58 km of wild coastline between white sand beaches, mountains and Sami heritage. This guide covers the must-see stops (Bleik, Kleivodden, Bukkekjerka), 2026 ferry prices, whale safaris from Andenes and practical tips for your road trip on this national scenic route in the Vesterålen islands.
Updated: 9 April 2026
Located in the heart of the Vesterålen archipelago, in northern Norway, the island of Andøya is home to one of the country's most beautiful panoramic roads: the Andøya Scenic Route. Over 58 kilometres, this coastal road offers breathtaking views of the Norwegian Sea, white sand beaches and rugged mountains.
Classified since 2012 as a National Scenic Route by the Norwegian authorities, this scenic road reveals the island's most beautiful landscapes, blending wild nature and remnants of Sami culture.
Having had the chance to drive this route several times, I can assure you it is an unforgettable experience. The grand panoramas, typical fishing villages and abundant wildlife follow one another kilometre after kilometre. You just want more at every bend!
01Must-see stops on the scenic route
Andenes, the gateway
Andenes is a charming little fishing town that marks the northern starting point of the scenic route. Stop to admire its picturesque bright red lighthouse dating from 1859.
But Andenes is best known for its humpback whale watching safaris and seabird tours. From June to September, board a boat for an unforgettable excursion into their natural habitat. Guaranteed thrills!
Once back on dry land, don't miss Andøya Space, Norway's only operational space centre. Its visitor centre Spaceship Aurora features interactive exhibits on the northern lights, rocket launches and space exploration. You can even embark on a virtual mission to Mars! Check opening hours on andoyaspace.no before your visit, as the centre may close temporarily off-season.
Bleik and its dream beach
Continuing south, you will soon reach the typical fishing village of Bleik. Its bright red and yellow wooden houses line the immense Bleikstranda beach.
This stunning white sand beach stretches for over 3 kilometres! Perfect for a stroll along the waves or a relaxing session with your feet in the sand. A true slice of paradise.
Don't hesitate to walk to the far south end of the beach to admire the perfect cone of the tiny island of Bleiksøya. Its imposing cliff is home to a large seabird colony including nearly 80,000 puffins!
Kleivodden, the panoramic viewpoint
After driving along a good stretch of Andøya's wild west coast, you will reach the designated rest area of Kleivodden. And the view is simply spectacular!
From this viewpoint, you can take in the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Norwegian Sea, the rocky coves, Bleikstranda beach and, in the distance, the island of Bleiksøya with its great seabird colony.
The architect has carefully arranged large smooth stones as seats so you can enjoy this grand panorama. A true haven sheltered from the wind! The ideal spot for a picnic facing this dream scenery.
Bukkekjerka and its Sami heritage
Just before reaching Bukkekjerka, you will cross an area of moorland and peatbogs typical of northern Norway. Welcome to the raw landscapes of the Arctic!
The Bukkekjerka rest area shelters one of the most fascinating cultural vestiges: an ancient Sami sacrificial site dating back several centuries. Wooden benches are set at the foot of this natural rock formation so you can contemplate the jagged coastline while reflecting on the strong bond between people and nature in these harsh lands.
A short trail nearby leads to a small islet topped with two tiny navigation lighthouses. Yet another splendid photography spot not to be missed!
Extend the trip!
For the more adventurous among you, why not combine the Andøya Scenic Route with some hikes on the island?
The alpine landscapes of southern Andøya, with its jagged mountains plunging into the sea, hide some breathtaking hiking trails! The one leading to the summit of Mount Måtinden, rising to 413 m, will reward you with a 360° view over the endless ocean.
Other flatter sections, through the reddish moorlands typical of these remote lands, may suit you better for an easy open-air hike. It's up to you to choose according to your preferences and fitness level!
As you can see, the Andøya Scenic Route is much more than just a panoramic road. It is an invitation to slow down and marvel, letting each grand landscape, each picturesque village, each natural site leave a lasting impression on your mind and memories. A true immersion in Norwegian authenticity!
02How to get there
The island of Andøya is accessible by road from Sortland (E10 then RV82), by ferry from Gryllefjord on the island of Senja (summer service to Andenes), or by plane via Andenes airport (ANX, flights from Bodø). You can also reach the Vesterålen by the Hurtigruten, the coastal express ferry line that serves Sortland and Risøyhamn. Once there, having your own vehicle is best. Take the time to plan your itinerary and stops carefully!
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To make the most of the Andøya Scenic Route, it is best to have a vehicle suited to country road driving. A 4×4 or an SUV would be ideal, but a standard saloon car can also do the job if the weather conditions are good.
The key is having a reliable vehicle with good ground clearance to travel smoothly on the small secondary roads leading to the various viewpoints. Avoid low-slung sports cars that would scrape everywhere!
You can of course rent your vehicle upon arrival in Tromsø or Evenes. But don't hesitate to book ahead via an aggregator like DiscoverCars to get the best rates.
How long does it take to drive the Andøya Scenic Route?
Allow at least one full day to fully enjoy the drive and stop at the main viewpoints. This will give you time to walk on the beaches, stroll through the villages and discover the attractions along the way.
03Costs for the Andøya Scenic Route
The Andøya Scenic Route is free and open to everyone! Here are the main costs to budget for:
Item
Indicative cost (2026)
Ferry Andenes – Gryllefjord (car < 6 m, one way)
893 NOK (~€78)
Ferry Andenes – Gryllefjord (motorcycle/scooter)
264 NOK (~€23)
Passengers on the ferry
Free
Night in camping/hotel at Andenes or Bleik
500 – 2,000 NOK
Spaceship Aurora (adult entry)
200 – 300 NOK
Note: the Andenes–Gryllefjord ferry only runs in summer (mid-May to late September). It is very popular and does not accept advance reservations: arrive early at the dock. In peak season (mid-June to mid-August), there are 3 daily departures; 2 departures the rest of the period. AutoPASS agreement holders get a 50% discount. Fares verified on fergeruter.info for 2026.
04Best time to visit the Andøya Scenic Route
The ideal time to drive this panoramic road depends on your travel priorities!
Peak summer season, between June and August, offers the longest days with up to 24 hours of light per day under the Arctic midnight sun. Temperatures are mild (10 to 18°C) and nature is lush and green.
If you dream of witnessing the sublime spectacle of the northern lights, then opt for a visit between September and March. It will be cold, but more than made up for by these incredible dances of light across the sky!
Finally, between April and May, you will enjoy a calmer atmosphere and the warmth gradually returning. A good compromise for those who want to avoid both the bitter cold and the summer crowds.
05Why road trip on Andøya?
Road-tripping along the Andøya Scenic Route means immersing yourself fully in the grand scenery of Norway's far north! Here are a few good reasons to embark on the adventure:
Very easy access from Tromsø, the nearest major city, whether by road, ferry or flight to Andenes.
Breathtaking natural panoramas at every turn: endless beaches, sheer cliffs and typical villages dot the route.
Rich marine wildlife to observe on boat excursions from Andenes (whales, seabirds, etc.)
The chance to combine the drive with superb hikes in the wild interior to deepen the experience.
A unique opportunity to explore a pristine island untouched by mass tourism despite its beauty.
The option to easily stop for one or more nights in typical hamlets along the route.
Convinced? This road trip packs everything that makes a trip to Norway magical into one journey! An adventure you absolutely should not miss.
06Frequently asked questions about the Andøya Scenic Route
Yes, the route itself is entirely free. The only costs are related to the Andenes–Gryllefjord ferry (893 NOK per car in 2026, passengers free), accommodation and optional activities.
Allow at least one full day for the 58 km, stopping at the main viewpoints (Bleik, Kleivodden, Bukkekjerka). Ideally, plan 1.5 to 2 days to enjoy the hikes and excursions.
Peak season from June to August offers the midnight sun and mild temperatures (10–18°C). For the northern lights, go between September and March. April–May is a good compromise between calm and warmth.
From Tromsø, allow about 4–5 hours by road via the E6 and Sortland bridge. In summer, the ferry links Gryllefjord (Senja) to Andenes (mid-May to late September). Andenes airport (ANX) also serves the island. The Hurtigruten calls at Risøyhamn year-round.
No, a standard saloon car is fine if the weather is good. An SUV provides more comfort on the small secondary roads leading to the viewpoints, but it is not essential.
Yes, Andenes is one of the best spots in Norway for observing sperm whales and humpback whales. Whale safari boats depart from Andenes from June to September.
07Conclusion
Setting off to discover the Andøya Scenic Route means treating yourself to a distilled taste of Norway's natural wonders. Pristine beaches, mountains on the horizon, abundant marine wildlife… This road holds so many treasures that a single day won't be enough to admire them all!
If you take the ferry to Senja, continue the adventure on the Senja Scenic Route, a 102 km itinerary that is equally spectacular.
So don't hesitate any longer — hit the roads of this little-known island in northern Norway. An absolute must on your next trip to Scandinavia.
What are you waiting for to add this drive to your next road trip? Let me know in the comments!
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