Norwegian Scenic Route Andøya

The Norwegian Scenic Route Andøya runs from the outer side of Andøya between Bjørnskinn in the south to the Andenes ferry berth in the north, and is 58 km long. Only the almost perfect cone-shaped bird mountain Bleiksøya breaks the endless horizon, otherwise there is open sea all the way to Greenland. If you're lucky, you can see sea eagles, whales and seals from the car window.

On Andøya, you can walk along some of Norway's most beautiful beaches and look out over the calm sea with the midnight sun as your only company in the summer, and the northern lights in the autumn and winter seasons.

Bleik

Bleik beach is one of Norway's longest beaches, and fills the shoes with white, fine-grained coral sand. In the fishing village of Bleik, the houses, many of them old nordic houses, stand close together, while further south they stand in a row along the beach.

Bleik has a shop, café, pub and a 9-hole golf course. The conditions are also suitable for kiting off the beach, as well as paragliding and hang gliding from the mountains around Bleik. Here you can also unfold yourself in fantastic hiking terrain, with spectacular views and memorable impressions.

In Bleik, you have the opportunity to spend the night right next to the beach with a view of the great sea. Midnattsol Camping has a small, intimate campsite at Bleik. It is also possible to stay in a cabin or rorbu.

If you visit Bleik in the period May-August, you have the opportunity to go on a puffin safari with Puffin Safari.

Kleivodden

Just north of Bleik is the rest area Kleivodden. A very popular stop and viewpoint for both tourists and locals. The sea, the midnight sun, the northern lights and the surrounding landscape are a powerful sight!

The place Kleivodden is arranged for parking and made as an attractive viewing point. Sculptural matte-ground stones of local granite reflect light and sky and are used as seating spots.

Bukkekjerka

Between Nordmæla and Nøss you will find the Bukkekjerka rock formation, where nature itself has built a natural altar and pulpit.

Several trails lead to the top of Bukkekjerka. Here they have placed a small bench where you can see far beyond the ocean, the mountain range in the north, the midnight sun (in the summer) and the northern lights (in the autumn and winter season). There are several seating options at the south wall of Bukkekjerka. From this rest area, a trail leads out to the islet where there are two unattended lighthouses.

Experiences along the Norwegian Scenic Route Andøya

Whale and animal safari

Feel free to combine the National Tourist Route trip with a whale safari out to the sperm whales in Bleiksdjupet, a bird safari to see the harbor seals, seahorses and the 80,000 puffins at Bleik (puffin safari only in the summer season).

Interested in going whale watching from Andenes, see more here.

Bird watching

If you want to get really close to nature and the birdlife on Andøya, we recommend taking the trip past Marmelkroken. The place specializes in connecting humans more closely to nature through architecture.

At the same time as you get up close to the bustling bird life and the unique nature, Marmelkroken is also the place for a good tasting experience of local produced food in their pleasant and "warm" restaurant - often growned by Marmelkroken's employees or sourced from local producers.

Art gallery

A short drive north of Marmelkroken, in the small town of Nøss, you will find the art gallery Atelier Nøss - an artist-run gallery and studio. The gallery exhibits a wide range of works, such as paintings, sculptures, photography, textiles, graphic art, literature and souvenirs.

In the summer season, the owners of the gallery also offer you to sit down with a good cup of coffee or tea, in a unique atmosphere of art, nature and ancient culture.

Hiking along the coastal trail up to Måtinden

Måtinden in Andøy is one of Vesterålen's most visited mountain peaks, and for good reason. At the top, you will be enchanted by the view of dramatic mountain peaks, white sandy beaches, idyllic islands and the ocean.

There are three routes to the top of Måtinden at 408 masl. Read the tour description here.

It is also possible to hike the entire coastal trail from Stave to Bleik (or vice versa) with a detour to Måtinden. This is a more demanding trip over 9 km. with different levels of difficulty. You can read more about that hike here.

Sauna and "Hot pools"

On your holiday it is important to find time to slow down, take a deep breath and embrace the slower lifestyle. Along the National Tourist Route on Andøya you can enjoy relaxation and quietness, try out a refreshing arctic dip from one of our many beautiful sandy beaches, sauna facilities or "hot pools".

At Stave Camping you get your own heated hot pool (hot tub) located on a private veranda overlooking the ocean. Or treat yourself in their 80° warm sauna by the beach and swim in the sea between the sauna sessions!

If you stop by Midnattsol Camping in Bleik, you can take a refreshing dip in the Arctic Ocean and get warm again in their sauna right next to Bleik beach with the finest sand between your toes.

Beaches

The following three beaches are found along the Scenic Route.

Bleik Beach: In the village of Bleik is one of the longest and most spectacular beaches in Norway. With its white sands and endless dunes, it is more reminiscent of a tropical paradise than an arctic landscape. This is the perfect place to sunbath, go for a swim and enjoy the midnight sun. The landscape surrounding the beach is astonishing, and you have views both to the mountains and to Bleik Island, which is the home to the largest puffin colony in Vesterålen.

Høyvika: Between the villages of Stave and Bleik, there is a hidden beach surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks and unspoiled nature. To access the beach, you must follow the coastal trek between the two villages. The trek is quite tough as it partly goes through scree slopes and crags. However, the sights that meet you when you get there are breath-taking. Fun fact: the beach also goes by the name Apple Beach after it graced the cover of iPad Pro some years back.

Stave Beach: Right next to the National Scenic Route you find yet another beautiful white sandy beach. This is the perfect spot to feel the ocean breeze and watch the midnight sun. In the winter season, if you are lucky, you can see northern lights dance across the night sky.

Kayaking and SUP

With the beach right at your feet, you have the opportunity to enjoy the sea as it was meant to be. The coast along Andøya is the perfect place for those who have a passion for sea activities. At Stave Camping, you have the option of renting kayaks and SUP boards.

Explore the northern lights, and learn more about space exploration

Get an experience of a lifetime at Andøya Space. In the Spaceship Aurora visitor centre, which is located just before you get to Andenes, you can join virtual space missions, explore the northern lights and learn more about the Norwegian space travel. Here you will find experiences for space enthusiasts of all ages.

Bring out your inner explorer – Space is waiting for you!

Visit one of the tallest lighthouses in Norway

At 40 meters, Andenes lighthouse is one of the tallest and most beautiful lighthouses in Norway. When you get to the top, you can step out on the balcony and take in every bit of the view. On clear days, you can see well over 20 kilometers, including Senja and Bleik island.

Cycling the Norwegian Scenic Route Andøya

For the cyclist: The 58 km. route is relatively easy to cycle, with only 66 meters at the highest. Remember to check the weather forecast and not least the wind strength and direction before you start your trip.

The Norwegian National Scenic Route Andøya is part of the National Cycling Route 1 (in Norwegian language only), which follows the entire Norwegian coast. The route is also signposted.

Read also: Around Andøya on bike

There are still roads that do not only aim to get you there as quickly as possible. Scenic routes are beautiful roads a little out of the ordinary. Each of the 18 routes in Norway has its own distinctive character and its own stories.

Explore Andøya the Scenic Route with local guide

Experience wildlife, dramatic nature, white sandy beaches, and the iconic Andenes lighthouse with these companies:

Arctic North Adventures
Vesterålen Tours

Accommodation along the Scenic Route Andøya

Places to stay

Marmelkroken
Stave Camping
Midnattsol Camping
Havhusene Bleik
Grønnbua Rorbu Hotel
Lankanholmen Seahouse
Andenes Camping
Andenes Suite Hotel
Thon Partner Hotel Andrikken

Ferry connection

In the summer season, there is a ferry connection between Andenes and Gryllefjord that connects the Norwegian Scenic Route Andøya and the Norwegian Scenic Route Senja. Together with Senja, Andøya is an outer alternative to E6 and Coastal Route (Hurtigruten and Havila).

Read more about Norwegian Scenic Routes here. 

Parts of the text in this article are broad with permission from the Norwegian Public Roads Administration and Norwegian Scenic Routes.