Norway: Vesterålen is not Lofoten!

posted in: Destinations, Europe, Norway | 0

Bleik, Vesterålen, Norway

The headline says it all. Most people don’t know this and those few people living on this barely populated piece of land are annoyed by it. They see themselves as an archipelago of their own and they appreciate not being called ‘the Lofoten’. And now enough with the pettiness.

Smart people combine Lofoten and Vesterålen – because it’s possible and because it would be sad not to see this part of Norway. On the distance aspect, this is no problem at all as the Vesterålen archipelago is just next to Lofoten.

Bleik, Vesterålen, Norway

Bleik, Vesterålen, Norway

Just like Lofoten, the landscape is really diverse. It’s less dramatic but not less beautiful. In total it’s definitely more barren which means that in parts you won’t meet anything or anyone anywhere. It’s an unbelievably calm area.

Northern Lights, Vesterålen, Norway

Bleik, Vesterålen, Norway

There are a few small villages, some houses standing alone on the way. And nothing else. Most streets aren’t illuminated by night, which is perfect for Northern Lights junkies like us.

Vesterålen, Norway

We stayed on Andøy Island and unfortunately only one night. In the afternoon, evening and night we explored the region and admired the Northern Lights. The next day we made a Whale Watching Tour.

Whale Watching Safari Andenes, Vesterålen, Norway

Whale Watching with Whale Safari Andenes

We didn’t know much about Vesterålen before our Lofoten trip. Actually, we hadn’t even heard of it before. After a little bit of research, we found out that Vesterålen is famous for the Whale Watching tours and that we could book them online. This was the main reason for a detour here.

Whale Watching Safari Andenes, Vesterålen, Norway

Whale Watching, Vesterålen, Norway

Whale Watching, Vesterålen, Norway

We booked our tour with Whale Watching Andenes which promise you that you will certainly see whales. If not, they offer you a refund.

Whale Watching, Vesterålen, Norway

Whale Watching, Vesterålen, Norway

This wasn’t necessary. The weather was perfect. We saw five sperm whales and as if this wasn’t enough a group of dolphins. Dolphins are rare in this latitude (according to our guide, this species of dolphins called grey dolphins were seen the last time in 1998). The gods were on our side this day.

Bleik, Vesterålen, Norway

Bleik – the most beautiful beach of the Norwegian Arctic?

Bleik Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches we’ve ever seen. A flawless white, fine and clean beach; Turquoise water and surrounded by an amazing scenario. Mighty mountains behind the beach while you can see the birds’ island Bleiksøya is out to the sea.

Bleik, Vesterålen, Norway

Combined with tranquillity and Northern Lights at night, this was the perfect place on earth for us.

Andøya, Vesterålen, Norway

Andøya West Coast

As our return to Norwegian mainland was going to be a long experience anyway, we decided to drive along the beautiful West coast of Andøya(, making a small detour). We can’t say too much about it. In perfect weather, as we enjoyed it, you somehow forget to be in the Arctic which you would connote with anything but not with these pictures.

Andøya, Vesterålen, Norway

One night in Vesterålen was definitely too little. You can hike here and visit different corners of the island. It’s just perfect just to relax and switch off your brain and gawk dumbly.  For the next time, we know better.




 



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