© BJØRN EIDE_WWW.VISITVESTERALEN.COM_MÅTIND
including the popular photo motif of islands Gaukværøy and Litløy. The main image on the left is of the cabin at the Veten summit. Blue route – Medium. THE QUEEN’S ROUTE, ØKSNES, ROUND TRIP The Queen’s Route is a 15km long marked hiking route. This 5-8 hour long round trip was in 2015 named one of the 10 Most Spectacular hikes in Norway by visitnorway.com. The trail connects the two fisherman villages of Stø and Nyksund. We recommend starting in Stø and walking along the shore towards Nyksund and then back to Stø over the mountains. The highest point of the trip is Finngamheia (448 masl), but expect a varied landscape of mountain, stone and marshland. There are some steep areas, but these are secured with rope. This trip is best suited to those in relatively good physical condition. Red Route – Hard.
STEIROHEIA, SORTLAND, 472 MASL Steiroheia is a well-marked hike near Sortland city centre, often used for exercise by locals. You can find parking at the starting point Skibua, and simply follow the signs from there. The walk up takes ca. 1 hour. The Kvila cabin is located at the mountain summit, allowing for excellent views from both inside and outside. This walk is well suited families with small children and anyone looking for a beautiful view not too far from the city. Ask for directions in the regional tourist information office. Green route – Easy. Visit www.visitvesteralen.com for more hiking trails and route suggestions. Contact the Regional Tourist Information Office for maps, or turistinfo@vestreg.no for more information.
When planning a hike in Vesterålen, keep in mind that you are in the arctic. Temperatures and terrain vary and it is important to wear appropriate clothes. Waterproof shoes and windproof clothing are essential. Wear layers to stay warm. Check the weather forecast before you set off, and bring enough food and water to last the trip. If you are not familiar with the hike, contact locals and bring a map. Always let someone know where you are going and bring one or two phone numbers to call in case of emergency.
RECOMMENDED READING: HIKING IN VESTERÅLEN AND LØDINGEN (2015) Vesterålen Hiking Association have published this fantastic book detailing hikes from all over Vesterålen and Lødingen. In norwegian only.
HIKING IN VESTERÅLEN / TELLTUR BROCHURE
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A brochure with a couple of hiking destinations from each district in Vesterålen, showing start and finish points, degree of difficulty and a simple discription of the trails. The brochure is available at the regional tourist office in Sortland in both Norwegian and English or, alternatively, can be downloaded at visitvesteralen.com in the following languages; Norwegian, English, German and French.
HIKING MAP VESTERÅLEN (2015) Hiking and cycling map 1:100 000. On sale in the book shops and at the regional tourist information office in Sortland. © GEIR-VIDAR HAUGEN
MÅTINDEN, ANDØY, 408 MASL Måtinden is a lovely quarter-day trip suitable for everyone. There are several starting points, all signposted with info boards, and the shortest route starts in Baugtua and takes ca. 2 hours return. Leave your car in Stavedalen, ca. 4.5 km south of Bleik. For a longer trip you can park by Vassosen and walk via Gongaksla, or walk the beachline from Bleik. Both routes take ca. 3-4 hours return. All the routes are well marked and from the summit you will get a breath taking view over Høyvika Beach on one side, and Bleik Beach on the other. Blue Route – Medium.
CLOTHING & HIKING SAFETY
Discover the Arctic nature with Andøy Friluftssenter • Tailor-made packages • Accommodation • Guided hiking • Local cuisine • Transport
Activities: • Guided hikes to the Møysalen summit (1262 masl). Day trip, ca. 10 hours. • Shorter hikes with/without guide • Freshwater salmon / trout fishing General facilities: • Camping site, café and grocery shop • Conveys reasonably priced accommodation Tel: 974 60 889
HIKING
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