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Photo: Camilla Ilmoni
Bleik Beach, located near the village of Bleik on the western side of Andøya, is renowned for its spectacular scenery and long, white sandy shoreline. Photo: Svein-Terje K. Eliassen

Andøy in Vesterålen

Situated in Andenes, on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, The Whale will be located in one of Europe’s most spectacular settings, offering visitors direct access to breathtaking nature.

Andenes lies at the northern tip of Andøya, the northernmost island in the Vesterålen-Lofoten archipelago, 300 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. Positioned at 69 degrees north, the area is deep within the Arctic belt, but thanks to ocean currents, winters remain surprisingly mild, and the sea never freezes.

Andøya is characterized by majestic mountain peaks and white beaches along its western side, facing the open ocean, and lowlands covered with vast wetlands on its eastern side, stretching towards Andfjorden. Along the wild and beautiful west coast, you’ll find several idyllic fishing villages, with Andenes serving as the island’s hub, known for its largest fishing harbor, airport, and ferry connection across the fjord.

Due to Andøya’s high latitude, the midnight sun shines from mid-May to late July. In winter, however, the sun does not rise above the horizon, but the dark winter nights often bring spectacular northern lights, offering an added experience for visitors during the winter months.

Photo: Camilla Ilmoni
Picture: Mareano/NGU.

Bleik Canyon

Andenes is a truly unique location, being the closest place in Europe to deep ocean waters. Just ten kilometers from the coast, the continental shelf plunges steeply, bringing cold, nutrient-rich waters to the surface. This underwater canyon, known as Bleiksdjupet, extends all the way to Andøya’s coastline, creating ideal conditions for an exceptionally rich marine ecosystem and optimal habitats for several whale species—especially sperm whales, with males residing here year-round.

In addition, many other species are frequently spotted, including orcas, humpback whales, fin whales, pilot whales, minke whales, and dolphin species such as white-beaked dolphins, Atlantic white-sided dolphins, and harbor porpoises.

Thanks to the proximity of the deep sea, whales can be reached with a short boat trip from shore, offering an unparalleled opportunity to experience and observe a variety of whale species year-round. Nowhere else in Europe can you encounter such a diverse range of whale species throughout the year.

Photo: Lundqvist/Bjønnes, Hvalsafari AS

Andenes was the first location in Norway to establish whale watching, starting as early as 1988, and it quickly grew into a major attraction. Since then, Andenes has been recognized as one of the world's premier destinations for whale experiences.

Approximately 50,000 visitors come to the area each year to see whales and engage in other outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, camping, kayaking, and fishing. The number of visitors continues to grow steadily and is expected to increase further. Since the inception of whale watching in Andenes, the industry has expanded significantly, with whale watching now offered in many locations, particularly in Northern Norway. The season has also been extended, making whale watching available year-round.

Andenes remains a leader in whale watching. Some operators in Andenes provide unique experiences that bring visitors close to the whales while incorporating research. These research activities include data collection during tours and the use of an ID catalog to identify and study individual whales. This work is part of an international research network involving scientists and students from Europe and around the world.

Learn more about whale watching and research here:

Photo: Camilla Ilmoni
Photo: Camilla Ilmoni
Photo: Camilla Ilmoni
Photo: Camilla Ilmoni
Photo: Camilla Ilmoni
Photo: Camilla Ilmoni

How to get to Andøy

There are many ways to travel to Andøy, whether by plane, car, bus, or boat. Andøya Airport is located near Andenes with daily flights, and the island is accessible by road via national scenic routes and ferries during the summer. The Hurtigruten coastal express also stops at Andøy daily.

For detailed travel routes and options, visit Visit Andøy and Visit Vesterålen.

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