Just a short journey from Bodø, Gildeskål is easy to reach whether you arrive by plane, train or car. From Bodø, you can travel by express passenger boat, bus or drive south along the scenic Kystriksveien Coastal Route (County Road 17), one of Norway’s most beautiful coastal roads.

If you’re driving through Gildeskål, we highly recommend taking the detour via Sandhornøy. Turn off the main road at Kjøpstad in the north or Skaugvoll in the south to experience spectacular coastal scenery, charming villages and beautiful beaches. From Våg on Sandhornøy or Inndyr, you can also continue exploring the island communities by express passenger boat.

Express Passenger Boat

The local express passenger boat service between Bodø and Gildeskål (Route 18-445) connects Bodø with several communities across the municipality, including:

• Inndyr (municipal centre)
• Våg (Sandhornøy)
• Mevær and Sørvær (Fleinvær)
• Nordfugløy and Sørfugløy (Fugløya)
• Sørarnøy (gateway to both Sørarnøy and Nordarnøy)

Please note that some stops are request stops, so check the timetable before travelling. We also recommend booking your ticket in advance.

A regional express passenger boat (Bodø – Sandnessjøen, Route 23-731) also serves Sørarnøy, where it connects with the local boat service.

Car ferry

Car ferries connect Sandhornøy with the Arnøy Islands, making it easy to include both destinations in the same trip.

As ferry capacity can be limited, especially during summer, it’s a good idea to check the timetable and book ahead if possible.

Bus

Bus Route 200 runs between Bodø Airport – Ørnes – Glomfjord – Halsa, following the Kystriksveien Coastal Route (County Road 17). Connections are available to both Sandhornøy and Inndyr.

Use the journey planner at Reis Nordland to plan your trip.

Bike

Gildeskål is part of Norway’s National Cycle Route 1, and one of the most scenic sections takes you across Sandhornøy. This route avoids the longer road tunnels while offering stunning coastal views.

If you’re continuing south towards Meløy, you can also cycle over Storvikskaret instead of through the 3.1 km Storvika Tunnel. Parts of the old road are overgrown, but the panoramic views over Storvika make the climb well worth the effort.

Bicycles can be rented from BUA Gildeskål, and several rental options are also available in Bodø.

Car

Travelling by car is the easiest way to explore Gildeskål at your own pace, especially on the mainland and on Sandhornøy.

If you’re visiting the Arnøy Islands, keep in mind that the ferry to Sørarnøy can become fully booked, particularly because it also serves commercial traffic. If you’re only planning to explore the islands, consider leaving your car behind, as many attractions are easily reached on foot or by bicycle.

Fleinvær is entirely car-free and can only be reached by express passenger boat.

Bus

See timetables at reisnordland.no

Car

Get directions with maps.google.com

When visiting Bodø & Salten, we encourage you to help protect the nature, wildlife and local communities that make this region so special. Here are six simple ways to enjoy the outdoors responsibly:

• Respect people, wildlife and plant life, and keep dogs on a leash where required.
• Take all your rubbish with you, or dispose of it in designated bins.
• Use toilets before setting out, or make use of public toilet facilities where available.
• Only light fires in designated fire pits and follow local fire regulations.
• Pitch your tent in places where it won’t disturb people, wildlife or the natural environment.
• Be friendly, say hello, and don’t hesitate to ask locals if you’re unsure about access or local customs.

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Ureddplassen is one of the most spectacular viewpoints along the Nordland coast, offering panoramic views of the island landscape, the midnight sun, the open sea, Fugløya and the Lofoten Wall on the horizon. It’s also home to an award-winning piece of architecture that has been featured by international media as the world’s most beautiful public toilet. Ureddplassen is part of the Helgelandskysten National Scenic Route.

Elias Blix was born and raised on Sandhornøy in Gildeskål. Widely regarded as one of Norway’s most important hymn writers and a key figure in Norwegian cultural history, he also played an important role as a theologian, politician and advocate for the Norwegian written language Nynorsk.

Today, you can follow in his footsteps along the Blix Trail and visit the Elias Blix Café, located close to his childhood home.