VESTERÅLEN 2016 - ENGELSK by NordNorsk Reiseliv

ENG

TRAVEL GUIDE 2017

VESTERÅLEN – kingdom of the whales -

WELCOME TO

VESTERÅLEN - KINGDOM OF THE WHALES

ANDØY

ØKSNES

Vesterålen is the only place in Norway where you can experience whale safari all year around with professional providers. The archipelago of Vesterålen is a region of opportunities, known for its many and varied activities. A substantial amount of trail marking has been done, with signs put up all over the region. From summer 2017 the region will have over 150 BØ marked hiking trails and treks. It is important that both locals and visitors care for the nature around us. We have unwritten rules that says that what you bring with you into nature, you also bring back home. We all benefit from our natural environment and want other people to enjoy their trip as much as we do.

SORTLAND

HADSEL

If you are travelling the region by car, we ask you to be aware of, and accommodate, the many cyclists who share the road. Keep 1.5 meters between car and cyclist when passing. This guide is not exhaustive and we recommend that you visit our mobile adapted website www.visitvesteralen.com for more information. The regional tourist information office in Sortland is open all year around. Feel free to send any questions or queries about Vesterålen to turistinfo@vestreg.no VESTERÅLEN russia

Welcome to Vesterålen! Astrid Berthinussen

sweden finland

Director of tourism

Norway

denmark united kingdom

poland germany

france

PUBLISHED BY: Vesterålen reiseliv - Kjøpmannsgt. 2 - 8400 Sortland (+47) 76 11 14 80 – turistinfo@vestreg.no – www.visitvesteralen.com PRODUCTION • Number printed: 30.000 • Language: Norwegian, English, German and French (Spanish and Dutch versions available online) And¿y kommune • Project manager: Astrid Berthinussen, Vesterålen reiseliv • Layout/Design: Tore Schöning Olsen,And¿y NordNorsk Reiseliv AS kommune B¿ kommune • Printing: K. Nordahls Trykkeri AS • Cover photo: Marten Bril B¿ Hadsel kommune kommune

Hadsel kommune L¿dingen kommune kommune Partners and networks VesterålenAnd¿y reiseliv:And¿y kommune L¿dingen kommune Sortland kommune B¿ kommune B¿ kommune And¿y kommune ¯ksnes kommune Hadsel kommune Sortland kommune Hadsel kommune B¿ kommune L¿dingen kommune ¯ksnes kommune L¿dingen kommune Hadsel kommune

Sortland kommune facebook.com/visitvesteralen – Twitter: @VisitVesteralen – Instagram: @visitvesteralen Sortland kommune L¿dingen kommune

www.visitvesteralen.com

CONTENTS

DID YOU KNOW THAT... Vesterålen has over 40 white sand beaches, several of them popular as swimming areas. Some of these are Taen beach in Hadsel, Bleik beach in Andøy, Åsand in Bø, Meløysanden in Øksnes and Sigerfjord beach in Sortland.

USEFUL INFO 4

TRAVEL TO VESTERÅLEN

USEFUL INFORMATION

34 ACCOMMODATION

ADVENTURES 6

OUT AND ABOUT IN VESTERÅLEN

8 HIKING

10 CYCLING

11 PADDLING

WHALE SAFARI

NATURE SAFARI

FISHING AND BOATING

20 MAP

CULTURE AND CREATIVITY

A TASTE OF VESTERÅLEN

28 WINTER IN VESTERÅLEN

EXPERIENCE THE AURORA

UNIQUE ADVENTURES

THE NATIONAL TOURIST ROUTE

PRISER

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TRAVEL TO VESTERÅLEN AT

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Offersøy

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(+47) 76 93 39 00

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TheMelbu tripHotell to Vesterålen is an lexperience in itself, whether by car,lbus, l you l l travel l l plane, l l the coastal AS Christian Frederiksens gt. 3, Melbu (+47) 76 16 00 00 booking@m-h.no www.v-resort.no 50 58 113 express, train or a combination of these.

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(+47) 95 94 71 57

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Børøya, Stokmarknes

(+47) 76 15 29 99

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Myre Kysthotell

www.skagakaia.no

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booking@vesteralenapartment.com

(+47) 76 13 14 55

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www.litloyfyr.no

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karina@yttersiden.no

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post@skagakaia.no

(+47) 90 64 05 91

Toftenes Sjøhuscamping

kontakt@litloyfyr.no

Vesterålen Apartment

Toftenes, Alsvåg

l grasnesferiehus@gmail.com

(+47) 92 06 38 75

Huset på yttersiden

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Skagakaia & Café Gamle Posthuset

Klaksjord, Bø i Vesterålen

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asoelsne@online.no

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l l l TROLLFJORDEN www.sortlandhotell.no

hj.bergseng@sortland-camping.no

(+47) 90 90 07 02

Litløy fyr

Ringstad Sjøhus, Ringstadveien 28

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Litløya Skagenvn 55, Skagen, Bø i Vesterålen

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www.gronningbrygga.no

post@sortlandhotell.no

(+47) 76 12 10 41

Grasnes Feriehus Vesterlandet 161, Sortland

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www.vesteralenkysthotell.no/nb-no 100

roy@gronningbrygga.no

(+47) 76 11 03 00

Postmestergården Nordlysveien 35, Sortland

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Sortland Camping & Motell as NAF l l l l

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(+47) 99 22 53 23

Vesterålsgata 59, Sortland Vesterveien 51, Sortland

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Grønningbrygga Grønning, Stokmarknes

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Storgt INFORMATION 52, Myre 10 88 83 www.myrekysthotell.no 80 29 49 22.12 ROUTE BUS, FERRY (+47) AND90 SPEED BOAT: booking@myrekysthotell.no Fauske – Sortland www.177nordland.no www.177nordland.no – Tel +47 75 77 24 10 Narvik – Sortland www.177nordland.no l l l l l l l l 01.06Fiskeværet Skipnes C8 Harstad – Sortland www.177nordland.no Skipnes, Tindsøya (+47) 76 13 28 55 post@skipnes.com www.skipnes.com 8 50 01.10 YOUR OWN CAR: www.177nordland.no l l l l lTromsø l l – Sortland l l l l l l 01.03Skolestedet Finvåg C8E6 through Norway, via Riksgrensen E10 from Sweden. Nærøya, Øksnes Vestbygd (+47) 90 94 57 27 asle@finvag.no www.finvag.no 40 11 20 31.10 Ferries: www.177nordland.no TRAIN: l l l l 01.01Husjord Apartment E6 Oslo – Fauske: www.nsb.no Husjord, Stø 31.12 (+47) 97 59 13 06 leif@husjord-apt.com www.husjord-apt.com 1 6 Traffic and road information: Train through Sweden to Narvik: www.sj.se l l l l l 01.01Gunnartangen Rorbuferie E6www.vegvesen.no/Trafikkinformasjon/Reiseinformasjon/Trafikkmeldinger 8438 Stø (+47) 41 69 62 23 info@gunnartangen.no Facebook: Gunnartangen rorbuferie 5 35 31.12 COASTAL EXPRESS: l l l l l l l l l 01.05Stø Bobilcamp AS BY PLANE: Bergen – Kirkenes www.hurtigruten.no E6 Valen, Stø 31.08 (+47) 97 53 36 48 stobobilcamp@gmail.com www.stobobilcamp.no 0 0 Oslo – Harstad/Narvik (Evenes): www.sas.no / www.norwegian.com (calls at Stokmarknes, Sortland and Risøyhamn). lwww.sas.no / l l l l l l 01.02Nyksund Ekspedisjonen Bergen – Harstad/Narvik (Evenes): www.norwegian.com D6 Nyksund – Harstad/Narvik (Evenes): (+47) 17.12 48 11 80 68 post@ekspedisjonen-as.no Stavanger www.sas.no / www.norwegian.com The regional tourist office at Sortland will help-you20with9your18 booking l l l l l l l l l Trondheim – Harstad/Narvik (Evenes): www.sas.no / www.norwegian.com 01.01Holmvik Brygge Nyksund for the coastal express ship. Tel +47 76 11 14 80 D6 Nyksund (+47) 76 13 47 96 post@nyksund.com www.nyksund.com 35 13 29 31.12 Oslo – Andenes: www.norwegian.com Oslo – BodøFriluftssenter – Skagen – Tromsø: www.wideroe.no l l l l l l lDISTANCES l l l l IN l VESTERÅLEN l l l l l l l l 01.01Andøy AS G7 Oslo – Bodø – Andenes – Tromsø: www.wideroe.no Sortland – Kaljord 53 km Melbu25– Stokmarknes 16 km Buksnesfjord (+47) 76 14 88 04 booking@andoy-friluftssenter.no www.andoy-friluftssenter.no 6 28 31.12 Oslo – Skagen: www.wideroe.no 28 km Sortland – Lødingen 01.0158 km l lStokmarknes l – Sortland l l l Loviktunet H6 Sortland 101 km Lovik, Risøyhamn (+47) 95 06 70 07 kontakt@loviktunet.no Lødingen – Øksneshamn 63 km www.loviktunet.no - – Andenes 2 13 31.12 BUS: Sortland – Stø l 54 km Sortland – Nyksund 01.0152 km l l l l l l l l l l Husky-Andøy Dogsledding & G6 Sortland – Bø (Straume) 58 km Sortland – Hovden 69 km Airport bus from Evenes to Sortland www.flybussen.no/sortland/ Accommodation, Nygård, Risøyhamn (+47) 95 45 06 32 info@husky-andoy.com www.husky-andoy.com 6 18 31.12 Airport bus Sortland – Skagen www.flybussen.no/sortland/ l l l l l l l l l l l l 01.01G5

Marmelkroken

Bø i Andøy

(+47) 95 76 57 39

Kvalnesbrygga

Kvalnes, Dverberg

(+47) 76 14 63 78

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(+47) 900 84 600

(+47) 41 60 58 52 info@hotellmarena.no

Kong Hans Gate 8, 8480 Andenes

Boreal Travel AS Verkstedveien 4, Sortland

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RS U TO S OAT E L ED BU B BI IS R R O T S M OR OM T E RT E I BU W D R T I S A A X A O IRP S R N IN E-MAIL/TELEPHONE C A VA M B U C H C H TA Q U S N A C U

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(+47) 76 11 14 80 service@andrikkenhotell.no

Hotell Marena Andøy Turistinformasjon Storgata 15, Andenes

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Storgata 53, Andenes (+47) 76 14 9090 Vesterålen regionale turistinformasjon Kjøpmannsgata 2, 8400 Sortland

TRANSPORT F10

www.marmelkroken.no

tur@boreal.no (+47) 99 20 61 15

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SEASON 01.01 > 31.12 www.boreal.no

www.visitvesteralen.com

TROLLFJORDEN © TOFOTO_WWW.NORDNORGE.COM_HADSEL

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VESTERÅLEN

Mountain lodge Airport Road number National Park

Caihnavarre 1582 m

Storå Bjørntoppen 1520 m

Refilling of gas bottles: Industrifeltet (only 11 kg) Shell oljesenter / Hålogaland Varmeservice as Markveien 25, Sortland. Tel: +47 76 12 00 29

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835 Recovery Service Emergency number Våg Viking Useful telephone numbers RØSSØYA in Norway: 06000 To call into Norway use mobile: +47 / Landline: Tømmernes Musken From abroad – tel.: (+47) 22 08 60 00 0047. To call from Norway useHolkestad mobile: +countryBogøy code + Phone no. / Landline: 00 + country code + Nordskot Hellemobotn Falck Norway: Phone no. Emergency number in Norway: 02222 Leinesfjord From abroad – tel.: (+47) 33 13 80 80 en Time/route info for Nordland eCounty: fjord177 L ines If you ring from any area than Nordland, use Helnessund Driving telephone number (+47) 75 77 24 10 or go to: Mørsvikbotn Cars must have headlights switched on at all times. www.177nordland.no Brennsund The drink-driving laws in Norway are strict. The lda legal limitBonnåsjøen is 0.02 % blood alcohol content. Call (+47) 175 for information aboutFomountain passes, road and traffic conditions in Nordland/ Kobbelv Waste disposal points for motorhomes, Norway. Also see: www.vegvesen.no caravans & tourist coaches Kjelvik Styrkesnes Kjerringøy Andenes Andenes Camping RV 82 Sørf Emergency telephone numbers: old Sortlanda YX Sigerfjord RV 85 834 Police: 112 Røsvik Sortland Havna Service (Esso) RV 85 Medical emergency help: 113 Landegode Misten Festvåg Nordfjord Hadsel Bobilcamp, Melbu RV 85 Fire: 110 RAGO VOKKØYA n SJUNKHATTEN Øksnes Esso Myre RV 821 de ELLIGVÆR r NASJONALPARK Mjelle NASJONALPARK LANDEGODE fjo 826

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Midnight sun / Dark (blue) season: 20.05 – 23.07 / 23.11 – 17.01 Currency We highly recommend that you obtain your norwegian currency before your departure to Northern Norway. Credit cards such as VISA and MasterCard can be used in most ATM’s, shops, cafés and restaurants.Foreign debit cards are not always accepted. Quick charger: Vesterålen Bil AS, Vesterålsgata 41, Sortland Ayanda, Hamnegt, Andenes

Straumen

Fauske

Blåmannsisen

Bleik

Botnhamn

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USEFUL INFORMATION

ANDØY

ØKSNES

OUT AND ABOUT IN VESTERÅLEN

BØ SORTLAND

HADSEL

In the Vesterålen archipelago there is something new around every bend and over every bridge. White sand beaches, sculptural mountain peaks, fjords and endless ocean views take your breath away. Museums celebrate fishermen’s culture and heritage, while modern interactive centres present aquaculture, Northern Lights and aerospace. Vesterålen is located by a particularly nutrient rich oceanic area and as such, is one of the best places in the world for whale watching, all year around.

ANDØY is the northernmost municipality in Vesterålen. Along the National Tourist Route on the western coast of the island you will find viewpoints, art, the charming village Bleik, and the 2,5 km long Bleik Beach. Off the coast is Bleik Island and nature reserve, home to puffins, eagles and other sea birds. Andenes has a number of galleries and attractions, including Andøy Museum, the Whale Center, a historical lighthouse and Spaceship Aurora. From Andenes and Bleik you can go whale watching or join in on a bird safari. In the summer season there is a ferry service from Andenes to Gryllefjord in Senja. Hiking tip: The most dramatic view on Andøya you will get from the Måtinden (408 masl) summit. The hike is marked and takes 1 ½ hours each way. BØ municipality is known as the fairy tale municipality, and Bø museum by Vinjesjøen is therefore all about myths, folklore and storytelling. Not far from the museum you can find the Artscape Nordland sculpture «The Man From The Sea» and an outdoors photo exhibition of all the sculptures in the project. Every summer there are also many festivals and market days in Bø. For a relaxing afternoon, wander along the white sand beaches and listen to the teeming bird life in Nykvåg and Hovden. Activity tip: In Bø there are some wonderful cycling routes, boats for hire, deep-sea fishing trips, nature safaris, arctic photo courses and lovely kayaking areas for the outdoors enthusiast. HADSEL municipality is the birth place of Hurtigruten. By the Hurtigruten Museum in Stokmarknes the historical ship «MS Finnmarken» is exhibited on land, as one of the world’s largest museum items. Vesterålen Museum and the Norwegian Fishing Industry Museum are both located in Melbu, and concerts are often arranged in the old herring oil tanks in the harbour because of their unique acoustics. Hiking in Hadsel is varied and many trails are suitable for the whole family. For those wanting 6

a more strenuous hike we recommend a guided trip to Møysalen (1262 masl). Trollfjorden, known for its narrow mouth and steep mountain walls, is also in Hadsel. Family tip: When the wind is howling you can cosy up in the stone cabin «Uværshula», on the western shoreline of Hadseløya, and feel the forces of nature up close. Bring candles. SORTLAND is known as «the blue city» with a blue colour palette, buildings and street art, after an idea by local artist Bjørn Elvenes. Sortland is the commercial centre of Vesterålen and in the city you will find several galleries, photo exhibitions and a brand new culture centre. By the quayside the Artscape Nordland sculpture «The Eye Of The Sea» is located. Just outside the city you can experience Sami culture and in Blokken you can learn about aquaculture. If you prefer mountains there are plenty of marked hiking and walking trails in Sortland. Museum Tip: Jennestad Trading post was one of the first commercial shops in the region. It is preserved as a living museum and in the shop you can buy sweets, waffles and coffee. ØKSNES is a fishery municipality with many attractions and activities. The traditional fisherman’s village Nyksund is one of the most popular places to visit in Vesterålen because of its unique architecture, creative atmosphere and excellent restaurants. From Stø you can go deep-sea fishing, or on a bird and whale safari. The two villages are connected by «The Queen’s Route» hiking trail. The path winds its way both in mountains and along the shoreline, and the trail is considered to be one of the most beautiful hikes in the region. Adventure Tip: Experience coastal culture on a round trip with the express boat in the Øksnes Vestbygd islands. Make sure to stop and explore the historic fisherman’s village Skipnes and Tinden trading post.

www.visitvesteralen.com

len Vesterå ltur in u k a l v k A cationa nd edu a g in it - Exc r the nces fo experie family entire

NORWAY is the world’s largest producer of Atlantic salmon,

dren, movies, underwater camera and a 12-meter long map

and around 14 million people around the world enjoy Nor-

in glass, showing aquaculture expansion in Northern Nor-

wegian salmon every day! Along with fishery, aquaculture is

way. The visit includes a delicious taste of smoked salmon

the main industry in Vesterålen, providing valuable opportu-

or trout from our own production.

nities for employment and settlement along the coast. Akvakultur i Vesterålen is located in the small village BlokAkvakultur i Vesterålen is an adventure center for Norwe-

ken in Sortland municipality. It takes approximately 30 mi-

gian aquaculture, where you can get a unique insight into

nutes to drive by car from Sortland. You can get to Blokken

the production of salmon in one of Norway’s most beautiful

by car or private boat, and it is a short distance to both

regions.

Sortland and Stokmarknes if you arrive by sea.

At our facility, you get to go out on our boat to visit a real fish farm with salmon and trout, meet a real fish farmer and you get a guided tour of our great exhibits, showing aquaculture history from the pioneer era in the ’50s to today’s high-tech operations. We have exciting activities for chilwww.facebook.com/akvakultur

Akvakultur i Vesterålen Gårdsøyveien 32, Blokken, 8406 Sortland Booking/Info: Tel: +47 958 81 822 E-mail: post@akvakulturivesteralen.no www.akvakulturivesteralen.no

www.flickr.com/photos/akvakultur

www.instagram.com/akvakultur

D ES IG N : G O D ST R EK . FOTO : KI N E A N ET TE J OH N S EN , ØYSTE I N I N GVA L DS E N , M A RTE N B R I L & F IS K E R I - & H AVB R UKS N Æ R IN G EN S L A N DS FOR EN I N G.

VISIT A REAL FISH FARM!

VETEN - BØ © BJØRN EIDE

HIKING

Vesterålen has over 150 marked and signposted hiking routes. The trails are easily accessible with beautiful views of fjords and arctic landscapes as far as the eye can see, regardless of which trail you choose. The level of difficulty varies with trails suitable for the novice and seasoned walker alike. A Vesterålen hiking map showcasing the marked hiking trails is available, and we recommend that you buy it if you are new to the region. On the map the trails to the four Norwegian Trekking Association’s cabins in Vesterålen are also marked. You can find more hiking trips on our website www.visitvesteralen.com, as well as listings of companies that do guided hikes and treks.

VETEN, BØ, 467 MASL Start from the firing range or transformer station in Steine, or in Straume. The hike to Veten is a gradual incline on well-marked paths and forest roads. This hike is suitable for the whole family. At the mountain summit you will find a lovely cabin with a beautiful view down to the coast and the Norwegian Sea, © WILLY VESTÅ

HELP US PRESERVE OUR NATURE The Outdoor Recreations Act ensures the public’s right of access in Norwegian nature, and free use of wilderness areas. We ask that you care for our surrounding nature and that any rubbish or trash is brought back to appropriate bins. Use public bathrooms, and if you are far away from a toilet, respect others and do not leave paper close to any path or summit point. Because of livestock roaming free, we ask that dogs are kept on a leash. Be aware of using fire outdoors, and use hearths where available.

SOME RECOMMENDED HIKING TRAILS MØYSALEN, HADSEL 1262 MASL This is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Vesterålen. From the mountain summit you can see as far as Sweden on a clear day! On this trail you need to bring plenty of food and be in good physical condition. On the way to the summit you will pass two glaciers and some steep areas. We recommend joining a guided trip because of the length of the hike (10 hours), and because cell phone reception is limited. Black route – Very hard. 8

Møysalen (1262 masl), the highest mountain in Vesterålen, is located in Møysalen National Park. The picture shows Snytindhytta, one of Vesterålen Hiking Association’s most popular cabins, with Møysalen in the background.

www.visitvesteralen.com

including the popular photo motif of islands Gaukværøy and Litløy. The main image on the left is of the cabin at the Veten summit. Blue route – Medium. THE QUEEN’S ROUTE, ØKSNES, ROUND TRIP The Queen’s Route is a 15km long marked hiking route. This 5-8 hour long round trip was in 2015 named one of the 10 Most Spectacular hikes in Norway by visitnorway.com. The trail connects the two fisherman villages of Stø and Nyksund. We recommend starting in Stø and walking along the shore towards Nyksund and then back to Stø over the mountains. The highest point of the trip is Finngamheia (448 masl), but expect a varied landscape of mountain, stone and marshland. There are some steep areas, but these are secured with rope. This trip is best suited to those in relatively good physical condition. Red Route – Hard.

STEIROHEIA, SORTLAND, 472 MASL Steiroheia is a well-marked hike near Sortland city centre, often used for exercise by locals. You can find parking at the starting point Skibua, and simply follow the signs from there. The walk up takes ca. 1 hour. The Kvila cabin is located at the mountain summit, allowing for excellent views from both inside and outside. This walk is well suited families with small children and anyone looking for a beautiful view not too far from the city. Ask for directions in the regional tourist information office. Green route – Easy. Visit www.visitvesteralen.com for more hiking trails and route suggestions. Contact the Regional Tourist Information Office for maps, or turistinfo@vestreg.no for more information.

When planning a hike in Vesterålen, keep in mind that you are in the arctic. Temperatures and terrain vary and it is important to wear appropriate clothes. Waterproof shoes and windproof clothing are essential. Wear layers to stay warm. Check the weather forecast before you set off, and bring enough food and water to last the trip. If you are not familiar with the hike, contact locals and bring a map. Always let someone know where you are going and bring one or two phone numbers to call in case of emergency.

RECOMMENDED READING: HIKING IN VESTERÅLEN AND LØDINGEN (2015) Vesterålen Hiking Association have published this fantastic book detailing hikes from all over Vesterålen and Lødingen. In norwegian only.

HIKING IN VESTERÅLEN / TELLTUR BROCHURE

A brochure with a couple of hiking destinations from each district in Vesterålen, showing start and finish points, degree of difficulty and a simple discription of the trails. The brochure is available at the regional tourist office in Sortland in both Norwegian and English or, alternatively, can be downloaded at visitvesteralen.com in the following languages; Norwegian, English, German and French.

HIKING MAP VESTERÅLEN (2015) Hiking and cycling map 1:100 000. On sale in the book shops and at the regional tourist information office in Sortland. © GEIR-VIDAR HAUGEN

MÅTINDEN, ANDØY, 408 MASL Måtinden is a lovely quarter-day trip suitable for everyone. There are several starting points, all signposted with info boards, and the shortest route starts in Baugtua and takes ca. 2 hours return. Leave your car in Stavedalen, ca. 4.5 km south of Bleik. For a longer trip you can park by Vassosen and walk via Gongaksla, or walk the beachline from Bleik. Both routes take ca. 3-4 hours return. All the routes are well marked and from the summit you will get a breath taking view over Høyvika Beach on one side, and Bleik Beach on the other. Blue Route – Medium.

CLOTHING & HIKING SAFETY

Discover the Arctic nature with Andøy Friluftssenter • Tailor-made packages • Accommodation • Guided hiking • Local cuisine • Transport

Activities: • Guided hikes to the Møysalen summit (1262 masl). Day trip, ca. 10 hours. • Shorter hikes with/without guide • Freshwater salmon / trout fishing General facilities: • Camping site, café and grocery shop • Conveys reasonably priced accommodation Tel: 974 60 889

HIKING

CYCLING Cycling around Vesterålen opens for magic experiences for the visitor who has sufficient time to take one day at a time.

You can chart out a suitable daily route that lets you travel at your own speed and enjoy as much as possible of the region. The routes are easy to cycle, with very little hilly terrain and many stretches that are practically free of motorised traffic. In other words, the roads are suitable for bicycles with a trailer and a small amount of baggage cargo. You can stop along the way for a picnic on the shoreline or a taste of Vesterålen at one of the cafés or restaurants. If you need accommodation, you will find something to your liking, whether it is a chalet, a seaside lodge, fisherman’s cabin or hotel room. If you need more inspiration and tips on bicycle routes in Vesterålen, you can visit our web pages for inspiration or order our

CYCLING TIPS: Round the Hadsel island, 42 km. The outward facing side of the island is narrow, winding and an easy and GORGEOUS ride. You will be able to enjoy the view of the sea. An easy route, with few and short hills, and little traffic. There is a beautiful beach (Taen) on Hadseløya. There is also a picnic area and a love bench. Don’t miss the art installation Ræk IV. Have a break at Gallery Uvær. Sortland – Bø (Hovden), 69 km. Bø has a dramatically beautiful mountain panorama and view out towards the open ocean. It comprises small local communities, pleasant sandy beaches and a lot to see. Iron age excavations, «The Man from the Sea» sculpture, churches and tourist facilities.

CYCLIST WELCOME COMPANIES: : Sortland Hotell Tel: +47 76 10 84 00, post@sortlandhotell.no www.sortlandhotell.no Holmvik brygge Tel: +47 76 13 47 96 • post@nyksund.com • www.nyksund.com/

combined bicycle and touring map, as well as our cycling guide. The guide contains suggested cycling routes, table of distances, segmented maps, samples of what you can do and see, as well as other trip tips for your biking journey through Vesterålen.

FLY AND BIKE Fly to Vesterålen and start your cycling adventure straight away through Fly & Bike. Book your Fly & Bike package on the Widerøe website. You can pick up and deliver your rented bicycle in a number of different locations. Welcome and have a pleasant cycling trip through Vesterålen!

Sortland – Stø, 56 km. Øksnes has several fishing villages (you MUST see Nyksund), and don’t miss the chance to go on bird, seal and whale safaris out of Stø. It is possible to take the express boat in Øksnes Vestbygd, providing a varied panorama of the natural surroundings and local rural community. National cycle route no.1 Melbu - Andenes, 163 km This signposted route goes from Melbu, via the far side of Hadsel island, past Sortland and the west side of Andøya (National Tourist Route) to Andenes. This trip, with its wonderful views, walks and hiking possibilities, galleries and museums, the Andøya Space Centre, Andenes lighthouse, a nature safari and 2 whale safaris, is full of exciting and interesting attractions at every turn.

Huset på Yttersiden Tel: +47 90 64 05 91 • booking@yttersiden.no • www.yttersiden.no Skagakaia Bø i Vesterålen Tel: +47 92 06 38 75 • post@skagakaia.no • www.skagakaia.no Corner Sport Tel: +47 76 15 22 70 • sykkelutleie@cornersport.no www.cornersport.no www.visitvesteralen.com

PADDLING Vesterålen is a paddler’s paradise for both experts and the less experienced. You can experience beautiful fjords, idyllic skerry landscape and fascinating sea landscapes. You can watch bird and animal life at close range, with pristine and wild nature through the prism of ever-changing wind and weather conditions. All the way from Trollfjord in the south to Andenes in the north you will enjoy sensational paddling opportunities that will give you a feeling of being at one with nature, and you can enjoy this alone as an experienced paddler or as a member of a guided excursion. If you are an experienced paddler, you can explore the seaward side of the Vesterålen islands and experience the area in all its whimsical temperament. Here you will find steep mountain walls and cliffs, well-known bird sanctuaries and challenging sea conditions. The outer side of Bø and Øksnes are very highly recommended! You can also sign up for a guided paddling excursion.

TRIP SUGGESTION: Øksnes Vestbygd - an array of islands with inlets sheltered from the ocean. Perfect for paddlers. Wonderful white sandy beaches, ideal for lunch and overnight stopovers. Puffins, seals, eagles and, if you are lucky, small whales can be seen here. There’s a ferry service (express boat) between some of the main islands should the weather be such that you need alternative transport.

For the less experienced kayakers, there are lush calm fjords and skerries that are very suitable for paddling. In these areas it is also much easier to get ashore if the weather should suddenly change for the worse. If you are a beginner, you can sign up for a beginner’s course. If you do not own your own kayak, or are travelling light, you can hire a kayak with all the necessary equipment. If you are coming to Vesterålen, grant yourself an outing in a kayak. The experience will give you memories of a lifetime!

NOTE: Even if you are out paddling in the middle of summer, the days can be cold and the water temperature is much colder than further south in Norway. We recommend, therefore, that you bring lots of clothes to keep you warm and dry! If you are going for a walk and are not familiar with the area, ask at the tourist information office or someone who knows the locality about recommended routes. Always check the weather forecast before going paddling!

PADDLING

WHALE SAFARI Vesterålen is located on the edge of continental shelf in, where the nutrient-rich ocean is a primary feeding ground for whales. This geographical privilege makes the region one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Here you can experience some of the world’s largest sea mammals at close range, all year round. In the summer season from May to September, whale safaris leave from the ports of Andenes and Stø, both situated on the coast of Vesterålen. In the summer, the whale safaris go out to Bleiksegga where you will mainly see the magnificent sperm whale. Midnight sun trips are also available. On a safari trip you can also experience killer whales and humpback whales, among others. In autumn and spring there are safaris departing two or three days a week. In the winter season the whales follow the herring into the many fjords of the region. In wintertime it is possible to see killer whales, humpbacks, (long-finned) pilot whales and fin whales. Snorkelling with killer whales is also a possibility in winter. The boats used for whale safaris vary in size, fittings and motor power. All boats and crew follow strict requirements of govern-

ment licensing and regulations. Therefore, safety and comfort are focused on by everyone on board. This also means that whale safaris will only depart under suitable weather conditions, so plan to stay in the area for two or three days. If you plan to go on a whale safari, it is important to wear warm, windproof clothing and appropriate footwear, regardless of the season. Children over nine years old can come along on both RIBs and larger boats, while smaller children can come along on the larger boats. During the main seasons there is a great influx of whale enthusiasts, and we recommend that you book your safari well in advance.

SPERMWHALE (Physeter macrocephalus) also known as cachalot, is the largest toothed whale with the largest brain on earth. Sperm whales prefer to eat squid, including giant deep-ocean squid. They can dive 3000 meters when feeding.

We follow international

ANTEE WHALE GUAR

guidelines for responsible whale watching.

Whale-, seal- and bird safari in one! From the working fishing village of Stø, we take you out on an unforgettable sea safari! See the world’s biggest toothed whale, seabirds and seals in their natural environment, and learn all about them. A unique combination We are within easy reach of the sperm whale’s feeding ground in the Bleik Canyon and the Anda Nature Reserve, nesting site for thousands of seabirds and home to a large colony of common seals. This variety of marine wildlife means that we can offer you the full show: whale-, seal- and bird safari, all in an unforgettable adventure package!

Friendly atmosphere on board Our friendly crew will always be on hand for you, making sure that you are taken care of as a member of our team. Our guides are qualified, professional nature guides with top marine biology and coastal culture qualifications. Your choice for a responsible, wildlife-friendly whale safari We follow international whale watching guidelines, created in close cooperation with the WDC (Whale and dolphin conservation) to ensure the wildlife’s welfare.

blogg / www.arcticwhaletours.com facebook / Arctic Whale Tours Twitter / ArcticWhaleTour Contact us: info@arcticwhaletours.com / +47 473 84 621

AN ADVENTURE TO REMEMBER!

A N D E N E S

BIRD- AND WHALE SAFARI

ANDENES

Booking +47 91 67 49 60 • www.seasafariandenes.no

Rooms to let in our «Brygge» with a fantastic view over the harbour at Andenes WONDERFUL ROOMS - REASONABLE PRICES!

KILLER WHALE (Orcinus orca) is a toothed whale and the largest in the dolphin family. It has the highest fin of all whales, up to 2 meters!

MINKE WHALE (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) is the smallest of the baleen whales. It is very curious and sometimes tries a little «people watching».

HUMPBACK (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a very playful whale. It leaps, jumps, sings and splashes with its pectoral fin.

PILOT WHALE (Globicephala melas) belongs to the same dolphin family as the killer whale and is a social whale. It lives in very large family groups.

THE ORIGINAL AND LEADING SINCE 1988

facebook.com Whalesafari Andenes

Get close to these giants of the sea in their natural element WE OFFER TRIPS ALL YEAR ROUND – CONTACT US.

UNIQUE WHALE GUARANTEE

We are the only whale safari operator to offer a 100% WHALE GUARANTEE. This means that if we do not find any whales, we will offer you another trip free of charge or give you your money back (excluding administration fee + tour approx. 10%).

Our crew has 25 years of experience and use boats that are specially adapted for use on whale safaris. For example, they are fitted with quiet propellers, which do not frighten the whales. At our whale centre, you can enjoy the restaurant, souvenir shop, whale exhibition, etc.

NO. 1 IN ARCTIC WHALEWATCHING

Read all about us on our website:

Booking/info.: Hvalsafari AS, P.B. 58, N-8483 Andenes Tel.: + 47 76 11 56 00 E-mail: booking@whalesafari.no

whalesafari.no

D E S I G N : G O D S T R E K . P H OTO : DA N I E L E Z A N O N I , T. L U N D QV I S T A N D S V E I N T. K . E L I A S S E N .

WHALE SAFARI

DID YOU KNOW... THE WHITE TAIL EAGLE (Haliaeetus albicilla) is the largest predatory bird in Norway and was protected in 1968. Norway has the largest population of white-tailed eagles in the world and Norwegian eagles were used to save the eagle population in Scotland and Ireland from extinction through a reintroduction programme.

NATURE SAFARI The Vesterålen archipelago consists of hundreds of islands that form a fantastic skerry landscape. The terrain varies from craggy alpine mountains to gentle, green hillsides, deep valleys, white sand beaches and narrow fjords. Here you will encounter wild and wonderful nature with a wow-factor that will take your breath away. © MARTEN BRIL - WWW.VISITVESTERALEN.COM

There are many ways to experience nature in Vesterålen. Because of the warm and nutrient-rich ocean currents from the Golf stream the region is teeming with bird life, and a uniquely varied flora. How about a seal and bird safari to the Bleiksøya and Anda Fyr bird reserves, where hundreds of thousands of seabirds nest? Vesterålen has four different bird reserves, but particularly the charismatic puffins, aka “parrot of the sea”, make for a unique safari experience. A skerry excursion where you can see the majestic white-tailed sea eagle, or a whale safari in the fjords, are also incredible once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Our local nature- and culture guides can offer a close encounter adventure with sea birds, or with the king of the forest – the moose – as the main attraction. Opportunities are as abundant as nature itself and will leave you with long-lasting memories, whether you venture out to sea or keep your feet firmly planted on land. PUFFIN (Fratercula arctica) can dive 40 meters into the sea and use their wings just as efficiently under water as in the air. Puffin chicks are often called «pufflings». 16

www.visitvesteralen.com

©MARTEN BRIL_WWW.VISITVESTERALEN.COM

MOOSE (Alces alces) calves weigh 10-15 kg when they are born, but grow quickly and just months later they weigh between 100 – 160 kg. © MARTEN BRIL - WWW.VISITVESTERALEN.COM

COMMON SEAL (Phoca vitulina) can be spotted along the shoreline. They are social and easy-going animals that live in colonies.

SEA GANNET (Morus bassanus) is the largest oceanic bird in the North-Atlantic. It can dive with a speed of up to 100 km/t when it hunts.

PUFFIN AND SEA-EAGLE SAFARI

Sea-eagle on the hunt after puffins can be observed on every trip. Experience the Island of Bleiksøya, one of the most known and approachable bird rocks in Norway. There are more then 150.000 puffins on their breeding grounds. Also other species of seabird can be observed. The trip will take 1,5 hrs. with a local guide. Midnight sun-trips will be organised if enough bookings.

YOUR OWN CATCH OF COD Fishing on the open sea is the North Norwegian Adventure. Deep-sea fishing trips - coley, cod, haddock, etc. Fishing tackle available on board. Have your catch cooked and served on board. Daily departures at 17:00. Additional trips made when necessary. Duration: approx. 4 hours. Starting point: Bleik Harbour.

Stay in apartment near the beach in the village of Bleik Tel. +47 917 45 775 e-mail: marinka_p24@yahoo.no

BOOKING:

Tel.: +47 90 83 85 94 E-mail: rolf.solvoll@icloud.com www.puffinsafari.no Good offers!

PHOTO: PUFFIN SAFARI, OLA ALBERT BJERRANG (WWW.BJERRANG.NO), PAOLO VOLPOMNI

NATURE SAFARI

FISHING AND BOATING Some of the country’s richest fishing grounds are located in Vesterålen. Traditional fishing villages are well worth a visit, whether they are old, abandoned fisherman’s stations or newer, modern fishery ports bustling with maritime activity.

Many visitors want to come to Vesterålen precisely for the good fishing they find here. In Vesterålen we offer guided fishing outings, and many of the tourist facilities have boats for hire.

Children and adolescents younger than 16 years of age are legally entitled to a free fishing licence for inland fishing during the period 1 January to 20 August.

There are also many good spots where one can fish from the shoreline. The most common species are cod, coalfish, haddock and redfish, but it is also possible to catch salmon and sea trout or even a giant halibut.

Fishing rights in rivers and lakes are the property of the property owners, and fishing can only be done with the consent of the landowner (for example through purchase of a local fishing licence). Fishing for salmon, sea trout and Arctic char in watercourses requires an additional licensing fee paid to the Norwegian government. © BJØRN EIDE - WWW.VISITVESTERALEN.COM

COD (Gadus morhua) is characterized by their chin «beard», which is HALIBUT (Hippoglossinae) they say that if the fisherman doesn’t catch actually a fin and a sensory organ. halibut for Christmas, he has to sit on the boathouse roof in shame. 18

www.visitvesteralen.com

Vesterålen Skreifestival is a celebration of «skrei». Skrei is another name for migrating Atlantic Cod that spend the winter season spawning along the Norwegian coast. Every year in medio February Vesterålen Skreifestival is held in Øksnes, with activities like fishing, culinary workshops, music and the World Championship in cod tongue cutting. Skrei is considered Norway’s oldest export, tracing as far back as Vikings using it in trade.

NB! Fishing in rivers is only allowed 50 meters or more away from the estuary. Leisure and tourist fishing is regulated in Norway. More information: www.fiskeridir.no/English

GUEST MARINAS IN VESTERÅLEN F10

Sortland Småbåthavn 5 spaces for guests (water depth: 2 m) Tel: +47 915 97 051

F12

Hennes havn 1 space for guests Tel: +47 76 16 46 50

D12

Markedsbrygga Stokmarknes 8 spaces for guests (water depth: 2 m) Tel: +47 76 16 46 50

C12

H15

F10 G9

Maurnes Fiskerihavn 10 spaces for guests (water depth: 8 m) Tel: +47 477 60 571 C8

C12

Melbu Småbåt 3-4 spaces for guests (water depth: 3 m) Tel: +47 911 27 545

Melbu Indre Havn 4 spaces for guests Tel: +47 76 16 46 50

D11

Vesterålen Kysthotell 12 spaces for guests Tel: +47 76 15 29 99

Myre Sjarkhavn 10 spaces for guests (water depth: 3 m) Tel: +47 951 53 8 72

E10

Lundebrygga Eidsfjord, Sortland 5 spaces for guests (Hot tub available) Tel: +47 915 36 990

Offersøy 10 spaces for guests (water depth: 4 m) Tel: +47 76 93 39 00 Vesterålen Sjøhus 15 spaces for guests (water depth: 3 m) Tel: +47 76 12 37 40 Fiskeværet Skipnes 25 spaces for guests (water depth: 2,8 m) Tel: +47 76 13 28 55

C10

B11

Ringstad Båthavn 4 spaces for guests (water depth: 4,5 m) (3m rock by entrance) Tel: +47 950 35 928 Vinjesjøen Båthavn 8-10 spaces for guests Tel: +47 76 13 53 35 Fjordcamp 15 spaces for guests Tel: +47 76 13 76 40

Nyksund Tel:+47 76 13 40 35 Port of refuge Andenes pendelkai (Andenes port authorities) Tel: +47 478 67 933

Bleik 3 spaces for guests Tel: +47 478 67 933

Nordmela 5 spaces for guests Tel: +47 478 67 933

Dverberg 2 spaces for guests Tel: +47 913 89 914

Risøyhamn Havn Port of refuge

FISHING AND BOATING

Gåsbøl

CULTURE & CREATIVITY Experiencing art and culture should be an integral part of your Vesterålen visit. A varied programme of local events, festivals and cultural exhibitions makes the region a lively place to explore.

MUSEUMS Fishing and fishery have been important resources for generations, and form the basis of the culture and identity of people in Vesterålen. It is therefore not surprising that several museums in the region focus on coastal culture and local fishery history. You can also learn about trade, trapping, traditional fairy tales and local heroes in some of the many regional museums. ART Vesterålen is a scenic region that has inspired many to express their creativity through art. Several professional artists have galleries and art shops in the region. Beautiful paintings, handmade jewellery and glass creations, or travelling exhibitions of world famous artists is just some of what the area has to offer. Not far from the «Man From The Sea» Artscape sculpture in Bø you will find a unique outdoors gallery with photographs of all the sculptures in the county-wide project. The five Artscape

Nordland artworks are some of the most visited in the project. A number of transformer sheds are artistically decorated and in the skerries you will find «RÆK» installations. Sortland is «the blue city» with blue buildings, street art and literary decorations throughout. FESTIVALS The region has a varied cultural programme within music, theatre, film and outdoor activities. In the span of a year you can attend concerts within several genres - everything from Scandinavian hard rock to classical and jazz. The theatre groups perform several plays each year. The «Art in Vesterålen» brochure and website www.kunstivesteralen.no present galleries, ateliers and outdoors art in Vesterålen. The online brochure also works on mobile devices and you can use the map-function to navigate your way around the different art installations and galleries.

www.visitvesteralen.com

©BJØRN EIDE

ANNA AT VINJE On Tindsøya in Øksnes «Anna på Vinje» stands, carefully watching the ocean. The statue of Anna was erected in respect and reverence of the importance of women in coastal life. Artist: Anne Kirsti Thoraldatter Lind On a round trip with the local express boat in Øksnes Vestbygd you can see some exciting and historical cultural places. The boat leaves from Myre and from skjellfjord. 177nordland.no

GALLERI UVÆR & Betty’s Tesalong Art Exhibition and Café: June 17th - August 13th Thuesday – Sunday 12.00-16.00 Monday - Closed

Autumn and Winter: Sunday 12.00 - 16.00 Teigan, 12 km west of Stokmarknes.

www.uver.no CULTURE & CREATIVITY

RIVERWALK AND CREEK-DISCOVERY Come along on a magical walk in the dusk – starting when it’s still light and ending after sunset. The 1,5 km long route around Melbu Manor is lit with torches and other light installations. Along the path you can enjoy the magical atmosphere and a few surprises. Start at Melbu church and finish by Kos & Amfi. The photo above and to the right is from this event, which is part of the KulTur festival.

FESTIVALS AND LARGE CULTURAL EVENTS IN VESTERÅLEN 2017: 11

Month Festival

Website

February Nordlyst

nordlyst.wordpress.com

Vesterålen skreifestival

skreifestival.no

Øksnes

April

Rock Mot Rus

rockmotrus.no

Andøy

June Bleiksdagan

bleiksdagan.no

Andøy

lofoteninsomnia.no

Lofoten Insomnia Race

July Sommer-Melbu

sommermelbu.no

Arctic Sea Kayak Race

askr.no

Reginedagan

reginedagan.no

August Fæsterålen

festeralen.no

September Vesterålen Matfestival

vesteralenmatfestival.no

Sortland Jazzfestival

sortlandjazz.no

KulTur

vestreg.no

November Laterna Magica 24

laternafilm.no

Where Andøy

Lofoten/Vesterålen Hadsel Bø/Øksnes Bø Sortland Vesterålen Sortland Vesterålen Sortland www.visitvesteralen.com

FROM ANDENES IN THE NORTH TO MELBU IN THE SOUTH

, y r o t is h g n o l 's it h – Vesterålen, wit ! d l o f n u o t s e i r o t s d o has many go

WELCOME TO THE MUSEUM

3 6

D ES IG N : GO D ST R E K . FOTO: K J E LL OV E STO RV I K , SV EI N T ERJE K . E L IASSE N .

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1. Vesterålsmuseet: One of Northern Norway’s most prolific entrepreneurs lived in Melbu Manor in the 19th and 20th century. See where the local gentry lived! Book a coffee break with Mrs. Frederiksen in advance.

Finnmarken (1912) on dry land in the Hurtigruten Museum.

celebrated Svalbard trappers, Hilmar Nøis.

4. Sortland Museum: Travelling exhibitions of high quality and regional relevance. Often hosts lectures and events.

2. An impressive sight down in the harbour – a row of historic herring oil tanks. Concerts in one of the tanks, and exhibits about the fishing industry awaits you in the Norsk Fiskeindustrimuseum.

5. Time has stood still at Jennestad Handelssted after the shop closed in 1982. An authentic and beautiful attraction.

7. Myths, folklore and storytelling. Author Regine Normann. Both regular and travelling exhibitions. Bø museum is Øksnes Museum located by The Man From The Sea and the outdoors gallery of Artscape Nordland. Bø Museum

3. Hurtigruten has played an integral part of the day to day life along the Norwegian coast for more than 100 years. Get to know its history and explore DS Finnmarken (1956) and DS

6. In Andenes you can enjoy the view from a 40 meter high historical lighthouse. You can get to know Norwegian lighthouse and port history. The museum will introduce you to the fascinating geology of the area, as well as one of Norway’s most

8. Øksnes museum: From stone age to modern Lofotr Viking Museum fisheries - an exhibition. Often summer events Fygle Museum Skaftnes Gård for the whole family.

Andøymuseet

Jennestad Handelssted Sortland Museum

Hurtigrutemuseet Museum Nord Vesterålsmuseet – Narvik & Norsk Fiskeindustrimuseum Divtasvuodna/Korsnes Ballangen Lofoten Krigsminnemuseum Museum Lofotmuseet, Galleri Espolin Divtasvuodna/Kjøpsvik & Lofotakvariet

Norsk Telemuseum Norsk Fiskeværsmuseum

21 museums - 1000 stories Tel: +47 76 15 40 00

museumnord.no

Vesterålen has plenty of delicious, natural flavours from the ocean, mountain and fjords. The products are influenced by the nature they originate from and are full of nutrients. All the seasons are utilized with Skrei, Klippfisk (salted cod) and Boknafisk (variant of stockfish) in the winter, seafood and shellfish in the summer, and berries, mushrooms and Vesterålen Lamb in the autumn. Try Arctic char, halibut and whale-meat, wild sheep, moose, reindeer and grouse – the culinary experiences are endless. Local farms make cheese, cured meats and saugages. Guests can also enjoy lutefisk, salmon, coffee, beer, lefse (sweet soft Norwegian flatbread), and other baked goods produced in Vesterålen.

SKREIMØLJE Skreimølje is a traditional Northern Norwegian dish made of boiled Skrei (spawning Atalntic Cod), liver and roe. The dish is seasonal and is only served in wintertime. Back in the day both fish, liver and roe was boiled in one pot, but today they are boiled separately and served on one plate. Mølje is served with boiled potatoes and flatbread.

«HAILL» Term used by Northern Norwegian fishermen to describe the superstition of how to get good fortune in fishing. Haill is achevied by the fisherman getting lucky («hanky panky») with his partner, the night before he goes to sea. IDEAS FOR OUTDOOR COOKING: * Go fishing for pollock, boil it in fresh seawater, and enjoy with flatbread and sour cream. * Find a sheltered cove, light a campfire and cook fish soup with the catch of the day. Add mussels, sea urchin roe, bladderwrack and a splash of cream! * Pick cloudberries and blueberries, warm them briefly in a pot on a campfire, shake a pack of cream and pour over. Top with wild fresh flowers like violets and daisies (yes, they are edible!)

• Living farm • Animal Encounters • Farm shop

• Local produce

• Handmade Cheese

• Natural Flavors

• Culinary Delights

Espresso • Coffee • Tea • Lofoten Chocolate Delicacies from New Zealand and Italy 26

You will find us in Bø, on National Tourist Route Andøya

www.visitvesteralen.com

A TASTE OF VESTERÅLEN

S T NT RI AN P R D U D D O AU S K EN VE O ST IO FO M U E E R A FO H N A NT RE D K M OD IAN ’S EN S B A S A I E A E A ER G O R EN M L S O R IS G D OO IA B SI -F ER PU HO & D F LE CR DE ER L F TA DR IC EN W E SR AU ST FÉ AD ST ZZ R/ CO SH IE HA NG IN H CA GE IL CT N R LAV SEASON RE CA RO FA PI BA AL FI DR W KI RE OT LO VE CH AR HA N O O

EATING OUT H11

D12

F10

C10

l l

Viltkroa Langvassbukt, Gullesfjord

(+47) 90 66 01 42

Rødbrygga AS

Markedsgata 6, Stokmarknes

(+47) 76 15 26 66

l l l

l l l l

Ekspedisjonen Lunsjbar

l l

Rådhusgata 26, Sortland

(+47) 76 20 10 40

Huset på yttersiden

l l

Ringstad Sjøhus, Ringstadveien 28

(+47) 90 64 05 91

Myre Kysthotell

l l

Storgt 52 a, Myre

(+47) 90 10 88 83

02.01 > 31.12

www.rødbrygga.no

l l

Holmvik Stua

l l

Nyksund

(+47) 76 13 47 96

Andøy Friluftssenter AS

Buksnesfjord

(+47) 76 14 88 04

l l

Prinsensgt. 6, Andenes

(+47) 99 58 04 47

01.01 > 22.12

l l

Hamnegata 1C, Andenes

(+47) 76 11 56 05

150 www.myrekysthotell.no

l l l l

01.02 > 17.12

01.06 > 31.08

post@ekspedisjonen-as.no

l l

booking@nyksund.com

www.nyksund.com

l l l l l

l l

01.01 > 31.12

booking@andoy-friluftssenter.no

www.andoy-friluftssenter.no

l l

01.06 > 31.08

post@marmelkroken.no

www.marmelkroken.no

l l l l l l l l l l

Riggen Restaurant og Dansebar

booking@myrekysthotell.no

l l l

Arresten Andenes

01.02 > 01.09

www.yttersiden.no

l l l l l

(+47) 95 76 57 39

june@yttersiden.no

l l

Bø i Andøy

02.01 > 30.12

l l l l

l l l l l l

Marmelkroken

45 www.sortland-camping.no

post@ekspedisjonen-as.no

l l l

(+47) 48 11 80 68

01.01 > 31.12

hj.bergseng@sortland-camping.no

l l l l

Nyksund

rodbrygga.drift@trollfjord.no

l l l l

Nyksund Ekspedisjonen

100 http://viltkroa.no/

(+47) 76 11 03 00

CAPACITY

01.01 > 31.12

kjetil@viltkroa.no

Sortland Camping & Motell as NAF Vesterveien 51, Sortland

02.01 > 31.12

arresten@arresten.no

l l l l l

www.arresten.no

l l l l l l l

01.01 > 31.12

100

riggen@whalesafari.no

www.riggen.no

LOCAL DISHES YOU HAVE TO TRY WHILE IN VESTERÅLEN: Try fårikål (lamb and cabbage), reindeer stew, grouse breast, skreimølje, and cloudberries with whipped cream in autumn and winter. In spring and summertime fish soup, shellfish, pollock filet, baked salmon and halibut are on the menu. Cheese and cured meats from local suppliers are available all year around. Ask for the special of the day.

HOLMVIK BRYGGE in Nyksund

THE BEST IN SEAFOOD S

NYKSUND COASTAL RESTAURANT Traditional delicacies in historical coastal surroundings Our restaurant, the oldest in Nyksund, lies quietly on the quayside in Nyksund harbour. The 100 years of coastal history embedded in the walls of the building gives the place a most genuine and distinctive character. We are a certified Arctic Menu Restaurant and guarantee local commodities and produce.

Split, salted and dried cod, stockfish and half dried cod, reindeer dishes are just some of the produce we prepare ourselves. We source the fish mainly from local fishing boats that deliver their catch at the receiving depot in Øksnes. The meat also comes from local producers. Accomodation is available in our historic guest house.

EKSPEDISJONEN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT & LODGING

MONJA & RINGO

NYKSUND contakt: 481 18 068 - post@ekspedisjonen-as.no

R E S TAU R A N T A N D A CCO M M O D AT I O N breakfast, coffee, lunch, á la carte, outdoor dining, bar

SORTLAND contakt: 76 20 10 40 - post@ekspedisjonen-as.no

EKSPEDISJONEN IN BLÅBRYGGA c o fe e b a r, l u n c h , re s t a u r a n t , o u t d o o r d i n i n g

A WORTHWHILE EXPERIENCE A TASTE OF VESTERÅLEN

WINTER IN VESTERÅLEN Life above the Arctic Circle has always been based on nature, and northerners utilize every season. Although the sun does not rise over the horizon for nearly two months, winter in Vesterålen is both colourful and exciting – with its blue, arctic light, starry nights and dancing Aurora over white peaks. «There is no bad weather, only bad clothing» and even though dressing warm is essential, winter in Vesterålen is full of opportunities! Enjoy seasonal activities outdoors, or time indoors with cosy Northern Norwegian culture and history.

SKIS, SNOWBOARDS AND SNOWSHOES The mountains of Vesterålen are made for snowshoeing and skiing – whether it be on prepared ski trails, on the ski slope or in virgin snow. If you are a dedicated telemark-, rando- or snowboard-enthusiast, you will see opportunities for rapid descents everywhere you turn in the mountains. In Vesterålen there are a number of cross-country ski trails in wintertime. The longest cross-country routes are lit, and located on Hadseløya, in Åse on Andøya and close to Sortland. The best time to ski in Vesterålen is February – April when daylight is no constraint.

NATURE SAFARI The «King of the Forest» is active in winter as well, and you can come along on moose safaris, photo safaris and eagle safaris. The large whale species are in the region all year around, so both whale watching and snorkelling with Orca are available. With a camera in hand you can catch unforgettable moments in the arctic. Learn to use crampons, snowshoes and an ice axe, or try guided winter kayaking for a different nature experience. In Vesterålen you can go husky sledding in wintertime for a fast-paced thrill.

SÀMI CULTURE The Sámi culture, stemming from the nomadic natives of Sápmi, is also an attraction in Vesterålen. At a local Sámi farm you can learn about the unique culture up close, or try your hand at throwing a lasso. You can taste traditional Sámi foods based on reindeer meat, served around an open fire in a Sámi lavvu tent, and accompanied by joik singing. The adventurous could also spend a night in the lavvu, on birch twigs and reindeer skins.

REINDEER & SAMI CULTURE Experience, take part and have a taste of Sami culture and reindeer herding in an authentic Sami environment - only 8 min. from Sortland centre! Summer and winter excperiences: Join us in the middle of the reindeer herd and experience these unique animals at close range. Exhibits. Dining featuring Sami foods.

Open on request. From 200,- NOK pr.person.

www.visitvesteralen.com

©BJØRN EIDE_MOUNT MØYSALEN

WINTER FISHING For centuries, arctic cod has been the most valuable species of fish for the people of Northern Norway, and the winter cod fishery from January to April is the most important fishing season. With modern, advanced boats and equipment, both professional and amateur fishermen have been able to participate in the quest for this high quality fish. What makes skrei stand out is that one does not have to go far out to sea; skrei can be caught in fjords and close to land.

There are many lakes suitable for ice fishing in Vesterålen, where trout, salmon and Arctic char are the dominant species. Contact local experts for information on ice conditions on any given lake! In Vesterålen you can also chase the Northern Lights – read more on page 30 of the travel guide.

Adventures

Spectacular northern light adventures in Vesterålen, 4 nights self-catering, two activities and welcome dinner from NOK. 5300, - from October to February

Great summer - and winter activities: • Kayak tours and -courses • Photo course and safaris / Aurora hunting • Eagle and fjord safari • RIB tours • Hiking and snow shoe tours • Guided tours with minibus Book your adventure in Vesterålen here: www.norwegianlight.no • karina@hildreland.no Tel: 0047 906 40 591

Far out in Bø in Vesterålen is the old trading Centre Ringstad by the fjord, surrounded by a beautiful archipelago. Here is opportunity for many outdoor adventures. The hosts and guides at the house on the outside do their utmost to make your holiday an unforgettable experience. Whether you want to see the eagles, moose, photograph the northern lights or going snow-shoeing, fishing, cycling or go on a guided kayak trip on the fjord, we will lend you professional equipment and guides. Sleep well in the cosy seaside apartments, holiday homes and cabins and enjoy local specialities in our pier restaurant.

Your adventure starts here. www.yttersiden.no

WINTER IN VESTERÅLEN

DID YOU KNOW...

when the northern and south-

ern lights occur simultaneously, they look like mirror images of each other.

EXPERIENCE THE AURORA Vesterålen is an ideal place to observe the Northern Lights, either combined with an active hiking vacation in autumn, or alongside winter activities in a snow-covered wonderland. The region is located right within the Northern Lights oval and leading research into the Aurora happens here. A NATURAL LIGHTSHOW In Vesterålen you can see the Northern Lights from September until March. The phenomenon can be observed on the night sky in a belt around the magnetic poles – the Northern Lights oval. The Aurora Borealis often looks like a dancing light, moving in waves of different shapes, colours and level of brightness, from dark blue through green and yellow, and the occasional red or orange. It is possible to spot the colour display on any clear night in areas with low levels of light pollution. If you wish to learn more about the phenomenon you can visit Spaceship Aurora, and gain a more science based understanding of the northern lights.

NORTHERN LIGHTS ACTIVITIES To see nature’s own lightshow dance across the sky is an experience in itself, but combining it with an activity makes chasing the Aurora infinitely more fun. Come along to the best local areas to see Northern Lights and enjoy cosy moments by the campfire as you wait, or stay warm through a headlamp lit hike. For photo enthusiasts it is possible to get an introduction on how to capture the arctic light on camera. When the snow is covering the ground, an evening walk in snowshoes makes for a fun way to chase the magical phenomenon. THE AURORA AND SUPERSTITION The word «nordlys» or «nordurljos» first appears in «Kongespeilet» (a Norwegian saga) from ca.1239 AD. Throughout his-

tory many have seen the northern lights as both magical and frightening. In the olden days it wasn’t unusual for northerners to interpret the flaming lights in the skies as a bad omen, and the stronger the light, the worse the future was. One way of provoking or poking fun at the Aurora was brandishing a white cloth or sheet. One should never laugh at the Northern Lights either, because then you could be paralysed. Some people however, believed the lights to be a good weather indicator and called them «weather lights» or «wind lights». FACTS ABOUT THE NORTHERN LIGHTS • The Northern Lights phenomenon occurs when solar winds hurl electrically charged particles towards earth. The particles are electrons and protons which create light when they collide with the gases in the atmosphere. • The colours of the light reflect the gases found in the atmosphere. The yellow/green colour comes from oxygen. Red also comes from oxygen, but mixed with nitrogen. The violet/pink colours around the edges of the Northern Lights come from nitrogen, as does most of the blue. • The Northern Lights occur between 90 and 180 km above the earth’s surface. • The phenomenon in the northern hemisphere is called Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights, and in the southern hemisphere it is known as the Aurora Australis, or Southern Lights.

www.visitvesteralen.com

Design: God strek. Ill. Trond Abrahamsen. Photo: Simen Bergvik and Romskipet Aurora

– a journey into the Northern Lights

spacesh ipaurora .no T el. +47 7 614 460 0

contact@

spaceship aurora.n o

Join us on a journey into the Northern Lights! At Spaceship Aurora you can take part in a virtual mission halfway to the moon, and solve the enigma of the Northern Lights! Explore our exhibitions, learn more about space and space travel and conduct fascinating experiments. You can also visit our Spaceshop and view widescreen films about space and the Northern Lights in 2D and 3D. Spaceship Aurora is a part of Andøya Space Center where Norway have launched sounding rockets into space for over 50 years. Open all year round, find more details about opening hours, tickets and booking at spaceshipaurora.no Welcome!

5 GOOD PLACES TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS: •

The fisherman’s village of Nyksund can turn off the outdoor lighting on clear nights so both locals and visitors can see the Aurora Borealis better.

•

Cosy up around a campfire by «Uværshula» on Hadseløya as you wait for the Northern Lights. Bring candles for atmosphere.

•

Go for a family hike to Steiroheia in Sortland for a lovely evening activity in autumn. Bring a headlamp.

•

The view towards Gaukværøy, with the arctic light as a backdrop, is a popular photo motif. Best on clear nights with high levels of Aurora activity.

•

Along National Tourist Route Andøya is Kleivodden viewpoint, looking out towards Bleik Island. Great place to stop and view the lightshow, close to the road.

Tag #vesteralen #vesterålen !

EXPERIENCE THE AURORA

©BJØRN EIDE

NYKSUND... was one of the largest fisherman’s villages in Vesterålen in the 1900s, but by 1970 it had no permanent residents. Today the village is once again active with art galleries, accommodation, restaurant and café.

UNIQUE ADVENTURES Vesterålen has many nature based activities on offer. Whether you meet a local Sami family, fish under the midnight sun or take part in a virtual trip in outer space, you are guaranteed a fascinating experience. It is now much easier to plan your stay in Vesterålen. The homepages and websites of the local businesses and our own visitvesteralen.com are good sources for information about offers available in the region. There has been a steady increase in the number of offers available and it can be difficult to maintain a

complete overview. Many of our local businesses have now joined together to offer packages which include accommodation, meals, transport, activities and adventures - all you need in one single booking! Get in touch and find your unique adventure experience.

ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS IN VESTERÅLEN F10

NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR

STØ SAFARI

Stø Safari AS, Valen v/ Stø Bobilcamp, Stø

550/450 (+47) 46 86 03 35

kontakt@stosafari.no www.stosafari.com

Puffin Safari Bleik

Bird cliff with a colony of around 80,000 puffin pairs, plus cormorants, razorbills, guillemots and guaranteed sea eagles. 1.5 hours. Daily from 12:00. 01.05 >25.08 -

-/(+47) 90 83 85 94

rolf.solvoll@icloud.com www.puffinsafari.no E6

WHALE, SEA AND BIRD SAFARI

01.01 >31.12 Arctic Whale Tours Stø havn, Stø

1200/650 (+47) 47 38 46 21

info@arcticwhaletours.com www.arcticwhaletours.com

karl-einar@blv.no www.askr.no F11

Boat trips to salmon farm. Aquaculture museum. Tunnel for children, underwater camera, film. Tastings. Jun 12 – Aug 18 Mon–Fri 10:00–16:00, or on request. Boat trips at 11:00 / 13:00. 15.06 > 21.08 150/60 Akvakultur i Vesterålen, Gårdsøyvn. 32, (+47) 95 88 18 22 Blokken, Sortland

post@akvakulturivesteralen.no www.akvakulturivesteralen.no D12

Hire cycles, cycling accessories and other sports equipment for outdoor and indoor activities. We can deliver/collect bikes and equipment in Vesterålen and Lofoten. 02.01 > 30.12 50/150 Corner Sport, Markedsgata 21, (+47) 76 15 22 70 Stokmarknes

sykkelutleie@cornersport.no www.cornersport.no

SHARE YOUR VESTERÅLEN ADVENTURE WITH US:

To the summit of the amazing Møysalen – trips every Wed and Sat from 20 June to 20 Sept. Up and down in 10 hours – fairly demanding.

post@moeysalen.no moeysalen.no

facebook.com/visitvesteralen

800/400

Møysalen Nasjonalparksenter, Møysalveien 3295, Hennes (+47) 97 46 08 89

Arctic Sea Kayak Race (+47) 45 00 58 90 Vesterålen

F12

MØYSALEN ASCENT WITH GUIDE

01.01 >31.12 -

Sea kayaking festival open to anyone: learners, hobby kayakers and competitive kayakers are welcome to join a sociable and educational week of kayaking in one of the world’s most stunning locations. 23.07 > 29.07 2500 -

CYCLES AND SPORTS EQUIPMENT HIRE

See the world’s largest toothed whale, seals and thousands of sea birds up close. Daily departures from the fishing village of Stø in summer and Tromsø in winter. Local guides. Whale guarantee!

bent@vpks.no www.vpks.no

NORWEGIAN FISH FARMING VISITOR CENTRE

BIRD SAFARIS TO BLEIKSØYA

Eidsfjordvn. 621, Sortland (+47) 90 18 62 69

ARCTIC SEA KAYAK RACE (ASKR)

See thousands of sea birds and a large seal colony on the Anda nature reserve, or take a fishing trip with a real northern-Norwegian fisherman. 15.05 >31.08 -

450

Vesterålen Padle- & Klatresenter

(+47) 40 96 90 87

tours@aurora-addicts.com www.aurora-addicts.com

01.01 > 30.12

1200/900

Auror Addicts Sortland

We hire kayaks and organise guided hiking and kayaking trips in beautiful settings. Company events also possible. ©AURORA ADDICTS

01.09 > 30.03 -

E10

KAYAK HIRE, HIKING AND KAYAKING TRIPS

Chase the Northern Lights in stunning locations. Experienced British guides, photo advice, warm drinks and snacks included. Thermal suit hire and local day trips available upon request

@visitvesteralen

@VisitVesteralen www.visitvesteralen.com

ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS IN VESTERÅLEN

ANDENES LIGHTHOUSE AND HARBOUR MUSEUM

50/25 andoymuseet@museumnord.no www.museumnord.no I4

CAFÉ FAIRYLAND — ANDØYA

C12

galleri@uver.no www.uver.no H3

STAVE CAMPING AND HOT POOLS — 38°C

booking@stavecamping.no www.stavecamping.no G7

HUSKY — ANDØY DOG-SLEDDING

info@husky-andoy.com www.husky-andoy.com I2

SPACESHIP AURORA — ANDØYA SPACE CENTER

Experience the Northern Lights all year on a virtual spaceship mission. 3D film, exhibitions, practical experiments and new technology. Guided Northern Lights trips in season. 01.01 >31.12

850/450 (+47) 95 45 06 32

125/75

Romskipet Aurora Bleiksveien 46, Andenes (+47) 76 14 46 00

Complete package tours for individuals, groups and companies. Northern Lights, RIB boats, nature and wildlife, photo workshops, outdoor activities, etc. 13.09 >31.12

-/-

Hildreland - Vesterålen and Lofoten Tour Operator Ringstadvn 27, Straumsjøen (+47) 90 64 05 91

karina@hildreland.no www.norwegianlight.no F10

02.01 >31.12 Sjøblomsten Sortland havn

1000/800 (+47) 90 14 38 87

info@sjoblomsten.no www.sjoblomsten.no D12

02.01 >31.12

-/-

Markedsbrygga Friluftsliv, Havnegt 4 (+47) 75 57 75 57 Stokmarknes

post@friluft.no www.friluft.no H14

Trollfjord tours, fjord cruises, killer whales, Northern Lights, eagle safaris, as well as boat transport. Adventures/transport for groups from 2 to 100 passengers all year round. Let the journey become the adventure!

contact@spaceshipaurora.no www.spaceshipaurora.no

01.01 >31.12

-/-

Lødingen Skyssbåtservice AS (+47) 76 93 54 09 Rinøyvåg, Vestbygd

charterboat@lsbs.no www.lsbs.no C12

ADVENTURE 4 LIFE

Husky - Andøy Nygård, Risøyhamn

C10

GETTING THERE IS HALF THE FUN

Dog sledding trips during winter, with a wheeled sled during summer. Hiking trips, ski trekking and snowshoe excursions with huskies. Traditional wood-fired hot tub. Experience sled dogs in action. Guided tours. 01.01 >31.12 -

lailainga@hotmail.com www.inga-sami-siida.no

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

250/125 (+47) 92 60 12 57

250/50

Inga Sami Siida Kvalsaukan1, Sortland (+47) 90 87 75 58

Challenges, motivation and adventures in the heart of Vesterålen and Lofoten. Courses, guiding, adventures, and sports & outdoor equipment hire.

Camping and cabins with access to lovely 38° hot pools with magnificent views of the Arctic Ocean. Sauna close to beach, open every day in summer!

Stave Camping AS Stave, Andøya

02.01 >22.12 -

Sea fishing from historic fishing boat. Groups of up to 10, trips up to 6 hrs. Bathroom/toilet, galley, lounge and WiFi. Accommodation and on-board catering option. Fishing equipment for hire.

15.05 > 31.08 -

G10

DEEP SEA FISHING

Visual and glass art inspired by the natural environment, special light and colours of the Nordic seasons. Gallery with its own café. Open by request out of season.

(+47) 91 72 03 82

post@seasafariandenes.no www.seasafariandenes.no

HILDRELAND AS – VESTERÅLEN & LOFOTEN TRAVEL DESIGNER

post@hurtigrutemuseet.no www.hurtigrutemuseet.no

GALLERI UVÆR

Galleri Uvær Teigan, Stokmarknes

950/800

Sea Safari Andenes Hamnegata 9, Andenes (+47) 91 67 49 60

D12

The world’s most beautiful adventure started on 2 July 1893. The Hurtigruten Museum also features the now-ashore M/S Finnmarken (1956). Come and experience Hurtigruten’s history. 01.01 > 31.12 90/35 -

02.01 > 31.12 -

01.01 >31.12 -

REINDEER AND SAMI EXCURSIONS

post@alveland.no www.alveland.no

HURTIGRUTEN MUSEUM

Hurtigrutemuseet, Richard Withs plass 1, (+47) 76 11 81 90 Stokmarknes

Year-round whale, bird and seal safari by RIB. In the summer, see sperm whales and numerous sea birds such as puffins and sea eagles. In winter, see humpback whales, killer whales and sea eagles, etc. Accommodation.

With lavvu tents, Sami food, products for sale and a chance to get close to the reindeer. Feed the reindeer and learn about Sami life, mythology and culture.

Idyllically situated in the village of Dybda, on a farm that’s over 100 years old. We sell soap with only natural ingredients and local produce like cloudberries and lingonberries. Summer: 1 June – 20 Aug. 01.06 > 31.12 -/ Alveland AS, Bankveien 4, (+47) 76 14 61 49 Dverberg, Andøya

booking@whalesafari.no www.whalesafari.no

Andøymuseet, Richard Withs gate 9, (+47) 47 46 85 68 Andenes

Hvalsafari AS, Hamnegata 1C (+47) 76 11 56 00 Andenes

01.01 >31.12 -

945/595

WHALE AND BIRD SAFARIS

One of the highest lighthouses in Norway. Power ful history. Major presentation of maritime infrastructure. New exhibitions under construction. Climb to the top of the 40 m (131 ft.) lighthouse.

02.01 >31.12 -

post@tinden.oksnes.no www.tinden.oksnes.no

The biggest whale safari operator in Norway, with the shortest distance to the whales, over 30 years’ experience, experienced guides, 100% whale guarantee, exclusive souvenir shop, activities all year round.

Stiftelsen Handelsstedet Tinden, Tinden, (+47) 76 13 28 56 Øksnes Vestbygd

A historic visitor centre out on the edge of the ocean at Øksnes Vestbygd. Authentic rorbu cabins for rent, shops, post office. Guided tours. 01.06 > 30.08 80/40 -

WHALE SAFARI ALL YEAR

Magnificent natural adventures all year round, on land and water, starting in Melbu and Stokmarknes. Sea eagle safaris, mountain hiking, Northern Lights safaris, fishing trips, etc. Groups and individuals. 02.01 >31.12

-/-

Adventure 4 Life AS, Chr. Fredriksens gate 3, (+47) 95 92 49 21 Melbu

robin@v-resort.no www.v-resort.no

UNIQUE ADVENTURES

TINDEN TRADING POST / HANDELSSTED

WILD CAMPING... We have some gorgeous wild camping areas. Photo from Åsand in Bø. This beach can be reached by boat (kayak – like here together with Arctic Sea Kayak Race) or by walking the Straumsjøen – Spjelkvåg coastal trail.

ACCOMMODATION Vesterålen can offer a good and varied choice of accommodation, which easily satisfies individual demands. Hotels, Rorbu and sea houses, cabins and campingsites for mobile homes, caravans and tents are all available in Vesterålen. Or maybe a cosy room in a farm house or in a light house is your dream holiday? Some private rooms and houses are also for rent.

The Vesterålen Hiking Association has four self-service cabins for hiking enthusiasts. On a beach, in towns, forests or on mountains – Vesterålen has accommodation for everyone.

GUNNARTANGEN 5 cabins in the fisherman’s village of Stø. 1 cabin allows pets. 200m from Arctic Whale Tours and 500m from the start of the Queen’s Route trail and Stø Safari. Open 01.01-31.12. NOK 50/950/1750

We have basic accommodation, camping & hot pools with an ocean view. Contact: www.stavecamping.no +47 926 01 257 • booking.stavecamping.no

www.visitvesteralen.com

Welcome to Vesterålen Kysthotell - in the hart of Lofoten and Vesterålen

LIVE IN THE CENTRE IN THE MIDDLE OF LOFOTEN & VESTERÅLEN

Hotel • fisherman’s cabins • nordland houses • camping • conference facilities • restaurant - enjoy the calm and beautiful surroundings!

Sortland is a travel hub and an excellent base for day trips to Vesteårlen, Lofoten, Harstad, Narvik and the surrounding area. Midnight sun 23.05 - 23.07.

Sortland is surrounded by various natural habitats and excellent areas for mountain and coastal walks, just as a «blue town» should be. A range of cafés and restaurants, and plenty of shops of every kind. Biggest trading centre in Northern Norway for a town of this size. We offer comfortable accommodation and good prices.

Experience winter in Vesterålen in high quality apartments in Jørnfjorden– close to nature! www.vesteralenapartment.com booking@vesteralenapartment.com - +47 95 00 89 99 ACCOMMODATION

PRICES ES OM T S < 500 NOK = N US LY P OIN S RO LE B I HO D U H T T B G P A T E M K G IN 500 - 750 NOK = EN E EN N O / C EA O LA D BA D RI H O O I N R U B E R RO AI E E S S/S T/ E DG I T 750 - 1000 NOK = AY ILE ERV ED IR F OM Y H TY OO T NT CE E AV ITT ST LO AM SE T D R O M BIN O T P I E M I I M T V A S S O E H E R R I M S’ H A O S EN G L T U E > 1000 NOK = R H IN S U L EN M LS TA — HO TE HO E OL SE LC GY RIC T E R /H ES R IN HIR LE ITI PE S L/G IT AY C S EL TE PS ID BU M RT STE UN VU HT HO M VAT OH D EE ER CT LE ITO NA EL FE MM T YC IV S OT MO AM OL ROR OO PA HO O AV LIG CE AR PRI LC OO WH LL LE TOI VIS AU IR CON WI OA BIC CT OG CAPACITY SEASON PRICE H F S W S B A D C H R A M L I A F A E

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E US

ACCOMMODATION H15

C12

D12

D10

F10

A11

B11

C10

C12

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Offersøy Feriesenter Offersøy

(+47) 76 93 39 00

Melbu Hotell AS

Christian Frederiksens gt. 3, Melbu

(+47) 76 16 00 00 (+47) 95 94 71 57

(+47) 76 15 29 99

Sortland Hotell

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01.0131.12

01.0129.03

01.0131.12

03.0626.08

01.0122.12

01.0601.10

01.0331.10

01.0131.12

01.0531.08

01.0217.12

www.nyksund.com

01.0131.12

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01.0131.12

03.0120.12

www.skaaltofta.no -

01.0131.12

www.arctictouch.no -

01.0131.12

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Facebook: Gunnartangen rorbuferie

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post@nyksund.com

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booking@andoy-friluftssenter.no

kontakt@loviktunet.no

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info@husky-andoy.com

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www.marmelkroken.no

kvbrygga@online.no

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service@andrikkenhotell.no

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Hotell Marena

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Skåltofta

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info@hotellmarena.no

www.hotellmarena.no

kjov@online.no

Nyksund

(+47) 92 60 72 90

Borghildstua Feriehus

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www.husky-andoy.com

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www.loviktunet.no

post@marmelkroken.no

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www.andoy-friluftssenter.no

Storgata 15, Andenes

Ongstad, Melbu

www.litloyfyr.no

www.husjord-apt.com

(+47) 76 14 9090

01.0131.12

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Andrikken Hotell

post@ekspedisjonen-as.no

Storgata 53, Andenes

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stobobilcamp@gmail.com

l l Husky-Andøy Dogsledding & Accommodation, Nygård, Risøyhamn (+47) 95 45 06 32

(+47) 76 14 63 78

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www.finvag.no

Kvalnesbrygga

10.0619.08

www.skipnes.com

info@gunnartangen.no

(+47) 95 06 70 07

Kvalnes, Dverberg

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leif@husjord-apt.com

(+47) 76 14 88 04

(+47) 95 76 57 39

www.myrekysthotell.no

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Marmelkroken

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(+47) 76 13 47 96

Bø i Andøy

www.nordigarden.net

Loviktunet Lovik, Risøyhamn

01.0131.12

www.vesteralenapartment.com

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200

www.toftenessjohus.no

Andøy Friluftssenter AS

asle@finvag.no

(+47) 97 53 36 48

Holmvik Brygge Nyksund

Buksnesfjord

(+47) 48 11 80 68

02.0120.12

post@skipnes.com

(+47) 41 69 62 23

Nyksund Ekspedisjonen

100

www.yttersiden.no

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Nyksund Nyksund

booking@myrekysthotell.no

(+47) 97 59 13 06

Stø Bobilcamp AS

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Gunnartangen Rorbuferie

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arrods@online.no

Husjord Apartment

Valen, Stø

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post@toftenessjohus.no

(+47) 76 13 28 55 (+47) 90 94 57 27

8438 Stø

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Skolestedet Finvåg

12.1015.03

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Nærøya, Øksnes Vestbygd

booking@vesteralenapartment.com

Fiskeværet Skipnes

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www.skagakaia.no

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karina@yttersiden.no

(+47) 76 13 14 55

(+47) 90 10 88 83

01.0131.12

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www.sortland-camping.no

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Myre Kysthotell

Husjord, Stø

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(+47) 95 00 89 99

Storgt 52, Myre

164

post@skagakaia.no

(+47) 99 62 89 54

Skipnes, Tindsøya

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Nordigården Feriehus Alsvåg

kontakt@litloyfyr.no

(+47) 90 64 05 91

Toftenes Sjøhuscamping

01.0131.12

grasnesferiehus@gmail.com

Vesterålen Apartment

Toftenes, Alsvåg

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(+47) 92 06 38 75

Huset på yttersiden

Klaksjord, Bø i Vesterålen

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Skagakaia & Café Gamle Posthuset

asoelsne@online.no

(+47) 90 90 07 02

Litløy fyr

www.sortlandhotell.no

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Litløya

Ringstad Sjøhus, Ringstadveien 28

hj.bergseng@sortland-camping.no

(+47) 76 12 10 41

Grasnes Feriehus

113

post@sortlandhotell.no

(+47) 76 11 03 00

Postmestergården

www.gronningbrygga.no

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Sortland Camping & Motell as NAF l l l l

Skagenvn 55, Skagen, Bø i Vesterålen

01.0131.12

www.vesteralenkysthotell.no/nb-no 100

roy@gronningbrygga.no

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www.nygardferiehus.no

resepsjon@kystlandsbyen.no

02.0122.12

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oddarne.dyro@trollfjord.no

(+47) 99 22 53 23

Vesterålsgata 59, Sortland

Vesterlandet 161, Sortland

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Grønningbrygga

Nordlysveien 35, Sortland

www.v-resort.no

Vesterålen Kysthotell

Vesterveien 51, Sortland

www.offersoy.no

booking@m-h.no

Børøya, Stokmarknes Grønning, Stokmarknes

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Nygård Feriehus Lekangveien 324, Stokmarknes

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per.kristoffersen@trollfjord.no

SYMBOLS Prices are ’from’ and per person in NOK, presented as ’adult/child’. If price ’0 NOK’ = self-guided visits or some activities are unpriced. Contact the venue for more information. Map reference / location p.5

Shows season/period, when product is available.

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RORBU – FISHERMAN’S CABINS Tinden (pictured above) is a historic trading posts on Tindsaøya in Øksnes. The trading posts was built around traditional rorbu aka fisherman’s cabins, and Tinden was an active fisherman’s village for decades. Rorbu were built as seasonal homes for fishermen, especially useful during the winter fishing season. A rorbu was a

CAR HIRE? • Family car • 4 wheel drive • large/small van • removal van

simple abode with several beds and kitchen in the same room, and storage for fishing equipment. The rorbu was traditionally built on poles in the sea, so that equipment could be hoisted straight from the boat and into the cabin. Tinden Trading posts is an example of the historic white coastal trading posts. Today it is a protected cultural site and summer open gallery.

MYRE KYSTHOTELL Storgt 52, 8430 Myre • booking@myrekysthotell.no Tel: +47 76 11 99 20 • Mob: +47 90 10 88 83

AVIS Bilutleie. Esso, Havna service As Sortland. Tel: +47 76 11 37 10

• Accommodation • Restaurant with local food

MYRE KYSTHOTELL

• Conference • RV camp

Welcome to Skipnes! Visit us and experience a special closeness to mountains, fjords, birds and fish, the midnight sun and more in historical and peaceful surroundings. The venerable old fishing village of Skipnes today offers rorbu fisherman cabin holidays and adventures. The village is located on a traffic-free island on the outer side of the Vesterålen island, well sheltered in a natural harbour.

Tel: +47 76 13 28 55 - post@skipnes.com - www.skipnes.com

• Transport to the «Dronningruta»

LEN

ERÅ

T VES

(«The Queen’s route»)

• Bike rental • Tourist information

OTE

LOF

www.myrekysthotell.no

WELCOME ACCOMMODATION

THE NATIONAL TOURIST ROUTE The road network on the west side of Andøya received National Tourist Route status on 30th June 2012. It stretches from the crossroads at Åknes to the quayside and ferry docking point at Andenes and is 51km long.

The National Tourist Route in Andøya runs between the open, bare outer coastline, the grass covered, pointed mountain peaks and the flat cloudberry marshes further south. Only Bleik Island’s nearly perfect cone-like form breaks the endless horizon which stretches all the way to Greenland.

The beach at Bleik is one of Northern Norway’s longest and fills the shoes with fine, white coral sand whilst ‘Bukkekirka’ creates a group of sculptured rocks. The houses in the fishing village of Bleik (many of them old nordland houses) are built close together while further south they are built in a line looking out on to the beach. A whale safari out to the sperm whales in Bleik’s deep waters, a bird safari to the sea gannets, arctic fulmar and the 80,000 puffins at Bleik, kayaking, a walk around the colourful small town of Andenes, a visit to the space center at Oksebåsen and rambling along the coastal pathways up to Måltinden make the route even more memorable.

ramic view at Kleivodden. Bukkekjerka has a Sami culture monument and the area is rich in local history. Yes, we still have roads today that are not just designed to get you from A to B in the quickest possible time. National Tourist Routes provide for an enjoyable drive through beautiful surroundings. Walking paths, parking spots and toilets will be opened along the route in 2017. Each of the 18 routes in Norway have their own distinctive features, character and stories to tell. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration have responsibility for the upkeep of the road network for you the traveller. They provide spectacular viewing points of fantastic scenery, roadside services, parking areas, places to sit and relax, pathways and art displays. Daring and innovative architecture in magnificent natural surroundings is NTR’s trademark. Tourist Route investment is a long term commitment.

Andøya municipal council and the National Tourist Route project have provided a stopover area with a pano-

www.visitvesteralen.com

Andenes

and unique experiences!

Welcome to

COMFORTABLE AND LUXURIOUS

The finest hotel rooms in Vesterålen

Stay YOUR way!

Choose your accommodation when you visit beautiful Andenes. We have hotel rooms, sea houses and cabins with an ocean view. Our hotel has recently refurbished rooms and in Grønnbuene and Lankanholmen you have the Norwegian Sea on your doorstep.We look forward to be your hosts!

Andrikken Hotel Modern hotel in the centre of Andenes with 44 rooms. Single, double, family or mini suites.

Grønnbuene Stay in traditional Norwegian sea houses in Andenes harbour. Choose between single, double, suite or apartment.

Lankanholmen Spend the night in a cosy 4-bed cabin by the sea, located in the Andenes harbour area.

Tel +47 76 14 12 22 service@andrikkenhotell.no www.andrikkenhotell.no ANDRIKKEN HOTELL I LANKANHOLMEN SJØHUS I GRØNNBUENE RORBU HOTEL

EACH ROOM – A NEW ADVENTURE

Booking: www.hotellmarena.no Andenes • Tel: +47 915 83 517

MARMELKROKEN Cabins, fisherman’s huts and an area for RVs and tents – your overnight stay with a panoramic view across the ocean

17 Accommodation Dining Peace and quiet Tel: +47 957 65 739

Lisbeth Seppola THE NATIONAL TOURIST ROUTE

www.visitvesteralen.com