Stø: The Dronningruta, coastal culture and hotels

Stø combines a marked coastal hike with traces of settlement, a cycling route to Myre, and a full-day whale and bird safari. If you’re looking for a hotel in Stø, your planned travel dates may be important: the safari is seasonal, while the Dronningruta and cycling route each require their own practical preparations.

Planning a hike on the Dronningruta

The main Dronningruta trail is 15 kilometres long. Guided tours run by the trekking association usually take six hours from start to finish. The entire route is marked with red DNT T-markers. There are information boards at both trailheads, Stø and Nyksund; these may be updated or moved, so check the current signs on site.

The highest point on the Dronningruta is Finngamheia, at 448 metres above sea level. In the wider Øksnes destination area, the route passes through mountains, coastal terrain, marshland, beaches and rocky ground. There is no access to water along the Dronningruta. Bring plenty of drinks and, if possible, a packed lunch, and check trail conditions and available facilities before setting off.

Coastal heritage around Stø

The coastal section of the Dronningruta from Stø to Vargnesset, south of Skipssanden, is rich in cultural heritage. Traces of two longhouses can be seen on a raised beach along the route. They are about 170 metres from the landing site at the southern end of Skipssanden. Both houses were approximately 20 metres long and 4 to 5 metres wide. Skipssanden itself is just a few minutes’ walk from Stø harbour.

Langenes Church in Stø is a wooden cruciform church with 170 seats, completed in the early 16th century. Freshly caught fish is also brought ashore in Stø, mainly by boats with local ties.

Whale safaris and seabirds

A full-day whale and bird safari departs from Stø. You can observe whales, puffins, seals and other seabirds in their natural habitat. The trip takes you into the waters around the Anda Nature Reserve; Anda Island is viewed from the boat, and there is no landing on the island.

The summer season for the safari is listed as June to August. Weather, sea conditions and availability affect the service, so check dates and availability before making plans. Outside Stø, the nearby Stø/Nyksund Nature Reserve includes, among other places, Lyngøyan. It covers a total of 4,799 dekar, of which 370 dekar is land, and is an important seabird breeding area.

Getting there by bike or bus

The Fem Fiskevær cycling route includes the Myre–Stø section. If you start the ride in Myre, follow FV 7672 for 15 kilometres to the end of the road. Just before Stø, a detour along the gravel road Staggarsveien takes you on a loop to the historic Langenes Church.

Stø is accessible by local bus from Sortland. Check the timetable before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Alsvåg, Klo, Sandset, Øksnes, Myre, Sørvågen

Return to the main travel overview: Øksnes.