Bleik: Coast, Birdlife and Historic Farmsteads

Bleik is a fishing village on a coast shaped by the Norwegian Sea. Landscape and human activity meet here; when planning your trip, the birdlife around Bleiksøya, the historic farmstead layout and routes through the coastal landscape are key considerations. Depending on whether you are interested in a boat trip, the village’s history or outdoor routes, you can choose different priorities for your stay in Bleik.

Coast, Beach and Birdlife

Bleikstranda lies just north of Bleik: the white sandy beach is about 2.5 km long. From there, you can see Bleiksøya out in the open sea. The island is home to one of Norway’s largest puffin colonies; puffins, kittiwakes and other seabird species nest on the bird cliff. From the beach, you can enjoy views of the island, while the Puffin Safari takes visitors to the bird cliff in a traditional fishing boat. Tour availability may vary by season, so check departure times before your trip.

On Andøy, Bleiksøya is designated as a protected area. At certain times of year, access is prohibited to protect its wildlife and birdlife. Check current local guidance before planning a visit. Bleikstranda is also considered a good place to photograph the northern lights or the midnight sun. Views of the island from the beach, seabirds and seasonal photography offer different perspectives on the coast, without any one of them having to define your entire stay.

Trails and Views Around Bleik

The Bleikmorenen nature reserve lies southwest of Bleik. Its special Quaternary geological value is the reason for its protected status; several trails run through the area, which is important for outdoor activities. Another clearly marked route is the 9 km Kyststien, which runs from Bleik to Stave.

A route to Måtinden can also start in Bleik. It is useful to distinguish this from the most commonly used ascent, which starts at Baugtua on FV976 between Stave and Bleik. There is a large parking area there; conditions may change. The 408 m summit offers views of mountain peaks, white sandy beaches, islands and the open sea. This allows you to consider two different starting points and the views from the summit when planning, without assuming a particular walking time or difficulty level.

Historic Farmstead Layout in the Village

Bleik’s old buildings are concentrated on a farm mound dated to around AD 600. This preserved, enclosed group of buildings makes Bleik one of the few villages in Norway with this distinctive feature. It includes traditional farm buildings grouped closely together, characteristic of a self-sufficient village. Bleik is also part of Andøy’s “Fotefar mot nord” project.

The village’s history is evident not only in individual old buildings, but also in how they are grouped together. Those who combine an interest in the coastal landscape with an interest in settlement patterns will find two different perspectives on the same place in Bleik: outside, the surroundings shaped by the sea; in the village, the traditional farmstead layout.

Cycling Route as Another Point of Reference

The Andøya Scenic Route is signposted and forms part of Norway’s National Cycle Route 1; Bleik is also connected to its route. Together with the Kyststien and the possible starting points for a route to Måtinden, it offers a choice of different landscapes and routes to explore. When deciding whether Bleik is right for your stay, you can weigh these against the beach, seabirds and village history.

Discover more destinations: Nordmela, Skarstein.

Go to the main travel overview: Andøy.