How To Hike To Hovdsundet Beach In Bodø

Hiking to Hovdsundet Beach is a must for anyone visiting Bodø, Norway. Here’s how to get there.

If you ever find yourself in my hometown Bodø in northern Norway, I highly recommend you hike to Hovdsundet Beach. Hovdsundet is a secluded double beach with breathtaking views located only a short drive from the city centre. The hike itself is fun and will show you some of the best sights this region has to offer.

We’re talking white sandy beaches, turquoise ocean as far as the eyes can see, and gorgeous mountain views in every direction. If you’re lucky you might even get to see an eagle or two on your way. Sound pretty magical right? It is! I mean, this exotic looking gem is one of my favorite hikes for a reason, after all.

Located north of the arctic circle this type of scenery isn’t what most visitors expect, which I guess is one of the reasons this hike has gained popularity the last couple of years. So charge your camera batteries and get ready to hike to Hovdsundet. I’ll tell you everything you need to know in this quick guide. 

Specs About The Hike To Hovdsundet Beach

Level: Easy-moderate
Distance: Approx. 8 km
Duration: From 80 minutes each way

Related Posts

A Local’s Guide To Bodø, Norway
A Local’s Tips For Hiking In Norway
Hiking To Ryten And Kvalvika Beach In Lofoten
The Ultimate Guide To Lofoten

This post contains affiliate links

How To Get To Hovdsundet Beach

The trail head for this hike is located less than a 30 minute drive from the city centre of Bodø. Since public transportation is very limited in this part of Bodø you should have a car available when going on a hike to Hovdsundet. Car rentals are available at Bodø Airport, which is conveniently located close to the city centre. Taking a taxi is another option, but I don’t recommend it unless its your only choice, as it gets quite expensive. If you cant/wont drive yourself, I recommend spending booking a guided hike to Hovdsundet instead.

Driving Instructions: From Bodø centre to Hovdsundet trail head

Depending on where in Bodø your journey begins, find your way to the road Fv834 – marked as 834 on the map. Follow the road in a north east direction. The road ultimately leads to Festvåg and Kjerringøy, so whenever you see one of those locations on a sign you know you’re on the right path.

After a few short minutes on the road you’ll see breathtaking views of the fjord and surrounding mountains on your left, and you can even see the mountains of Lofoten in the far distance. Enjoy the lovely drive for 20-25 minutes, pass a place called Skau, and soon you’ll see a sign for Mjelle. Take a left turn and follow the narrow road. You’ll pass a couple of houses and venture up a steep hill. Soon you’ll see a curve with a tiny parking area on your left.

Where To Park

If there is enough space on the mentioned parking spot before the curve you should park there (Google Maps Location). That is also where the trail head is located. If there is no available space just keep driving further up the hill and you’ll soon reach a huge parking area on your right (Google Maps Location). Keep in mind that a ton of people may arrive after you embark on your hike, so be considerate when parking. I recommend you reverse park for ultimate conditions when you return from your hike.

Where To Hike: The Trail To Hovdsundet

Once you arrive at the trail head (Google Maps location) you’ll see a modest green sign leading the way, and a clear path west into the woods. Follow the path until you reach the shore – the shore will be your ‘lifeline’ on this hike to Hovdsundet, as the path is unclear at times. After 15-20 minutes you’ll reach a gorgeous beach called Auvika, which is a great destination as well.

Between Auvika and Hovdsundet, the path will be less clear and the terrain will be more diverse and rugged. It might feel a bit challenging if you’re not the most experienced hiker, but not in a dangerous way – this is the fun part! Just take it easy and follow the shore west, and walk further up if it gets too rugged. Once you reach the western ‘end’ of the peninsula, you’ll have no choice but to head upwards until you eventually reach a hilltop. Here you’ll get an amazing view of Hovdsundet Beach on your left.

Some people head back after they’ve reached this viewpoint, but I highly recommend hiking all the way to the double beach if you have the time. Keep walking until you’re a little north of the beach and you should soon stumble upon a trail that will lead you down to Hovdsundet Beach. The last part can be a bit steep, so keep your eyes on the trail to avoid falling. Once there – ENJOY this incredible gem of a place.

A Complete Map Of The Hike To Hovdsundet

To make things easy for you I’ve gathered all the location data you need for your hike to Hovdsundet Beach in this map. It includes a driving route from Bodø, coordinates for the two parking areas and the trail head, as well an exact trail route you can follow. I’ve also included three areas suitable for camping, for those who want to spend the night in the area (tent recommended).

What To Wear/Bring When Hiking Hovdsundet

When you get to Hovdsundet Beach you should spend a few hours or the rest of the day enjoying the lovely nature! Have a picnic, relax, read a good book, go for a swim, look for eagles.. Heck, why not bring a tent and spend the night there? Take advantage of the 24 hour daylight we get up here in summer and enjoy yourself completely. Here are some ideas on what to wear and bring on your hike to Hovdsundet Beach.

What To Bring

The most important thing to bring on any hike is water. For the best mobility while hiking I always recommend using a CamelBak. Or simply bring a light bottle in any daypack with a chest strap, which will stay on whenever you need to climb, bend over, etc. To enjoy your hike to Hovdsundet Beach to the fullest I suggest you bring some food and snacks, especially if you’re planning on hanging out there for a while (which you totally should). Don’t forget to bring a towel and swimwear if you think you’ll be tempted to go for a swim in the turquoise water.

What To Wear

Wear comfortable and flexible sportswear while hiking, like tights and a t-shirt. Bring or wear a jacket depending on the weather, preferably one that is both waterproof and windproof. Like Chicago, Bodø is known as “the windy city”, so be prepared for chilly wind even in the warmest summer day. If you’re doing the hike during spring, fall or a cold summer day you should consider wearing thermals (sweater and trousers). Wearing elastic trekking tights is also a great option.

As for footwear you should wear whatever you’re the most comfortable with when hiking. The important thing is that you wear shoes with a good grip. Hiking boots are great but not really necessary. I personally find boots bulky and heavy to wear and prefer lighter hiking shoes or running shoes. And whatever you do, just please don’t be that person who hikes in jeans and flip flops, it’s not comfortable or safe.

Related Posts

Like It? Pin It.

Found this guide on how to hike to Hovdsundet Beach? Pin it & save it for later. I appreciate every share.