Travel guide
Andøya travel guide: whales, rockets and the northern lights
At the far end of Vesterålen lies the island where sperm whales hunt just off the harbour and rockets fly into the northern lights. What to see, where to stay and how to get there.
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From the harbour in Andenes it is only a few nautical miles to the edge of the continental shelf. There the seabed drops into the deep, and sperm whales hunt for squid all year. On land, research rockets fly into the northern lights from Norway's only space centre.
Andøya is the northernmost island in Vesterålen, in Arctic Norway. It takes some getting to, but few places in Norway pack so much nature into so little space.
In short
Andøya is best for whale watching in summer and the northern lights from September to April. Stay at Andenes Suite Hotel in Andenes, close to the whale safaris and the Spaceship Aurora space centre. You need a car for Bleik and the scenic route, or stay in Sortland and drive up for the day.
Our first choice, Andenes Suite Hotel: Check availability and prices
Andenes: the town at the tip of the island
Andenes is the largest place on Andøya, with a fishing harbour, a lighthouse and the whale safaris that leave from the quay. The red lighthouse by the harbour is one of the most photographed in northern Norway.
Spaceship Aurora, Andøya Space's visitor centre, is here too. It has a film about the northern lights, an exhibition on Norwegian spaceflight and a virtual mission to Mars.
Whale watching from Andenes
Whale safaris from Andenes head out to Bleiksdjupet, an underwater canyon where sperm whales dive for food. In summer the chances of seeing whales are good, and the boats leave from the harbour in the centre.
Pilot whales, orcas and humpbacks also visit the waters around the island. Read more in Andøya: the whale kingdom.
Pilot whales by the boat
Pilot whales come close to the boats off Andøya. Photo: Whale2Sea
The rockets and the space centre
Andøya Space has launched research rockets since 1962, many of them straight into the northern lights. Satellites are now launched from here too. Find out how to catch a launch in space rockets in the northern lights.
Bleik and Måtind
Bleik is an old fishing village on the west side of the island, with one of the longest white sand beaches in Norway. In summer it is calm enough for long walks, and in winter it is one of the darkest spots for the aurora.
Måtind rises above Bleik, with views over the beach, the sea and the bird cliffs of Bleiksøya. The hike is steep but short, and suits walkers used to mountain paths.
Eagles over the island
White-tailed eagles hunt along the coast and bird cliffs of Andøya. Photo: Helge Hellesund
The Andøya National Scenic Route
The scenic route runs along the west side of the island, between the mountains and the sea. Along the way you find viewpoints, beaches and small fishing villages.
You need a car to drive it. In summer a ferry crosses from Andenes to Gryllefjord on Senja, so you can carry on north along the coast.
The northern lights on Andøya
The aurora season runs from September to April. Andøya lies beneath the band where the northern lights are strongest, far from big cities, and the beaches on the west side face an open horizon.
Clear, calm nights give the best chances. Bring warm clothes and plan several nights, as the weather on the coast changes quickly.
Green aurora over the mountains
Green northern lights over the mountains of Andøya. Photo: Helge Hellesund
Where to stay on Andøya
Andøya has few hotels, and the best fill first. Staying in Andenes puts you closest to the whale safaris and the space centre. Sortland is about an hour and a half away by car and has more choice. See all the hotels in our Vesterålen guide.
Central Andenes
The fireside lounge at Andenes Suite Hotel. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Andenes Suite Hotel: a short walk to the whale boats
Andenes Suite Hotel is in the centre, so you can walk to the whale safari in the morning and be back for dinner. The rooms are modern, and the lobby has a fireplace and big windows.
This is the hotel to choose if you want to spend the whole stay on the island.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Andenes Suite Hotel
On the sound in Sortland
The terrace at Scandic Sortland, with a fire pit and mountains. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Scandic Sortland: a base for Vesterålen
The hotel stands on the sound in Sortland, with mountains right outside the windows. From Sortland you can reach Andøya, Hadsel and Bø on day trips.
It suits travellers who want to see more of Vesterålen than Andøya alone.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Scandic Sortland
Central Sortland
The northern lights over Thon Hotel Sortland. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Thon Hotel Sortland: central in the blue town
Thon Hotel Sortland is in the middle of town, with shops and places to eat outside the door. Sortland's buildings are painted blue, and the town is the shopping centre of Vesterålen.
It suits travellers who want an affordable base and days out on the islands.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Thon Hotel Sortland
How to get to Andøya
Fly: Andøya Airport is next to Andenes, with flights from Bodø and Tromsø. From the UK, connect via Oslo.
Drive: from Harstad/Narvik Airport Evenes it takes about three hours to Andenes. This is the usual choice if you want a car on the island.
Ferry: in summer a ferry runs between Andenes and Gryllefjord on Senja.
When to go
June to August: midnight sun, whale watching and long days on the beach at Bleik.
September to April: the northern lights and dark nights. Research rockets that measure the aurora often launch in this period.
All year: sperm whales stay in Bleiksdjupet, but the weather decides whether the boats go out.
Andøya: frequently asked questions
What is there to do on Andøya?
On Andøya you can go whale watching from Andenes, visit the Spaceship Aurora space centre, walk the beach at Bleik and climb Måtind. In winter the island is a fine place for the northern lights. The Andøya National Scenic Route runs along the west side, with views of the sea and mountains.
Where is the best place to stay on Andøya?
Andenes is the best place to stay on Andøya, close to the whale safaris, the space centre and the lighthouse. Andenes Suite Hotel is in the centre. The island has few hotels, so book early. For more choice, Sortland is about an hour and a half away by car.
How do you get to Andøya?
Fly to Andøya Airport near Andenes from Bodø or Tromsø, or fly to Evenes and drive for about three hours. From the UK, connect via Oslo. In summer a ferry runs between Andenes and Gryllefjord on Senja. A car makes it easier to see Bleik and the scenic route.
When is the best time for whale watching from Andenes?
Summer, from June to August, gives the best conditions for whale watching from Andenes, with long days and calmer seas. Sperm whales stay in Bleiksdjupet all year, but wind and waves decide whether the boats sail. Keep a spare day in your plans.
Can you see the northern lights on Andøya?
Yes, Andøya is a good place for the northern lights from September to April. The island lies beneath the band where the aurora is strongest, far from big cities. The beaches on the west side, such as Bleik, face an open horizon with little light around.