Vesterålen
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Vesterålen is not only situated right beneath the auroral oval, it's also the kingdom of the whales! The nature here is pure and pristine, with long, white sand beaches.
Spending time in Vesterålen feels therapeutic to the modern traveller. Shoreline islets and open seas, alpine mountains and endless moors, gentle beaches and vast fjords all invite you to take a deep breath and relax.
Ski down a snow-clad mountain one day and go on a whale safari in Andenes the next. Since Vesterålen with its rugged peaks is located at the edge of the continental shelf, the nutrient-rich waters are the primary feeding ground for humpback whales, sperm whales, and killer whales.
In Andenes, you can also travel closer to the northern lights in a virtual spaceship at Andøya Space visitor's centre. You can even travel to Mars!
Experience Sami culture
The northern lights often illuminate Vesterålen’s polar night. This natural phenomenon is difficult to catch on camera, but if you join a northern lights safari, local guides will teach you how to capture the moment.
A visit to a native Sami family to learn about their culture, the polar night, and the starry sky, is also a must when you are in the region. Foodies should head to Kvitnes Gård, which offers both a farmhouse restaurant and accommodation. Expect an amazing culinary experience... could a Michelin star be next?
A detour to the small and very unique fishing village of Nyksund is also highly recommended.
Active holiday
Vesterålen is a paradise for outdoor activities during the autumn and winter season. Try dog sledding or go on a seal and bird safari in the daytime, and explore the northern lights at night. Here, you will find signposted hiking trails all over the island, and you can even observe the northern lights from a mountaintop.
The mountains are especially inviting to ski tourers as the white peaks are great for venturing off-trail to create your own.
If you prefer cross-country skiing, you can choose between several well-prepared tracks. You can also explore the pristine landscape on snowshoes.
The best places to see it
- On one of the long, white beaches, for example, Bleik beach at Andøya.
- Nyksund fishing village.
- Uværshula (The Storm Cave), on Hadseløya.
Fjords & northern lights
Oslo, Bergen, Flåm and TromsøWinter adventure. See the fjords and the Arctic city of Tromsø. Winter activities like dog sledding, a northern lights safari, and much more can be added.
Magical northern lights
Dog sledding and reindeer sledding in AltaStay in Alta at an Arctic wilderness resort, a forest chalet and an igloo-style dome. Enjoy dog sledding, snowmobiling, and ice-fishing.
Tromsø winter break
Tromsø, northern lights, dog sleddingWinter break to Tromsø, including dog sledding and a northern lights chase by minibus. Additional winter activities can be added.
Lofoten & northern lights
Lofoten archipelago experienceTrip with an aurora-chase guided tour, RIB boat tour, and accommodation in a traditional fisherman's cabin.
Northern lights dinner cruise
Boat sightseeing in TromsøExplore the Tromsø fjords on a hybrid-electric boat with panoramic windows, while savouring a delicious dinner and keeping an eye out for the magical northern lights.
Short winter cruise
Tromsø and a Hurtigruten CruiseThis tour includes a cruise with Hurtigruten. Choose from a wide selection of winter activities including dog sledding and northern lights excursions.
Aurora dinner cruise
Boat tour in TromsøJoin a northern lights cruise and enjoy delicious arctic tapas from our partner in Tromsø, while hunting for the northern lights!
Northern lights cruise
Tromsø, the North Cape and KirkenesTour including a return cruise from Tromsø to Kirkenes with Hurtigruten. Visit the North Cape and try winter activities including dog sledding and snowmobiling.
Arctic winter adventure
Snowhotel Kirkenes, Hurtigruten & TromsøWinter adventure tour including an overnight stay at Kirkenes Snow Hotel, a cruise with Hurtigruten to Tromsø, and a wide selection of optional winter activities.
Northern lights safari
Round trip from Oslo to TromsøJoin a northern lights round trip. Fly from Oslo to Tromsø and experience all the highlights of the region, including several opportunities to chase the northern lights.
Tromsø wildlife & northern lights
City break with a wildlife cruise4-day break to Tromsø with a cruise and hunt for the northern lights. With one free day, you can add winter activities like dog sledding, a reindeer safari, and more.