Cycling Trip along the Coastal Road (Kystriksveien)

This 12-day guided tour follows the full length of Kystriksveien, Norway's Coastal Route, from Bodø in the north to Steinkjer in the south. Riders pass the Saltstraumen tidal current, cross the Arctic Circle by ferry and hop between islands including Lovund, Dønna, Herøy and Vega, with a full rest day on Lovund.

The route continues past Torghatten and the UNESCO-listed Vega archipelago to the geological wonder of Leka and the coastal town of Rørvik, before finishing along the Namdal coast to Namsos. Ferries, express boats and a few bus transfers link the stages.

Riders cycle at their own pace, with one guide riding and another driving the support vehicle that carries luggage. Stages are longer than on the operator's other tours, so previous touring experience is recommended.

Highlights:

• Saltstraumen, the world's strongest tidal current
• Arctic Circle crossing by ferry and the Nordland sculpture landscape
• Rest day on Lovund, known for its puffin colony
• Scenic cycling on Dønna and Herøy beneath the Seven Sisters mountains
• UNESCO-listed Vega and Torghatten, the mountain with a hole through it
• Leka, Norway's geological national monument

Surface and terrain:
Asphalt roads in light traffic. Terrain is mixed, with flat coastal and island stretches and some steep or hilly sections (Saltstraumen to Kjøpsvik, near Leka, and before Namsos), partly bypassed by bus. Stages run 27 to 83 km, with ferries between. Total ascent is not published.

Weather:
Cool and changeable late-summer conditions. August days average around 17°C with a higher chance of rain and light winds.

Suitable for:
Riders with previous touring experience who are comfortable with 60 to 80 km days, though peak fitness is not required. Slightly more challenging than the operator's other tours. E-bikes are available, and the support vehicle is on hand if needed.