Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
floor, and a series of fine photos of sea eagles. Across the harbour from the ferry pier, it's
750m from the E10. In summer there are guided visits, included with the admission fee.
Sommer-Melbu Festival
ARTS
(
www.sommermelbu.no
; Jul)
The Sommer-Melbu festival, held each July, is one of northern Norway's liveliest cultural
festivals with seminars, lectures, music of all genres, theatre and art exhibitions.
Langøya
Pop 14,970
The undoubted highlights of Langøya, Vesterålen's central island, are the historic, little-
visited fishing villages at its northern tip. Unappealing Sortland is the island's gateway
town.
Festivals & Events
Arctic Sea Kayak Race
SPORTS
(
www.askr.no
;
Jul)
The annual Arctic Sea Kayak Race, held over six days in July, is one of the ultimate chal-
lenges in competitive sea-kayaking. Normal beings can opt for less intensive kayak tour-
ing or an introductory course in sea-kayaking.
Sortland
Pop 9930
Sortland, Vesterålen's commercial centre and transit hub, occupies a nick in the island's
east coast. Its mostly chunky, rectangular buildings are painted a soothing sea-blue, per-
haps to distract you from the fact that there's very little to detain you as you turn north to-
wards Stø or south towards Lofoten.
Festivals & Events
