Andøy

Andøy municipality has approximately 5.100 residents of which approximately 3.200 lives in the countyseat of Andenes. Andøy is located in Vesterålen. The municipality of Andøya consists of two islands, Andøya and Hinnøya ("øya" means island). Hinnøya is Norway´s largest island while Andøya is the 10th largest island in the country.

These two islands are connected to each other by Andøy Bridge (Andøybrua), which was completed in 1975. The county comprises 655,9 km2 (254 square miles), has 231 km (144 miles) of coastline, and has 356 lakes. The island of Andøya, by itself, has an area of 488 km2 of which approximately 218 km2 is unspoiled marshland between 0 and 25 meters above sea level. The world-famous Coastal Steamer (Hurtigruten) docks at Risøyhamn. The airport is located at Andenes.

The county´s highest mountain is Skrivartind on Hinnøya at 890 meters while Andøya´s highest mountain is Kvasstind at 705 meters. In Andenes (along Sjøgata or "Sea Street") lies Norway´s largest "gårdshaug", which is an area consisting of the ruins of several old farms located on hills. Tromsø Museum has many valuable archeological findings from this farm area, especially from the old church that was previously located on the premises.

Andøya is characterized by experts as a "geological textbook", with both the youngest and the oldest species of rocks. The northernmost point of Andøya was presumably ice– free during the last Ice Age. The moraine in Bleik (which is an accumulation of earth and stones carried and finally deposited by a glacier) is consequently the contry´s oldest moraine. The Ramså area is the only area on Norway´s mainland with rock formations from the Jurassic Period of the Mesozoic Era (120 – 150 million years old, the country´s youngest rock formations).

Three marshland areas in Andøya are nature reservations, the largest being located in Skogvoll and is 70 km2. The area is also of great international protective value because of its rich plant and bird life. Andøy is one of the country´s largest fishing counties, with fishing harbors at Andenes, Bleik and Nordmela. There is also a considerable amount of agriculture.

A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE

The World´s Most Beautiful Voyage is a voyage like no other. Nothing can compare with it. Nothing about this journey will resemble anything you have ever experienced before. A ticket for the Coastal Express is a ticket to the theatre, an 11-day drama in which new acts constantly unfold all around you.

BJØRNSKINN CHURCH

Bjørnskinn Church in Risøyhamn is located at exactly 69 degrees north, and to Alaska´s northernmost point, which is approximately 70 degrees north. There is evidence of settlers on Andøya as early as 1400 b.c., but there are many signs which indicate that people have lived here for over 6.000 years.

BAKKEN

In Bakken, located near Bø, lie the remains of two farms from the Iron Age and one farm from the Middle Age. These farms are som of the best wellpreserved farms from olden times in Northern Norway.

WHALESAFARI

Because of the short distance from Andenes to very deep oceanic waters, Andenes is the only place in northern Europe where you can see the giant male sperm whales on relatively short trips. Combining research and adventure, the Whale Safari from Andenes is described to offer one of "the highest quality whale watching in the world".

HISNAKUL

Hisnakul is situated between Andenes lighthouse and The Whale Centre. Hisnakul is its name, also known as Andøy Natursenter. It is not, however, a traditional nature centre. Hisnakul illustrates how nature and people come together in a North Norwegian coast environment. The particularly interesting themes in the Andøy landscape, the vast marshlands, sea bird life, the Northern Lights and the Andøya Rocket Range research, the fisheries, and cultural history.

BIRD WATCHING

Just off the western side of Andøy Island and the fishing village of Bleik is Bleiksøy Island, one of Norway´s most famous bird cliffs. A local fishing vessel goes every day to the island, where you can observe a wide range of the sea-bird species of the Norwegian coast.

70-80.000 pairs of puffins, more than 4.000 pairs of kittiwakes and hundreds of cormorants, storm petrels, common guillemots, fulmars, razorbills and other species raise their young here. The chance of seeing a white-tailed eagle at Bleiksøy Island is very high.

MOUNTAIN HIKES

A short walk 30-60 minutes - to Måtind, and you will have a vieuw you will never forget ! More breathtaking than Himalaya or Jotunheimen! Enjoy montain trips and beach walkes.

DIVING

A Diving Centre has been established at Kvalnes on the eastern side of Andøy Island, where you will be offered air filling (200 and 300 bar), in addition to access to a very attractive area for divers. Clear, clean water and an exciting sea-bed in Andfjorden. Diving directly from shore, or from rented boats.

HUNTING

There are also many fantastic marsh and mountain areas where you can hunt grouse and black grouse, if you have the necessary permit and license.

FISHING

Andøy has many salmon lakes and rivers. The most well-known is the lakes and rivers of the Roksdals area. To fish for salmon, sea trout, trout, sea char and char you must buy a fishing permit from the area you wish to fish in. This can usually be bought from the local landowner. In addition to this you must pay a government fee if you wish to fish for salmon, sea trout and sea char in these lakes and rivers. This is obtained from any post office.