Vesterålen

Vesterålen, with its dramatic landscapes, charming villages, and unforgettable experiences, offers a plethora of exciting activities — from exciting whale safaris to scenic hikes. Check out the best 11 things to do in Vesterålen, Norway.

Join a whale safari

Vesterålen’s main attraction is undoubtedly its incredible whale watching opportunities. This stunning archipelago offers a unique advantage: whale sightings are possible year-round. During the summer months, sperm whales are the dominant species, while winter brings a diverse range of cetaceans, including orcas, humpback whales, fin whales, and pilot whales.

As a world-renowned destination for whale watching, Vesterålen has several prime locations. Andenes, a picturesque coastal town at the archipelago’s northernmost tip, has earned the title of “whale watching capital,” offering numerous daily departures for exciting safaris. Stø, another charming fishing village, provides an excellent alternative base for joining whale safari cruises and boasts a wealth of outdoor activities.

Overall, no visit to Vesterålen is complete without experiencing the thrill of a whale safari. Consider booking a Vesterålen tour that includes a whale watching excursion for an unforgettable experience.

Visit charming fishing villages

Compared to the renowned fishing villages of neighbouring Lofoten, Vesterålen’s charming settlements offer a more tranquil escape, providing a peaceful respite from larger crowds.

Sortland, the archipelago’s largest town and commercial hub, has earned the nickname “The Blue City” due to the unusual colour of its historic buildings. This picturesque town boasts the most extensive range of accommodation options in Vesterålen and houses the impressive Sortland Art Museum, showcasing classic and international artworks. Andenes, a picturesque fishing town, is arguably the archipelago’s most popular destination, attracting visitors with fantastic opportunities for whale watching. Travellers can also visit the local Andøya Space Centre, set out on a spectacular hike to Måtinden, or take a ferry to the scenic town of Gryllefjord in Senja.

However, some of Vesterålen’s highlights lie in smaller, more off-the-beaten-path destinations. Bø and Stø, two charming fishing villages, offer a truly peaceful, almost idyllic escape. Nyksund captivates visitors with its unique artistic vibe. And Stokmarknes, the birthplace of the world-famous Hurtigruten Coastal Express, invites travellers to delve into its maritime history at the local museum. Undoubtedly, Vesterålen’s charming fishing villages offer a tranquil and authentic experience, providing a great opportunity to escape the overcrowded tourist destinations.

Set out on scenic hikes

Hiking in Vesterålen is an essential experience. This stunning archipelago boasts a variety of scenic routes — from easy strolls to challenging hikes.

Vesterålen is home to the dramatic Møysalen National Park, a vast wilderness area stretching 1,700 square kilometres and encompassing mountains, forests, lakes, and coastlines. The park is also home to the namesake mountain, the archipelago’s highest peak and a popular hiking destination. Møysalen’s expansive terrain is perfect for outdoor activities — from hiking and camping to fishing and birdwatching.

Måtinden is Vesterålen’s most popular hike and one of the most scenic trails in the country. Visitors can set out on this moderate, 3-hour hike to the summit of Måtinden, which opens up spectacular views of the beautiful ocean and the white-sand beach.

Travellers staying in Bø can hike Veten, another scenic trail offering a stunning ocean perspective. Dronningruta, or the “Queen’s Route,” is a longer hike of up to 15 kilometres. It connects the charming villages of Nyksund and Stø, presenting unforgettable vistas of the coastline.

And that’s we have just scratched the surface. Vesterålen is all about outdoor adventures and pristine nature, making it a genuine haven for hiking.

Embrace outdoor adventures

Beyond hiking and whale watching, Vesterålen offers a wealth of exciting summer adventures for every traveller.

Visitors to Vesterålen can explore hidden coves and the extensive coastline by kayak, which can be rented in most towns throughout the archipelago. Thrill-seekers will love scuba diving, available in certain areas of the archipelago, including Andenes and Sortland. But above all, there are excellent opportunities for fishing in Vesterålen, both on a boat and from the shore.

Birdwatching is another quintessential activity in the archipelago. Vesterålen’s diverse avian life is impressive, offering an impressive variety of species for viewing — from quirky puffins (like the one pictured in our logo) to majestic eagles.

Besides, travellers can explore the archipelago by bicycle, taking advantage of its countless scenic routes. After all, every visitor should relax on the stunning local beaches (such as the iconic Bleik or the secluded Skipssanden beaches), while the bravest ones can even go for a dip in the cold water.

Chase the Aurora or enjoy the midnight sun

Vesterålen, like the rest of Northern Norway, offers the unique opportunity to witness two awe-inspiring natural phenomena: the mesmerising Northern Lights and the golden midnight sun.

From late May to late July, travellers in Vesterålen can experience the magic of the midnight sun illuminating the landscape. Combining this unique phenomenon with an exciting outdoor activity, such as kayaking on the open ocean, fishing, hiking, or cycling, creates a truly unforgettable experience.

As the nights lengthen in late August, the Northern Lights begin to appear. September and October offer prime viewing conditions, with the season typically lasting until late March. Overall, make sure to experience one of these magical phenomena on your trip to this beautiful archipelago to make it truly unforgettable.

Delve into the region’s fishing traditions

Vesterålen’s rich fishing heritage is deeply woven into the region’s culture. This maritime legacy is evident in the charming fishing villages that dot the archipelago, such as Stokmarknes (home to several excellent marinas) and Andenes (a renowned cod fishing destination).

Anglers can cast a line from shore or embark on a guided fishing tour, available in all bigger towns and some smaller villages. Fishing in Vesterålen presents excellent opportunities to catch a variety of species, including cod, halibut, haddock, and sea trout.

Those less interested in angling can join a guided tour of a salmon farm. During such a trip, visitors can learn about the farming process from start to finish, which is a great way to immerse oneself in the region’s fishing traditions.

Explore the space frontiers at the Andøya Space Centre

The Andøya Space Centre, located in Andenes, is a must-visit attraction for any traveller to Vesterålen. This cutting-edge facility serves as a rocket launch site and a hub for space research.

Visitors can explore engaging interactive exhibits that delve into the science of rocket launches and the Northern Lights. The on-site 3D cinema provides an immersive experience, bringing the wonders of the universe to life, while guided tours offer valuable insights into the centre’s history and operations.

Visiting the Andøya Space Centre is an especially engaging experience for families. Children can participate in virtual space missions to Mars and even test their astronaut skills with fun and interactive activities. All in all, the Andøya Space Centre is one of Vesterålen’s highlights, worth including in every itinerary to this archipelago.

Savour the local cuisine

Vesterålen’s specialty: pan-fried cod’s tongue.

Vesterålen boasts a rich culinary heritage, offering visitors a wealth of unforgettable culinary experiences. While renowned for Vesterålen fish balls (fiskboller) — made from white fish, potatoes, and breadcrumbs — the archipelago’s culinary delights extend far beyond this iconic dish.

Seafood reigns supreme in this archipelago bordering the Norwegian Sea. Stockfish, dried cod traditionally served with butter and potatoes, is the most popular local delicacy and a must-try for every visitor. Vesterålen’s real specialty, however, is the cod’s tongue, usually pan-fried and served with vegetables.

While seafood dominates the menu, Vesterålen’s culinary offerings are not limited to the sea. Travellers can savour succulent crab claws, delicate Arctic char, and rich reindeer meat. Typical Norwegian dishes — such as brunost (brown cheese with a sweet flavour) and game meat — are also served in the archipelago. With its delicious cuisine and many cosy, family-run restaurants, Vesterålen promises a truly memorable culinary journey.

Visit the Hurtigruten Museum

For any traveller interested in maritime history, a visit to the engaging Hurtigruten Museum in Stokmarknes is a must. This fascinating institution offers a glimpse into the history of this legendary shipping line that has operated since 1893.

The museum’s highlight is the MS Finnsmarken, a fully restored passenger ship dating back to 1956. Visitors are welcome to step aboard and explore every part of this historic vessel, from the engine room to the captain’s bridge.

Interactive exhibits provide a deeper understanding of the Hurtigruten’s rich history, from its humble beginnings to its modern operations. Visitors can learn about the diverse roles of the crew and even try their hand at navigating the ship. The museum also exhibits a valuable collection of artifacts and memorabilia, including maps, uniforms, photographs, and personal belongings of the former crew members.

Go birdwatching

The Vesterålen Islands are a birdwatcher’s paradise. With its diverse landscapes — coastal cliffs, lush forests, dramatic fjords, and the stark beauty of the Arctic tundra — the archipelago boasts some of the finest birdwatching opportunities in Europe.

Visitors can encounter a remarkable array of avian life in Vesterålen, including soaring seabirds, vibrant land birds, and awe-inspiring birds of prey. The archipelago is particularly renowned for its incredible diversity of seabirds, with graceful fulmars, powerful gannets, and — the undisputed stars of the show — playful puffins (featured prominently in our logo) delighting birdwatchers. Witnessing the majestic white-tailed eagle in flight is an unforgettable experience.

The best time to go birdwatching in Vesterålen is during the spring and summer months, typically from late April to August. Langøy Island stands out as a prime destination, boasting a remarkable record of over 200 bird species, including the captivating puffins. The charming fishing village of Bleik and the expansive island of Andøya also offer excellent birdwatching opportunities. Undoubtedly, the Vesterålen Islands provide an unparalleled experience for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike.

Chill out on expansive local beaches

While perhaps not as renowned as those in Lofoten, the stunning white-sand beaches in the Vesterålen Islands offer excellent opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The iconic Bleik beach, located near the charming namesake village and ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the midnight sun, is a must-visit.

The archipelago’s other stunning beach is the secluded Høyvika, best witnessed from the spectacular hike to Måtinden. Travellers staying in Stø will enjoy a short hike to the picturesque Skipssanden Beach, ideal for a picnic and sunbathing. For a truly secluded escape, head to Åsand, a remote stretch of sand nestled amidst the stunning scenery.

The charming fishing village of Hovden boasts three scenic beaches within a 500-metre range. Visitors can go swimming, sunbathing, and enjoy the midnight sun in this idyllic setting. Vesterålen offers many scenic stretches of white sand, creating ideal opportunities for unforgettable beach days and a truly memorable Norwegian coastal experience.

Getting around

The best way to get around this vast archipelago is by car, which offers the most flexibility for exploring Vesterålen. The roads are generally well-maintained, though some are narrow and winding, so exercise caution.

Buses provide a convenient and affordable option for shorter distances, connecting major towns and villages throughout the archipelago. The recently launched Arctic Route buses, operating during the summer season, offer scenic journeys connecting Vesterålen with other popular destinations in Northern Norway, including Lofoten, Senja, and Tromsø.

Ferries offer the best way to island-hop within Vesterålen. They operate frequently and are often cheaper than other modes of transport.

The best way to get to Vesterålen is by plane, though the closest major airport is located in Evenes, south of the archipelago. Vesterålen also has smaller airports in Stokmarknes and Andenes, offering convenient access to certain parts of the region.