Attractions in the Arctic Circle Area

The coast of Helgeland

The coast of Helgeland is an attraction in itself. With thousands of islands and landmarks like Træna, Lovund, Tomma, Rødøy and Hestmannen. Besides these scenic formations you can see the Kirkhelleren Cave and the Love Trail at Træna/Sanna.

At Træna you can visit the Petter Dass chapel, the Specatacular Kirkhelleren Cave and some of Norway's oldest fishing villages. Between Træna and the mainland you can visit the island of Lovund with a large puffin colony. Here you can also follow Queen Sonja's trail to the top of the Lovund Mountain. Even further in from Lovund you can visit beautiful island of Tomma with old settlements, Viking graves and a rich flora and bird life. Here you can also hike up the the highest mountain in the archipelago, Tomskjevelen at 922 metres above sea level. 

Close to the port of Stokkvågen, you can visit the old fort at Grønsvik. Here you can walk on your own or with a guide. From here you will also have an excellent view towards the islands and the Aldersundet Sound.

The troll mountains Rødøy and Hestmannen are both part of the fairytale about the trolls along the coast of Helgeland, and therefore an attraction in themselves.

Polarsirkel Maritime at Tonnes offers boat trips and deep-sea rafting to these islands and the Arctic Circle island of Vikingen. 

The Melfjord

Take a shower in the Nattmoråga Waterfall onboard a boat. Or take a trip to the impressive Nordfjord with 1,000 metre high mountains and the Svartisen Glacier hanging over the edges like icing on a cake. At the end of the fjord there is an isolated seal colony.

Glaciers

Svartisen Glacier is the second largest glacier on mainland Norway. It can be visited on a fjord cruise, hiking through Glomdalen/Vesterdalen or from the visitor's centre at Austerdalsisen. In this area you can also visit the tourist caves Grønligrotta and Setergrotta, or the magnificent rock formation Marmorslottet (the Marble Castle).

The southern part of the Arctic Circle Area is covered by the Okstindan Glacier with Northern Norway's highest mountain, Oksskolten, and Norway's second largest lake, Røssvatnet. Here you can drive along the wilderness road and visit several Sami settlements and local farmers, with activities, interesting history and excellent food.

Caves and potholes

The Arctic Circle Area is penetrated with caves and potholes. From the islands off the coast of Helgeland to the Swedish border, you can visit several fantastic caves and rock formations, for example the much visited Setergrotta and Grønligrotta near Svartisen, or the facinating Marmorslottet (the Marble Castle) close to Svartisen and Melfjord.

National park

Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park is one of Norway's most varied national parks, stretching from the beautiful Nordfjord on the coast towards the Swedish border in the east. In between you will find a breathtaking landscape with valleys, caves, high mountains, glaciers, rivers and a rich wildlife. Visit some of the oldest farms in the area, high up in the Saltfjellet Mountains. The old farms are open for the public so you can see how people lived over hundred years ago.

Museums

If you are interested in historical attractions, you can visit several churches and museums such as the Petter Dass Chapel in Træna, Lurøy Church, Hemnes Museum in Bjerka, Stenneset Museum in Mo i Rana, the Coastal Museum in Lovund and the old town of Moholmen in Mo i Rana.

The Arctic Circle Centre

Inside the centre you will find a cafeteria serving North Norwegian food, a cinema and exhibition hall with information about the Arctic Circle, and a large souvenir shop.

The centre is situated along the E6, making it a natural stop for travellers along the road, approximately 680 metres above sea level on the boundary of the Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park. Its unique architecture has been adapted to the natural surroundings. The Centre is open from 1 May to 15 September.