Vesterålen
Norway · Nordland · 5 m
Description
Vesterålen is the quieter northern neighbor of the Lofoten Islands, a sprawling island region of rugged mountains, white-sand beaches, and small fishing villages. The archipelago is particularly known for the sperm whales found off Andenes, where the deep waters of Bleiksdjupet provide rich feeding grounds. White-tailed sea eagles, puffins, and numerous other seabirds add to the region’s abundant coastal wildlife. Andenes, with its lighthouse and whale center, is a major base for whale-watching excursions, while places such as Bleik and the Andøya Scenic Route reveal the quieter, more open side of northern Norway. Vesterålen combines traditional coastal culture, rich wildlife, and dramatic landscapes along the Norwegian Sea.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 4 days (optimal 3 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: July – August
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Whale safari from Andenes (sperm whales)
- Nyksund historic fishing village
- Sea eagle safari
- Andenes lighthouse and Whale Centre
- Bleik Beach
- Stø whale watching (May - August)
- Møysalen National Park
- Møysalen summit hike (July - September)
- Queen's Route (Dronningruta) (June - September)
- Hadseløya coastal drive
- Hurtigruten coastal voyage
- Bleik and Bleiksøya bird cliffs (May - August)
- Bleiksøya puffin colony boat trip (May - August)
- Bø coastal landscape
- Hovden coastal village
- Sortland and Blue City
- Vesterålen coastal kayaking (May - September)
- Vesterålen hiking (June - September)
- Northern lights (September - April)
- Midnight sun (May - July)
- Nyksund to Stø coastal hike (June - September)
- Bø Museum
- Vesterålen Museum
Getting there
- Airports:
- ANX
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry