This coastal village at Norway's northernmost tip is a prime spot for whale watching and seeing the northern lights. The 40-meter lighthouse still guides ships through dark winters.
Andenes sits at the northern tip of Andøya island in Norway, 300 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. From the village, you can join whale watching tours to see sperm whales hunting in deep waters, walk along the 3-kilometer Bleik Beach, or watch research rockets launch from the Andøya Space Center. The red Andenes Lighthouse, built in 1859, still guides ships into the harbor, while hiking trails lead you to viewpoints overlooking the Norwegian Sea.
Getting to Andenes
You can reach Andenes by air through its local airport, with connections to Tromsø and Bodø. In summer, Norwegian Airlines runs direct flights from Oslo. The Hurtigruten coastal ferry stops twice daily at nearby Risøyhamn, and a summer ferry connects Andenes to Gryllefjord in Senja. The drive from Harstad takes about three hours along the coastal road Fv82.
Weather and Daylight
The midnight sun lights up Andenes from May 19 to July 25, while the polar night extends from November 25 to January 28. Winter temperatures typically range from -2°C to 2°C, with February bringing strong winds. Summer temperatures hover between 10°C and 15°C in July, with the sea moderating the climate throughout the year.
Whale Watching Experience
The continental shelf drops to 1,000 meters deep near Andenes, creating feeding grounds for whales. You can join boat tours year-round to see different species: sperm whales hunt in summer waters, while humpback whales swim through in winter. At the Whale Museum, marine biologists explain whale behavior and migration patterns through interactive exhibits.
Hiking Around Andenes
The Måltinden trail climbs 408 meters over 4 kilometers, with rope-assisted sections near the top. At the summit, you'll see the village, Bleik Beach, and the Norwegian Sea stretching to the horizon. The Coastal Trail connects Bleik to Stave across 9 kilometers of marshland and rocky shoreline. In Stave, you can warm up in outdoor hot pools or beach saunas.
Space Science and Northern Lights
Scientists at the Andøya Space Center launch rockets to study the aurora borealis, continuing a research tradition since 1962. The center runs public tours where you can learn about space research and see launch facilities. During winter's dark skies, you can watch the northern lights dance above the village, with peak viewing from September to March.
Bleik Beach Area
A 3-kilometer stretch of white sand forms Bleik Beach, with the pyramid-shaped Bleiksøya island rising from the sea. From June to August, boat tours take you close to the island's colony of 80,000 puffins. White-tailed eagles often circle above the beach. Stop at the Kleivodden rest area for panoramic views of both the beach and Bleiksøya.
Local Food Scene
Fishing boats still bring their daily catch to Andenes harbor, continuing a tradition from the Iron Age. Restaurants near the harbor serve fresh seafood like monkfish, cod, and salmon. Most dining spots cluster around the central harbor area, where you can watch fishing boats return with their catch while eating.
