Hvalsenteret

Vesterålen


The whale centre provides a perspective for whale-watchers, with displays on whale research, hunting and the life cycle of these gentle giants. Most people visit in conjunction with a whale safari (a museum visit is included). Whale skeletons and a host of fascinating information panels make this a fine complement to a safari to see the real thing. There's also an on-site restaurant. It sometimes stays open as late as 10pm in July and August.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Vesterålen attractions

1. Andenes Fyr

0.04 MILES

The town's landmark red lighthouse, automated for many years, opened in 1859 and still shines on. To climb its 40m and 148 steps, arrange a guided tour…

2. Museum Nord

0.05 MILES

The quaint, Arctic- and polar-themed Museum Nord has displays on local hunting and fishing traditions. There's extensive coverage of the 38 winter hunting…

3. Fargeklatten Galleries

0.31 MILES

This complex of historical buildings now includes a couple of small galleries displaying the art and crafts of northern Norway, with visiting exhibitions…

4. Turf Museum

0.31 MILES

This small turf museum is part of the historic Fargeklatten complex of restored buildings.

5. Andenes Kirke

0.46 MILES

It only opens for a month, and even then just three days a week so take advantage if you happen to be in town. It's a typically austere northern Norwegian…

6. Spaceship Aurora

2.94 MILES

Around 1km south of the town entrance along the road to Bleik, this innovative space centre has a widescreen 16-minute movie and other exhibits about the…

7. Senjatrollet

28.65 MILES

True, there can't be much competition outside Scandinavia. But the Senja Troll, 18m high and weighing in at 125,000kg, is the world's biggest troll,…