Cute lonely sheep with white fur standing between green bushes and looking at camera near hiking path to Måtinden peak in the north of Andøya island, Vesterålen, Norway in late summer.; Shutterstock ID 1865936701; your: Erin Lenczycki; gl: 65050; netsuite: Online Editorial; full: Destination update

Shutterstock / T. Schneider

Vesterålen

Although the landscapes here aren't as dramatic as those in Lofoten, they tend to be much wilder and the forested mountainous regions of the island of Hinnøya are a unique corner of Norway's largely treeless northern coast. There are many reasons to visit, but our top three would be whale-watching from Andenes or Stø, a drive along Andøya's lovely west coast and a visit to the reborn hamlet of Nyksund.

Attractions

Must-see attractions for your itinerary

Spaceship Aurora
Vesterålen
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…
Andenes Fyr
Vesterålen
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…
Nyksund Museum
Vesterålen
Nyksund's small museum contains a number of local artefacts and before-and-after photos that chart the village's transformation. Then again, the whole…
Trondenes Kirke
Vesterålen
Trondenes Church was built by King Øystein around 1150. For ages it was the northernmost church in Christendom, and still lays claim to being Norway's…
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…
Museum Nord
Vesterålen
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…
Hurtigrutemuseet
Vesterålen
The Hurtigruten Museum portrays the history of the coastal-ferry line in text and image. Hitched to the quayside is the retired ship MS Finnmarken,…
Trondenes Historiske Senter
Vesterålen
Trondenes Historical Centre, just south of the church, has well-mounted and equally well-documented displays and artefacts illustrating the social history…