# Helgeland Coastal Route (Fv17)

> The Fv17 follows the Helgeland coast in Nordland for more than 400 km and is the longest of Norway's National Tourist Routes. Six ferries and several long tun

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/destinations/helgeland-coastal-route-fv17/

The Fv17 follows the Helgeland coast in Nordland for more than 400 km and is the longest of Norway's National Tourist Routes. Six ferries and several long tunnels shape the drive.

- **Region:** Nordland, Norway
- **Length:** about 420–430 km
- **Suggested time:** 2–3 days minimum, 7–10 relaxed
- **Best season:** Summer (check ferry timetables)
- **Start / end:** Holm (Bindal) / Godøystraumen

Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €18 (Norway).

## What should you know before visiting Helgeland Coastal Route (Fv17)?

- Six ferry crossings are part of the route, including Holm–Vennesund and Forvik–Tjøtta. Check timetables with Entur or the ferry operator beforehand and allow time buffers.
- Wild camping with a motorhome is restricted in Norway. Stay on campsites or where parking is allowed, do not drive off the road and follow the signs.
- Motorhome toilets must not be emptied into the rest-area toilets. Dump stations exist in Brønnøysund, Nesna and Sandnessjøen, among other places.
- Plan at least two to three days. For detours such as Torghatten or the Seven Sisters, seven to ten days are more relaxed.

## The drive

The route runs north from Holm in Bindal in the south to Godøystraumen near Bodø. After the Holm–Vennesund ferry comes the area around Brønnøysund; the mountain Torghatten with its hole lies a little off the road. The Forvik–Tjøtta ferry leads to Sandnessjøen, where the Seven Sisters rise. Further north follow Nesna, Rødøy, the Ågskardet–Forøy ferry and the Braset viewpoint over the Engabreen glacier. Several tunnels are long.

## Camping

The right to roam allows tents on uncultivated land, in principle at least 150 m from inhabited houses and for no more than two nights in one place. For motorhomes, the National Tourist Routes advise campsites and motorhome areas first. If you stop elsewhere, stay one night, keep 150 m from buildings, stay off farmland and do not drive off the road. Rest areas are for short stops. Signs and local rules take precedence; ask the municipality or Miljødirektoratet.

## FAQs

**Do I need to book the ferries on the Fv17?**
The sources used name no booking requirement. Timetables and booking options are listed with Entur and the respective ferry operator. With a large motorhome, ask beforehand in summer.

**Can I park freely overnight in Norway with a motorhome?**
Where parking is allowed, sleeping in the vehicle is generally possible, but rest areas are meant for short stops, usually one night. Do not drive off the road, keep away from buildings and obey signs such as “Camping forbudt” and local bans.

**Where can I empty my tanks along the way?**
The National Tourist Routes list dump stations at Storvika, Holand, Øresvik, Hellåga, Sandnessjøen, Nesna and Brønnøysund. The rest-area toilets are not designed for this.

**How much are the tolls on Helgeland Coastal Route (Fv17)?**
Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €18 (Norway). Estimate with typical rates; motorhomes pay more, and vehicles over 3.5 t often pay by distance.

## Places to see

- [Reine](https://camping-spirit.com/places/reine/)
- [Torghatten](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b5-torghatten/)
- [Engabreen](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b5-engabreen/)
- [Saltstraumen](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b5-saltstraumen/)
- [Lofotr Viking Museum](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b5-lofotr/)
- [Nordkapp](https://camping-spirit.com/places/nordkapp/)
- [Haukland Beach](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b5-haukland-beach/)

## Campsites nearby

- [All campsites in Norway](https://camping-spirit.com/camping/norway/)