Øksnes – Islands, seabirds and nature experiences

The municipality of Øksnes consists of 220 islands, islets and skerries. When planning your trip, specific starting points and visitor guidelines matter as much as the scenery: landing on Anda is subject to seasonal restrictions, the Dronningruta is a hike lasting several hours, and safaris depend on the season and conditions.

Seabirds and protected areas

Anda Nature Reserve is a Ramsar site in the municipality of Øksnes in Nordland, at the northern end of Langøya. Anda is home to one of the largest puffin colonies in Nordland. To protect breeding seabirds, landing is prohibited from 15 April to 31 July. Check the current regulations before planning to land.

Stø/Nyksund Nature Reserve also protects an important seabird breeding area. It was established in 2002. The birdlife is therefore not only something visitors may observe, but also a reason these areas are protected.

The Dronningruta on foot

The marked Dronningruta runs between the historic fishing villages of Nyksund and Stø. The circular route is about 15 kilometres long and takes five to eight hours. Its scenery alternates between mountains, shoreline, moorland, beach and rocky terrain.

There is no access to drinking water along the route. So bring enough to drink and, if possible, a packed lunch. Plan your supplies before setting off rather than counting on finding a drinking-water source along the way.

Boat trips from Tinden, Stø and Nyksund

Tinden is on Tindsøya in Øksnes Vestbygd and can be reached by express boat from Myre or from the Skjellfjorden express boat quay. If you plan to use this connection, check the timetable before travelling: departure times are essential for practical planning.

The Stø Whale & Arctic Wildlife Safari departs from Stø in Vesterålen and looks for whales, puffins, seabirds, seals and other marine animals. It operates during the summer season, from June to August. Whether a trip goes ahead depends on the weather, sea conditions and availability; wildlife sightings are not guaranteed either.

A seabird and seal safari departs from and returns to Nyksund. Sightings may include orcas, harbour porpoises and harbour seals; however, sightings vary and depend on the season. These animals are possible sightings, not a promise of an encounter on every trip.

Nyksund and planning your stay

In Nyksund, you can attend concerts and meditative tours, as well as visit art galleries. Some places and events are available seasonally or on request. If a particular offering is important to your trip, check its availability in advance.

Activities vary considerably in how much time they require: the Dronningruta takes five to eight hours, while the safari from Stø is limited to a season running from June to August and depends on the weather, sea conditions and availability. This means you can schedule a hike differently from a boat trip, whose departure depends on more than just the calendar.

Discover more destinations: Myre, Klo, Øksnes, Sandset, Alsvåg, Stø, Sørvågen, Andøy.

Return to the main travel overview: Lofoten.