Discovering the Islands of Arctic Norway

A small town situated on the island of Vagsoy at the mouth of the Nordfjorden, Måløy is one of Norway’s most important fishing ports. Originally on the smaller island of Moldøen, Måløy was relocated to keep up with its flourishing trade and fishing industries and was used as a key coastal fortress by the German forces in WWII. From Måløy, the magnificent Jostedalsbreen Glacier and breathtaking Refviksanden Beach are within easy reach along with an array of small Norweigan villages.

Known as ‘Blue Town’, the unique town of Sortland was given its nickname due to its buildings being almost entirely painted in varying shades of blue, chosen by local artist Bjorn Elvenes, to represent Sortland's maritime and fishing heritage. The surrounding waters of the town are teeming with various species of fish, seabirds, seals and whales; and rugged, unspoilt landscapes are the town's backdrop.

Located on Norway’s North Cape, Honningsvåg is framed by rugged mountains and the beautiful remote landscapes of the Arctic Ocean. Gateway to the North Cape, where, in the summer months, the sun never sets; this region is home to many species of birdlife. The town is also one of the largest exporters of the prehistoric looking live king crabs, one of the largest crustaceans in the world.

Harstad is located on the largest coastal island in Norway, Hinnøya, north of the Arctic Circle. Serving as the gateway to Vesterålen, Norway’s year-round destination to see various species of whale; and the quite unique Lofoten Islands; Harstad offers natural phenomena which can be experienced all year with 24 hours of sunlight in summer, and the enigmatic Northern Lights in winter.

Slicing through the rugged landscapes of Troms og Finnmark, separating the islands of Hinnøya and Tjeldøya from the mainland, the Tjeldsundet Strait has long been one of Norway’s most important waterways, serving as a vital route between the country’s northern and southern regions. The beauty and peace of Tjeldsundet is surrounded by mountains and dramatic rock faces; and the impressive Tjeldsund Suspension Bridge connects the islands of Lofoten and Vesterålen with the mainland.

One of the first destinations inside the Arctic Circle, Leknes in the Lofoten Islands, is full of Viking history and Arctic nature. The striking landscapes are full of variety – wild marshes, green fields, serene lakes, soaring mountains and sandy beaches all unite to ensure the area is one of the most picturesque in Norway. The area around Leknes is also home to many Arctic bird species, including Velvet Scooters, Eider ducks and Whooper Gulls.