Touring paddling combines the experience of freedom and the untouched nature of various coastal regions with the power and seriousness of the water. Depending on the climatic and topographical conditions, there is already a large playing field in Europe between the warm waters of the Mediterranean and the coastal stretches and fjords in the relatively cool waters of Scandinavia. The far north scores with its solitude and unique rocky landscapes in the light of the midnight sun.
A particularly attractive region for sea kayaking in Norway is Helgeland. Located at the height of the Arctic Circle, this region boasts countless islands off the steep mountain coast. The variety is great: from small skerries to mountain ridges that rise up to over 900 meters from the sea. At their feet you will often find Caribbean-style beaches of white sand. Picturesque fjords cut into the partly glaciated coastal mountains. The ice cap of Svartisen always towers on the horizon.
We started our tour with a quick Google search: "Kayak Norway". With just a few clicks, we landed at Magne Johan Steiro (Hav & Fritid) in Nesna. A stroke of luck - extensive and first-class equipment at fair prices. In addition to introductory courses and guided tours, you can also explore the region by kayak on your own, provided you have sufficient experience.
We arrive in Oslo by plane and continue by train. The train route winds picturesquely through the fell and river landscape of central Norway. After a short stopover in Trondheim, we take the Nordland Railway through the bright polar night to Mo i Rana. From here there is a bus connection to Nesna. If you arrive in Mo early after a long journey, we recommend the extensive breakfast buffet in the stylishly furnished Scandic Hotel. The bus journey reaches its climax shortly before Nesna. From the road 300 meters above the fjord, the view opens up over the steep coast and numerous island mountains.
Nina gives us a warm welcome at Havblikk Camping. In addition to the clean campsite with its sea view, the small restaurant "Ninas Lavvo" is her pride and joy. The only thing you can't ask her about is the very rainy summer so far. Woken by the Hurtigrouten, we meet up with Magne the next morning. After receiving all the equipment needed in these waters, we load up the 2-person kayak and start sweating on the way to the harbor not far away. From here, the fast ferry (Hurtigbåt) runs once a day to the south (Sandnessjøen) and north (Bodø) and the connecting ferries to the nearby islands run several times a day.