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Måtinden in Andøy is one of Vesterålen’s most frequently visited mountains, and for good reasons. From the summit you will be enchanted by views of dramatic mountain peaks and white sandy beaches, among others the hidden beach of Høyvika.
An altitude of 408 does not sound like much, but the spectacular view from Måtinden is out of this world. From the summit you will glance down at craggy mountains, white sandy beaches, endless oceans and the idyllic Bleik Island, which is the home of bird species like puffins, razorbills, guillemots, cormorants and eagles.
Route descriptions
To reach the summit, you have three alternative routes. Most people choose to start from Baugtua, which is located at FV976 between the villages of Stave and Bleik, as it is the shortest and easiest trail. The level is between medium and expert.
The length of the hike is 3.8 km one way and is classified at a medium difficulty level, which is suitable for the entire family. The steepest and most challenging section is already at the beginning of the hike, where you will ascend an altitude of 300 metres up to a flat plateau. From here the trail is great and you have views towards Bleik and the west-coast of Andøya. Just before you reach the summit, there are a few more altitudes that needs to be ascended. As soon as you get up the final hill, the view is breath-taking. But be careful! At the edge the cliffs go straight down into the ocean.
It is possible to start from Stave or Bleik as well. However, this route is more challenging and exposed. If you feel like doing a longer hike, we would recommend walking from one village to the other. The scenery between the two are spectacular, and you can walk along both Høyvika and Bleik beach on the way.
Read more about hiking in Vesterålen: https://visitvesteralen.com/en/hikers-paradise
Source: Visit Vesterålen