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Driving the Andøya Scenic Route in Northern Norway

Home » Explore Norway » Driving the Andøya Scenic Route in Northern Norway

One of the most remote of Norway's 18 National Scenic Routes, the Andøya route in the Vesterålen archipelago is one of my favourites. Read on to learn why, and how you can plan your own trip.

Norway's Lofoten islands get so much of the attention in northern Norway. But just around the corner is the much quieter Vesterålen archipelago, one of the best travel secrets in Norway.

Beach and road on the coast of Andøya Island in Northern Norway.
Beach and road on the coast of Andøya Island in Northern Norway.

The scenery isn't quite so dramatic, but there's plenty of beautiful beaches, rocky coastline, hiking routes and ocean views to keep the curious traveller satisfied. The northernmost island, Andøya, plays host to one of Norway's National Scenic Routes.

The 18 designated scenic routes are maintained to a high standard with interesting rest stops and facilities placed along the way.

The routes are overseen by an Architecture Council including an architect, landscape architect, and visual artist, while an arts curator helps ensure that internationally valuable works of art are part of the driving experience.

The Andøya route

The road follows cultivated land between mountain and ocean. In the summer, you can drive under the midnight sun.

There's the chance to see seals, whales and eagles depending on the time of year, while delicious cloudberries can be found on the moorland in the late summer.

As with most places in northern Norway, getting there is half the fun! Head for the small village of Risøyhamn, which is about a one-hour drive north of Sortland, the largest urban area of the islands.

As you pass through Risøyhamn, the route begins with a left turn signposted Nordmeia/Skjoldehamn. After crossing the island, you turn to the right and continue on up the coast of Andøya all the way to Andenes at the northernmost tip.

Bukkekjerka

Bukkekjerka, a striking rock formation between Nordmela and Nøss, has been a sacred Sámi site for centuries. Once a pre-Christian sacrificial site, it has hosted open-air church services for the past 50–60 years.

The rocky coastline of Andøya, Norway.
The rocky coastline of Andøya.

In 2018, a modern rest area designed by Morfeus Arkitekter was added, blending seamlessly with the landscape. Its unique folded concrete structure includes restrooms with one-way mirror glass, offering panoramic ocean views while reflecting the surrounding scenery.

The site features picnic areas, a bonfire by the shore, scenic trails, and a footbridge leading to two unmanned lighthouses. Ancient burial mounds and building remains add historical depth, making Bukkekjerka a must-visit stop along the scenic route.

Stave

The small settlement Stave is known by hikers for its excellent hiking trails that reveal secret beaches and spectacular ocean views.

It's also a good choice for an overnight stop with a difference at Stave Camping & Hot Pools. During the summer a campsite is available, while in the winter beds and apartments are available to rent.

Hot pools and a beach sauna are also available for use in the winter. The steaming hot pools overlook the ocean and are an amazing way to relax after a day on the trails!

Bleik

The picturesque fishing village of Bleik, on Andøya’s northwest coast, is home to just a few hundred people.

Bleik beach on Andøya in northern Norway
Bleik beach on Andøya in Northern Norway.

Its name, meaning “pale,” reflects the stunning white sands of Bleikstranda, one of Norway’s longest beaches. Visitors can enjoy walks, swimming, and basic campsites.

Nearby, Bleiksvatnet lake and the Bleikmorenen Nature Reserve offer birdwatching and nature trails. Just north of the village, the Kleivodden rest area provides panoramic ocean views in a sheltered, wheelchair-accessible setting.

Offshore, the pyramid-shaped island of Bleiksøya is a vital bird sanctuary, designated a nature reserve to protect its unique bird and plant life.

This steep, pyramidal island, covering 15 hectares, supports a large breeding colony of Atlantic puffins, with historical estimates of up to 75,000 pairs, though recent assessments indicate a significant decline due to climate change and severe weather.

The island also hosts other seabirds such as kittiwakes, cormorants, and sea eagles. Boat tours offer close-up views, though landing is restricted during nesting season.

For hikers, the Stave–Bleik coastal trail offers breathtaking views along the rugged coastline.

Andøya Space

A rocket launch site in northern Norway? Yes, really! Andøya Space has provided operations for both European Space Agency and NASA missions and scientific research.

Rocket-powered aurora borealis in the Norwegian skies
The rocket-powered aurora from April 2019.

Most recently, rockets launched from Andøya provided an incredible unique aurora display, visible across the north of Scandinavia. While seeing a rocket launch is highly unlikely, the facility does welcome visitors to its aurora-themed visitor centre and exhibition.

Andenes

Eventually, you make it to Andenes at the northernmost tip of Andøya. Considering its remote location, it's a surprisingly active town.

It helps that the town has its own airport, Andøya Airport. As of February 2025, there are no direct flights from Oslo to Andenes. Norwegian plans to commence daily flights on this route starting mid-June 2025.

In the meantime, connecting flights are available through Harstad-Narvik (Evenes) Airport, Bodø Airport, or Tromsø Airport.

It's worth planning some time to see the town itself. There's a handful of shops, cafes, and few sights of note including this lovely deep red lighthouse.

Andenes lighthouse. Photo: David Nikel.
Andenes lighthouse. Photo: David Nikel.

The town is also known for its whale-watching tours and seabird safaris. If you're interested in either of these things it's best to google around for the best prices and reviews.

Also it's a very wise move to book in advance. The last thing you want to do is travel all this way only to find out the tours are not running or are fully-booked.

In the years to come, a new whale-inspired visitor centre is planned for Andenes.

Returning along the eastern side of Andøya

You can retrace your drive along the tourist route, or return to Risøyhamn along the island's eastern edge. It's a faster route and offers more coastal scenery. One sight of note is the cute old octagonal church at Dverberg dating back to 1843. It's easy to spot from the road.

What others say

Since achieving national scenic route status in 2012, the Andøya road trip has been increasing in popularity. Here's just a selection of what others have had to say about the drive:

“The northernmost Vesterålen island is arguably the most beautiful of them all. Following the coastal road that loops right around the island, you are never more than a stone's throw from the water, close to some of the country's best beaches and with great opportunity to see wildlife, including sea eagles swooping overhead and even whales out at sea.” – Moon Norway

“The drive is definitely worth it. National Tourist Route Andøya runs along the outer edge of Andøya island, and offers a magnificent view of white sandy beaches, cragged peaks and the wide expanse of the ocean. The drive over Andøya island is characterised by an impression of wide marshes, with mountain peaks rising abruptly to 700 metres above sea level. The region has been shaped by the rough Norwegian Sea. The fishing hamlets of Bleik and Nordmela reflect the interplay between people and the harshness of nature over the course of millennia (there are traces of Stone Age human settlement here).” – Dangerous Roads

“You could say it’s a relatively short distance and could be driven within an hour, but you do not want to rush it, I promise you. Instead, make sure you have at least a day – you’ll want to stop countless times to take photos, or explore small beaches, or visit villages along the road.” – Stunning Outdoors

About David Nikel

Originally from the UK, David now lives in Trondheim and was the original founder of Life in Norway back in 2011. He now works as a professional writer on all things Scandinavia.

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