Andøya Island is located just north of the Lofoten Islands and is part of the Vesterålen archipelago, serving as its northernmost island.
Andøya is easily accessible and can be combined with a trip to the Lofoten Islands. The island is about a 1.5-hour drive from the E10 road leading to Lofoten, without the need for a ferry. However, you can also reach Andøya by ferry directly from Gryllefjord on Senja Island, which docks at Andenes on the northern tip of Andøya.
Andøya is considerably quieter than the popular Lofoten region, especially during the peak tourist season when Lofoten can become quite crowded. Andøya offers a more peaceful alternative with equally stunning scenery. It is a popular spot for whale safaris and is perhaps one of the best and most famous places in Norway for whale watching. You can check out whale safari offerings in Norway through platforms like Get Your Guide. Additionally, the island is home to a space center where sounding rockets are launched into space, and visitors can learn more about this at the visitor center.
Norwegian Scenic Route Andøya
Andøya Island is relatively small, but the terrain is divided in such a way that the eastern side, where the main road of the island runs, is flatter, while the western side offers stunning mountain scenery along the coastal road. The road on the western side is, in fact, Andøya’s official scenic route, the Norwegian Scenic Route Andøya, which is definitely worth driving through to explore the island.
The route begins almost immediately after entering the island at Bjørnskinn and passes through villages such as Nordmela and Bleik on its way to the island’s largest town, Andenes. The total length of the scenic route is 58 kilometers.
The island’s most interesting sights and the best views are found on this side of the island.
Bukkekjerka Viewpoint
Bukkekjerka is a cultural-historical viewpoint rooted in Sami culture, where the location was historically used as a sacrificial site. Today, Bukkekjerka is a protected landmark. This stop features two popular attractions:
The World’s Best Restroom View? – Panorama Restroom
This might be one of the world’s most beautiful restrooms, at least in terms of the view!
Norwegian public restrooms, particularly in Northern Norway, are generally well-maintained and plentiful, which is a great convenience for travelers.
What makes this restroom unique is its full glass wall, allowing you to enjoy stunning views while taking a break. The restroom is also architecturally impressive. The downside is that a path leading to the nearby lighthouse passes right in front of the restroom, and although the glass wall is somewhat reflective from the outside, it’s not entirely opaque. There’s a switch, however, that can turn the wall into frosted glass, making it impossible to see through from either side.
If the idea of enjoying the view while using the restroom appeals to you, it’s best to time your visit when the stop isn’t crowded 😊
Borhella Lighthouse
From the restroom, a small path leads to a tiny lighthouse about 10 meters tall. The operational lighthouse is located at the tip of the peninsula and continues to warn sailors with its lights. In cloudy or foggy weather, the scenery can be quite eerie, with only the rocky coast and the lighthouse’s blinking light visible through the mist. You can also climb the ladder on the side of the lighthouse for a closer look.
Andenes Lighthouse
Andenes, located at the northern tip of Andøya, is the island’s largest settlement. The village is home to Andenes Lighthouse, built in the mid-1800s, which stands about 40 meters tall and is one of Norway’s tallest lighthouses. Visitors can explore the inside of the lighthouse and admire the views from the outdoor platform at the top. With some luck, you might even spot whales from here without joining a whale safari. Unfortunately, when we visited Andenes, the lighthouse had just closed, so we missed the chance to go up.
Måtinden Hiking Trail – Andøya’s Most Beautiful Scenery
Måtinden is perhaps one of the most popular hiking routes on Andøya, and it’s no wonder, as the scenery is simply stunning. The trail has two starting points, either from Baugtua or Stave.
We started our hike from Stave, which we can definitely recommend. The route runs along the edge of the slope near the shore, offering coastal views throughout the hike. The Stave starting point is smaller and quieter, with parking space for only a few cars. Another advantage of starting from Stave is that you can take a detour either on your way there or back via Høyvika Beach, which can also be admired from above.
The trail is 7.6 kilometers long round trip, regardless of which starting point you choose, but we took a detour via the beach on our way back, which added approximately a couple of kilometers to the hike.
The views along the route are absolutely breathtaking throughout the hike. You can admire the rugged cliffs dropping directly to the shore, the beach itself, and on the other side, the rolling meadow landscape dotted with sheep.
From the summit, the views are incredibly majestic in every direction. The steep slopes drop straight into the sea, and the sharp peaks and surrounding beaches make the landscape unbelievably spectacular.
This is definitely a hike worth doing on Andøya and is reason enough to visit the island.
Read a detailed account of the Måtinden hike here.
Høyvika Beach
Høyvika Beach is truly a hidden gem. It lies tucked away behind steep slopes, completely secluded and hidden from view. The beach is bordered by steep cliffs and rocks, and getting there requires some effort.
A marked trail leads to the beach from the same Stave starting point as the aforementioned Måtinden hiking trail, and the distance to the beach is 1.9 kilometers each way. The trail includes one rocky hill to cross, and on the beach side, it follows a rocky shoreline, making it navigable but not the easiest route. The beach can easily be combined with the Måtinden hike, and we also took a detour here on our way back from the Måtinden summit.
The beach itself is very peaceful, with white sand combined with clear seawater and surrounding mountains, creating a beautiful sight.
Andøya – Tranquility Close to the Lofoten Islands
Andøya is an excellent island for those who want to enjoy beautiful scenery without the crowds, even during the busiest July season. The island offers stunning and rugged landscapes along its scenic route, various attractions, and charming small villages.
