Norwegian Scenic Route Andøya

Norwegian Scenic Route Andøya

Norwegian Scenic Route Andøya is a 58 km coastal drive between Bjørnskinn and Andenes, with beaches, open ocean views and jagged mountains beside the Norwegian Sea.

Vesterålen
  • Jarle Wæhler / Statens vegvesen
  • Steinar Skaar, Statens vegvesen
  • Roger Ellingsen, Statens vegvesen
  • Jarle Wæhler / Statens vegvesen
  • Trine Kanter Zerwekh/ Statens vegvesen
  • Arkitekt: Inge Dahlman, Landskapsfabrikken. ©Foto: Roger Ellingsen / Statens vegvesen

Norwegian Scenic Route Andøya is a 58-kilometre coastal drive between Bjørnskinn and Andenes, following the outer edge of the island where beaches, farmland and jagged mountains meet the Norwegian Sea.

Across Norway recommended route

For the best experience, we recommend starting the drive at Bjørnskinn and following the scenic west coast of Andøya north towards Andenes.

The road runs through an unusually open coastal landscape. A broad strip of cultivated land lies between the ocean and the mountains, creating long views towards the sea and the horizon. Around Bleik, the relationship between the fishing village, beaches and surrounding nature is particularly striking.

Andøya is also rich in wildlife. From the road and coastline there are opportunities to see seabirds, eagles and marine life, while the Gulf Stream contributes to a relatively mild coastal climate and productive waters.

Stops along the route

The official scenic-route stops include Kleivodden and Bukkekjerka. Both provide opportunities to leave the car and experience the exposed coastline more closely.

The route also gives access to some of Andøya’s beaches, where the open sea and broad horizon are central to the experience. During the summer months, the midnight sun adds another dimension to the landscape.

Travel information

Norwegian Scenic Route Andøya runs along the outer side of the island between Bjørnskinn and Andenes and reaches only 65 metres above sea level. This is therefore primarily a coastal route rather than a mountain crossing.

In summer, the Andenes–Gryllefjord ferry connects Andøya with Norwegian Scenic Route Senja, making it possible to combine the two scenic routes in one journey.

Road conditions and planning

At Børvågen, the road can occasionally be closed for several hours because of operational activity at Andøya Spaceport. Travellers should check current information when planning the drive.

The route is relatively short, but the beaches, viewpoints and coastal settlements make it worth setting aside extra time rather than treating Andøya simply as a road between two points.

Location

Information
Recommended route: Bjørnskinn (start) –> Andenes Length: 58 km Roads: 82, 7702 and 7698 Elevation: 0–65 m above sea level Ferry connection: Summer ferry Andenes–Gryllefjord Road note: Børvågen can close temporarily during Andøya Spaceport operations Official GPX direction: Bjørnskinn → Andenes
Parking
Rest areas and viewpoints: Bukkekjerka and Kleivodden.

Similar listings in category