SAILING THE HELGELAND COAST
A 6-day Norwegian Sailing Vacation
Explore the stunning Helgeland Coast in Norway on a 6-day sailing tour, crossing the Arctic Circle. Encounter iconic mountains, serene beaches, and vibrant sunsets. Experience the rich coastal culture, spot diverse wildlife, and marvel at the Saltstraumen Maelstrom. Disconnect from urban life and immerse yourself in the beauty and adventure of this unique region.
Sailing the Helgeland Coast is an unforgettable adventure that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking a unique and immersive way to explore Norway's natural wonders. This journey is a true gem, offering a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty. I will cherish the memories of this voyage for a lifetime.
Tour Map
Things you'll do on this tour
SALTSTRAUMEN MAELSTROM RIB SAFARI
Start your 6-day tour with an exhilarating and unique experience to visit the Saltstraumen Maelstrom by RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat). RIBs allow you to get much closer to the maelstrom as they are agile and can navigate through narrow channels and rocky areas. You can feel the power of the swirling waters up close, providing a more immersive and thrilling experience. Riding a RIB through the maelstrom's powerful currents can be an adrenaline-pumping adventure. The combination of speed and natural forces creates an exciting and memorable journey. Observing this phenomenon from a RIB allows you to appreciate the sheer force of nature.
The Saltstraumen Maelstrom is not only a natural wonder but also a testament to the immense forces of nature created by the interaction of tides and the geography of the region. It is one of the strongest tidal currents in the world and is known for its powerful and dramatic whirlpools and maelstroms. The maelstrom is primarily caused by the powerful tidal currents that flow through the narrow and rocky strait. Saltstraumen connects the Saltfjord and Skjerstadfjord to the Norwegian Sea, and the water level difference between the fjords and the sea results in strong tidal flows. The maelstrom can reach speeds of up to 22 knots (about 25 miles per hour or 40 kilometers per hour) during peak tidal conditions. This makes it one of the fastest tidal currents in the world. As the tidal currents squeeze through the narrow strait, they create intense whirlpools and eddies. These whirlpools can be several meters in diameter and are a sight to behold. The maelstrom is not just a small localized phenomenon but can extend over an area of about 3 kilometers (nearly 2 miles) in length and 150 meters (approximately 500 feet) in width.
CROSS OVER THE ARCTIC CIRCLE
Crossing the Arctic Circle is a symbolic and exciting experience for many travelers, as it marks the point on the Earth's surface where you've reached the northernmost extent of the Arctic region. The Arctic Circle is an imaginary line that circles the Earth at approximately 66.33 degrees north of the equator. Its exact location can vary slightly due to the Earth's axial tilt. It passes through several countries, including Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Canada, Greenland (Denmark), and the United States (Alaska). The Arctic Circle cuts through the Helgeland Coast, and the arctic circle monument on Vikingen island is only visible by boat. We often celebrate crossing over the arctic circle parallel with a customary ships horn blow, and your photo taken with the monument in the background, along with a certificate as a memento.
SEE COASTAL WILDLIFE
Keep an eye out for the local wildlife, including seabirds, seals, and even whales. Helgeland is known for its diverse marine life, and you may have the chance to spot these animals while sailing. Helgeland is blessed with vast wilderness areas and many types of landscapes, which provide highly varied ecosystems that attract a wealth of marine life that thrives in the area, spanning from the smallest microalgae to the largest mammals. It is a seasonal feeding ground for numerous larger species, such as harbor seals, killer whales and minke whales. The birds you see may include the puffin, cormorant, sea eagle, terns, eider duck and barnacle goose, the Northern gannet and eagle-owl, the hawk-owl, peregrine falcon, Northern goshawk and many other species. The island of Lovund hosts a huge puffin colony, which can count up to 300,000 birds! They nest on rocky slopes, and throughout the summer you will see the adult birds working hard, returning with fish caught at sea to feed their young.
HIKE, KAYAK, STAND UP PADDLE BOARD, FISH & SAIL
The Helgeland coast is known to be the best part of cruise ship routes sailing the Norwegian coast such as Hurtigruten (the Norwegian Coastal Express). Let the wind determine your course and sail among the timeless natural beauty of Northern Norway. Visit small towns with a rustic atmosphere, and explore islands with unique mountains and beaches by kayak, stand-up-paddle, or hiking. The itinerary and route is open and flexible depending on the wind and weather, offering a glimpse into the life of a sailor.
Sailing along the Helgeland Coast in Norway is truly magical experience, as the coastline offers the opportunity for island hopping to explore remote areas, each with its unique charm and dramatic natural beauty. The Helgeland Coast offers a sense of tranquility and remoteness that's hard to find in many other places. You can sail for hours, even days without encountering crowds, providing a serene and peaceful environment for relaxation.
The region has a rich coastal culture with a history of fishing and seafaring. You can try your hand at catching some of the local seafood and visit cultural sites that showcase the maritime heritage of the area.
SEE FJORDS, BEACHES, MOUNTAINS, SUNSETS & COASTAL CULTURE
The Helgeland Coast in Norway offers a breathtaking blend of rugged fjords, white sand beaches, and stunning sunsets. Visitors can sail through majestic inlets, relax on pristine beaches like Langsanden, and witness vibrant twilight skies over mirror-like waters. A serene paradise for nature lovers seeking untouched beauty.
The mountains along Helgeland Coast hold cultural significance, featured in folklore and legends. Trolls turned to stone are said to form these majestic peaks like the Seven Sisters, a famous range near Sandnessjøen. The region's geological diversity creates a unique coastal landscape drawing global hikers, climbers, and photographers.
Explore the rich coastal culture of Helgeland, Norway, known for fishing, seafaring, and charming villages. Visit cultural sites, catch local seafood, and experience life on remote, traffic-free islands with tiny populations. No roads, shops, or cars - just traditional island living.
Meet Your Crew
All multi-day tours have our 2 resident crew + up to 2 additional crew members.
Kenneth Tårnes
Sea Captain
Kenneth is a world class Sea Captain with the highest international designation by SOLAS, the United Nations International Maritime Organization. As a Sea Captain, he is a licensed medic and marriage officiant. He served as a sea Captain in the Royal Norwegian Navy and since his retirement, he has continued to captain a variety of charter vessels and sailing yachts. He has sailed around the world on a 98 m sailing ship, Statsraad Lehmkuhl and in 2007, set a world record for the fastest sailing time (without engine) from Tromsø to Kristiansand in Norway. This route normally takes an average of 6-7 days and he still holds this record! Kenneth’s passion is to connect people to the ocean and the natural world. Sharing his knowledge and experiences so they can see what our beautiful planet has to offer and how important it is to take care of it. He has been the official Captain of Stella Oceana since 2019.
Frequently asked questions about this tour
What if I'm vegetarian, vegan or have other dietary restrictions?
No problem. Let us know during the booking process so that the cook can prepare for your meals in advance.
Can you help arrange airport transfers?
Yes. We can reserve a taxi for your airport to harbor transfer. The cost of this transfer is not included in the tour price.
Who are the other guests?
This tour typically has well travelled people who love sailing, nature and being outdoors. Most commonly they are solo travelers or couples in their 20's to 40's.
What wildlife/animals will I see?
You never know what you might encounter in the sea, but some common wild animals that we see are harbor porpoises, otters, orca, humpback whales, seals, white-tailed eagles, puffins, migrating birds from all over the world and a variety of arctic birds.
Will I get seasick and what if I need medical attention? We can't guarantee that you won't get seasick, but most people don't experience this discomfort because the boat is so stable. However, in the small chance that you do get seasick, the crew has a lot of experience and can help you so you can enjoy your trip. Northern Norway tends to seem remote and isolated, however, we will always be sailing along the coast where help is never far away. There are local rescue ships and the Norwegian Coast Guard is always operating throughout the entire coast.
Is there a minimum number of participants for the tour?
Yes, we have a minimum viable number of 6 guests to run this tour. If the minimum number of participants is not reached within 45 days of the departure date then the tour may be cancelled or rescheduled, but in most cases, we are still able to run the tour without additional charges, and may ask for your cooperation to make modifications to your tour itinerary, but keeping the original tour start and end dates. When the number of participants is below the critical level, we will inform you 6 weeks prior to the departure date and consult you with your options, which can include additional supplements for the cabins (depending on the number of participants). If the tour is cancelled you will receive a full refund of all payments made including the deposit made at the time of booking and the remaining balance that was paid 90 days prior to the departure date. We cancel because it is both financially and ecologically unsustainable to do a cruise with too few participants. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility.
2023-2024 DATES
This tour hosts up to 8 individual guests for public tours or groups of up to 10 for private charters, and we welcome various tailor-made opportunities for private groups and travel agencies.
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