Adventures along the Andoya scenic route in Norway

North Norway holds the most beautiful nature views, this is why it’s full of national scenic routes, one of them is Andoya scenic route. It’s not enough just to drive through Andoya scenic route, you have to experience it and enjoy as many adventures as you can along the way. This is why I’d suggest you plan a few days for experiencing the Andoya island in Vesteralen, Norway.

Andoya scenic route – important information

Andoya scenic route is not long itself, only 51 km, from Bjornskinn to Andenes. Following this way, you have to reach the Andoya island from the mainland. But there is also a way from Senja island by ferry, from the town called Gyllefjord, then the route will begin from the town of Andenes towards the mainland.

There are many small towns on the island, so you will have many options to find a stay. But same as in all of Norway, you can sleep almost anywhere on the beach. And Andoya’s scenic route goes along the coastline, so there are options for sure.

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What to see along the Andoya scenic route

If you start your way ‘down’ the island, starting from the town of Andenes, the following adventures are what you will experience. Though, remember, one day is not enough to experience all that Andoya has to offer. Believe me, I drove it through 2 times and still have many mountains left to climb to.

The town of Andenes

At the tip of the Andoya island, there is a town called Andenes, and a starting (or ending) point along your journey through Andoya scenic route. The town is small and really nice to have a walk in, or even stay the night, as some of the attractions are in the near distance from it. But first, the main landmark of the town is of course – the lighthouse. A trip to the top of the 148 stairs grants a view over Andenes and Bleik to the southwest, Senja to the east, and the vast Norwegian Sea to the west and the north.

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Take a whale watching safari trip

Due to its location, Andenes is the perfect point to start your whale-watching experience. There are two places (maybe more) in the town that offers exciting excursions for whale watching and not only, there are also bird watching options and similar. You can read the full experience of whale watching with prices and details in my Whale safari in North Norway post.

The mountains along the Andoya scenic route

As in all of Norway, so in Andoya island there are many beautiful peaks to climb to. Each of them is really special and it will take time to fully experience all that they give.

Matind – Andoya’s most popular peak

If you only have time for one peak along the Andoya scenic route, then it must be Matind. It will take time to reach the peak but the views along the way are so rewarding. When you think that you’ve reached the top, you’ll see that there is a wide plateau between all different peaks and you’ll have the most amazing hike in the clouds. Being at the top, the views of Blake and Stave are breathtaking. As well as the turquoise beaches right at the bottom of the slope of Matind.

When driving along the water to the Matind’s base to start the hike, there is an amazingly beautiful beach very well suited for spending the night and enjoying the most perfect sunsets or midnight sun. Hike details.

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Panoramic views of Andoya

Bjørnskinntinden is one of the best places to enjoy the panoramic views of Andoya. The mountain is high, it reaches 365 meters above sea level. The mountain is meeting travelers at the very beginning of Andoya Island. Of course, there are higher peaks on the island – Kvasstinden is Andøya Island’s highest peak, reaching 705 meters above sea level. The views from this peak are breathtaking not only Andoya, but the big part of Vesteralen is under your feet. Gavltinden is a bit smaller than Kvasstinden, but still reaching far above the sea. From this peak, the other part of Andoya is visible along with surrounding fjords and islands.

One of the easiest peaks to reach is the Andhauet, also known as Andhue, it is just 288 meters above sea level. Especially if you are spending the night in Andenes, as this is the closest peak to the town. Due to its height, the peak is relatively fast and easy to reach. Very well suited for beautiful morning views or sunsets.

There is also a mountain ridge that runs through a big part of northern Andoya. There you will find a peak called Trolltinden. It reaches 436 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the island coasts. The peak is home to a weather radar station, which serves as an easy reference point during the hike and from the roads of Andoya.

Rest stops along the Andoya scenic route

Even if your plan is not to conquer the peaks of the island, there are few rest stops along the Andoya scenic route that offers no less breathtaking views, or even short picturesque hikes. Here are a few of them.

Kleivodden

If you’ll drive along the Andoya scenic route from Andenes towards the south, the first rest place along your way will be Kleivoden. Not only the resting place is esthetically pretty, but from it, you also can admire the vastness of the Arctic Ocean and observe the bird cliffs on Bleiksøya island.

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Bukkjerka

The next rest stop along the road has also a historical meaning – it is an old Sami sacrificial site. Following the track the top of Bukkekjerka, at the top, there is a small bench where you can see far out over the open sea, the mountain peaks in the north, and the midnight sun. This is also the place where you can wander around for some short hikes to the lighthouses, villages, or just along the ridge. 

The town of Bleik and its surroundings

The small fishing village of Bleik is worth a visit and longer exploration. The town’s name is in relation to the other nearby sites: white Bleiksstranda beach, Beliksmorenen Nature Reserve, and the Bleiksøya island which lies immediately opposite the beach, and every year more than 40,000 puffins nest here, as well as a large colony of sea eagles. An organized safari around Bleiksøya island is available in the summer, but going onshore is prohibited between April 15th and July 31st. when the birds nest.

Bleik Beach on Andøya Island is one of the longest beaches in Norway and its white sands are more reminiscent of a tropical paradise than a small island above the arctic circle. Bleikmorenen Nature Reserve attracts both geologists and nature lovers. Situated right beside Bleik village and its beautiful beach on Andøya Island, the reserve is an easy and interesting place to explore. It holds the oldest moraines in Norway. The trail through the reserve is a pleasant walk on even terrain. The reserve is made up of small lakes and grassy fields that are surrounded by the moraines.

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Usually, full-day hikers hike through all the beach coastline, wander through moraines and end up their hike by reaching the top of the Matind (and the same way back of course). This will be a demanding one but an adventure with beautiful nature and breathtaking views that you’ll never forget.

There are so many beautiful roads in Norway. Driving through them the country will reveal all of nature’s beauty. Here are some of them I visited:

Senja scenic route – the best nature views in Norway

Driving through Helgelandskysten – the scenic route in Norway

30 photos that will make you want to visit Lofoten Islands immediately