8 BEST Things To Do in Brønnøysund, Norway: Havila Port Stop

Before my winter voyage on the Havila Coastal Express, I knew almost nothing about southbound day 10’s longest port of call: Brønnøysund.

I searched Google for ages, hoping for even one helpful travel guide or list of the best things to do in Brønnøysund, and found absolutely nothing!

So it’s safe to say that when we eventually docked, I had very low expectations!

But I was so wrong.

Brønnøysund is one of the most underrated coastal towns in Norway… and ended up being one of my favourite ports of call on the entire 12-day Coastal Express!

Located between islands and mountains, this charming town has a calm and local feel, with a peaceful harbour, cosy small-town energy, beautiful walking paths, and some of the most spectacular scenery of the whole voyage.

And that is exactly why I’m writing this ultimate Brønnøysund travel guide for you!

So you can feel prepared and excited for your port call in Brønnøysund – and make the most of your two hours in Norway’s most underrated town!

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Where Is Brønnøysund?

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The town of Brønnøysund is located on the stunning Helgeland coast in Brønnøy Municipality, Nordland County.

It’s tucked between Norway’s mainland and dozens of small islands, sheltering the town from the open sea. It looks tiny on a map of Norway, but once you arrive, the spectacular coastal scenery here will take your breath away!

Brønnøysund is also known as the “coastal town in the middle of Norway” for its location roughly halfway between Lindesnes (the southern tip) and North Cape (the northern tip).

Spectacular Norwegian coastal scenery around Brønnøysund!

A Brief History of Brønnøysund

Brønnøysund has been a coastal settlement for centuries, and a natural stop for fishermen, traders, and travellers long before the Coastal Express.

The name Brønnøysund comes from “brønn” (well) and “øy” (island), and is a nod to the freshwater wells sailors once used here.

You can still feel that proud maritime heritage everywhere in Brønnøysund today, as the harbour is the heart of the town and the fishing industry is very important to local life.

Brønnøysund is also shaped by the Helgeland region’s landscape of islands, fishing villages, and dramatic coastal scenery. Torghatten, the famous mountain with a hole, sits just outside town.

And finally, the town is an important administrative centre and commercial hub for the Brønnøy Municipality in Nordland County.

A cute fishing boat in Brønnøysund harbour

Is Brønnøysund Worth Visiting?

Yes, Brønnøysund is absolutely worth visiting. In fact, I think it deserves a place on lists of the prettiest places in Norway!

(And I say that as someone who arrived with zero expectations and left wondering why on earth this underrated but picturesque town doesn’t get more (or any) hype!)

Brønnøysund’s charm is definitely in its simplicity, authenticity and small-town, local vibe.

It’s got a stunning harbour, a beautiful lake, a peaceful atmosphere, and surrounding coastal scenery that rivals some of the best on the entire 12-day Coastal Express voyage!

It also felt so safe, calm and accessible to explore, especially for me as a solo traveller.

There’s no pressure to rush around ticking off a huge list of Brønnøysund attractions. Instead, you can slow down and really enjoy local Norwegian life for a while!

Sailing away from Brønnøysund at sunset!

How to Get to Brønnøysund, Norway

Brønnøysund is a scheduled two-hour port call on the Norway Coastal Express itinerary.

You will visit on day 10 southbound, with either Hurtigruten or Havila, and it’s one of the easiest stops to explore independently. (You literally walk off the ship and you’re in the heart of town!)

If you’re visiting Brønnøysund independently, you can also fly, as the town has a small regional airport with domestic flights from Trondheim and Bodø

From the airport, it’s a quick 5-minute taxi ride, or you can even walk straight into town in about 20 minutes (to the harbour).

How to Get Around Brønnøysund

You don’t need public transport to explore this beautiful town.

Brønnøysund is small, safe, and incredibly easy to walk around, and everything in this guide is an easy walk from the harbour.

Honestly, it’s one of the most walkable ports of the entire Coastal Express route!

You can wander to Brønnøy Church, follow the waterfront promenade and photograph the quaint fishing boats – all without feeling rushed or worried about complicated navigation!

The only caveat is that if you want to visit Torghatten, you’ll need to join an excursion or take a taxi.

8 Best Things To Do in Brønnøysund, Norway

1. Explore Brønnøysund Harbour

Brønnøysund Harbour is the very heart of this small town, and is also the easiest attraction to visit. The moment you step off the Coastal Express, you’re already right in the middle of it!

The harbour is calm and sheltered, with colourful fishing boats, a quiet park promenade, a quaint bridge and beautiful mountain scenery surrounding it.

It’s the perfect spot for a gentle walk, some stunning coastal photography, or even to sit and relax on a bench by the water for a while.

I loved this area because it instantly felt very peaceful and easy to explore!

When I visited, it was a lovely sunny day in March, and there were plenty of locals out enjoying the scenery or a quiet walk, as the traditional fishing boats sailed in and out of the harbour.

Lille Brønnøybrua (the bridge) is the perfect spot for photos of the harbour, and Lille Brønnøya (the small park) is the perfect spot to relax and watch the water.

Katie’s Top Tip: Walk to the very end of the pier for the prettiest harbour photos and plenty of scenic benches. If you’ve arrived with the Coastal Express, you’ll also get a great view of your ship from here!

Beautiful Brønnøysund Harbour, with my Havila ship in the background!

2. Visit the Midpoint of Norway

Also in the harbour is one of the most unique landmarks in Brønnøysund: a stone marker with a sign showing the midpoint between Norway’s southernmost and northernmost tips.

Brønnøysund is known as the “coastal town in the middle of Norway” because it sits almost exactly halfway between Lindesnes in the south and North Cape in the north.

It’s such a cool, underrated attraction – and a fun, quirky photo opportunity!

(It’s very similar to Lands End in England or John O’Groats in Scotland – just without the crowds of tourists!)

You’ll find the location marked as “Brønnøysund – Kystbyen midt i Norge” on Google Maps, but honestly, you can’t miss it. It’s right by where your ship docks, in the harbour.

I loved visiting because it really symbolises your whole journey (especially if you’re travelling the entire coastline with Havila or Hurtigruten).

You realise just how far you’ve travelled, but also how much of Norway still stretches ahead!

Katie’s Top Tip: Straight after the Coastal Express docks, this little sign gets very busy. So I would recommend continuing to explore Brønnøysund and then revisiting on your way back for photos. (This is what I did, as it’s so close to the ship, and when I returned, I had it all to myself!)

The monument marking the midpoint of Norway in Brønnøysund

3. See Brønnøy Church

Brønnøy Church is one of the most peaceful places to visit and best things to do in Brønnøysund.

Dating back to the 13th century, this quaint stone church is a significant historical site in Nordland County and one of the oldest buildings in the Helgeland region.

The Gothic and Romanesque church you see today is from 1870, as the original building has had to be rebuilt several times due to devastating fires.

From the outside, the stone façade is simple but beautiful, surrounded by a peaceful churchyard and a few trees.

Inside is also simple but beautiful, with dark wood furnishings, stained glass windows and a central altar. It’s well worth visiting inside if the church is open during your visit.

Katie’s Top Tip: To reach Brønnøy Church, walk a few streets back from the harbour. From the harbour bridge, it takes about 7 minutes along Storgata and then Skolegata street.

Peaceful Brønnøy Church is one of the best things to do in Brønnøysund — Peaceful Brønnøy Church

4. Visit Frøkenosen Lake (Brønnøysund’s Hidden Gem!)

Also just inland from the harbour (and on your way back towards the port) is the picturesque, urban Frøkenosen sea lagoon.

It takes just a few minutes to walk from the church and is ideal if you want to stretch your legs and see more underrated views in Brønnøysund – but don’t want to venture too far from the harbour.

A quiet road (Innerveien) runs right along the edge of the lake to reach the stunning Frokenosen Lagoon Viewpoint, which is well worth a photo stop.

And the lake itself is beautiful, lined with colourful houses and evergreen trees. (Plus, the reflections in the water if you get a sunny day are every photographer’s dream!)

This was one of my favourite discoveries in Brønnøysund because it was genuinely peaceful and serene. When I did the walk, there was no one else around!

Katie’s Top Tip: Once you’ve reached the beautiful Frokenosen Lagoon Viewpoint, you are now adjacent to the port where your ship is docked. It’s then just an easy few-minute walk back.

Frøkenosen Lake, Brønnøysund’s hidden gem!

5. Walk the Waterfront Promenade

You are now back at your ship, and most visitors only explore the waterfront in front of the harbour. But walking the opposite direction is one of the best things to do in Brønnøysund!

This part of town is quieter and more residential, giving you a real sense of what local life looks like here in this remote coastal town.

On this short walk, you’ll pass colourful family homes and see a different side to Brønnøysund that most visitors miss.

I would recommend you walk as far as Valen Park (just 10 minutes from your ship).

It is a peaceful spot with just a few benches, but it has an incredible view of the surrounding coastal scenery!

Katie’s Top Tip: On your walk, also explore down residential side streets and wander where your feet take you for a while. I love doing this in new places, without following any map or plan! And here in Brønnøysund, it’s such a great way to get a real sense of local life.

Quaint red buildings lining the underrated waterfront in Brønnøysund

6. Learn From the Helgeland Tourism Department

If you love getting a local perspective and want to make the most of your time in Brønnøysund, the Helgeland Tourism Department is well worth a stop!

It’s right in the heart of town and is very easy to reach from the port.

Plus, the guides are genuinely helpful, love their town and are more than happy to advise you on walking trails, local spots and the fascinating history of Brønnøysund.

They also rent bikes here, which is perfect if you want to see more of the town without rushing – or if you want to enjoy some light exercise with a view during your port call!

It’s safe and flat for cycling, and I saw loads of locals out on their bikes during my visit.

Katie’s Top Tip: Head to the Helgeland Tourism Department when you dock if you want to maximise your time here or simply learn from a local about the fascinating history and culture of the town!

7. Hike Mount Torghatten

If you’ve ever Googled Brønnøysund, Norway attractions, you’ve probably seen one photo come up again and again: the distinctive mountain with a giant hole through the middle.

That’s Mount Torghatten (one of Norway’s most iconic natural landmarks!), and it’s right here, just across the bridge from Brønnøysund.

Even if you only have a couple of hours in port, this is one of the best things to do in Brønnøysund if you don’t want to explore the town, but join a guided hike with Havila or Hurtigruten instead.

There are two different Havila excursions on offer, depending on when you visit:

Between 1^st April and 31^st October, a bus will take you to the foot of Torghatten, before your experienced guide will lead you on a short but steep hike to the famous hole.

From this spot, you can stand inside the mountain and look out to the sea on the other side!

And then between 1^st November and 31^st March, you will hike instead to the best Torghatten viewpoint and take a look at the mountain’s geology, most likely after twilight.

Plus, booking this excursion with your ship removes the stress, as you don’t need to worry about transport, timings, getting lost or missing the ship’s departure!

Katie’s Top Tip: If you don’t fancy the hike, don’t worry! You’ll also have the chance to see Torghatten from the water, just after your ship leaves port at around 5:30pm. The only consideration is whether it’s still light enough to see it. (As an example, I sailed the Norway Coastal Express in early March, and we passed just in time before it got too dark.)

Hiking Mount Torghatten, the mountain with the hole, is one of the best things to do in Brønnøysund — Mount Torghatten, the mountain with the hole!

8. Enjoy the Spectacular Scenery From Your Ship

Do not underestimate how breathtaking this stretch of Norway’s coastline is!

The surrounding coastline is easily one of the best things to do in Brønnøysund, even though it technically happens just before and just after your port call.

Sailing into Brønnøysund, you’ll pass tiny islands, scenic inlets, mountains and colourful communities, with the waves lapping the sides of your ship beneath you.

It’s the kind of scenery you’ll want to be out on deck for constantly during the approach!

The most magical moment, though, is just after your ship departs Brønnøysund.

Within 10-15 minutes, you’ll sail past Mount Torghatten, with your unique vantage point from the water offering one of the very best views of this iconic mountain with the hole!

If it is still light enough to see it, your captain will make a brief detour here, so you can see this iconic mountain surrounded by spectacular coastal scenery.

Katie’s Top Tip: It is also worth spending some time on the top deck of your ship while you’re actually docked in Brønnøysund harbour. The vantage point over the town and the surrounding coastline is seriously spectacular!

Beautiful coastal scenery from Havila Polaris in Brønnøysund!

Final Thoughts

If you arrived in Brønnøysund unsure what to expect, you’re definitely not alone. I visited with zero expectations – but this charming town ended up being one of my favourites!

With its beautiful harbour, peaceful small-town atmosphere, quaint stone church and unique position as the midpoint of Norway, there are so many best things to do in Brønnøysund that make this 2-hour port call worth getting excited about!

Sure, it’s not a touristy town packed with big attractions, like some of the other stops on this famous route, but that’s exactly why it’s so special.

It’s a unique chance to explore a quiet, local Norwegian coastal town, and get a real sense of everyday life in this beautiful part of the country!

FAQs About Visiting Brønnøysund

Where should I stay in Brønnøysund?

If you’re visiting outside of a Coastal Express itinerary, the most convenient option is staying in the town centre, near the harbour.

This way, you’ll be within easy walking distance to shops, restaurants and all of the best things to do in Brønnøysund.

I recommend Thon Hotel Brønnøysund.

How long do you need in Brønnøysund?

If you’re arriving on a Coastal Express itinerary, your 2.5-hour port call is enough to explore the highlights of this underrated town.

You can explore the harbour, walk to the church and lake, visit Valen Park, and take some photos at the midpoint of Norway! Alternatively, you could join an organised excursion and hike to Torghatten.

If you’re visiting independently, I’d recommend staying for two full days. That gives you time to get the best of both worlds – explore the beautiful town itself and hike Torghatten!

What should I prioritise if I only have a 2-hour port call?

2.5 hours go by fast in peaceful Brønnøysund, but it is enough time to see the highlights!

I personally walked this guide in order, starting at the harbour and midpoint monument, before heading inland to visit the church and lake, and finishing with a walk to Valen Park.

The Torghatten excursion is also a great option for your port call (especially in summer), but keep in mind that if you choose this, you won’t be able to explore the town itself.

Is Brønnøysund safe for solo female travellers?

Yes! Brønnøysund felt very safe for me as a solo female traveller, and its peaceful, local atmosphere immediately put me at ease.

Walking around the harbour or through town feels safe even in the darker winter months, and there are always both locals and fellow passengers around if you need them.

For a deeper look at solo safety in Norway, check my full guide: Is Norway Safe for Solo Female Travellers? + Norway Safety Tips.

Can you walk everywhere in Brønnøysund from the cruise port?

Yes! The port is right in the centre, and all of the best things to do in Brønnøysund are easily walkable, including the harbour, cafés, shops, the church and the midpoint monument.

Brønnøysund is actually one of the easiest ports to explore solo on the whole Coastal Express route because you don’t need any public transport to see the highlights!

Can I hike Mount Torghatten from Brønnøysund?

You can, but only with an excursion, as Torghatten is about 20 minutes out of town by car. Both Havila and Hurtigruten offer excursions that take you to the trailhead and on a guided hike.

If you’re visiting independently, you can reach Torghatten by car, taxi, or local bus.

The hike is short but steep, but totally worth it for the views through the iconic hole.