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Andfjord
Hognfjord
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Steinlandfjord
Prestfjord
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Vesteralen Fjords - Arctic, Norway
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THE VESTERALEN FJORDS
Location: Vesteralen island chain, Arctic Norway
Overview:
The Vesteralen islands are wild, wind-swept, craggy, coastal Norway. Several great hikes - Matindin and The Queen's Route - are the highlkights of this region. Nyksund is a unique little town situated at the start of the The Queen's Route. The region's history and fishing culture blend with the landscape to make a for an interesting slice of Norway
Highlights:
- Bleik lookout on the Matindin hike
- Exploring the town of Nyksund
- The Queen's Route hike behinf Nyksund
- Craggy views along Prestfjord and Steinlandfjord
Hiking in Vesteralen, Norway:
Matindin - At Bleik, the Matinden hike is a unique experience and a top pick! One of the most interesting viewpoints anywhere. A true South Pacific feel. Go to the south end of town, then take smallest road along the water all the way to the end (plenty of parking). Follow the marked path uphill for about an hour. On the way up, don't miss the great views back over Bleik and the craggy range around town. At the marked trail summit, it is mostly open . . . go right (North) to the next set of summits over for the best viewing down into the bay
Queen's Route - At Nyksund & Sto, the Vesteralen coast is in its full glory here. The full Queen's Route hike is a serious 15km. So decide from the start whether to do the full path, or just some coastal exploring around Nyksund. Note the open ocen-cliffs . . . so be prepared for windy/wet conditions at any point. If doing th efull route, do the inland steep part going out, then take the coastal route coming back
The Vesteralen coast in full glory here. The full Queen's Route hike is a serious 15km. So decide from the start whether to do the full path, or just some coastal exploring around Nyksund. Note the open ocen-cliffs . . . so be prepared for windy/wet conditions at any point. If doing th efull route, do the inland steep part going out, then take the coastal route coming back
Camping in Vesteralen, Norway:
The Vesteralen are generally an exposed, rough coastal, and windy island chain. This expectation is a must for camping here. Take extra care to look for protected spots . . . and just prepare for changing weather at any moment
Driving in Vesteralen, Norway:
Driving the Vesteralen islands is a marked difference from much of the rest of Norway. Much more rough-scrabble and craggy, the Vesteralen has a wild and coastal feel. The excellent drives are down the west coast of Andoya (Bleik, Stave), along STeinlandsfjord to Nyksund/Stt, and various spots on Bo island. Note that the landscape is much more stark and treesless than most elsewhere in Norway (almost Scottish feel in a way). Great for leisurely driving, especially on The Whale Route, from Senkja, through Vesteralen, to Lofoten.
Key Links and Publications About Vesteralen, Norway
- Vesteralen Visitor Guide -- visitvesteralen.com
- Andoy Tourist Guide (Vesteralen) -- andoyturist.no
Interactive Map of The Vesteralen Fjords
Norwegian Place Names:
Vesteralen = Vesterålen
Andoya = Andøya
Bo = Bø
THE NORWAY
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THE NORWAY
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THE NORWAY
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Map snippet from Andoya Guide
