Bindal: Fjords, Boatbuilding and Hiking Trails

Bindal lies at the southern end of Helgeland, between high mountains, long fjords and wooded slopes. The landscape includes deep fjords and open stretches of sea, as well as mountains, islands and skerries, forests and rivers, and lakes for fishing and swimming. Exploring the area means encountering a variety of landscapes. The midnight sun can be seen from the west side of the Bindal Peninsula or from higher ground overlooking the sea to the north-northwest.

Coast, travel and getting around

Bindal is located along County Road 17. Terråk can be reached by bus from Grong or Brønnøysund; check the timetables before your trip. The most scenic section of the Norwegian Scenic Route along the Helgeland coast runs from Holm in Bindal Municipality to Ureddplassen in Meløy Municipality. To travel between Bindal and Sømna, you need to take the ferry between Holm and Vennesund. Check the timetable for this route, too.

There is a guest pier at the quay in Terråk for short stays. The Kople charging station at Coop Prix Terråk has one fast charger and one 22 kW charging point. As charging infrastructure can change, it is a good idea to check availability before your trip.

Wood, boats and local history

At the Bindal Museum in Terråk, all visitors are given a guided tour of the exhibition. It explores the history and knowledge surrounding the local use of wood, forestry, the timber industry and boatbuilding. The museum also focuses on boreal rainforest and its rich lichen flora, which includes several endangered species. Bindal also has a long tradition of building Nordland boats: this UNESCO-listed craft has been passed down through generations and dates back to the Viking Age.

Bindal bygdetun is located on the former Solheim cotter’s farm, dating from 1875, and is part of the Vassås cultural heritage trail. The bygdetun features a water source, a fire pit and a playground. The buildings are closed, but open during the summer season on request and at announced times. Confirm visiting arrangements before you arrive. Vassås Church also tells a story of a long building history: a church has stood there since the Middle Ages, while the current building was constructed in 1733. It is an octagonal cruciform church, a building type particularly common in central Norway.

The Nordlandsbåtregattaen connects boatbuilding with a program of events: a sailing event and numerous activities for children have been announced for 2027. Program details are subject to change; check them for your travel dates.

Cultural trails, peaks and seasons

The Holm cultural trail is 3.3 kilometres long and lies in outer Bindal. It passes the old Solstad churchyard, the coast and Iron Age burial mounds before returning to Holm Camping. Seven information stations cover burial mounds, wildlife and plant life, and everyday life in the past. The audio guide is available in Norwegian, English and German. The trail offers a manageable distance along with insights into natural and cultural history.

Another route leads to the 1,058-metre summit of Heilhornet on the Bindal Peninsula. The hike is rated as challenging and crosses steep terrain, with exposed sections and some scrambling. From the summit, the view extends to the Trøndelag coast in the southwest, the Helgeland coast in the north and Bindalseidet in the east. By comparison, the Holm cultural trail is specified as 3.3 kilometres long, while the Heilhornet description explicitly highlights the terrain and difficulty.

Northern Lights viewing opportunities also vary by season and location. In winter, groomed trails south of Terråk head towards Svartåsdalen, where you can watch the Northern Lights. Trail grooming is seasonal; check before your trip whether the trails are accessible. In autumn, a Northern Lights tour leads to Gundagammen, a hollow between Hildringsfjellet, Markahornet, Heilhornet and Litlhornet.

Swimming spot at Aunvatet

Aunvatet has a swimming spot with a toilet, benches, a barbecue, a bathing jetty and a water trampoline. It takes about 20 minutes to drive there from Terråk. This makes it easy to plan a trip to the water, while Holm and Heilhornet offer different highlights: the cultural trail and the challenging summit hike, respectively.

Discover more destinations: Bindalseidet, Harangsfjord, Terråk, Bodø, Steigen, Værøy, Gildeskål, Ballangen.

Return to the main travel overview: Nordland.