The conditions were still too good for me not to go for another bike ride today. At the southern tip of Alsta Island are some historical landmarks, namely Alstahaug Chruch and Kongshaugen Burial Mound. While the first one dates back to the Middle Ages, the latter one originates from the Iron Age It is not fully clear what the burial mound contains as it has not been excavated to date. Interesting read.
My return trip was supported by a bus as I failed to get a nasty puncture fixed with the tools at hand.
Today’s ride was dominated by gravel, as planned with the help of Komoot. I expected a few challenging stretches and was prepared to hike the bike now and then. As the hikes were rather short and only now and then, it gave the whole trip a new perspective, especially as it opens the door to explore even more divers scenery and landscape during the hikes. It did not only cover the range from forest to fjell but also took me to a popular picnic/beach stop and the community operated well protected outdoor seabathing area.
The ferry connection to Bjørn on Dønna Island worked perfectly for me leaving enough time to explore the nothern part of this quite long-stretched island. It is very different to the southern part, which has significant steeper mountains resulting in less opportunities for farming and agricultural activities. It is therefore not a surprise that the nothern part is much more populated.
A naturally beautiful area with lovely Norwegians and high standard of living.
A gale passing through tomorrow will allow us for a lazy Sunday, still under the sun. Some rest is also needed now.
The ferry network drives the planning and offered a four island bike ride through the heart of Helgeland, under amazing conditions.
Sven the Swede reminded me during our chat, that it does not always present itself like today – they also get weather! In any case, the smile on his face revealed, that he is more than happy to call this place home, thanks to his Norwegian wife.
I reminded myself – wherever you are, that is where you be – and paddeled on to take in as many impressions as I could on the rest of my tour.
I believe Helgeland will need to accept us a bit longer as originally planned and Sandnessjøen is a good centrally located and connected spot to explore the surroundings a bit further.
One of the attractions in Helgeland is the Seven Sisters Mountain Range. We have seen it from distant seas before but today was high time for a bikeride along the foot of this massive fairy-tale telling ridge. As the saying goes, it’s formed by the sun and some ignorant horny Trolls going behind the sisters.
Our bike trip took us to another island called Løkta. The ferry rides were bumpy; on the return, there was even a chance of cancellation but finally all worked out without the daytrip becoming an unplanned overnighter.
Freysta, a matchmaking website between people and villages, caught my initial attention on this interesting island and community. Off the beaten track. 130 inhabitants, rarely tourists.
We did not get disappointed while enjoying a marvellous island with some welcoming local encounters.
We decided to stay another day to dive a bit deeper into Helgeland. Many locals told us that Helgeland is at least equally nice as Lofoten but not half as crowded. Scenery totally different, no doubt.
On our way to Helgelandsidyll a newborn lamb next to mother’ sheep was already seeing the light but still very slimy and not being able to stand on its feet yet. Within an hour, on our return, balance and strenght were sufficient, standing up! Just next to the road. Not the only impression these two connecting islands will leave behind.
Still slimy but able to stay on its feet now.
We start to agree, that the locals have a very valid point.
It‘s not over yet. An “Overnighter on Snowshoes” was long on my wish-list and now the time has come. With 15kg of luggage sitting on our backs we decided to take the bus to get a bit closer to the hut. In Normal snow conditions we would probably hiked over the lakes & trails but with that much new snow recently, we played safe and tested gear and guineas on a shorter trial during the first day.
Latest upon arrival on Madsvatnet our suspicion got confirmed. Not a single old trace crossing the lake at our entry point chosen, which normally becomes a spider-net of tracks especially after a weekend. We finally found and followed a short crossing just to end up in the bushes with steep up- and downhills ahead of us. After some staggering through deep snow while getting twigs out of the face, we got back to the XC skiing track which took us easily to the hut: Skihytta KS Ski Lofoten, booked for one night.
The forecast for Aurora was: 0% clouds, high activity, Kp Index 4 from 7pm onwards. Very good chance for a light show after dinner and it came true.
Skipping telly and table cleaning we were timely surrounded by mysterious wight leftovers and trolls everywhere under burning skies in all directions.
Pixelparty until my fingers became glassy frozen. It’s cold under the burning skies but worth the stitching pain.
Deeply impressive. Miraculous.
This is how it started, moon glazing through.
After a good night sleep and a decent breakfast our return crossing Kongsvatnet was fine and got framed by quickly changing weather conditions. The winter wonderland keeps us engaged.
A good trip leaving lasting impressions behind. Legs, back and brain need a rest.
After getting another 10cm of snow during the early morning hours, we are now, based on official data for downtown Svolvær, sitting at 75cm total. More than enough and much more snow higher up the mountains. Avalanche risk sits at orange severity levels, first ones having reported within Lofoten.
By coincident, this ride falls on the day the ITI 2026 – also known as ITI Alaska – is going to be started. Its the only coincident besides winter and snow, not to forget both sharing amazing winter landscape. Crazy race, not for puppies.
Cleared track just after the snowplough.
My winter biking appetite is on the rise despite having been hit by a snow spell on the return. Gore, Woolpower, Sorel, Hestra and Rockbros keep me cozy.