Thousands of islands, characteristically steep mountains full of troll legends, bird colonies and the opportunity to paddle through a UNESCO world heritage site are all here. The Helgeland coast, which also crosses the Arctic Circle, is often singled out as one of the most enjoyable parts of the Hurtigruten sailing route.

Whether your voyage takes place during the endless summer days or in winter darkness with the Northern Lights, you will never forget your trip through this region, once home to Norway's famous 17th century poet-priest Petter Dass. This region has many highlights:

• The Vega Islands with their 6,500 islands, islets and skerries and a special bird that produces prized down feathers, have been recognised in UNESCO’s world heritage list since 2004.
• The Seven Sisters: Seven mountaintops alongside each other, so beautiful that a local legend tells that they are female trolls turned to stone.
• Torghatten with its 30 metre high, 25 metre wide and 160 metre deep hole right through the mountainside.
• The Arctic Circle, the southernmost point at which the midnight sun shines 24 hours a day.

The Helgeland Coast stretches from Rørvik up to Ørnes. Hurtigruten calls in at Brønnøysund, Sandnessjøen and Nesna, and offers a number of excursions that bring you closer to people, nature and culture.