What to do in Vesterålen?
There is plenty to do in the Vesterålen region. This is a popular destination for outdoor lovers. Choose between activities such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, cycling and whale watching.
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A paradise for hikers and whale watchers
Visit Vesterålen, a stunning archipelago in Northern Norway
Vesterålen is an archipelago situated north of the Lofoten islands in Northern Norway. As well as being famous for its fauna and flora, fishing villages and rugged coastal landscapes, Vesterålen is a year-round destination for whale watching experiences in the town of Andenes.
See all activities in the Vesterålen areaTours & activities in the Vesterålen area
Whale-Watching at Andenes
14 hours
07:35
Svolvær
Join us on an Arctic Whale Watching Safari, in Andenes, with bus transport from Svolvær, and watch the majestic orcas and sperm whales, above the Arctic Circle, in Norway.
From 3630 NOK per person
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Hurtigruten Cruise into Trollfjord, with Arctic Route bus
11 hours
07:15
Svolvær
Visit the hometown of Hurtigruten, the brand-new museum, and explore the village of Stormarknes on foot. On your way back to Svolvær, you will join Hurtigruten ship and visit Trollfjord.
From 1495 NOK per person
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Fjord & Sea Eagle tour by RIB boat, from Sortland
2 hours
09:30
Sortland
Fjord and Eagle Safari in the enchanting Vesterålen! Embarking on a RIB tour is an experience that combines history, nature, and wildlife.
From 790 NOK per person
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Moose Safari in Vesterålen
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17:30
Sortland
As the largest and heaviest species in the deer family, the moose is an animal to remember. A unique encounter during your summer holiday in the Arctic.
From 1350 NOK per person
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Sea Eagle Safari to Trollfjord by RIB boat, from Sortland
2.5 hours
11:30
Sortland
Experience the famous Trollfjord! Trollfjorden in Vesterålen is one of Norway’s most impressive fjords, known for its dramatic nature and rich history. Norway's largest bird of prey, the majestic sea eagle, is often seen.
From 1490 NOK per person
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Hurtigruten Museum Entrance Ticket
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Stockmarknes
Get to know the history of Hurtigruten, one of the most famous cruise brands in Norway, with a ticket entrance to the newly opened museum located in Stockmarknes.
From 195 NOK per person
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The archipelago of Vesterålen
Vesterålen consists of several islands including Andøya, Hadseløya and Langøya, and its small towns and villages offer a close-knit community feeling.
The archipelago is known for its diverse cultural heritage and environment and offers a range of museums and sites to visit. Major regional employers include fisheries and other marine industries, as well as tourism, healthcare and education.
Located still in the Arctic Circle, is an exciting place to visit both during winter time (where you will be able to see the aurora borealis) but also during summer time for whale watching, to visit Andenes Space Center, summer hikings and see the midnight sun phenomenon.
How to get to Vesterålen?
SUMMERTIME:
Not keen on renting a car? Getting to Vesterålen has never been easier during summertime: hop on the Arctic Route bus, with daily departures from Svolvær (Lofoten), Tromsø, and Senja. The bus makes several stops along the whole area of Vesterålen. See the full route, timetables, prices and all stops here.
The Arctic Route offers a daily scenic bus route between Lofoten and Tromsø (from 15 June to 31 August) with several stops along the way including Stokmarknes, Sortland, Bleik Beach, Andenes Centre, Hamn i Senja and Ersfjord.
You can buy a single ticket between two places and enjoy unlimited travel during the duration of your pass on this route and on our summer scenic bus route between Svolvær and Å i Lofoten.
Are you traveling by car? The National Tourist Route brings you to Vesterålen including ferry crossings (ferry Fiskebæl-Mlebu and ferry Gryllefjord-Andenes).
WINTERTIME:
Drive along the E6 from Tromsø or the south, and head over to E10 in Bjerkvik, making your way to Vesterålen.
Visit Andøya space center
While in Vesterålen, visit the unique Andøya Space Center, Norway’s only operational space center. You can learn more about northern lights research, the history of Andøya Space or take a virtual trip to Mars.
Where to stay in Vesterålen?
Vesterålen offers a wide range of accommodation, from hotels to rorbuer (fishermen’s cabins) and “Instagram friendly” overnight locations:
Unique locations
Rorbuer (fishermen’s cabins)
Hotels
Visit Vesterålen, in Northern Norway
Choose between many outdoor activities and discover one of the most beautiful places in Northern Norway. Spanning culture, history, wildlife, outdoors and local culture, the offer in Vesterålen is varied and easily accessible via The Arctic Route or by car.
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