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.

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What do you need to know

What to do in Vesterålen, Norway in the summertime

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Whale watching in Norway this Summer 2025

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The history behind the Arctic Route

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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.

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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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:

Rorbuer (fishermen’s cabins)