Hiking on Vesterålen
Category
Active
Travel period
Summer
Trip type
Group
Duration
6 Days / 5 Nights
Discover one of Norway’s most scenic and peaceful hiking destinations – the Vesterålen archipelago. Less known than its neighbour Lofoten, Vesterålen offers a gentler, quieter charm, with dramatic peaks, open coastlines, and friendly local culture. This tour invites travellers to explore panoramic ridge walks, rugged mountain paths, and pristine beaches – all while learning about the local Sami culture and island traditions.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Vesterålen – Sortland
Arrival in Sortland, the largest town in Vesterålen and known for its iconic blue-painted buildings. This will be the base for the next four nights. Accommodation in a centrally located hotel in Sortland (4 nights).
Day 2: Hike Mount Vetten
Breakfast at the hotel. Today’s hike leads up Mount Vetten (467m), offering panoramic views of the open sea, scattered islands, and the distant Lofoten wall on clear days. The trail follows the same route up and down, though a longer loop with a second peak is possible for more experienced hikers. Accommodation in Sortland.
Day 3: Hike the Queen’s Route – Dronningruta
Breakfast at the hotel. This is one of the region’s most spectacular hikes, tracing the route between the restored fishing village of Nyksund and the active harbour village of Stø. The trail includes several scenic coastal ridges and mountain sections with stunning ocean views. Named after Queen Sonja of Norway, who walked the route in 1994. Accommodation in Sortland.
Day 4: Sami Farm Visit & Coastal Walk
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, visit a local Sami farm (optional) and meet the reindeer. Guests are invited into a traditional lavvo (tent), where stories of Sami life, culture, and traditions are shared. After lunch, enjoy a gentle coastal walk to soak in the serene beauty of Vesterålen’s shoreline. Accommodation in Sortland.
Day 5: Explore the Lofoten Islands – Harstad
Breakfast at the hotel. Today’s journey takes travellers south to the famous Lofoten Islands. With dramatic peaks, fishing villages, and photogenic fjord views, this optional guided day tour (additional charge) showcases Lofoten’s captivating beauty and history. Overnight in Harstad. Accommodation in a centrally located hotel in Harstad (1 night).
Day 6: Departure from Harstad
Breakfast at the hotel. A transfer to Harstad Airport is included for departure according to your flight schedule.
Tour Details
Accommodation
4 nights in Sortland with private facilities and breakfast
1 night in Harstad with private facilities and breakfast
Transport & Transfers
All scheduled bus services and transfers as per itinerary
Local tip
Stop by the artsy cafés and small galleries in Nyksund – this once-abandoned village is now a vibrant cultural hub with dramatic sea views and creative flair. For seafood lovers, don’t miss tasting stockfish, a dried delicacy famous throughout the region.
