Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
VESTERÅLEN
Administratively, the Harstad region falls within the county of Troms but, for the sake of
convenience, we cover it in this chapter. Although the landscapes here aren't as dramatic as
those in Lofoten, they tend to be much wilder and the forested mountainous regions of the
island of Hinnøya are a unique corner of Norway's largely treeless northern coast.
An Encounter with Vesterålen - Culture, Nature & History
(Nkr170), sold at tourist of-
fices, gives a good introduction to the region, its sights and walking routes.
Hadseløya
POP 7800
Vesterålen's link to Lofoten is the southernmost island of Hadseløya, connected by ferry
from the port of Melbu to Fiskebøl on Austvågøy. The other main town, Stokmarknes, is
best known as the birthplace of the Hurtigruten coastal ferry.
Information
Hadseløya's
tourist office ( 76 16 46 60; 10am-5pm Mon-Sat, 11am-4pm Sat &
Sun mid-Jun-mid-Aug only)
is on the waterfront in Stokmarknes.
Getting There & Around
The Hurtigruten coastal ferry still makes a detour stop in its home port of Stokmarknes.
BusesbetweenMelbuandStokmarknesrunseveraltimesdailyonweekdaysandtwicedaily
at weekends.
STOKMARKNES
The Hurtigruten coastal ferry was founded in Stokmarknes in 1893 by Richard With. Ori-
ginally a single ship, the S/S
Vesterålen,
it sailed into nine ports between Trondheim and
Hammerfest, carrying post, passengers and vital supplies. Now the line boasts 11 ships, car-
ries half a million passengers annually, serves 35 towns and villages and is a vital link for
Norway, providing transport for locals and a scenic cruise experience for tourists.
