Vesterålen - an archipelago of whales and tranquillity
Wild, quiet and striking, Vesterålen is where towering peaks meet open skies, fishing villages cling to the coast, and whales, puffins and reindeer roam free. It’s Norway, untouched and unfiltered.
Vesterålen is unforgettable. Situated on four main islands, and around 1,330 smaller ones, it’s a place where rugged mountains rise straight from the sea, white powdery beaches stretch for miles, and out in the deep, whales surface from below the waves.
Many bypass Vesterålen on their way to the Lofoten Islands. But those who choose to visit are rewarded with something remarkable.
In Old Norse, Vesterålen means ‘the western straits’. Here, visitors will discover a quiet, green archipelago of dramatic coastlines and scattered islands. Peaceful fishing villages that have seen generations harvesting the rich seas. Sámi reindeer herders who've called Vesterålen their home for the past 225 years. It’s also one of the best destinations in the world for whale watching.
Where is Vesterålen?
Vesterålen and its four main islands are in northern Norway, just north of the Lofoten Islands and above the Arctic Circle. Its larger islands are linked by bridges and tunnels, making it easy to explore by road.
Main towns include Sortland, Stokmarknes, and Andenes, alongside smaller settlements like Bleik and Nyksund.
The best things to do in Vesterålen
Whale watching
Close to the continental shelf – where narrow, shallow waters are rich feeding grounds – Vesterålen is one of the few places where whales can be spotted year-round.
In winter, it’s possible to see humpbacks and orcas, who are chasing the herring migrating to the region’s fjords. Sperm whales can be seen here year-round – Bleiksdjupet, an underwater canyon near Andøya, is a particular hotspot.
Visit The Whale
In 2027, The Whale opens in Andenes – a bold new landmark where science and art meet the wild. Designed to stir curiosity and awe, it dives deep into the rich biodiversity of Vesterålen.
The building itself is a statement – sleek, sculptural, and as unforgettable as the creatures just offshore.
(Image credit: Dorte Mandrup - Renderings by Mir - VisitNorway.com)
Go fishing – or just eat like a local
Home to many fishing villages, the sea is a way of life for Vesterålen communities. Fishing boats and trawlers still set out daily, keeping old traditions alive.
Taste it for yourself: Arctic char fresh from the fjord, tørrfisk dried by sea air, or the region’s iconic fish balls. This is Vesterålen on a plate.
(Image credit: Fredrik Ahlsen - VisitNorway.com)
Explore Andøya Space Center
Reach dizzying heights at Andøya Space Center. From September to February, a huge amount of Northern Lights activity can be seen here. Step inside the country’s only operational space center, take a virtual mission to Mars, or get hands-on with aurora science.
Prefer sea level? The Andøya Scenic Route delivers in full. This 58km stretch hugs Vesterålen’s wild western edge – cliffs, beaches, and endless sky. Drive it. Bike it. Either way, it’s out of this world.
(Image credit: Fredrik Ahlsen - VisitNorway.com)
Meet the reindeer
The Sámi are the Indigenous people of the north – and their culture runs deep in Vesterålen. At the Inga family farm, where reindeer herding has been a way of life for over 140 years, you’re invited to step into their world.
Learn to lasso, feed the reindeer and listen to yoik – a raw, powerful form of Sámi song that carries stories older than words.
Take a hike
Vesterålen is made for walking. Feel at one with nature on over 200 scenic trails, with endless views of Arctic landscapes and fjords. In summer, when the sun never sets, go on Midnight Sun walks, soaking up seascapes draped in a golden glow.
Try Dronningruta, a royal coastal route, or summit Møysalen, the region’s highest peak.
(Image credit: Christian Roth Christensen - VisitNorway.com)
Sail into Trollfjord
Trollfjord is one of our most dramatic fjords, and our ships sail right into it. Carved deep into Austvågøya, it’s narrow, steep and straight out of a Norse saga.
Cliffs rise so close you could almost reach out and touch them. It’s wild. It’s beautiful. It’s pure drama.
Go on a bird safari
Vesterålen’s scattered skerries are a magnet for seabirds – and a boat trip from Bleik to Bleiksøya puts you in the thick of it. From late spring to early August, around 80,000 puffins make this island their home. Watch them nest, dive, and flap in every direction.
And don’t forget to look up – White-tailed Sea Eagles often cruise the skies above.
Places to visit in Vesterålen
Sortland
Known as the ‘Blue City’ for its colourful, blue-painted buildings, Sortland is Vesterålen’s main hub. It’s a good base for shopping, galleries and exploring the surrounding islands.
Stokmarknes
This is where it all began. Stokmarknes is the birthplace of Hurtigruten and home to the Hurtigruten Museum, we’re proud to share our heritage. See the restored MS Finnmarken encased in glass, learn about our long history, and see how Hurtigruten has shaped life along the Norwegian coast since 1893.
Bleik
An attractive fishing village with one of our longest sandy beaches. It’s the starting point for puffin safaris to Bleiksøya and offers great views of rugged peaks meeting the sea.
(Image credit: Fredrik Ahlsen - VisitNorway.com)
Nyksund
Once abandoned, now reborn. Left as a ghost town after it was abandoned in the 1970s, this city by the sea has been revived as an artistic and cultural hub. Hikers start the Queen’s Route here – one of Vesterålen’s best coastal trails – with access to two of the Seven Sisters peaks.
(Image credit: Christian Roth Christensen - VisitNorway.com)
Andenes
At the northern tip of Andøya, Andenes is a gateway for whale safaris. The town also has the Andøya Space Center, where you can learn about space research and the Northern Lights.
Visit Vesterålen with Hurtigruten
Our excursions in Vesterålen
From spotting sea eagles on our coastal safari, to seeing whales in their natural habitat, Vesterålen offers unforgettable encounters with nature and more.
excursions
A Taste of Vesterålen
excursions
Sea Eagle Safari
excursions
The Hurtigruten Museum
inspiration
Whale watching in Norway
Vesterålen FAQs
Yes! While many people head straight to Lofoten, Vesterålen offers just as much natural beauty but with fewer tourists. It’s one of the best places in Norway to see whales, enjoy Midnight Sun hikes, and discover an authentic slice of coastal life.
Spring and autumn are quieter seasons, where vibrant colours blanket much of the scenery. Summer brings the Midnight Sun, long days for exploring and hiking, and Puffin safaris. Winter is the best season to gaze up at the Northern Lights, and spot orcas and humpback whales.
Getting to Vesterålen is simple. The easiest and best way is on a cruise, and you can travel by sea on both our Original or Signature voyages.
From Oslo, there are direct flights to Harstad/Narvik Evenes six days a week. You can also drive from the Lofoten Islands, crossing by road for a scenic and seamless journey into the heart of the north.
Yes. Sperm whales are present all year. In winter, humpbacks and orcas follow the herring along the coast, creating world-class whale-watching conditions.
No. They're neighbouring archipelagos with their own unique characters. The Lofoten Islands craggy peaks and windswept landscapes attract lots of visitors keen to explore its Viking heritage and fishing villages. Vesterålen, just to the north and east, has greener, gentler landscapes with fewer visitors and is one of the best places in Norway for whale watching. We love them both. So for us, it’s simple. There’s no need to decide between Vesterålen vs Lofoten as you can enjoy both on our voyages.
