67° 24′ N, 14° 34′ E
Overview
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Hovdsundet hike overview
Approx. 7,5 km in total
127 m
2 to 3 hours
Out & Back
Easy - Moderate - Difficult - Expert
How to get there & parking
The trailhead for Hovdsundet is less than a 30-minute drive from the centre of Bodø, a city above the Arctic Circle in northern Norway that is known for its ferry connection with Lofoten. Having a car is the easiest option, as public transport in this area is limited and taxis can be very expensive. If you don’t have you’re own, you can easily rent a car in Bodø.
If you’re by car, you can park in this parking area located a short distance further past the trailhead.
If you don’t have a car, you can take the bus from Bodø to Mulstrand and walk or cycle the last few kilometres to the starting point. Just make sure to check the timetable in advance, as not all buses stop here.
Another possibility is to book a guided hike, which includes transport to and from Bodø.
Hovdsundet Beach hike
From the parking area, you walk to the left back down the road to the second bend in the road. On the right-hand side, you will see the trailhead, a narrow path between the bushes next to what looks like a small parking spot, but it is not allowed to park here. After a few meters, you’ll pass a little wooden gate.
The path first goes along the edge of a property with some houses, through a bit of woodland, and across a small field before reaching the coast. You might even see some sheep grazing close by.
The trail is not marked, but as long as you keep following the coastline, you will be on the right track. The first part is easy walking with a mix of meadow paths and rocks.
After about 15 to 20 minutes, you arrive at Auvika Beach. It is a wide sandy beach with clear water and a grassy area behind it, which is a great place to stay if you are camping with a tent.
From Auvika towards Hovdsundet, the path becomes less clear and the terrain more varied. However, as long as you keep following the coastline, you’ll be fine. You will cross coves and rocky stretches, sometimes climbing a little or stepping over gaps. On the way back, we noticed that in the rougher parts, it often felt easier to stay a bit higher up, but not always, so you really have to find the route that feels most suitable for yourself.
Just be careful, because some of the gaps are very deep and wide, making it a bit more challenging. Still, this little bit of route-finding is part of the fun of the hike. There is also a small wooden bridge to cross. It may not look very solid, but it usually works just fine.
After Auvika, you pass two more beaches covered with large rocks and boulders. Once you leave the second rocky beach behind, the trail begins to climb uphill.
This last part of the hike is the only real climb. For about 700 to 800 meters, the trail goes gradually uphill. In some places, you will walk over smooth rocks that show where others have gone before you.
When you reach the top, you will see Hovdsundet Beach, a rare double beach with turquoise water on both sides, surrounded by steep cliffs. On a clear day, you can even spot the peaks of the Lofoten Islands in the distance.
Some people continue down to the beach, but we decided not to because it was too windy that day. Instead, we enjoyed the view from above, which was already spectacular.
When to hike
The best time to hike to Hovdsundet Beach is during the summer months from June to September, when the weather is usually mild and the long daylight hours give you plenty of time to enjoy the walk. Around midsummer, you can even hike late in the evening under the midnight sun, which makes the experience feel extra special.
We would avoid winter and early spring, as the path can be icy, wet, and quite tricky then.
Another good thing to keep in mind is the tide. At high tide, the beach itself might be very small, so it is best to plan your visit around low tide if you want to enjoy the wide sandy stretch that makes this place so unique.
Hovdsundet beach hike Map
Where to stay
Bodø is a great base for visiting Hovdsundet Beach. The city has plenty of hotels, guesthouses and rental apartments in different price ranges, all within easy reach of shops and restaurants. If you prefer a quieter setting, there are also cabins and smaller places to stay in the surrounding area.
Hotels in Bodø
Find the best places to stay in Bodø and enjoy a comfortable trip.
Tips & safety
Important hiking tips!
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
