Norway’s Scenic Routes offer many surprises if you explore them a little more closely.
Join us on a tour around Andøya and get tips on the top experiences on the island!
Børhella lighthouse in Vesterålen
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Photo:
Fredrik Ahlsen/visitnorway.com
Børhella lighthouse in Vesterålen
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Photo:
Fredrik Ahlsen/visitnorway.com
First, we have to zoom out a bit.
Andøya is located in the far north of Vesterålen in Northern Norway.
So how do I get there?
Widerøe has direct flights to Andøya from Tromsø and Bodø and international connections to Harstad/Narvik Airport, Evenes, just two hours away. In summertime, the airline Norwegian has direct flights from Oslo to Andøya.
Hurtigruten calls at Risøyhamn in Andøya twice per day all year round. In summertime, there is a daily ferry connection between Andenes in Andøya and Gryllefjord in Senja.
There are also bus connections from Sortland, Lofoten, and Narvik.
Andøya map
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Photo:
Visitnorway.com
Andøya map
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Photo:
Visitnorway.com
Rent a car at one of the airports, or rent a bike at one of the local hotels. The 58-km route is perfect for cycling, with no major climbs, and offers an exciting and varied coastal landscape.
Spaceship Aurora visitor centre, Andøya Space, Vesterålen
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Photo:
Fredrik Ahlsen, Maverix / Visit Norway
Our next stop is Kleivodden, a rest area at the foot of some very steep mountains.
From here, you get some pretty amazing views over Bleik beach, the cone-shaped Bleik island and the endless ocean horizon.
Kleivodden viewpoint at Andøya
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Photo:
Fredrik Ahlsen / Visitnorway.com
Kleivodden viewpoint at Andøya
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Photo:
Fredrik Ahlsen / Visitnorway.com
Pass through the dark in the only tunnel on Andøya ...
Tunnel on Andøya in Vesterålen
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Photo:
Fredrik Ahlsen / Visitnorway.com
Andøya Scenic Route in Vesterålen
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Photo:
Fredrik Ahlsen / Visitnorway.com
... and arrive by this white sandy beach!
Bleikstranda is more Lord of the Rings than palm trees and tropical temperatures, and is the ideal place to photograph the northern lights in winter or the midnight sun in summer.
Bleikstranda on Andøya, Vesterålen
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Photo:
Fredrik Ahlsen / Visitnorway.com
Bleikstranda on Andøya, Vesterålen
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Photo:
Fredrik Ahlsen / Visitnorway.com
From Bleik beach you can see the triangle-shaped island called Bleiksøya.
The island is a bustling bird sanctuary, and home to one of the largest puffin colonies in Norway! See it up close on a guided safari trip.
Look out for white-tailed eagles on these tours too!
Atlantic puffin
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Photo:
Marten Bril
Atlantic puffin
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Photo:
Marten Bril
The same people also offers fishing trips. Deep sea fishing is a true Northern Norwegian adventure!
Deep sea fishing in Andøya, Vesterålen
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Photo:
Fredrik Ahlsen / Visitnorway.com
Deep sea fishing outside Andøya in Vesterålen
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Photo:
Fredrik Ahlsen / Visitnorway.com
If you have time and the weather permits, bring a packed lunch up to Mount Røyken, the mountain that towers over Bleik.
It doesn't require very much energy to reach the top, and you'll get splendid views of Bleik beach, the charming village of Andenes, and the flat cloudberry marshes.
Røyken mountain in Andøya
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Photo:
Fredrik Ahlsen / Visitnorway.com
Røyken mountain in Andøya
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Photo:
Fredrik Ahlsen / Visitnorway.com
If you want to do more hiking, walk the 9-km-longCoastal Trail from Bleik to Stave.
The trail winds through marshy areas, rocky shorelines, beaches, and mountains ...
Andøya coastal trail
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Photo:
Fredrik Ahlsen / Visitnorway.com
Andøya coastal trail
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Photo:
Fredrik Ahlsen / Visitnorway.com
Måtind mountain is the highest point on the coast. This is the spot where you get the best views.
Once you arrive at the village of Stave, you can head straight to the steaming hot pools and beach saunas at the campsite, while listening to the waves. An experience that is guaranteed to soothe both body and mind!
Stave Hot Pools at Andøya
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Photo:
Artjom Walberg
Stave Hot Pools at Andøya
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Photo:
Artjom Walberg
This next highlight is worth a visit even if you don't have any business to take care of;)
Norway has some of the world's most epic restrooms, including this one at Bukkekjerka, where the one-way mirror lets you enjoy panoramic views of the sea (all while comfortably seated).
Bukkekjerka in Andøya, Vesterålen
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Photo:
Fredrik Ahlsen / Visitnorway.com
Bukkekjerka in Andøya, Vesterålen
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Photo:
Fredrik Ahlsen / Visitnorway.com
Don't miss this small lighthouse, Børhella fyr, just a short walk from the car park.
You can see the beautiful winding road in the background!
Andøya, Børhella lighthouse
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Photo:
Fredrik Ahlsen / Visitnorway.com
Andøya, Børhella lighthouse
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Photo:
Fredrik Ahlsen / Visitnorway.com
Before rounding off your trip on the south-west side of the island, make sure to visit Marmelkroken. This rural nature resort offers comfortable accommodation, delicious dining, and exciting activities.
Its architectural tidewater shelter allows you to enjoy the Arctic nature in any weather. You may even spot some Arctic birds!
Marmelkroken resort, Andøya
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Photo:
Renomme
Marmelkroken resort, Andøya
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Photo:
Renomme
You should explore a bit of the east side of the island, too!
At Dverberg, you will find the cutest shop and café called Alveland, 'Elf Land, specialised in natural products, handmade soaps, and delicious, freshly baked cinnamon buns.
Alveland shop and café, Dverberg
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Photo:
Fredrik Ahlsen / Visitnorway.com
Alveland shop and café, Dverberg
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Photo:
Fredrik Ahlsen / Visitnorway.com
Back in Andenes, remember to stop by the iconic landmark, the Andenes Lighthouse. At 40 metres high, it's one of the tallest lighthouses in Norway!
Andenes also offers shops, restaurants, and accommodation for a good night's sleep!
Andenes lighthouse
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Photo:
Fredrik Ahlsen / Visitnorway.com
Andenes lighthouse
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Photo:
Fredrik Ahlsen / Visitnorway.com
Want more road trips? The Scenic Route on Senja is just a ferry ride away!
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