The Versterålen Islands (Norway #2)

After a hearty breakfast, we leave Harstad for the Vesterålen islands. About 3 hours of winding road await us, 170 km northwards, in the heart of an archipelago that covers a total area of 1,227 km².

Along the way, the magic is already happening. Every bend reveals grandiose panoramas: steep mountains plunging into crystal-clear waters, small fishing villages nestling in the depths of the fjords, and a light that mystifies and sublimates every detail of the landscape. This journey becomes an immersion in authentic Norway, where nature reigns supreme.

The Vesterålen islands are a true natural spectaclewith their steep mountains rising straight out of the sea. Some slopes are covered in rough, wild rock, while others are dotted with tundra whose colours change with the seasons, and here and there, small white sandy beaches offer unsuspected havens of tranquillity. The contrast between the rugged terrain and the gentle beaches gives Vesterålen a unique and authentic charm.

Thanks to their unique geology and unspoilt environment, the Vesterålen is a bird sanctuary for a rich fauna and varied. Thousands of bird species have been recorded here, including the white-tailed eaglealso known as the sea eagle, which enjoys strict protection. This majestic bird, one of the symbols of Nordic fauna, finds an ideal habitat here: around 50 % of the world population of this species nests on these islands.

The history of fishing in Lofoten & Versterålen: between tradition and economy

While the Vesterålen islands shine with their wild character, the neighbouring islands of the Lofoten are notable for their fishing history, which dates back to the XIIᵉ century. It was at this time that the dried cod allowed the islands to prosper, linking them to markets all over Europe. However, it was from 1860 onwards, with the massive arrival of shoals of herring attracted by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, that fishing really took off. At its peak, fishing on the Lofoten Islands accounted for almost 80 % of Norwegian exportsIt has become a pillar of the country's economy.

At that time, fishing harbours belonged to landowners who rented out rorbuer - These fishermen's huts on stilts still line the shores of Lofoten today. These rorbuer, typical of local architecture, offer an immersion in the traditional life of fishermen and are now often used as accommodation for travellers.

Even today, fishing is still the main activity on the Lofoten Islands, particularly for the cod. Every winter, fishermen from all over northern Norway gather in the waters of Lofoten to catch thousands of tonnes of fish, which are then transported to the sea. salted and air-dried using ancestral methods. These huge wooden drying sheds, which can be seen in many villages, have become an inseparable symbol of the islands.

Located at the northern tip of the Vesterålen Islands, Andenes is a village that exudes authenticity and serenity, but which also hides a unique feature: it's one of the best places in the world to meet the giants of the seas. Here, the Arctic Ocean plunges to breathtaking depths, creating ideal conditions for observing an incredible diversity of marine life.