Vesterålen 2011 Eng

Vesterålen 2011

www.visitvesteralen.com

Vesterålen welcomes you year roundThe many activities Vesterålen has to off er include whale safaris under the midnight sun and winter fi shing under the northern lights. These are unique experiences. We have received many enquiries from tourists who wish to visit our region during the winter season. For this reason we have included in the guide a separate section pertaining to winter adventures in our region.

In Vesterålen there is plenty of space for everyone. Parking is free of charge in the cities and towns, and you need not worry about congested traffi c and toll booths. The guide you are holding was produced in order to provide you with information about tourism in the region. The information is not exhaustive, since activities and new off erings emerge continually year-round and are too numerous to be included in printed material such as this. News about emerging events is updated continually and can be found on our websites: www.visitvesteralen.com and www.vestreg.no

In the pages of this brochure you can become familiar with off ers for tourists, cultural events and other information about the region. The regional tourist information centre at Sortland is open year-round. E-mail enquiries about tour-ism in Vesterålen can be addressed to [email protected]

In addition we direct your att ention to our online booking, including pertinent off ers and information, at www.visitvesteralen.com.

Welcome to Vesterålen!

Roy Odd Schøyen,Director of Tourism

Photo: Odd-Eirik Einarsen

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Opening hours at the tourist offi ces in Vesterålen

Distances in Vesterålen

Useful telephone numbers

Dumping stations for camping caravans & tourist coaches

Sortland - Kaljord = 53 kmMelbu - Stokmarknes = 16 kmStokmarknes - Sortland = 28 kmSortland - Lødingen = 58 kmLødingen - Øksneshamn = 63 kmSortland - Andenes = 101 kmSortland - Stø = 54 kmSortland - Nyksund = 52 kmSortland - Bø (Straume) = 58 kmSortland - Hovden = 69 km

The country code for telephone calls to Norway is + 47.To ring out of Norway, dial 00 + country code + number.

Time/route info for Nordland County: 177If you ring from any area than Nordland, use telephone number (+47) 75 77 24 10 or go to: www.177nordland.com

Ring (+47) 175 for information about montain passes, road and traffi c conditions in Nordland/Norway. Also see: www.vegvesen.no

Emergency telephone numbers:Police..............................................112Medical emergency help.............113

Sortland Havna Service (Esso).........E10Øksnes Esso Myre......................RV 821

Andøy:Hamnegt.1, Hisnakul. Tel: +47 76 14 12 03Open: June – August

Bø: Ryggedalen, Tel.: +47 482 92 136 / 76 11 42 00

Hadsel:Markedsbrygga, Stokmarknes. Tel: +47 76 16 46 60Shower and laundry facilities available at the touristinformation.Open: June - August

Lødingen: Offi ce by the port. Tel.: +47 76 93 23 12Open: June – August

Sortland: Kjøpmannsgt. 2. Open year round.Tel./fax.: +47 76 11 14 80/+47 76 11 15 01www.visitvesteralen.com – [email protected]

Øksnes: Tel.: +47 76 18 50 50 – [email protected]: June – August

3Vesterålen 2011 • www.visitvesteralen.com


4 Vesterålen 2011 • www.visitvesteralen.com


Fishing and boating in VesterålenSome of the country’s richest fi shing grounds are located in Vesterålen. Traditional fi shing vil-lages are well worth a visit, whether they are old, abandoned fi shing stations or newer, mod-ern fi shing ports bustling with maritime activity.

Many visitors want to come to Vesterålen pre-cisely for the good fi shing they fi nd here. In Vesterålen we off er guided fi shing outings, and many of the tourist facilities have boats for hire.There are also many good spots where one can fi sh from the shoreline. The most common spe-cies are cod, coalfi sh, haddock and redfi sh, but it is also possible to catch salmon and sea trout or even a giant halibut.

The ice fi shing season runs from February to April. Abundant lakes provide ample opportu-

nities to catch trout and char. Fishing contests are arranged during the season. Fishing licences can be purchased locally. Information on small game hunting and fi shing in Vesterålen can be found on our website: www.vestreg.no/jaktogfi ske

Children and adolescents younger than 16 years of age are legally entitled to a free fi shing licence for inland fi shing during the period 1 January to 20 August.

Fishing rights in rivers and lakes are the prop-erty of the property owners, and fi shing can be done only with the consent of the landowner (for example through purchase of a local fi shing li-cence). Fishing for salmon, sea trout and Arctic char in watercourses requires an additional li-censing fee paid to the Norwegian government.

Photo: Ian Robbins



Sortland Småbåthavn5 spaces for guests(water depth: 2m)Tel: +47 76 12 23 46

Lødingen16 spaces for guestsTel:: +47 76 98 66 09 Hennes havnspaces for guests: varyTel: +47 76 15 62 75

Markedsbrygga Stokmarknes8 spaces for guestsTel: +47 76 15 14 51

Maurnes Fiskerihavn5 spaces for guestsTel: +47 76 12 66 85

Melbu Småbåthavn10 spaces for guests(water depth: 2,5-3m)Tel: +47 76 15 72 77

Myre Sjarkhavn10 spaces for guests(water depth: 3m)Tel: +47 76 13 40 35 / 95 15 38 72

Offersøy10 spaces for guests(water depth: 4m)Tel: +47 76 93 39 00

SjøhusSenteret Gjestehavn15 spaces for guests(water depth: 3m)Tel: +47 76 12 37 40 Fiskeværet Skipnes25 spaces for guests(water depth: 2,8m)Tel: +47 76 13 28 55

Stokmarknes Båthavn4 spaces for guestsTel: +47 76 15 16 16 Vesterålen Hotel & Kongressenter12 spaces for guestsTel: +47 76 15 29 99

Torghuken, Sortland6-7 spaces for guestsTel: +47 76 10 99 00

Ringstad Båthavn4 spaces for guests(water depth: 4,5m)(3m rock by entrance)Tel: +47 915 14 215

Vinjesjøen Båthavn8-10 spaces for guestsTel: +47 76 13 53 35

Fjordcamp15 spaces for guestsTel: +47 76 13 76 40

NyksundTel: +47 76 13 40 35Port of refuge

Andenes pendelkai(Andenes port authorities)Tel: +47 478 67 933

Bleik3 spaces for guestsTel: +47 478 67 933

Nordmela5 spaces for guestsTel: +47 478 67 933

Dverberg 2 spaces for guestsTel: +47 76 14 20 58

Risøyhamn HavnPort of refuge

Guest marinas in Vesterålen

Bunker: Statoil Yngve Steiro +47 76 12 80 00, Sortland Center - Esso Havna Service +47 76 11 37 00, Sortland Center

The photo above left shows a redfi sh. Lower left a wolf fi sh. The photo to the right is of Ingrid, smiling happily, and we refer you to the section at the back of the guide for winter in Vesterålen. Photos: Marten Bril

Subject to changes.


www.visitvesteralen.comwww.visitvesteralen.com

PaddlingVesterålen is a paddler’s paradise for both experts and the less experienced. You can experience beautiful fj ords, idyllic skerry landscape and fas-cinating sea landscapes. You can watch bird and animal life at close range, with pristine and wild nature through the prism of ever-changing wind and weather conditions.

All the way from Trollfj ord in the south to Andenes in the north you will enjoy sensational paddling opportunities that will give you a feeling of being one with nature, and you can enjoy this alone as an experienced paddler or as a member of a guided excursion. You can glide calmly over a mirror like surface, or you can surf on breakers coming in from the open ocean.

If you are an experienced paddler, you can ex-plore the seaward side of the Vesterålen islands and experience the area in all its whimsical tem-perament. Here you will fi nd steep mountain walls and cliff s, well-known bird sanctuaries and challenging sea conditions. The outer side of Bø and Øksnes are very highly recommended! You can also sign up for a guided paddling excursion. For the less experienced kayakers, there are lush calm fj ords and skerries that are very suitable for paddling. In these areas it is also much easier to get ashore if the weather should suddenly change for the worse. Eidsfj ord and its branches, such as Olderfj ord, Mellfj ord and Hellfj ord, off er excel-lent alternatives to the open ocean. And if you are a total novice, you can sign up for a beginner’s

course. If you do not own your own kayak, or are travelling light, you can hire a kayak with all the necessary equipment.

We also wish to recommend one of the world’s largest and best established paddling events, Arc-tic Sea Kayak Race (ASKR). The event convenes competition paddlers, leisure paddlers and novic-es for an enjoyable, sociable and instructive week of paddling in the beautiful natural surroundings of the Vesterålen islands. ASKR and Vesterålen expand their success with the World Cup in Surf Skiing which will take place on the seaward side of Vesterålen. If you are coming to Vesterålen, grant yourself with an outing in a kayak. The experience will give you memories of a lifetime!

Photo: Odd-Eirik Einarsen

Moby DickMobyDickyy

Booking/info.: Hvalsafari AS, P.B. 58, N-8483 Andenes Tel.: + 47 76 11 56 00 E-mail: [email protected]

www.whalesafari.com

NO. 1 IN ARCTIC WHALEWATCHING

T H E O R I G I N A L A N D L E A D I N G S I N C E 1 9 8 8

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We have arranged whale safaris in Andenes since 1988, which combine research, learning and

adventure into one unique experience. We offer: The shortest distance to the whale watching

grounds, qualified guides, whale guarantee and the Norwegian Whale Centre featuring a multimedia

presentation, restaurant /café, pub and souvenir shop. *We see whales on 96% of our trips. If the trip

is not sucessful, we offer you a new whalesafari for free (you need to make a new booking yourself).

Or you will get your money back. Your choice.

Experience the world’s largest toothed whale in it’s right element from May – September

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Whale guarantee*


Vesterålen is located on the edge of the conti-nental shelf, where the nutrient-rich ocean is a primary feeding ground for whales. This geo-graphical privilege makes the area perfect for whale safaris. Here one can experience some of the world’s largest sea mammals at close range.

From May to September, whale safaris are ar-ranged from the ports of Andenes and Stø, both situated on the seaward side of Vesterålen.

Various experiencesThe boats used for whale safaris vary in size, fi t-tings and motor power. One common factor for all boats and crews is that they meet the strin-gent requirements for government licensing. Safety and comfort are foremost. This entails that whale safaris can be completed only under suitable weather conditions.

The whale safari out of Andenes is closest to the whale fi elds and includes, in addition to the boat-trip itself, an orientation and an interesting exhibition at the new whale centre, as well as a fi lm describing the life of a whale. The whale centre is centrally located on the harbour at Andenes with a number of adjoining sights and att ractions.

The whale safari at Stø leaves from the harbour at Stø, a charming, working fi shing village at the northernmost point of Langøya. The boat excur-sion includes, in addition to the whale spott ing, an outing to the Anda bird rock.

Anda is an important nesting area for puffi ns, kitt iwakes, auks, European shags, herring gulls and black-backed gulls. In addition you will en-counter sea eagles, which prey on hatchlings on the bird rock. There is also a large seal colony on and around the island. Anda is a natural wildlife preserve.

The trips to Andenes and Stø are an experience in themselves, as you travel through breath-takingly beautiful coastal landscape.

If you plan to take the whale safari, it is recom-mended that you bring along warm clothing and appropriate footwear. A light meal is served on board, as well as coff ee or tea. During the sum-mer season there is a great infl ux of whale en-thusiasts, and we therefore recommend that you book your safari well in advance.


Whale safari in Vesterålen



Photos: Marten Bril

Sperm Whale• Is the world’s largest toothed whale.• The males can grow up to 20 m in length and weigh up to 70 tonnes. The females can grow up to 12 m in length.• Can dive to a depth of 3000 m and remain under water up to 90 min-utes at a time.• During spring, only the males come all the way from the Azores to the North-Norwe-gian coast in search of food, primarily squid and fi sh.

Humpback Whale• Can grow up to 18 m in length and weigh up to 40 tonnes.• It moves in groups of 3-4 of its species.• It makes acro-batic leaps into the air and slaps the water with its fi ns, a phenomenon researchers think is a form of commu-nication.• Known for its «singing». It emits powerful sounds under water, resembling a song, which may last as long as 20 minutes.

Pilot Whale• Is a toothed whale that can grow up to 6 m in length and weigh up to 3.5 tonnes.• Is a gregarious mammal and can move in groups of up to several hun-dred whales.• Feeds predomi-nantly on squid, but fi sh are also a part of its diet. • Is uncondition-ally preserved in Norway.

Minke Whales• Grow to be 10-12 m long and may weigh up to 9 tonnes.• Is a baleen whale, meaning it is toothless.• Feeds predomi-nantly on fi sh, such as herring, coalfi sh and cod.• Is the only species of whale that is hunted in Norway.

Orca/Killer Whale• Can grow up to 9 m in length and weigh up to 8 tonnes.• Has a particularly tall dorsal fi n, ap-prox. 1-2 m high, a trait found espe-cially on males.• Is a toothed whale belonging to the dolphin family and is very common along the coast of Northern Norway.• It feeds on fi sh and other sea mam-mals. • Can become very old. Females can become 80 years old.

Fin Whale• Can normally grow 19-22.5 m in length and weigh approx. 45-75 met-ric tonnes. • In arctic waters it can grow to about 24 m in length. The females are larger than the males.• Is the world’s sec-ond largest baleen species and has 55-100 ventral grooves and 520-950 baleens that can be up to 90 cm in length.• Feeds predomi-nantly on copepods and krill, in addi-tion to herring and capelin.

Whale species in Vesterålen

Right of accessThe Outdoor Recreations Act provides the right of the public to access and stay in wilderness areas. It gives us the right to passage in wooded and mountainous areas, to go skiing, sledging and to ride horseback on trails and roads. The public right of access safeguards the right to spend time and to set up tents in wilderness areas, but not closer than 150 m from houses or cabins. Wilderness is defi ned as all uncultivated land and comprises most lakes, shorelines, moorlands, forests and mountain areas in Norway.

As users of the public right of access we also have obligations. We must behave in a cautious and considerate manner and avoid

causing harm or inconveniences for owners, users, damage to the natural environment or harm to domesticated animals or wildlife. On many maps, bathing sites are marked that are not posted with signs or adapted to public use. You are personally responsible for investigating whether these can be used in accordance with the above-mentioned legal restrictions. The same applies for marked tent sites. Be careful to tidy up aft er yourself before you leave a resting place or tent site. Take all refuse with you. You must also exercise caution when lighting fi res outdoors and you must not light open fi res near any forested area during the period 15 April to 15 September.



Photo: Bente Myhre

We offer: • well-appointed, modern studio flats• designated areas for camping, caravans and campervans

• cabin with sea-view• service/pub• div. activitie-offers, ideal for wave-sufing!

Andbø, 8484 Risøyhamn - Tel: +47 951 17 359 - [email protected] - www.marmelkroken.no

Kårebussen can also offer: customized guided tours, transport to/from airport, coastal express, railway or your own special needs.



Nature treksThere are marked hiking trails throughout the entire Vesterålen area, and they may be used during both summer and winter. The routes are easily accessible and are found almost anywhere one wants to explore.

There are two marked coastal trails, each de-scribed by a separate brochure. One is located in Bø (Straumsjøen – Spjelkvågen) and the other in Andøya (Stave – Bleik). There is also a touring map with several suggested trip itineraries. The map is also very suitable for use as a road map.

There are also marked trails to the Norwegian Trekking Association’s cabins in Vesterålen. The local hiking association has cabins both in the mountains and along the seashore. There is a sharing agreement between Vesterålen Tourism and the local hiking association. You may bor-row keys to the cabins at the regional tourist of-fi ce, Vesterålen Tourism.

«Dronningruta (The Queen’s Route)» is a marked hiking trail about 15 km long between Stø and Nyksund. This is the route that Queen Sonja en-joyed so much in 1994, and which was thereaf-ter called the “Queen’s Route”. The trail can be

completed as a round trip starting and ending at either of the two poles (Stø or Nyksund).

Møysalen National Park is one of the country’s smallest national preserves, with only 51.2 km2 and is located on Hinnøy, Norway’s largest is-land. Towering in the centre of the national park is Møysalen, the mountain that was selected by outdoor magazine Ute as ‘Norway’s most beau-tiful natural att raction’. There are guided treks to the peak, which is 1262 m above sea level. Surrounding peaks in the area rise up to 1000 m above sea level.

Ask for the brochures containing route sugges-tions and descriptions at the local tourist infor-mation. You can also visit Vesterålen Hiking Association’s website at www.turistforeningen.no/vesteralen if you want information about the seasonal excursion programme or the local hik-ing association’s cabins in Vesterålen. There is also a separate website with tips about hiking destinations in Vesterålen. See www.vesteraalen-regionraad.no/turmal/

Photo: Bente Myhre



Recommended reading:Encounter with Vesterålen, travel handbooks/folders containing cultural and historical information, published by the Vesterålen Cultural Committ ee in collaboration with the Vesterålen Museum. Prices NOK 198,-/25,-Cycling and Touring Map for Vesterålen, topographical touring map published by Ugland in collaboration with Vesterålen Regional Council and Vesterålen Hiking Association. Price: NOK 139,-Kyststibrosjyrer Andøy og Bø [Norwegian language only], published by the Vesterålen Outdoor Recreation Council.You may purchase this publication at the regional tourist information offi ce in Sortland. You may also order it from our web-site: www.vestreg.no/butikk or via e-mail addressed to [email protected]

Møysalen, towering 1262 m above sea level, is the tallest mountain on the island of Hinnøya. The trek up to the peak of Møysalen from the Lonkan fj ord is a beautiful and wild experi-ence of nature that takes you through a fan-tastic coastal alpine landscape. The reward is a breathtaking pa-norama from the top. On a clear day one can see more than 20 diff erent moun-tain peaks in 20 diff erent municipalities, and if

you are lucky, you can even see Kebnekaise in Sweden. The guided treks to Møysalen take 8-9 hours, including the shutt le boat trip that lasts 30 minutes. The trip begins at Hennes, located innermost in the Hadselfj ord basin. The trip is suitable for hikers in normally good physical condition. Follow Queen Sonja’s example and trek in the mountains of Vesterålen.

Activities:- Sea- and Fresh water fishing (salmon, trout, charr)- Hiking, guided tours to the mountain Møysalen (1262 m)- OutingFacilities:- Café, camping site with service building, ‘Rorbu’ cabinRental:- Boats for tours and fishing- RoomOpen: Mon - Sun June - September 2010Room price: NOK 250 - 400,-

Tel/fax: +47 76 16 08 30 - E-mail: [email protected]

Møysalen – Norway’s most beautiful experience of nature

Vesterålen Hiking Association was founded in 1988 and annu-ally arranges some 60 treks in the Vesterålen islands: Andøya, Hadseløya, Langøya, Skogsøya, Tindsøya, Dyrøya and parts of Austvågøya and Hinnøya. Vesterålen Hiking Association arranges trips of varying degrees of diffi culty, from the easiest ones suitable for small children to the most challenging mountain treks. The common denominator is enjoyment rather than performance and time constraints. www.turistforeningen.no/vesteralen - [email protected] Tel. +47 76 12 26 01

Vesterålen Turlag(Vesterålen Hiking Association)

Photo: Møysaltur


Cycling in VesterålenExperiencing Vesterålen by automobile is fi ne, but the adventure is undoubtedly bett er when you travel the roads by bicycle. Cycling around Vesterålen opens for magic experiences for the visitor who has suffi cient time to take one day at a time. You can chart out a suitable daily route that lets you travel at your own speed and en-joy as much as possible of the region. The routes are easy to cycle, with very litt le hilly terrain and many stretches that are practically free of motorised traffi c. In other words, the roads are suitable for bicycles with a trailer and a small amount of baggage cargo.

You can stop along the way for a picnic on the shoreline or a taste of Vesterålen at one of the ca-fés or restaurants. If you need accommodation, you will fi nd something to your liking, whether it is a chalet, a seaside lodge, fi sherman’s cabin or hotel room.

If you need more inspiration and tips on bicycle routes in Vesterålen, you can visit our cycling web pages or order our combined bicycle and touring map, as well as our cycling guide. The guide contains suggested cycling routes, table of distances, segmented maps, samples of what you can do and see, as well as other trip tips for your biking journey through Vesterålen.

We have a separate bicycle guide for Vesterålen including good individual, weather-resistant maps for each route. The guide can be purchased either on the Internet or by e-mail.

We bid you welcome and wish you a pleasant bicycle trip through Vesterålen!

Photos: Ragnhild Gundersen




Foto: Odd-Eirik Einarsen


Extract from the bicycle guide for Vesterålen, (you can buy the guide at our tourist-offi ce or order it at our website)

Route 1. Lødingen – RaftsundetBoth in the town centre (Lødingen) and in the Vestbygda area, there are tourist facilities offering deep-sea fi shing, skerry cruises, scuba diving, kayaking, wind-surfi ng – and killer whale safaris during the autumn months. Beautiful resting places, old fi shing communities, nature trails and hiking paths running by ancient Viking dwelling features.

Route 2. Sortland – KaljordFrom Sortland and out towards Fiskebøl you can avail yourself of bathing beaches, art studios, shops and din-ing facilities. You can also participate in a guided trek to the peak of Vesterålen’s tallest mountain - Møysalen (1262mas), and visit Møysalen National Park.

Route 3. Melbu – Frøskeland, 76 kmHadsel Island has much to offer in the way of culture, museums and galleries. You can hire a boat and fi shing equipment or participate in various organised trips. The seaward route from Melbu - Stokmarknes is a gem! Easily negotiable terrain! Eidsfjord offers kayak paddling, moun-tain climbing and overnight accommodation, with excel-lent resting spots and a fantastic panorama!

Route 4. Sortland – Bø (Hovden), – the only route passing through a tunnel (1612m). It is recommended to turn on your bicycle headlamp. Bø has a dramatically beautiful mountain panorama and view out towards the open ocean. It comprises small local communities, pleasant sandy beaches and a lot to see. Iron age excavations, ‘The Man from the Sea’ sculpture, churches and tourist facili-ties.

Route 5. Sortland – Stø, 56 kmYou will pass by Jennestad before you reach the intersec-tion for the road to Myre. Øksnes offers boats for hire, farm tourism, marked hiking trails, fi shing villages (You MUST see Nyksund) and, not least of all, the bird, seal and whale safaris out of Stø. It is possible to take the speed shuttle boat in Øksnes Vestbygd, providing a varied panorama of the natural surroundings and local rural community.

Route 6. Sortland – Andenes, 120 kmThe art gallery, museum, outdoor religious service, pleas-ant sandy beaches, Andøya Rocket Launch facility, the HISNAKUL centre, Andenes lighthouse, nature safari, and not least of all, the whale safari at Andenes all make this trip a varied and fascinating treat.

More info about our cycling routes can be found at www.visitvesteralen.com

Lofoten Insomnia Race is the world’s brightest cycling trip from Å to Lødingen, see Internet: www.lofoteninsomnia.no

Recommended reading:Vesterålen cycle guide Price: NOK 250,-Cycling and Touring Map, topographical touring map published by Ugland in collaboration with Vesterålen Regional Council and Vesterålen Hiking Association. Price: NOK 139,-You may purchase this publication at the regional tourist information offi ce in Sortland. You may also order it from our website: www.vestreg.no/butikk or via e-mail addressed to [email protected]

FoFoFoFototototo: :: : OdOdOdOdd-ddd Eirirr k Einarsrs

6Island Adventures, Tel: 952 00 689, [email protected] – www.islandadventure.no

6Sortlandshotellene, Tel: 76 10 84 00, [email protected] – www.sortlandhotell.no 6Stø Bobilcamp, Tel: 76 13 25 30 - [email protected] – www.stobobilcamp.no 6Holmvik brygge, Tel: 76 13 47 96, [email protected] – www.nyksund.com/

6Myre Hotell, Tel: 76 11 99 20, [email protected] – www.myre-hotell.no

6Naturpartner, Tel: 76 14 88 88 / 918 600 03, [email protected] – www.naturpartner.no

6Ringstad Sjøhus, Tel: 76 13 74 80, [email protected] – www.sjohus.no

6SjøhusSenteret, Tel: 76 12 37 40, [email protected] – www.lofoten-info.no/sjohussenteret

6Toftenes Sjøhuscamping, Tel: 76 13 14 55, [email protected] – www.toftenessjohus.no

Bicycle Welcome companies:


A Taste of Vesterålen«Vesterålen cuisine», is there such a thing? Perhaps not, at least not as a world famous culinary expres-sion. Not yet, at least …

Arktisk Meny (“Arctic Menu”) is a union of restau-rants in Northern Norway, a stamp of quality for local ingredients, of which many of the dining est-ablishments in Vesterålen are members. The close proximity of the ocean’s pantry is particularly im-portant for seafood, when it is to be prepared fresh according to traditional or modern recipes. But the natural fruits of agriculture are also an important part of Vesterålen’s culinary culture.

Vesterålen most defi nitely has resources and ingre-dients suitable for inclusion in a local, seasonally varied menu. Several of the dining establishments in the area have recognized the potential in using short-travelled food items from the fi elds and forests, from the mountainsides, from the moors, from rivers and the open ocean.

Vesterålen is primarily a fi sh-producing region where enormous amounts of top-quality fi sh are caught, processed and exported. And when the dis-tance from fi shing boats and fi sh-farming pens to the kitchen counter is short, your dining experience is enhanced. Therefore, we invite you to the table - to enjoy fresh skrei cod with liver and roe, coalfi sh steak, halibut fi llet, Arctic char, prawns, fried herring and whale steak.

Sometimes, however, fi sh needs to be processed and treated in order to create the traditional, local

delicacies – such as «boknafi sk» (semi-dried cod), «lutefi sk», freshly salted redfi sh, salt-cured herring or cured salmon. Whatever the item, freshness and quality are the very prerequisites for a maximally successful end product.

Vesterålen Lamb – raised on pristine mountain pastures sprinkled with natural seaspray salt– has always been a hit on area menus. In recent years, however, the succulent meat of the rarer “villsauen” (feral sheep) has become increasingly popular - not without good reason.

Nonetheless, traditional game such as reindeer, elk, grouse and geese – hunted and processed in Vesterålen – remain quainter items and are very ex-clusive. The game is oft en served with local chante-relle mushrooms and with cloudberries for dessert – both of these gathered in the forests and on the moors of Vesterålen. We mustn’t forget to mention the local vegetables that are grown to a sweet fl avour under the life-giving midnight sun …

Nature’s cycles decide which dishes can be served fresh throughout the year. Fishing is regulated by the seasons, since diff erent species have their peak sea-sons at diff erent times of year. The same applies to even a greater degree for wild game and agricultural products. But any restaurant living up to its name will have access to all ingredients – regardless of the season. So don’t hesitate to ask for something diff er-ent and exclusive, even if what you fancy does not appear on «the daily special» menu!


Photo: Alf Oxem


3rd floor in Sortland StorsenterStrandgata. 26

Always homemade!W e l c o m e t o

e k s p e d i s j o n e nM o n j a & R i n g o

N Y K S U N DT e l . + 4 7 4 8 1 1 8 0 6 8 – p o s t @ n y k s u n d – i n f o. c o m

E K S P E D I S J O N E N A T V E R T S B R Y G G Ab r e a k f a s t , c o ff e e , l u n c h , á l a c a r t e , o u t d o o r d i n i n g , b a r , s n a c k s

B & B N Y K S U N D T e l . + 4 7 4 8 1 1 8 0 6 8 – p o s t @ n y k s u n d – i n f o. c o m

A C C O M M O D A T I O N I N N Y K S U N Ds p e n d a n i g h t a s d e s c r i b e d i n A s t r i d L I n d g r e n ’ s n o v e l

S O R T L A N DT e l . + 4 7 7 6 2 0 1 0 4 0 – p o s t @ n y k s u n d – i n f o. c o m

E K S P E D I S J O N E N A T B L Å B R Y G G Ac o ff e e b a r , l u n c h e o n b a r , r e s t a u r a n t , o u t d o o r d i n i n g

A W O R T H W H I L E E X P E R I E N C E

T H E B E S T I N S E A F O O D

As one of Sortland's oldest cafés and restaurants, we are renowned for traditional Norwegian foods, made from scratch.

Torggata 13, 8400 Sortland Tel: +47 76 12 12 60 / 903 65 793 - [email protected]

Tel. +47 76 98 70 00

Pizza • pasta • wok • kebab • fi sh • hamburgers • salads

Good food and a welcoming staff await you in our pleasant dining-room.

Gårdsalleen 6, 8400 Sortland - Tel: +47 76 12 28 00

Published by: Vesterålen reiseliv, Kjøpmannsgata 2, 8400 Sortland Norway Photo: Alf Oxem, Trym Ivar Bergsmo, Roy Odd Schøyen, Ragnhild Gundersen, Marten Bril, Ian Robbin, nornet.no, Map material: NorNet AS/vesteralskartet.no - Print: K. Nordahls Trykkeri AS- Vesterålen reiseliv assumes no responsibility for errors or changes subsequent to printing.

Partners and nettwork in Vesterålen touring association:


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CultureExperiencing the local culture and art should be one of your primary goals when you visit Vesterålen. A large number of cultural events are arranged jointly through comprehensive collaboration of the local municipalities.

Volunteer organisations work to provide high-quality cultural experiences throughout the year. Have a look at the calendar of cultural events that you can fi nd on Vesterålen Tourism’s website. A large number of varied local events, festivals and cultural days are well worth experi-encing. User-friendly handbooks and brochures are useful guides to the art galleries and studios, museums and interesting sights that you fi nd spread throughout the islands.

Fishing has been an important resource for gen-erations and is also the basis for much of the

culture and local identity in Vesterålen. The in-formational series Encounter with Vesterålen, in-cluding sight-specifi c handbooks and brochures, provide detailed insight into this basis. An abun-dance of art projects are also worth a visit. We might mention Artscape Nordland, with some of Nordland county’s most popular and fre-quently visited sculptures. In the region there is also a series of artistically decorated electrical transformer sheds, and on the seaward side of Vesterålen you will discover art installations de-signed and built using items washed ashore by the Gulf Stream. The literary decor on Sortland’s buildings is equally interesting: more than thirty texts writt en by young people now adorn the walls of the Blue City by the Sea.

Cultural information:www.vestreg.no • www.museumnord.no • www.hurtigrutemuseet.no • www.vol.no/vt • www.nfk .no • telemuseum.no/mambo/content/view/211/118/ • www.nordland-akademi.no

“Ræk III”, Hovden, Bø.Photo: Trym Ivar Bergsmo



Norwegian telemuseum, Lødingen. Photo: Kulsam/eb Ebersonkonsert. Photo: Trym Ivar Bergsmo

15. - 20.2. Andenes Nordlyst Winter festival featuring concerts, exhibits, culinary delicacies, lectures14. - 20.2. Hadsel Kreativ Uke A cultural event for children, adolescents and adults, cinema, concerts 12. - 20.3. Sortland Kulturuka Varme strømmer i den blå byen Warm Currents in the Blue City – Performances, concerts, exhibitions, etc.15. - 16.4. Andenes Rock mot Rus Various rock concerts 4. - 12.6. Lødingen Sommer-Lødingen Various events 4. - 12.6. Lødingen Sjømatfestivalen Seafood festival. Various events 24. - 26.6. Andenes Andenes Havfi skefestival Deep Sea Fishing Festival – fi shing contests 17. - 19.6. Bleik Bleiksdagan Local cultural fair 1. - 11.7. Melbu Sommer-Melbu Concerts, seminars, art exhibits, etc. Juli Sortland Blablafestivalen Rock festival for young people Juli Bø Reginedagan Exhibits, concerts, fairytale readings, theatre, etc.19. - 21.8. Sandnes Sandnesdagan Enjoyable evening for senior citizens, deep sea fi shing contest 11. - 14.8. Nyksund Nyskund.ti Concerts, art exhibits, etc. 24. - 28.8. Stokmarknes Vesterålen matfestival Events focused on culinary experiences, culture and experiences 14. - 18.9. Sortland Sortland Jazzfestival Various jazz groups in concert, art exhibitionsOktober Bø Rock mot Frafl øtting (every second year) Rock Against Depopulation – Rock Concerts 5. - 13.11. Lødingen Lødingendagan Cultural week, concerts, exhibits, events 22. - 28.11. Sortland Laterna Magica Film days for children and adolescents 6.8. Hadsel Hadsel marathon Marathon, gala dinner, mountain excursion to Storheia 3.9. Melbu Kvitt Brød-seilas Annual regatta 21. - 24.7. Lødingen Kystkulturdagan Various events 2.7. Risøyhamn Risøyhamnmarknaden Various events Juli Fiskenes Feskenesmarknaden Sales stalls, cultural events, vocal music

Subject to changes.

Cultural events in Vesterålen 2011Date Place Name of the event Info

For further information about festivals and cultural events in Vesterålen: www.vestreg.no/kulturkalender

Visit our Museums in Vesterålen

• Melbu:Norsk FiskeindustrimuseumVesterålsmuseet• Andenes:Andøymuseet• Sortland:Sortland Museum• Alsvåg:Øksnes Museum• Vinjesjøen:Bø MuseumFor further information, see

www.museumnord.no

Galleries and MuseumsCompany/E-mailAdress/internet Telephone Information Time

8450 Stokmarknes Hurtigrutemuseet +47 76 11 81 90 A journey through the history of the coastal express incl. All year [email protected] the old coastal express Finnmarken see ad. p.21

8410 Lødingen Losmuseet, Lødingen +47 76 98 66 00 Exhibition portreying the development of the piloting service. Open June-Aug Wed: 4 - 7 p.m www.lodingen.kommune.no Norsk Telemuseum Exhibition from the era of the line telegraph. thu/fri/sat: 12am-3pm

8439 Risøyhamn Galleri Dick Monshouwer +47 76 14 51 00 Dick Monshouwer, gallery, jewellery and paintings Thu - Sat www.dickmonshouwer.com [email protected] +47 476 50 058 All year. 10 a.m - 4 p.m

8400 Sortland Lihallen Kulturgård +47 76 12 70 11 Exhibition by Tove Hov Jacobsen. (Paintings in oil, acryl 12 a.m - 4 p.m [email protected] +47 908 95 506 and water-colour. Open June - Aug. Closed Mon - Tue.

8480 Andenes Museum Nord Andøymuseet +47 76 11 54 32 Exhibition on the the polar areas, Andøyas geology. 10 a.m - 18 p.m www.museumnord.no [email protected] Open June - Aug.

8459 Melbu Museum Nord Norsk Fiskeindustrimuseum Exhibition on the herring oil era, concerts in the herring tank 9 am-3 pm www.museumnord.no [email protected] +47 76 15 98 25 Open Mon - Fri all year. 8400 Sortland Museum Nord Sortland Museum +47 76 10 92 71 No fi xed exhibitions. Se web-site for information about www.museumnord.no [email protected] comming exhibitions. see info on net

8432 Alsvåg Museum Nord Øksnes Museum +47 76 18 52 50 Alsvåg Manor. Exhibit ‘Fishing village in transformation’. Mon-Fri: 11-5 www.museumnord.no [email protected] Summer exhibitions. Open June - Aug Sat-Sun: 12-5

8430 Myre Handelsstedet Tinden +47 76 13 28 56 Coast historical museum. Old Tinden Trading place Contact us www.tinden.oksnes.no [email protected] +47 909 45 727 Cafè.

8459 Melbu Museum Nord Vesterålsmuseet +47 76 15 75 56 Melbu Hovedgård, Galleri Rødgården and Melbu Community Centre june-aug: 11-4 www.museumnord.no [email protected] Open every day, all year aug-dec: 9-3

8480 Andenes Fargeklatten Veita +47 977 60 020 Gallery, shop with handcrafts, turf museum and history museum 11 - 4 www.fargeklatten.no [email protected] Open every day, all year

8470 Bø i Vesterålen Museum Nord Bø Museum +47 76 13 82 00 Life in the 18th century. Open June - Aug Tue-Thu:10 am-6 pm, www.museumnord.no [email protected] Wed -Fri:10 am-4 pm,Sat-Sun:11 am-4 pm

Vesterålen 2011 • www.visitvesteralen.com


22

Photo: Alf Oxem

Recommended reading:Encounter with Vesterålen, travel handbooks/folders containing cultural and historical information, published by the Vesterålen Cultural Committ ee in collaboration with the Vesterålen Museum. Prices NOK 198,-/25,-Art in Vesterålen, an annually updated guide to art, including an overview of art studios, galleries, exhibitions and sculptures found in Vesterålen. Free of chargeVesterålen Nature and Culture Experiences, a brochure on the varied natural and cultural att ractions in Vesterålen. Free of charge.You may purchase this publication at the regional tourist information in Sortland. You may also order it from our website: www.vestreg.no/butikk or via e-mail addresssed to: [email protected]


www.visitvesteralen.comWe are located centrally on Andenes Harbour

approximatly 5 minutes walking distance

from the Whalecenter. Send your request for

a reservation today: [email protected]

Booking: +47 977 600 20

ANDENES

www.fargeklatten.no

Accommodation | Shop | Gallery | Museum

Order your trip, call: +47 76 13 77 00

From our basis in Bø we can offer you transport from and to the airports of Bardufoss, Evenes and Stok-marknes, Hurtigruten harbours and roundtrips through the Vesterålen, Lofoten and all other destinations.

Whatever where or what you want to experience, we can give you a special offer and a competitive price for all your transport. Our car fl eet of busses and taxis have a capacity for 1 to 50 persons.

It is our pleasure to help you to organize your roundtrips and transport. Contact us and we can do you a good proposal. If you need guides we can arrange it for you.Comfort, service and safety are our main essentiality for the carriage of you and your guests in 1 of our taxis or buses.

Your experience is our responsibility

BØ TAXI & TOUR BUSESMORE THAN JUST A TAXI

Eidet, N-8475 STRAUMSJØEN

BØ I VESTERÅLENTel: +47 76 13 81 00/ 938 23 305 / 971 40 910

[email protected] - www.asand.no

A place for vacation, leisure, and recreation,fi shing and hunting - Business trip and courses,

sociability and friendly gatherings.

WELCOME TO ÅSAND BRYGGE

Vesterålen 2011 • www.visitvesteralen.com24

Vesterålen is the realm of hundreds of large and smaller islands which form a fantastic natural skerry landscape. The terrain varies from craggy alpine mountains to gentle, green hillsides, deep valleys, chalk-white sandy beaches and narrow fj ords. In no other place in the world does the Gulf Stream come as close in towards the shore-line as it does in Vesterålen. Because of the warm and nutrient-rich ocean currents, Vesterålen is host during the summer to teeming bird life and practically unparalleled fl ora.

We are proud of our natural surroundings and want to share it with our guests. Therefore our local nature- and culture guides are ready to take you on a discovery adventure that will per-mit you to have a close encounter with sea birds or with the lord of the forest – the moose – or perhaps a wandering herd of reindeer. Perhaps

other adventures appeal to you – how about a seal and bird safari to the Bleiksøya Bird Preserve and Anda Fyr, a photo safari, a sea eagle safari, a skerry excursion, pine tree safari or a boat trip into the famous Trollfj ord? During late autumn and early winter a killer whale safari is arranged out of Lødingen/Off ersøy in the Vestfj ord fi rth.

Opportunities are as abundant as nature itself and will leave you with long-lasting memories, whether you venture out to sea or keep your feet fi rmly planted on terra fi rma.


Nature safari

Photos: Marten Bril


BOOKING Tel.: +47 90 83 85 94(duty phone on board)

+47 90 28 17 72 / +47 97 19 52 75/

+47 75 14 57 75. e-mail: [email protected]

www.puffinsafari.com

PHOTO: PUFFIN SAFARI, OLA ALBERT BJERRANG (WWW.BJERRANG.NO). PAOLO VOLPOMNI.

PUFFIN AND SEA-EAGLE SAFARISea-eagle on the hunt after puffins can be observed

on every trip. Experience the Island of Bleiksøya, one of the most known and approachable

bird rocks in Norway. There are more then 150.000 puffins on their breeding grounds. Also other species of seabird can be observed. The trip will take 1,5 hrs. with a

local guide. Midnight sun-trips will be organised if enough bookings.

YOUR OWN CATCH OF CODFishing on the open sea is the North Norwegian Adventure. Deep-sea fishing trips - coley, cod, haddock, etc. Fishing tackle available on board. Have your

catch cooked and served on board. Daily departures at 17:00. Additional trips made

when necessary. Duration: approx. 4 hours. Starting point: Bleik Harbour.

Stay in apartmentnear the beach in the village of Bleik.

Tel. +47 917 45 775e-mail: [email protected]


Gårdsøyveien 32 Akvakultur i Vesterålen +47 984 54 610 July - Aug8450 Stokmarknes [email protected]

Roald Alværs gt 2b Subsea Nor AS +47 915 34 091 All year8450 Stokmarknes [email protected] www.subsea-nor.no

Bleik Puffi n Safari +47 902 81 772 01.05-15.088481 Bleik [email protected] www.puffi nsafari.com

Chr. Fredriksens gt 3 Melbu Hotell +47 76 16 00 00 58/113 All year8445 Melbu [email protected] +47 76 16 00 66 www.m-h.no

Straumsjøen Damperiet +47 906 40 591 5/24 All year8475 Straumsjøen [email protected] www.damperiet.no

Andenes Camping +47 76 14 14 12 May - Sept8480 Andenes [email protected] +47 76 11 56 10 www.whalesafari.no


Accommodation/dining facilities or/and activities

And

øy

Forfjord Naturpartner +47 76 14 88 88 1/8 All year8484 Risøyhamn [email protected] +47 91 86 00 03 www.naturpartner.no

Storgata 53 Norlandia Andrikken Hotell +47 76 14 12 22 44/72 All year8480 Andenes [email protected] +47 76 14 19 33 www.andrikken.norlandia.no

Lankanholmen Sjøhus +47 76 14 12 22 13/52 All year8480 Andenes [email protected] +47 76 14 19 33 www.andrikken.norlandia.no

Storgt. 15 Hotell Marena +47 915 83 517 12/24 All year8480 Andenes [email protected] +47 76 14 10 10 www.hotellmarena.no Gårdsvn 78 Leilighet nær Bleiksstranda +47 917 45 775 3/5 All year8481 Bleik [email protected]

Stave Stave Camping & 38•Hot Pools +47 926 01 257 9/20 5/10 25.5-05.098489 Nordmela [email protected] www.stavecamping.no

Norlandia Havhusene Bleik +47 76 14 12 22 6/36 All year8481 Bleik [email protected] +47 76 14 19 33 www.andrikken.norlandia.no

Norlandia Viking Hotell +47 76 14 12 22 28/48 All year8480 Andenes [email protected] +47 76 14 19 33 www.andrikken.norlandia.no

Andbø (Bø) Marmelkroken +47 951 17 359 9/35 1/6 All year8484 Risøyhamn [email protected] www.marmelkroken.no

Buknesfjord Andøy Friluftssenter +47 76 14 88 04 13/26 5/26 14.01-15.12 8484 Risøyhamn [email protected] www.andoy-friluftssenter.no Riggen Restaurant & Bar +47 76 11 56 05 May - Sept8480 Andenes [email protected] +47 76 11 56 10


Sjøgt 38A Fargeklatten Veita +47 97 76 00 20 /18 All year8480 Andenes [email protected] www.fargeklatten.no

BøH

adse

l

Eidet Åsand Brygge +47 76 13 81 00 4/6 4/18 All year8475 Straumsjøen [email protected] +47 971 40 910 www.asand.no

Hovden Bø Rorbu og Fritidsferie +47 977 16 392 3/ All year8465 Straumsjøen [email protected] www.fritidsferie.no

Børøya Vesterålen Hotell & Kongressenter +47 76 15 29 99 70/128 17/114 All year8450 Stokmarknes [email protected] www.hurtigrutenshus.com

Ringstad Ringstad Sjøhus +47 76 13 74 80 13/51 All year8475 Straumsjøen [email protected] www.sjohus.no Skjellbogen Skjellbogen Hyttegrend +47 944 08 419 6/24 All year8408 Sandset [email protected]

Kråkberget Fjordcamp +47 76 13 76 40 34/128 All year8475 Straumsjøen [email protected] +47 76 13 76 80 www.fjordcamp.no

Skagen Skagakaia & Cafè Gamle Posthuset +47 920 63 875 7/13 May - Sept8470 Bø i Vesterålen [email protected] www.skagakaia.no

Møysalen Nasjonalparksenter AS +47 974 60 889 7/10 June - Sept8414 Hennes [email protected] www.moeysalen.no

Lekanvn 324 Nygård Feriehus +47 76 15 54 95 9/20 All year8450 Stokmarknes [email protected] +47 905 51 072 www.nygardferiehus.no

Grønning Grønningbrygga BA +47 992 25 323 1/13 All year8450 Stokmarknes [email protected] www.gronningbrygga.no

Boks 58 Hvalsafari AS +47 76 11 56 00 May - Sept 8483 Andenes [email protected] +47 76 11 56 10 www.whalesafari.no

Island Adventure +47 952 00 869 All year8445 Melbu [email protected] www.islandadventure.no

Time Out Event AS +47 920 28 007 All year8450 Stokmarknes [email protected] www.timeoutevent.no

Straume Bø Taxi +47 76 13 77 00 All year8465 Straumsjøen [email protected] www.botaxi.no

Company/E-mailAdress Tel/Fax Room/beds

Cabin/beds

Price-category

Season

Arctic Sea Kayak Race +47 450 05 890 Last whole 8400 Sortland www.askr.no week in July

Vesterålen Sea Safari AS +47 900 55 077 All year8400 Sortland [email protected] +47 951 91 184

Vesterålen Turlag +47 76 12 26 01 All year 8400 Sortland www.turistforening.no/vesteralen

Vesterålsgt 59 Sortland Hotell +47 76 10 84 00 50/100 03.01-20.128400 Sortland [email protected] +47 76 10 84 01 www.sortlandhotell.no


Gåsbol Arctic Quest AS +47 482 93 835 1/4 1/5 All year8400 Sortland [email protected] www.arcticquest.no


Sigerfjordvn 421 Sigerfjord Gjestegård +47 902 05 348 4/22 All year8400 Sortland [email protected] www.vesteraalen.net Dinner at request

Nordlysvn 35 Postmestergården +47 76 12 10 41 10/12 1/19 20.06 - 20.088400 Sortland [email protected] +47 957 39 099

Solveien 5a Noras Hus +47 900 34 349 1/3 23.06 - 20.088400 Sortland [email protected]

Pb 86, Ånstadsjøen SjøhusSenteret +47 76 12 37 40 5/10 7/44 All year8400 Sortland [email protected] +47 76 12 00 40 www.lofoten-info.no/sjohussenteret

Lødi

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Kåringen Senter AS +47 76 93 03 10 6/11 6/24 All year 8410 Lødingen [email protected] +47 900 23 528

Offersøy Offersøy Feriesenter AS +47 76 93 39 00 8/25 10/70 All year8412 Vestbygd [email protected] +47 76 93 39 01 www.offersoy-feriesenter.no

Rinøyvåg Lødingen Skyssbåtservice AS +47 76 93 54 09 All year8412 Vestbygd [email protected] +47 76 93 58 58 www.lsbs.no

Sortl

and

Vesterålsgt. 59 Sortland Vandrehjem +47 76 10 84 00 30/50 03.01-17.128400 Sortland [email protected] +47 76 10 84 01 www.hihostels.no

Vesterv. 51, Pb 255 Sortland Camping & Motell AS +47 76 11 03 00 9/18 39/200 All year 8400 Sortland [email protected] +47 76 12 25 78 www.sortland-camping.no

Vik Sortland Villmarkssenter +47 458 68 611 Nov - April 8400 Sortland [email protected] +47 402 37 972 www.villmarkssenteret.no

Øvre Ånstadvei 19 Marthahaugen Gård +47 76 12 41 50 All year8400 Sortland [email protected] www.marthahaugen.no

TS-Foto +47 958 80 308 All year8400 Sortland [email protected] www.tsfoto.no Photo Safari

Den Kvite Bussen +47 91193 270 All year8400 Sortland [email protected] www.denkvitebussen.no Airport bus

Vesterålen Golf +47 906 86 497 Summer 8400 Sortland www.vesteraalengolf.no

Kvalsaukan Inga Sámi-Siida +47 76 12 51 23 All year 8400 Sortland [email protected] +47 908 77 558 www.inga-sami-siida.no At request

Torggt 23, SortlandEspresso • Coffee • Tea • Lofoten Chocolate • Stone oven-baked bread from

Eldhus Bakery • Delicacies from New Zealand and Italy

Miscela Kaffebar

8400 Sortland Lihallen Kulturgård +47 76 12 70 11 June - Aug [email protected] +47 951 78 797 www. lihallen.no

Welcome to Skipnes!Visit us and experience a special closeness to mountains, fjords, birds and fi sh, the midnight sun and much more in historical and peaceful surround-ings. The venerable old fi shing village of Skipnes today offers rorbu fi sherman cabin holidays and adventures. The village is located on a traffi c-free island on the outer side of the Vesterålen island, well sheltered in a natural harbour.

Tlf: 76 13 28 55 - Email: [email protected] - www.skipnes.com

Company/E-mailAdress Tel/Fax Room/beds

Cabin/beds

Price-category

Season

8439 Stø Gunnartangen Rorbuer +47 76 13 24 03 4/30 All year [email protected] +47 908 75 955 www.rorbuferie.net

Storgt. 52 Myre Hotell +47 76 11 99 20 28/58-5/26 All year 8430 Myre [email protected] +47 76 11 99 21 www.myre-hotell.no

Storgt. 30 Konferansestedet Finvåg +47 76 13 28 85 10/20 2/12 All year8430 Myre asle@fi nvag.no www.fi nvag.no



Pb 338, Nyksund Holmvik Brygge & Discover Vesterålen +47 76 13 47 96 9/21 3/4 double beds All year8439 Myre [email protected] +47 958 63 866 www.nyksund.com

Pb. 502 - Nyksund Nyksund Ekspedisjonen LTD +47 76 13 27 00 9/19 01.06 - 31.08 8439 Myre [email protected] +47 907 54 661 www.nyksund.biz

Toftenes Toftenes Sjøhuscamp +47 76 13 14 55 4/15 4/16 All year8432 Alsvåg [email protected] +47 971 69 078 www.toftenessjohus.no +47 76 13 34 97

c/o Strandgt. 52 Strandbo Apartments +47 76 11 99 20 5/30 All year8430 Myre [email protected] +47 76 11 99 21 www.myre-hotell.no

Nyksund Ekspedisjonen AS +47 481 18 068 5 From easter Sortland [email protected] www.ekspedisjonen-as.no to Septmeber

Storgata 46 Centrum Overnatting +47 907 70 458 9/12 All year 8430 Myre [email protected]

8426 Barkestad Fiskeværet Skipnes +47 76 13 28 55 8/56 01.05 - 31.08 [email protected] www.skipnes.no

Stø Stø Bobilcamp AS +47 76 13 25 30 2/15 15.5 - 1.9 8430 Myre [email protected] +47 907 55 173 www.stobobilcamp.com

Nyksund Marihaugen +47 952 07 131 7+6 All year 8430 Myre [email protected]

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Vesterålen online booking: You will fi nd the best offers on our website: www.visitvesteralen.com - online booking, the offi cial tourist web portal for Vesterålen.

Arctic Whale Tours AS +47 76 13 43 00 25.05-15.098438 Stø [email protected] +47 76 13 43 01 www.arcticwhaletours.com

Photo: Marten Bril

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Cafè

Beer/wine

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Diving

Whalesafari

Allergy room

Electrical hook-up

Golf

Church

Winter activities

Tent/lavvo

Touroperator

Wheelchair user friendly

Bike-rental

Fishing facilities

Nature safari

Sea-rafting

Surfi ng

Boat for hire

Playground

Guest Marinas

Kanoeing/Kayak

Conferences

Draining Bobil WC

Transport

Norwegian foodprints

Farm Foods

Sights

Ski resort

Tourist information

Accommodation

Accommodation/dining facilities or/and activitiesCompany/E-mailAdress Tel/Fax Room/

bedsCabin/beds

Price-category

Season

Less than NOK 500 per night NOK 500 - 750 per nightNOK 750 - 1000 per nightMore than NOK 1000 per night

WELCOME TO

andenescamping.no

ANDENES CAMPING is located in pleasant surroundings just at the entrance to Andenes. You can enjoy the fantastic pano-rama of the open ocean after you have parked your car and begun to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere here. The camping site

is located about 2 kms from the centre of Andenes, which of-fers you a wide range of services. A well-stocked grocery shop

is to be found only about 200 m from the camping site. Using Andenes Camping as your home base, you can explore Andøya.

Many opportunities await you, such as: The whale safari, puffin bird safari, fishing outings, easily accessible hiking ter-rain, art exhibitions, museums, the lighthouse, guided guided mountain tours, kayak paddling, local culinary tradi-tions and much, much more. We welcome you to enjoy our magnificent natural surroundings, and we know you will feel at home with us.

Andenes Camping

ANA DENES CAMPING i l d i l di j M i i i h Th h l f i

Off-season: Tel.: +47 76 11 56 00fax.: +47 76 11 56 10www.andenescamping.no

Camping season: May - September open hours 8-11 / 18-23 Tel:+47 76 14 14 12e-mail: [email protected] nnnooo

R E S T A U R A N T & B A R

RESTAURANTIn authentic North-Norwegian surroundings, located pier-side at Andenes, Riggen Restaurant offers you the finest in dining. Daytime luncheon menu and à la carte meals during evenings, featuring both traditional and modern dishes. Saturdays we offer an excellent cake buffet and on Sundays our dinner buffet featuring North-Norwegian delicacies.

DANCE BAR Riggen Dance Bar, with an open panorama. Friday – Saturday we have live music. Fully licensed.

Telephone: 76 11 56 05e-mail: [email protected]

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Most tourists who come to Vesterålen driving their own vehicles – footloose and fancy free, so to speak – have not booked their overnight accommodation in advance. Many interesting opportunities await them.The easiest and cheapest solution – provided of co-urse that one has brought along a tent – is to turn off the main road and pitch camp on dry ground with a good panorama of the ocean, the mountains and the midnight sun. The Norwegian Outdoor Recreation Act sets the only limits on camping (see below).

The liberal Norwegian regulations permit camping caravans and caravanett es to stop free of charge at suitable places along the public roads. But if you need more than a simple spot to park – such as electrical power, TV, Internet, showers, a waste disposal site, – or if you want dining facilities and social events – there are some ten camping places in Vesterålen that can cater to your needs. At the campsites you are also welcome to put up a tent or hire a cabin for the night.All of the larger communities have reasonably priced hotel rooms and, when desired, also more expensive and posher off ers. But Sortland is the only place that can boast a youth- and family hostel among available places to stay.

«Farm holidays», where vacationers stay in separa-te fl ats or rooms on the farm, are available – although not widespread.

Rorbu cabins and seaside lodgesOn the other hand: starting with the traditional type of accommodation that fi shermen of yesteryear used when they were on the winter fi sheries, many of the tourist facilities during recent years have restored or built rorbu cabins and seaside lodging on the edge of piers or on the seashore. These cabins comprise fully equipped kitchens, so that modern travellers can pre-

pare meals on their own – preferably fi sh that you’ve caught yourself ...

The terms ”rorbu” and ”seaside lodge” as they are used today are a bit misleading – and they are oft en used interchangeably. The traditional rorbu was quite simply a cabin with one large room and an outer vestibule – usually built on poles anchored below the waterline. In the larger room the fi sher-men would eat and sleep, while fi shing equipment and clothing were kept in the outer vestibule. Seaside lodges were usually two or three storeys tall and ser-ved many functions, including accommodation for boat crews employed by various fi shing companies. Like the rorbu cabins, the seaside lodges were simply equipped, usually with only an oven and bunk beds against the walls.

Modern rorbus and seaside lodges – used today exclusively by vacationers – are of much improved standard compared with the ones fi shermen lived in. Today the cabins have running water, electricity and Internet, toilets and baths, and the kitchens are fully equipped with all of the modern accessories. Origi-nal and authentic rorbus are rare items today, but they still exist – some of them up to 150 years old. On the other hand, authentic seaside lodges which have been restored are numerous. So be sure to look for the good old rorbus with the traditional ambience when you are looking for a place to spend the night – these have a heart and soul of their own, as well an aura of history which can invoke the nostalgia of times past.

Check our online booking portal for good accom-modation off ers of all kinds at:


Need a place to stay?

Photo: Alf Oxem



www.sortlandhotell.no

Tel.: +47

LIVE IN THE CENTREIN THE MIDDLE OF LOFOTEN & VESTERÅLEN

magnificent experienceWelcome to a

Hotels & fishermans’s cabins- Sleep well in beautiful surroundings!

Postboks 63N-8455 Stokmarknes

(+47) 761 52 999

[email protected] 20

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.no

Booking: www.hotellmarena.no

REASONABLY PRICED, COMFORTABLE AND LUXURIOUSThe finest hotel rooms in Andenes at the most affordable prices

EACH ROOM – A NEW ADVENTURE



Ringstad Sjøhus & Damperiet ADVENTURES ON YOUR DOORSTEP

Our specialty is tailor-made nature activities for small groups, families and individuals. Personal and reliable service from your guides and hosts, authentic experiences of the local culture and nature, the time

and space for well-being and relaxation, and, of course, respect and care for nature and the community we are a part of, are fundamental to all that we offer.

Booking & info www.sjohus.no

Tel. +47761-37480 [email protected]

beautiful

traditional challenge

wild

exciting

culinary

photogenic

tranquillity

Ringstad Sjøhus & Damperiet

Booking & info

beautiful

traditional challenge

wild

exciting

culinary

photogenic

tranquillity

Dog sledding • Lavvo (Sami tent) • Hot tub • Mystery tours • Christmas dinners

Hilde & Bjørn UtstølVik, 8400 Sortland

[email protected]

We welcome you to the only sertificied ecotourisme place in Vesterålen

Tel.: +47 76 12 37 40 - [email protected]

Close to nature, you can:- stay in comfortable and pleasant seaside cabins with a view to the midnightsun

- wine and dine in the restaurant ‘Sjøstua’, with a taste of Vesterålen

- go fishing, from the fishing quay, rent a boat or a guided fishingtrip

Experience Offersøy!On Offersøy you can experience the thrill of deep-sea fi shing - and Vesterålens best boat hire! If you have your own favourite rod, bring it with you. If you need to rent fi shing equip-ment, we have that too! Welcome to a pleasant experience in our family-friendly, maritime neighbourhood - spring, summer, autumn and winter!

OFFERSØY FERIESENTEROffersøy, N-8412 VESTBYGDTel.: +47 76 93 39 00 - Fax: +47 76 93 39 01 www.offersoy-feriesenter.no

Tel.: +47 76 13 76 40 • Mobil: +47 958 88 291Fax: +47 76 13 76 80 • www.fjordcamp.no

Welcome!

36 cabins2 handicap cabins

Camping caravan sitesCourse and conference

Boat hire in beautiful surroundings

Contact: +47 76 93 03 10 - 900 23 [email protected]

Kåringen is the gateway to Lofoten and Vesterålen, located near Lødingen in Nordland county. Beautiful natural surroundings and accommodation to suit all tastes. Camping and caravan sites. We offer both hotel rooms and cabins. In the centre’s café/restaurant we serve everything from good, home-baked cakes to traditional Norwegian foods. We can guarantee good food and clean facilities for all visitors whether you choose to spend the night or simply visit our café. Everyone is welcome!

Bø rorbu & fritidsferie have three efficiency flats for hire in Hovden, Bø in Vesterålen. The apartments are equipped with a living area and kitchen, including a refrigerator, cooker, dishwasher and satellite dish TV reception, two bedrooms, shower/WC, washing machine and pantry with a freezer. There is a beautiful panorama out over the open ocean; we are located a short distance from three lovely sandy beaches, and there are plenty of opportunities for outings both on foot or by bicycle. We are situated a short distance from the bird rocks and fishing lakes at Nykvåg. We have bicycles for hire. There is also boat transportation to Nyksund, Øksnes Vestbygd, Tinden and Skipnes.We arrange guided mountain excursions.

Bø rorbu og fritidsferie AS, Boks 205, 8465 Straumsjøen.Booking: Randi Hanssen - Mob +47 977 16 392

E-mail: [email protected] - www.fritidsferie.no

Vesterålen 2011 • www.visitvesteralen.com 33

CAR REPAIR SHOP • CAR WASH •

CONVENIENCE SHOP •

FAST FOOD RESTAURANT

Havna Service AS is a petrol station with a convenience shop, fast food restaurant

and automobile service hall.

Tlf. 76 12 37 00SORTLANDTel.: 76 11 37 00SORTLAND

We are open 24 hours a day24 hours a day!

We have waste disposal,please help us keep

Vesterålen clean!

Contact:

+47 76 11 29 00 www.reno-vest.no

At the Sortland bus teminal

Stop here for a bite to eat, readingmaterials and much more

A high point in your day!


Visit our restaurant in Sortland city centre. Open seven days a week.

Torggata 17 - Tel. + 47 76 12 28 38


Fly with us from Bodø and Tromsø to Andenes and Stokmarknes

Book your fl ight at wideroe.co.uk

Fly to

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from395,-NOK

Vesterålen

TRAVEL TO VESTERÅLENThe trip to Vesterålen is an experience in itself, whether you travel by automobile, bus, aeroplane, coastal express, train or a combination of these.

Your own automobile: E-6 through Norway, via Riksgrensen E-10 from Sweden. Ferries, see www.177.noTraffi c and road information: www.vegvesen.no/Trafi kkinformasjon/Reiseinformasjon/Trafi kkmeldinger

By air :Oslo/Bergen/Stavanger/Trondheim to Harstad-Narvik Evenes airport www.sas.no eller www.norwegian.com. Bus from Evenes to Sortland www.fl ybussen.no/sortland/ Oslo – Bodø – Stokmarknes – Tromsø / Oslo – Bodø – Andenes – Tromsø www.wideroe.no

By train: Oslo – Fauske www.nsb.no, bus Fauske – Sortland www.177nordland.noTrain through Sweden to Narvik. www.sj.se/Bus Narvik – Sortland www.177nordland.no

Coastal Express:Bergen - Kirkenes, calls at Stokmarknes, Sortland and Risøyhamn. www.hurtigruten.no The regional tourist offi ce at Sortland tel. + 47 76 11 14 80, will help you with bookings for the coastal express ship.


Winter in VesterålenP

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Where the action isNorth Norway is the ideal location for observ-ing the northern lights, since the so-called aurora oval runs along the coast of Nordland, Troms and Finnmark counties. In the centre of this oval are the Vesterålen islands. Therefore it is entirely natural that the country’s most important land-based northern lights re-search is done at the northern tip of Andøya, at the rocket launching range and research instal-lation ALOMAR (Arctic Lidar Observatory for Middle Atmosphere Research). More than 50 universities around the world participate in and contribute to this research.

Northern lights and superstition For the general public, the scintillating northern lights has traditionally been considered as spec-tacular and frightening – regardless of what research has revealed. In bygone eras, popular superstition caused people to regard the north-ern lights as something negative. It was not uncommon that Northerners only a few genera-tions ago saw the fi ery northern lights as an ill omen foreboding both lean years and plagues – the more impetuous the light, the worse things would be. Parents would chase the children indoors and advise them to make themselves as unnoticeable as possible. On the other hand, it was common practice to wave white linen at the northern lights if one wanted to intensify the shimmering …

In quest of the northern lights




What are the northern lights?Aurora polaris (polarlight) is a physical phe-nomenon caused when the solar wind is stron-ger than normal, with great electrical discharges emitt ing electrically charged particles towards the earth. The particles are electrons and pro-tons that create light as they collide with the gases in the earth’s atmosphere. Polar light is located at a height of between 90 and 180 km above the earth’s surface. The phenomenon can be observed on the night skies in a belt running around the magnetic poles – the northern lights oval – and can be seen by us in the Northern Hemisphere. Polar light manifests itself as bil-lowing light that changes in shape, colour and intensity, from dark blue and hues of green and yellow, to red and orange.

Polar light in the Northern Hemisphere is called aurora borealis (dawning red in the north) or the northern lights, while polar light in the Southern Hemisphere is called aurora australis or the southern lights.

ColourfulThe northern lights come in many diff erent co-lours. The colours refl ect the gases in the middle atmosphere. The greenish-yellow colours, which are the most distinct and common for the north-ern lights, derive from oxygen. The red also comes mainly from oxygen, with the addition of nitrogen. The violet colour we oft en see at the bott om of the northern lights comes from nitro-gen, and the same is true of most of the bluish colour.

Learn and experienceThe Northern Lights Centre at Andenes is a pop-ular excursion for pupils, students and teach-ers from all over the country who participate in various activities arranged by NAROM (www.narom.no).

Photo: Marten Bril



A couple of decades ago, a group of Swedes came to Vesterålen to try their luck at alpine skiing – combined with winter cod fi shing on the open ocean. They chose Øksnes Vestbygd as their home base.

The local young people had been skiing in alpine terrain for as long as they could remember – on the more or less steep mountainsides. But with the arrival of the Swedes, we learned a new skiing term; the Swedes had come to ski off piste.

The various summits facing the open ocean on the outer side of the islands are certainly suitable for off piste skiing – when the snow is deep and covers all the underlying stones. But the Swedes had come so late in the winter that the sun had begun to melt the southern slopes. There were many skiing injuries, and the rescue boat ran a regular shutt le service to the doctor’s and the hospital. Aft er several years of meagre catches at sea and frequent broken bones and visits to seek medical assistance, the Swedes were required to put up a fi nancial guarantee before they were allowed go skiing in the mountains. In other words, they mustn’t take it for granted that they would be

allowed on the alpine slopes … The Swedish skiers who come today are

normally much bett er prepared, equipped and trained. Few mountainsides, therefore, are on the average too challenging for today’s skiing freaks – whether they be novices or extreme skiers. But the basic rule still applies: talk with local people who know, ask for tips and advice – before you step up the slope and begin your descent.

If you are a dedicated telemark-, rando- or snowboard-enthusiast, you will see opportunities for rapid descents everywhere you turn in the mountains. But here as well: Contact a local expert; the local tourist information will gladly help you by providing the telephone numbers of local, experienced skiers. Even though most of the mountains in our area are safe and easy to negotiate, there may occasionally be potential snow slides in certain exposed areas, particularly aft er periods of heavy wind and poor weather. For snowboarders there are ample opportunities, as there are both mountain slopes and a local alpine skiing facility. And the Ånstadblåheia

Gavltind (662m), AndøyPark at the chapel in Skjoldehamn. fol-low the forest access road all the way up through the newly planted grounds and above the treeline. Go towards the sum-mit in a northerly direction and steer clear of the sheer slope down towards Troll Lake. From the summit cairn, you have a panorama out across the Risøy Channel, Sortland, Øksnes, Andøy, Harstad and the open ocean. Fine de-scent from the summit and all the way down to your car. Level: Easy

Hallartind (530m), HadselPark at the forested area at Rå, just after the old tree nursery building. Follow the forest access road through the planted area and up towards the ridge (299 m). Then continue your ascent above the treeline to the summit. From the summit cairn you have a view out towards Bø, Hadseløya and Lofoten. You can also see Møysalen out towards Hennes. A choice of various descents from the top.Level: Medium diffi culty

Stortind (609m), SortlandIn Eidsfjord. Popular summit in winter. Park at Lahaugen and go inwards to-wards ascending terrain (362 m). Then continue up, bearing right to 409 m, and on to the summit. From the top you have a panorama out across Eidsfjord, Bø and Valfjord. Fine descent with several alter-native routes, both steep and less steep. You will have to walk some distance back to the car, but it is worth it.Level: Medium/Challenging

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skiing facility, located a few kilometres outside of downtown Sortland, is the site of the annual Blue Hype contest, featuring souring jumps and sporty skiing manoeuvring. Ski equipment is also for hire at the skiing facility.

In Vesterålen there are a number of prepared skiing trails for trekking and cross country outings. The longest trails, which are also lit, are at Hadseløya, Åse on Andøy and in Sortlandmarka.

The best time to ski in Vesterålen is February – April. During this period the days have once again become long enough that light is not a factor. The tem-perature at this time normally also stays below freezing, so that the snow is perfect for skiing on powder slopes.

And just so we have mentioned it: There are plenty of places to park your car practically anywhere, just in case you should be tempted to try skiing a tempting mountain slope …


Panorama across Eidsfjord from Galten at Vikheia. Photo: Bente Myhre

Photo: Ivar Steiro

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The Skrei fi sheryThe wandering skreiFor centuries, arctic cod has been the most valu-able species of fi sh for the people of North Nor-way, and the winter cod fi shery from January to April is the most important seasonal fi shery in all of Norway. It is important to distinguish between coastal cod and “skrei”. When the Arctic cod set out on their annual migration to spawn along the northern coast of Norway, the fi sh is called skrei – a word that actually means “to wander”, from the Old Norse “skrida”.

Spawning placesHistorically speaking, nearly half the skrei shoals have migrated to the areas around Lofoten to spawn. But as a result of rising temperatures in the ocean during recent years, the increasing trend is that the skrei stop further north. This new migration patt ern is a defi nite boon to Vesterålen fi shermen. The fi shing grounds off the coast from Andøy, Øksnes and Bø – 400 km north of the Arc-tic Circle – have become an Eldorado and Klon-dyke for skrei fi shermen!

For professional fi shermen, the winter season at sea is synonymous with skrei fi shing. And with modern, advanced boats and equipment, amateur fi shermen have also been able to participate in the quest for this prima quality fi sh, because what’s special about this species is that one does not have to go far out to sea; skrei can be caught in fj ords and close to land.

Even the uninitiated tourist fi sherman will have to try hard not to catch fi sh on an ocean outing – whether this be as a «hired hand» aboard a pro-fessional fi shing boat, or aboard one’s own hired boat with an outboard motor and an echo sound-er. The opportunity to hire 18-foot boats has gradually become more and more commonplace. In addition, you can spend the night in tradional-style rorbu cabins, and prepare fi sh dinners you

will not fi nd in every restaurant – we call it «møljekalas», meaning poached fresh skrei, with cod liver and roe …

Mølje (Poached skrei, liver and roe)For people along the Norwegian coast, the fi rst «møljekalas» (skrei feast) is the gastronomic high-point of winter – a culinary banquet to which some have almost religious associations. Skrei feasts are not only traditional dining; they are festivities!

The traditional North Norwegian way of prepar-ing skrei is simple: fi sh, liver and roe are steeped in separate cooking pots fi lled with boiling hot, lightly salted water. The proportion is at least two tbs salt per liter of water for poached cod, liver and roe. The liver and roe should simmer for a few minutes, while the fi sh must only steep in the water – never bring it to the boil! Serve with boiled carrots, potatoes and fl atbrød (wafer crisps). Bev-erage of choice. Voilà: your skrei feast is served!

Deep sea- and fj ord fi shing Most people are familiar with light angling from small leisure boats along the shoreline skerries and fj ords. Deep sea fi shing, on the other hand, done from oceangoing vessels, is normally the domain of local fi shing boats operated by experi-enced skippers. Deep sea fi shing at great depths normally requires industrial equipment. For skrei fi shing on the open ocean, it is recommended to use short, strong rods, reels with 200 meter line, jigs and lead sinkers that can weigh as much as 1000 grams. Weights and jigs must be so heavy that they sink to the bott om quickly without drift -ing away from or underneath the boat. It is nor-mal to use one or more hooks. If you want to use bait, mackerel or herring is recommended.

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Photo: Alf Oxem

Photo: Alf Oxem


Ice-fi shingHighpoint of the winterThere are many fi shing lakes in Vesterålen, where trout and Arctic char are the dominant species. The lakes are normally visited during the summer season, when the coff ee pot, frying pan and an open fi re add an extra dimension to out-door life. But one should not scorn the fascination of going to the lake on skis, dabbing one’s face with a litt le extra sunscreen, drilling a hole in the ice, dropping a line and opening a thermosful of hot cocoa and stretching out on a reindeer hide – while waiting for a tug on the line. For many, this is the highpoint of the winter …Up until the present day such festive occasions have been the domain of local afi cionados of ice fi shing. This is because visiting tourist fi shermen normally come during the summertime. But a few have discovered that it is just as exhilarating and att ractive to pursue one’s fi shing luck during the winter as well. And Vesterålen is the perfect place for such pursuits. The natural surroundings and terrain here off er limitless opportunities, since most of the fi shing lakes are nearby and easily ac-cessible.

There are also several local ice-fi shing contests in various places in Vesterålen.

What is ice-fi shing?To go ice fi shing you will need an ice drill, a jig-ging rod, a small reel of fi shing line (0.2 strength or stronger), jigging hooks and maggots. It is also recommended to dress warmly in windproof clothing and warm footwear. You also need an in-sulated seating pad. The most exclusive kind of seating pad is a reindeer hide, but a good Therm-a-Rest pad is also very suitable. Some prefer to bring along a light camping chair. Hot beverages and a packed lunch are not only important; they are half the pleasure of ice fi shing.

You should never ice-fi sh on unsafe ice. But should a mishap occur, it is wise to have extra clothing in reserve, waterproof packed. A mini-mum of safety equipment is also obligatory on ice-fi shing trips – such as a safety line and a cou-ple of hand spikes. A hand spike is a handle with a steel spike att ached. It is used to grip a slick, icy surface so that one can pull oneself up aft er going through the ice. But this is important: you will get no help from equipment that is still in your ruck-sack! Keep it hanging around your neck or fas-tened securely to your jacket so that your can eas-ily get to it in an emergency! It may be practical and useful to bring along a sledge or toboggan.

Safe iceWhat is safe ice? The term varies in relation to the location of the water, the compactness and depth of the ice, the temperature, precipitation, wind – and the season. As we say in North Norway: If the ice holds around Midsummer Eve, it will be a late spring …

When venturing out onto unfamiliar icy surfac-es, one should exercise caution. Drill pilot holes at regular intervals as you cross the ice in order to test thickness. This is because thickness may vary from place to place on the same lake. 10 cm of blue ice is normally safe, while snow-covered ice is the most diffi cult to gauge. One must always be wary of ice exposed to currents, such as at the mouth of a river or sound. Areas where you can see stones or vegetation sticking up are also exposed places. You should also be careful around dams. If the lake is regulated, it is defi nitely important to be observant. Contact local experts for information on ice conditions on any given lake!

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Photo: bilder.nornet.no

Photo: Alf Oxem


Although the sun does not appear over the horizon for nearly two months, winter in Vesterålen can be both colourful and exciting – with its blue, arctic light above white mountains and pink ocean water. But the dark season can also be trying and harsh, when winter storms hurl fi sts of ice in across land and peel asphalt from the road surfaces – and daylight fl ickers only fl eetingly before it melts back into darkness. On the other hand, it is perhaps just such an encounter with this aspect of winter that lasts longest on our mental hard discs.

Despite the dark season and the harsh climate, resi-dents of Vesterålen live completely normal lives dur-ing the winter season of the year. Many even prefer winter and its seasonal activities – outdoors in the natural surroundings as well as well as indoors at cultural events. As our guest, you can also take ad-vantage of winter activities.

When the sun returns and days become longer, there is nothing as appealing as a skiing trip in pris-tine nature – nearby and accessible. The mountains of Vesterålen are made for skiing – whether it be on prepared ski trails or in the virgin snow – the moun-tains are easy to ascend and not dangerous for off -piste skiing.

Or maybe you would prefer driving a dog team – pulled on skis behind team, or as a passenger on a dog sledge. The experience may be had, and you need only agree with the dog team owner and select your destination.

Sledging with a team of reindeer is another win-ter off er that is becoming increasingly popular. The Samí culture in general has become an att raction in Vesterålen. If the herd of reindeer is grazing in the area, visitors are driven out to them on snowmobiles. Here you can try your skill at lasso throwing. Or you can enjoy Samí traditional foods based on reindeer

meat, served around an open fi re in a Samí lávvo tent and accompanied by joik singing. But to really try Samí traditions, you should try spending the night in a lávvo tent on a bed of birch branches and reindeer hide.

Winter kayak paddling is undeniably quite diff er-ent than kayaking under the midnight sun, perhaps even more fascinating when the sea glitt ers phospho-rescently and the moon is the only source of light. If you are an experienced kayaker looking for an outing in a sea kayak, there are tour operators who provide guided excursions in winter as well – with or without overnight accommodation. Experienced paddlers can also hire kayaks and equipment and do exploring on their own in the shoreline skerries of Vesterålen.

Bird life in Vesterålen is abundant and varied. It’s true that many bird species leave the area during au-tumn, but not the eagles! Although one can spot sea eagles «everywhere» perched on shoreline stones, they are particularly abundant on the outer sides of the islands, where they know that food is most acces-sible to them. Why not join an eagle safari and experi-ence eagles plunging to the surface of the sea to grasp a fl eeing fi sh? These are the kinds of experiences that are remembered forever, especially if you have cap-tured the happening on your camera’s memory card!

Should the weather be uninviting for outdoor ac-tivities, there are also many galleries and museums open during the winter. And it would be a rare event if there weren’t also a concert or an exhibition ar-ranged nearby … For further information on cultural events and muse-ums, as well as when and where: htt p://www.vestreg.nohtt p://www.museumnord.no


Winter special!

Photo: Inga Sami-Siida



Winter Packages

Fantastic winter experiences

www.lofoten-info.no/sjohussenteret - tel. +47 76 12 37 40

VesterålenHotell & Kongressenterwww.hurtigrutenshus.com

2 persons in a rorbu cabin. Fri– Sun for NOK 990,-

Winter special offer:

Join us for a winter adventure! Here you will eat and sleep well – in the centre of the island realm.

DEEP SEA FISHING AT OFFERSØY

Arctic Light activitiesActivity week: photography, northern light and eagle safari, winter fi shing (ice & fjord), kayak and hiking trips Season: November - MarchPrice example: NOK 4950,- week/person. Inclusive: Daytrip with winter activities incl. all equipment and transport, accommodation in 2-4 bed holiday apartments.Full board NOK 2950,- week/person

Contact: Ringstad Sjøhus, Ringstad, 8475 StraumsjøenTel. +47-761 37480, [email protected], www.sjohus.no

www.sortlandhotell.no - tel: +47 76 10 84 00

Indulge yourself and spend a weekend at our hotel this winter!

Weekend stay dbl. room: NOK 990,- per day.Combine overnight accommodation, good food and shopping.

Enjoy the northern lights, visit our alpine skiing facilities or do off-piste on your own in pristine and easily accessible

natural surroundings!

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Join us and our skilled boat captain for a winter fi shing excursion Season: 1.3. - 15.4. For groups of 2–6 persons/4–7 day stay

Price ex; 4 day stay, with 2 days of deep sea fi shing, from NOK 9200,-

Welcome to an exciting adventure in beautiful Vesterålen! We guarantee a trip you will never forget! You are equipped with survival suits, and body rafting can be enjoyed in both summer and winter.

Contact:Tel: +47 915 34 [email protected]

For groups, contact us for a price offer!

Experience, take part and have a taste of Sami culture and reindeer herding in an authentic Sami environment! Join us in the middle of the reindeer herd and experience these unique animals at close range. Exhibits. Dining featuring Sami foods. Open: 15 Nov. – 31 Aug. Prices from NOK 150 pr. person.

Contact information: Laila Inga: + 47 908 77 558 [email protected] / www.inga-sami-siida.no

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Vesterålen 2011 Eng

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