VESTERÅLEN

Whales and wow moments

Located east of the Lofoten islands in Northern Norway, Vesterålen is Norway’s only year-round destination for whale experiences, thanks to its proximity to the continental shelf.

Experience beautiful sandy beaches, historic fishing villages, jagged mountain peaks, and thousands of small islands.

But there's more than just nature, as you can also see Norway's only permanent rocket range at Andøya Space!

Come in summer for the midnight sun; in winter, you might see the northern lights!

Find inspiration below, or go directly to:

Three orcas off the coast of Andøy in Vesterålen, Northern Norway

Illustration of the cultural museum The Whale in Vesterålen, Northern Norway

View from Kleivodden, Norwegian Scenic Route Andøya

Northern lights over the fishing village Nyksund in Vesterålen, Northern Norway

It’s hard to beat the experience of seeing the tail of a huge sperm whale wave goodbye under the midnight sun, or watching humpbacks and killer whales play in the winter waves.

Join a guided whale safari!

And soon, all whale enthusiasts will have yet another reason to visit Andenes …

… when the new Whale Centre opens its doors to the public. Just look at the architecture!

Vesterålen’s nature experiences are not just at sea. You’ll find plenty of stunning spots on the 1,330 islands too.

Cycling or driving the Norwegian Scenic Route Andøya is a great way to experience plenty of beauty in a short time!

You may even have to pinch your arm to make sure you're not dreaming.

Like when the northern lights dance across the night sky between September and April.

Or when you look out at the archipelago, the sea, and the fishing villages on a hike. Try the trail to Dronningruta or Møysalen.

In the summer, you can camp out under the midnight sun …

… and in the winter you can go snowshoeing on fresh powder snow. The area's reputation as a 'hikers’ paradise' applies year round, as you can see 😊

Top things to do

Don't miss these highlights.

Find more attractions

Woman taking selfie on a cruise on the Trollfjord in Vesterålen, Northern Norway

A person on the beach by the fishing village Hovden in Bø in Vesterålen, Northern Norway

Moose swimming in the ocean in Vesterålen, Northern Norway

Stokmaknes in Vesterålen, Northern Norway

A virtual space journey to Mars, at the visitor centre Spaceship Aurora, Andøya

The Norwegian Coastal Express museum in Vesterålen in Northern Norway

Other serious wow moments include: when you see the glimmering Trollfjord reflect the mountain peaks …

… when you reach the top of Reka mountain with the help of bolts, ropes, and a local guide …

… and exploring some of Norway’s longest and most beautiful beaches, like those near the fishing villages of Hovden (pictured) and Bleik.

The wildlife at sea is far from the only spectacle in this part of Northern Norway.

Let a guide take you where moose swim and fox cubs play ...

... or to the bird mountain where some 80,000 puffins stay on the lookout for hunting sea eagles.

This archipelago in the north of Nordland offers much more than stunning nature. Discover vibrant coastal communities …

… and cool attractions.

At the Spaceship Aurora visitor center at Andøya you can launch your own rocket, explore interactive exhibitions, learn about the northern lights, and feel what it's like to be an astronaut.

The new Hurtigruten Museum welcomes you aboard a key chapter of coastal history.

Where to stay

Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.

More accommodation alternatives

The fishing village Nyksund in Vesterålen in Northern Norway

Man showing off his catch of the day on a fishing trip in Vesterålen, Northern Norway

Food at the restaurant Neumanns Røykeri & Supperclub in Vesterålen, Northern Norway

Sami woman petting a reindeer in Vesterålen, Northern Norway

Remember to bring a piece of the charming fishing village Nyksund with you home!

What used to be a ghost town is now a creative retreat with galleries, museums, and some of Vesterålen’s best restaurants.

You’ll still see plenty of fishing boats and trawlers going out to the rich fishing grounds. Some have visitors on board. Feel free to join!

It’s a great place to go fishing – the sea is teeming with life, which explains the delicious local seafood. Perhaps you’ll catch a skrei (migrating Arctic cod) on your line? The fish has been the region’s most important export ever since the Viking Age.

Be sure to taste the astonishing variety of cod dishes. Apart from the local delicacy stockfish, you’ll find fresh, fried, boiled, and oven-baked cod on the menu – you name it, Vesterålen serves it.

Whatever you choose, you’ll see why this white fish from Norway is so sought after around the world.

Try the local Sami delicacies, including reindeer meat so tender it melts in your mouth.

Pay a visit to Inga Sami Siida to experience Sami traditions and reindeer up close.

Food and drink

Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.

Find more restaurants

Whale safari in Vesterålen, Northern Norway

Vesterålen offers wow moments whether you visit with a partner, friends, or family. Come and see it for yourself!

Find more information on Vesterålen's official website.

visitvesteralen.com

Getting here and around

Plan your trip to Vesterålen with Entur, Norway's official travel planner.

By road
Vesterålen is connected to the mainland and the E6 with two-lane highways. Several bridges and tunnels link the island group of Vesterålen together.
Note that Norway has a unique traffic culture, in the way that it might be the only country in the world where pedestrians cross roads without paying much attention, expecting cars to slow down or even stop. The same goes for cyclists – they use the roads, but often don’t follow traffic rules. There has been many dangerous situations and accidents between cars driven by tourists and cyclists and pedestrians. For many car tourists, it can be a new experience to share the roads with these groups.
There are daily buses from larger cities in Northern Norway to Sortland, the largest town in Vesterålen.
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By plane
There are frequent and regular flights from all the major cities in Norway to Harstad/Narvik Airport, which is the closest airport to Vesterålen. An airport bus service takes you to Sortland in Vesterålen in about 2 hours.
Other airports in Vesterålen are Stokmarknes Airport and Andøya Airport.
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By boat
The Norwegian Coastal Voyage Hurtigruten calls daily at Risøyhamn, Sortland, and Stokmarknes in Vesterålen.
There is a year-round ferry service between Lødingen and Bognes, and between Melbu and Fiskebøl. In summer, there is also a ferry connection between Andenes and Gryllefjord.
For travel to Lofoten, there’s a ferry connection between Melbu and Digermulen.
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Wildlife safaris

Discover more

Young Sami woman with a reindeer in Røros

Experience Sami culture

Northern Norway

A man standing on the tip of a mountain in the midnight sun at Senja

5 must-see places above the Arctic Circle

Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
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Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
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Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
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HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
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Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
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De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.