Andenes is a picturesque town perched on the northern tip of Anydøya Island. It’s part of the Vesterålen Archipelago and will charm you with its beautiful coastal scenery and a rich maritime heritage.
The beaches in Andenes are wild and rugged, many surrounded by limestone rocks that date back to the Jurassic period. Bleik Beach is one of the longest in Europe and is fringed by sugar-white sand and grass-covered dunes. Watch for white-tailed eagles soaring overhead and whales breaching offshore.
Whale watching cruises depart from Andenes and get you up close with the majestic marine mammals. You can also set sail on birdwatching tours that take you to the famous Bleiksøy bird colony to see puffins and gannets.
Cherry-red Andenes Lighthouse towers 40 metres over the port and has been guiding ships to safety since the 1800s. Guided tours take you up to the observation deck for sweeping views over the North Atlantic Ocean. Hiking to the summit of 408-metre-high Mount Måtinden is another way to unlock spectacular views over the coastline.
Getting there
Andenes is located on the northern tip of Anydøya Island, a three-hour drive from Harstad and 6.5 hours from Tromso. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore Andenes and the Vesterålen Archipelago at your own pace. Harstad/Narvik Airport is a three-hour drive away.