternal, their backs to the rising sun, forever facing the sea across which they fled.
Arctic Circle Crossing at Vikingen
The route crosses the Arctic Circle (66°33’N) at Vikingen, marking the boundary between temperate and Arctic climate zones.
| Vikingen Arctic Circle Centre | Details |
|---|---|
| Latitude | 66°33’ North |
| Significance | Boundary of midnight sun/polar night |
| Feature | Visitor center and monuments |
| Certificate | Official Arctic Circle crossing document |
| Facilities | Cafe, gift shop, exhibitions |
| Photo Stop | Globe monument, latitude marker |
| Season | Year-round (reduced winter hours) |
What the Arctic Circle Means:
- North of this line, the sun never sets on summer solstice (June 21)
- North of this line, the sun never rises on winter solstice (December 21)
- Marks the beginning of “true” Northern Norway
- Psychological and geographical milestone for travelers
- Traditional ceremonies available (fee) with certificate
Svartisen Glacier
Mainland Norway’s second-largest glacier, Svartisen (meaning “black ice”) covers 370 square kilometers and offers accessible glacier viewing from the coastal route.
| Svartisen Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Area | 370 km² (total ice field) |
| Access | Boat from Holandsfjord + hike |
| Nearest Glacier Arm | Engabreen |
| Boat Season | June-September |
| Boat Duration | 10 minutes |
| Hike Distance | 3-4 km to viewing point |
| Hike Difficulty | Moderate |
| Glacier Tours | Available with certified guides |
| Ice Walking | Guided tours only (dangerous without) |
Visiting Svartisen:
- Drive to Holandsfjord parking (signed from Fv17)
- Take boat across fjord (10 minutes, operates summer)
- Hike to glacier viewing area (1-1.5 hours, well-marked)
- Optional: Guided ice walking on glacier arm (pre-book)
- Allow full day for complete experience
- Bring warm layers—glacier breeze is cold
Photography Tips:
- Afternoon light illuminates glacier face
- Include hikers for scale
- Blue ice visible in crevasses
- Cloudy days can flatten contrast
Havmannen (The Man from the Sea)
One of Norway’s most striking public artworks, this 36-ton granite sculpture emerges from the waters near Lovund island.
| Havmannen | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 10 meters (33 feet) |
| Weight | 36 tons |
| Material | Norwegian granite |
| Artist | Antony Gormley |
| Year | 1995 |
| Location | Sanna, near Lovund |
| Access | Boat from Lovund |
The sculpture depicts a human figure gazing out to sea, representing humanity’s relationship with the ocean. It is part of Gormley’s global sculpture series and joins the landscape as if it has always been there—weathering, watching, waiting across millennia.
Petter Dass Museum
Dedicated to Norway’s most beloved baroque poet, this award-winning museum occupies a dramatic modern building at Alstahaug.
| Museum Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Subject | Petter Dass (1647-1707), poet and pastor |
| Architecture | Award-winning modern design by Snohetta |
| Location | Alstahaug, near Sandnessjoen |
| Adjacent | Medieval Alstahaug Church (12th century) |
| Exhibits | Poetry, history, coastal culture |
| Cafe | With panoramic fjord views |
| Price | ~150 NOK adult |
| Season | Year-round (reduced winter hours) |
Petter Dass served as a pastor on the Helgeland coast and wrote “Nordlands Trompet” (The Trumpet of Nordland), describing life along this very coastline in baroque verse. The museum brilliantly juxtaposes his 17th-century world with contemporary architecture, creating a meaningful experience of coastal heritage.
Browse Norway Road TripsDetailed Itineraries
3-Day Classic Route
Day 1: Steinkjer to Bronnoysund (~200 km)
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 | Depart Steinkjer | Full fuel tank, provisions |
| 10:30 | First ferry crossing | Check schedule ahead |
| 12:30 | Coastal village lunch stop | Local seafood |
| 14:00 | Torghatten hike | 2-3 hours |
| 17:30 | Continue to Bronnoysund | |
| 19:00 | Arrive Bronnoysund | Dinner, overnight |
Day 1 Highlights:
- Transition from inland to coastal landscape
- First ferry crossing—embrace the rhythm
- Torghatten—the must-do hike
Day 2: Bronnoysund to Sandnessjoen (~150 km)
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 | Depart Bronnoysund | |
| 10:30 | Ferry crossing | Deck views of Seven Sisters |
| 12:00 | Petter Dass Museum | 1-2 hours |
| 14:30 | Lunch at Alstahaug | Museum cafe or village |
| 15:30 | Seven Sisters viewpoints | Multiple photo stops |
| 17:30 | Arrive Sandnessjoen | |
| Evening | Explore waterfront | Seafood dinner |
Day 2 Highlights:
- Seven Sisters views from ferry and road
- Cultural depth at Petter Dass Museum
- Sandnessjoen—Helgeland’s main town
Day 3: Sandnessjoen to Bodo (~300 km)
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | Early departure | Long driving day |
| 09:30 | Arctic Circle crossing | Photo stop, certificate |
| 11:00 | Optional: Svartisen detour | Add 4-5 hours if included |
| 13:00 | Ferry crossings | Two remaining |
| 16:00 | Approach Bodo | |
| 18:00 | Arrive Bodo | Evening exploration |
Day 3 Highlights:
- Arctic Circle milestone
- Final ferry crossings
- Arrival at gateway to Lofoten
5-Day Extended Exploration
Day 1: Steinkjer to Vennesund Area
- Gentle introduction to coastal scenery
- First ferry crossing experience
- Overnight in small coastal village
- Evening fishing or kayaking optional
Day 2: Vennesund to Bronnoysund
- Torghatten mountain hike (essential)
- Explore Bronnoysund town
- Seafood dinner at harbor
- Optional island excursion by boat
Day 3: Bronnoysund to Sandnessjoen
- Petter Dass Museum morning
- Seven Sisters viewpoints
- Explore Alstahaug medieval church
- Beach time at coastal spots
- Overnight Sandnessjoen
Day 4: Sandnessjoen Area Exploration
- Boat trip to Havmannen sculpture
- Island hopping in Helgeland archipelago
- Sea kayaking option (half-day tours available)
- Wildlife watching (seabirds, seals)
- Return to Sandnessjoen overnight
Day 5: Sandnessjoen to Bodo
- Arctic Circle crossing with ceremony
- Svartisen glacier visit (recommended—full day)
- Final ferry crossings
- Arrival Bodo
- Optional: Continue to Lofoten by ferry
7-Day Ultimate Coastal Journey
| Day | Route | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Steinkjer to Bronnoysund | First ferries, coastal transition | Bronnoysund |
| 2 | Bronnoysund area | Torghatten, Vega World Heritage | Bronnoysund |
| 3 | Bronnoysund to Sandnessjoen | Seven Sisters, Petter Dass | Sandnessjoen |
| 4 | Sandnessjoen area | Island hopping, Havmannen | Sandnessjoen |
| 5 | Sandnessjoen to Arctic Circle | Crossing ceremony, glacier access | Ornes area |
| 6 | Svartisen to Bodo | Full glacier visit, final ferries | Bodo |
| 7 | Bodo exploration | City, Saltstraumen, Lofoten ferry option | Bodo/Lofoten |
Islands and Side Trips
Lovund Island: Puffin Paradise
A thriving fishing community and mainland Norway’s largest puffin colony:
| Lovund Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Access | Express boat from Sandnessjoen (1 hour) |
| Population | ~600 year-round |
| Puffin Colony | 200,000+ breeding pairs |
| Puffin Season | April-August (peak June) |
| Industry | Salmon farming, fishing |
| Overnight | Lovund Hotel, rorbu cabins |
| Havmannen Access | Boat tour to nearby Sanna |
Puffin Watching: Over 200,000 puffins nest on Lovund’s cliffs during breeding season (April-August). The birds are remarkably approachable—sitting quietly on cliff edges allows close observation. Early morning and evening offer best activity as birds return from fishing with beaks full of sand eels.
Vega Archipelago (UNESCO World Heritage)
A cultural landscape recognized for traditional eider down harvesting:
| Vega Information | Details |
|---|---|
| UNESCO Status | World Heritage Site (2004) |
| Access | Ferry from Bronnoysund (1.5 hours) |
| Significance | 1,500 years of eider down harvesting |
| Islands | Over 6,500 in archipelago |
| Character | Remote, authentic, few tourists |
| Best For | Cultural heritage, birdwatching, solitude |
Eider Down Tradition: For 1,500 years, farmers have maintained symbiotic relationships with eider ducks. They build “eider houses” where ducks nest safely, protecting them from predators. After chicks fledge, farmers harvest the incredibly valuable down—the world’s finest natural insulator. This sustainable practice continues today, though few families maintain the tradition.
Trano Island Bird Sanctuary
| Trano Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Access | Boat from Trano ferry terminal |
| Seabird Colonies | Thousands of nesting birds |
| Species | Kittiwakes, cormorants, guillemots, razorbills |
| Best Season | May-July (breeding) |
| Character | Raw, remote, wildlife focused |
| Restrictions | Landing restrictions during breeding |
Practical Information
Driving Conditions
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Road Quality | Good (paved throughout Fv17) |
| Width | Varies—some narrow sections with passing places |
| Tunnels | Multiple, well-lit |
| Mountain Sections | Some exposed sections, snow possible |
| Winter Conditions | Snow, ice possible October-May |
| Summer Conditions | Excellent June-August |
| Speed Limits | 60-80 km/h typically |
Fuel and Services
| Service | Availability |
|---|---|
| Fuel Stations | Every 50-100 km approximately |
| Major Towns | Bronnoysund, Sandnessjoen, Mo i Rana, Bodo |
| Small Villages | Limited services—fill up at larger towns |
| Electric Charging | Growing network, plan ahead |
| Supermarkets | Major towns only |
| ATMs | Major towns (cards widely accepted) |
Essential Driving Tips
- Start with full fuel tank—stations can be far apart
- Check ferry schedules morning of travel at ruteinfo.no
- Build buffer time for ferry waits (30-60 minutes)
- Stock up on snacks/drinks at larger towns
- Download offline maps—cell coverage intermittent
- Book accommodation ahead in summer
- Carry cash backup—though cards widely accepted
- Watch for livestock on roads—unfenced in many areas
- Use headlights always—Norwegian law requires them
- Pull over for faster vehicles—courtesy expected
Best Time to Visit
Seasonal Comparison
| Season | Weather | Ferries | Attractions | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Best | Full service | All open | Excellent |
| Autumn (Sep-Oct) | Variable | Reduced | Most open | Good |
| Winter (Nov-Mar) | Challenging | Limited | Many closed | For adventurers |
| Spring (Apr-May) | Improving | Increasing | Opening | Good |
Summer (June-August): Peak Season
Advantages:
- Best weather conditions (15-20°C typical)
- All ferry services running full schedules
- Midnight sun (June 21 peak)—endless daylight
- All attractions, museums, tours open
- Island boat trips available
- Puffin breeding season (Lovund)
- Best hiking conditions
Considerations:
- Peak season prices (20-30% premium)
- Book accommodation 2-4 weeks ahead
- Some crowding at highlights
- Mosquitoes in inland areas
- Ferry queues possible (rare)
Shoulder Seasons (May, September)
Advantages:
- Fewer crowds—more authentic feel
- Lower prices (accommodation, ferries)
- Autumn colors September
- Bird migration activity
- Still reasonable weather
- Midnight twilight (not full midnight sun)
Considerations:
- Some attractions closing/opening
- Reduced ferry schedules
- Weather more variable
- Shorter days September
- Some island tours not running
Winter (November-March)
Advantages:
- Northern Lights possible (north of Arctic Circle)
- Authentic winter experience
- No crowds whatsoever
- Lowest prices
- Dramatic winter light for photography
Considerations:
- Limited daylight (polar twilight December-January above 66°N)
- Challenging road conditions—winter tires mandatory
- Many ferries reduced or cancelled
- Most attractions closed
- Requires winter driving experience
- Some sections may close temporarily
Photography Guide
Best Photography Opportunities
| Subject | Location | Best Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Torghatten hole | Through opening from inside | Morning/evening | Frame landscape through hole |
| Seven Sisters | Ferry crossing, Alstahaug | Sunset/sunrise | Include water foreground |
| Arctic Circle | Vikingen monument | Any | Include sign, mountains |
| Svartisen glacier | Viewing point | Afternoon | Include hikers for scale |
| Havmannen sculpture | Boat approach | Golden hour | Low angle from water |
| Coastal villages | Throughout route | Morning | Early for calm reflections |
| Ferry crossings | From deck | During crossing | Wide angle, seascape |
| Puffins (Lovund) | Cliff edges | Early/late day | Telephoto essential |
Equipment Recommendations
Essential:
- Wide-angle lens (16-35mm)—landscapes, villages
- Telephoto lens (70-200mm or longer)—wildlife, distant mountains
- Polarizing filter—reduce reflections, enhance sky
- Weather protection—rain cover, dry bag
- Extra batteries—cold drains power
Recommended:
- Tripod—Northern Lights, long exposures
- ND filters—waterfalls, smooth water
- Drone (check Norwegian regulations)—aerial perspectives
Photography Tips
Coastal Challenges:
- Weather changes rapidly—be prepared
- Wind on ferries affects stability—brace yourself
- Lens cleaning cloth essential—sea spray common
- Waterproof bag for equipment on boats
Light Conditions:
- Midnight sun (June): Golden light available all night
- Summer: Avoid harsh midday; dawn and dusk best
- Autumn: Dramatic clouds, shorter golden hours
- Winter: Blue hour photography, Northern Lights potential
Where to Stay
Accommodation by Location
Bronnoysund Area:
| Property | Type | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thon Hotel Bronnoysund | Hotel | 1,200-2,000 NOK | Central, modern |
| Torghatten Camping | Cabins/camping | 400-1,200 NOK | Near Torghatten |
| Local B&Bs | Guesthouse | 800-1,400 NOK | Authentic experience |
Sandnessjoen Area:
| Property | Type | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scandic Syv Sostre | Hotel | 1,300-2,200 NOK | Named for Seven Sisters |
| Alstahaug Hotel | Hotel | 1,000-1,800 NOK | Near Petter Dass Museum |
| Rorbu Cabins | Traditional | 1,000-2,000 NOK | Fishing cabin experience |
Bodo:
| Property | Type | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scandic Havet | Hotel | 1,300-2,400 NOK | Waterfront, Lofoten views |
| Thon Hotel Nordlys | Hotel | 1,200-2,000 NOK | Central |
| Bodo Hostel | Budget | 400-900 NOK | Dorms and private rooms |
Unique Accommodations
| Property | Location | Experience | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lovund Hotel | Lovund Island | Puffin colony access | 1,500-2,500 NOK |
| Rorbu Cabins | Throughout coast | Traditional fisherman huts | 1,000-2,000 NOK |
| Lighthouse Stays | Various islands | Historic, remote | 1,500-3,000 NOK |
| Havoya Gjestgard | Helgeland archipelago | Island isolation | 1,200-2,200 NOK |
Budget Planning
Estimated Costs (Per Person, 3 Days)
Budget Traveler:
| Item | Cost (NOK) |
|---|---|
| Fuel (sharing car) | 400-600 |
| Ferry share | 130-250 |
| Camping/Hostel | 600-1,200 |
| Food (self-catering) | 400-700 |
| Total | ~1,530-2,750 NOK |
Mid-Range Traveler:
| Item | Cost (NOK) |
|---|---|
| Fuel (sharing car) | 400-600 |
| Ferry share | 130-250 |
| Hotels (mid-range) | 2,000-4,000 |
| Restaurant meals | 900-1,500 |
| Activities/museums | 300-600 |
| Total | ~3,730-6,950 NOK |
Comfortable Traveler:
| Item | Cost (NOK) |
|---|---|
| Car rental share | 500-800 |
| Ferry share | 130-250 |
| Hotels (quality) | 3,500-6,500 |
| Fine dining | 1,500-2,500 |
| Tours/activities | 800-1,500 |
| Total | ~6,430-11,550 NOK |
Money-Saving Tips
- Self-catering: Supermarkets in larger towns
- Camping: Multiple campgrounds along route
- Share costs: Car, fuel, ferry, accommodation
- Shoulder season: May or September
- Early ferry: First departures often less crowded, no wait
- Pack lunch: Picnic at viewpoints saves restaurant costs
- Free activities: Hiking, swimming, viewpoints cost nothing
Combining with Other Routes
Kystriksveien + Lofoten Islands
The most popular combination extends from Kystriksveien into the legendary Lofoten archipelago:
| Segment | Route | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Steinkjer to Bodo | Kystriksveien (Fv17) | 2-4 days |
| Bodo to Moskenes | Ferry | 3-4 hours |
| Lofoten Islands | E10 circular | 2-4 days |
| Total | Combined journey | 4-8 days |
Ferry Bodo to Lofoten:
- Departures: Multiple daily in summer
- Duration: 3-4 hours to Moskenes
- Advance booking: Recommended June-August
- Cost: ~500-900 NOK (car + passengers)
- Views: Spectacular approach to Lofoten peaks
Kystriksveien + Atlantic Road
| Route | Direction | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Road | Starting point | 8.3 km |
| Via Kristiansund/Trondheim | Connection | ~280 km |
| Kystriksveien | Main route | 650 km |
| Combined | Epic coastal journey | ~940 km |
This creates an ultimate Norwegian coastal road trip combining two of the country’s 18 National Scenic Routes, spanning from the Atlantic Road’s dramatic ocean bridges through to Kystriksveien’s Arctic Circle crossing.
Wildlife Along the Route
Marine and Coastal Life
| Species | Likelihood | Best Season | Viewing Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harbor Seal | High | Year-round | Rocky skerries, ferries |
| White-tailed Eagle | High | Year-round | Throughout coast |
| Puffins | High (seasonal) | April-August | Lovund, Rost, coastal cliffs |
| Guillemots | Moderate | Breeding season | Sea cliffs |
| Eider Ducks | High | Year-round | Vega, coastal villages |
| Orca | Rare | Winter | Offshore, luck required |
| Minke Whale | Rare | Summer | Offshore waters |
Bird Watching Highlights
| Location | Species | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lovund | Puffins (200,000+ pairs) | Mainland Norway’s largest colony |
| Trano | Seabird cliffs | Multiple species breeding |
| Vega | Eider ducks | UNESCO cultural landscape |
| Throughout | White-tailed eagles | Norway’s largest bird of prey |
| Ferries | Various seabirds | Excellent deck viewing |
Final Advice
The Norwegian Coastal Route offers something increasingly rare in modern travel—a journey that cannot be rushed. The six ferry crossings impose a rhythm that forces you to slow down, wait, observe, and absorb the landscape. This is not a route you “complete” in a day; it is an experience you inhabit for days.
The Helgeland coast reveals Norway at its most authentic—working fishing villages where boats still set out at dawn, islands accessible only by sea, mountains that seem impossibly dramatic rising directly from the water. Crossing the Arctic Circle at Vikingen marks a genuine geographical and psychological milestone, the boundary between temperate Norway and the Arctic realm beyond.
Whether you spend three days or seven, whether you detour to Svartisen glacier or island-hop through the archipelago to find Havmannen gazing across the sea, Kystriksveien rewards those who give it time. The 650 kilometers from Steinkjer to Bodo encompass far more than distance—they offer transformation.
Key Tips for the Best Experience:
- Embrace the Ferries: They are integral to the experience, not obstacles
- Check Schedules: ruteinfo.no every morning of travel
- Book Ahead: Summer accommodation fills quickly
- Allow Time: 3-5 days minimum for proper experience
- Go Early: First morning ferries less crowded
- Pack Supplies: Limited services between towns
- Carry Cash: Backup for smaller services (though card works most places)
- Download Maps: Cell coverage intermittent in remote sections
- Weather Flexible: Plans may need adjusting
- Stop Often: Every viewpoint deserves attention
The Norwegian Coastal Route connects Steinkjer and Bodo, but the real journey happens in between—in the rhythm of ferries, the shapes of mountains, and the endless horizon where sky meets sea.
Information in this guide is sourced from Visit Norway and Norwegian Scenic Routes. Kystriksveien (Fv17): 650 km, 6 ferry crossings, crosses Arctic Circle at 66°33’ north. Part of Norway’s 18 National Scenic Routes covering 2,240 km total. Ferry schedules vary seasonally—check ruteinfo.no before travel. Last updated January 2026.