"Kystriksveien - Route 17" Nordland by evaanna

Nordland Travel Guide: 588 reviews and 1,807 photos

From a ferry on Kystriksveien - Nordland

On our way back from the Lofoten we took the famous Route 17, which winds its way along 650 km of Norwegian coastline between Bodo and Steinkjer. We did not go as far as Steinkjer though, not having enough time for exploration, but turned east at Sjoneidet to get to Mo i Rana. So we only covered about a third of the distance and then took a faster Road E06, stayed the night on a campsite at Korgen and drove on to Steinkjer and even past Trondheim the following day. In fact, although some guidebooks say so, I don't quite see how you can make the whole trip along Kystriksveien from Bodo to Steinkjer in one day.
But if you do have enough time it is worthwhile following Kystriksveien all the way to Stenkjer. It would be best if you had 2-3 days for the journey. The scenery is gorgeous - the sea and the rocky islands, the emerald fjords and the snow-topped mountains. The road is narrow, on the verge of a cliff in many places and mostly without any lay-bys so it's nearly impossible to stop and take pictures. So our pictures were taken mainly from the ferries, which are the only possible means of transport at places where a fjord or the sea cut deep into the mountains. We had to take two ferries and there are more if you go further south. But for us it was an extra attraction, a diversion from the tiring driving.
If you like great scenery, the sea, the fjords and the mountains all together, Kystriksveien is for you!

Last visit to Nordland: Aug 2003
Intro Updated Feb 22, 2007
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Reviews (4)

The rocky coast - Kystriksveien - Nordland

Don't tell me it's just a rock Favorites (1)

Whether I want it or not, my imagination has always played tricks on me. Looking up the clouds, I can see human faces or... more travel advice

The globe marking the Arctic Circle - Nordland

Crossing the Arctic Circle Things to Do (3)

I was sitting on deck enjoying the wonderful peace of the sea and the mouintains when I sensed a sudden commotion around... more travel advice

Ferries on Kystriksveien Things to Do (3)

Kystriksveien cannot be negotiated by car only. At places the road is substituted by ferry crossings, which cannot be... more travel advice

Holandsfjorden and Engenbreen glacier - Nordland

The blue glacier and the emerald fjord Things to Do (3)

Driving along Road 17, you will come to a picnic area in a lay-by situated on Holandsfjorden. The view from here is... more travel advice

Comments (8)

LoriPori Nov 23, 2009 at 4:27 AM Report Abuse

How cool is that to see where the Arctic circle begins. Beautiful scenery too.
scottishvisitor Feb 24, 2007 at 8:50 AM Report Abuse

It must have been quite exciting to pass through the artic circle - your imagination is better than mine I just see what's there!!
Bwana_Brown Feb 22, 2007 at 12:25 PM Report Abuse

What a perfect way to travel through this beautiful part of the world! Mountains, fjords, ferries and lonely roads - it all sounds too good to be true!
Nemorino Feb 14, 2007 at 2:43 PM Report Abuse

Evocative photos and texts.
deecat Feb 5, 2007 at 1:21 PM Report Abuse

Ewa, you have such a lovely style of writing that it is a pleasure to read your tips to discover the magic of travel. I love you enthusiasm and positive outlook. Artic Circle was great to read about and experience vicariously.
alancollins Feb 4, 2007 at 12:13 AM Report Abuse

The scenery looks stunning. I still have photographing the northern lights on my list of things to do and this area may be right to do it.
matcrazy1 Jan 30, 2007 at 11:10 PM Report Abuse

Breathtaking scenery, indeed!
uglyscot Jan 30, 2007 at 2:12 AM Report Abuse

Sounds idyllic, but are the roads high and winding?