Many people dream of visiting Lofoten, and with good reason. But just a little further north, you’ll find a place that many have yet to discover: Vesterålen. Lofoten’s cool little sister.

Here you’ll find the same dramatic scenery, the same light, mountains, and sea. The difference? Here it’s quiet, untouched, and there’s more space for yourself. There are no queues on the hiking trails. Most likely, you’ll be completely alone.

And here lies Skagenhaugen, an architect-designed seaside retreat. Perfect as a base for exploring both Lofoten and Vesterålen.

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Experience nature and stillness at Skagenhaugen

Skagenhaugen sits on the outer edge of Vesterålen, surrounded by sea, mountains, and endless light. It’s a place where you can experience Northern Norway at its finest. Calm, authentic, and magnificent.

Many begin their journey here. Not to do everything in one day, but to arrive.

Sit by the fireplace, enjoy the view over the ocean, and let your body adjust to nature’s rhythm.

In the evening, put on a warm thermal suit and sit by the firepit while the northern lights dance across the sky. This is Vesterålen at its most magical.

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1. Hikes you must experience in Vesterålen – as beautiful as in Lofoten

Right outside your door lies a hiker’s paradise, where the mountains plunge straight into the sea and the trails wind through heather and rock.

For nature lovers and hikers, this is paradise. With spectacular routes and views that change with the light.

See our recommended hikes here.

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2. Head out to the open sea

Experience the Norwegian Sea the northern way. Join a RIB tour to see the coastline, birdlife, and the majestic sea eagles.

Many tours include visits to Trollfjorden or stops at Litløy Fyr eller Kvitnes Gård, where you can enjoy a meal made from local ingredients.

For the adventurous, you can also join a fishing trip with a local captain, all equipment included. An unforgettable way to experience the sea and the light!

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3. See whales at Andøya — an experience for life

Vesterålen is one of the best places in the world for whale watching.

At Andøya, about 2.5 hours from Skagenhaugen, daily trips let you see orcas and sperm whales up close. It’s an experience that stays with you; powerful, quiet, and deeply moving.

Combine whale watching with a drive along the Andøya National Tourist Route, considered one of Norway’s most beautiful stretches of road. The landscape shifts between mountains, white beaches, and open sea. A must for both photographers and nature enthusiasts.
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4. Møysalen National Park – Northern Norway’s hidden gem

For those wanting a real mountain adventure (guided tours only), Møysalen National Park is a highlight.

The Møysalen peak is the highest mountain in both Vesterålen and Lofoten. It rises 1,262 meters above sea level, starting right at the ocean’s edge. It’s a full-day hike of 8–10 hours, but the view from the top makes every step worth it. From here, you see Lofoten, Vesterålen, and Senja in one panoramic sweep.

After the hike, unwind with a soak in the outdoor hot tub under the open sky at Skagenhaugen. Or plan an unforgettable dinner at Kvitnes Gård, located at the foot of Møysalen and known as one of Norway’s finest farm-to-table restaurants.

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5. Explore the fishing village of Nyksund

One of the most charming places in Vesterålen is Nyksund, an old fishing village brought back to life.

Here you’ll find small galleries, cafés, and a creative atmosphere among weathered boathouses and sea views. Stroll the narrow lanes, have lunch at Ekspedisjonen, and enjoy the calm of this unique place. Nyksund is about a 1.5-hour drive from Skagenhaugen.

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6. Experience the northern lights and the midnight sun

Vesterålen is one of the best places in Norway to experience the northern lights in winter and the midnight sun in summer. From Skagenhaugen, you can see both right from the living room window.

In winter, the sky bursts into green and purple, while the summer nights glow golden around the clock. This is nature’s own theatre with no tickets required.
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7. Food experiences in Vesterålen

Food in Vesterålen is all about ingredients from sea and mountain, and genuine craftsmanship.

On Andøya you’ll find Arresten, a popular spot for locally sourced dishes. In Nyksund, visit Ekspedisjonen for fresh seafood with a sea view.

But perhaps the best meal you’ll have is at Skagenhaugen itself.

The kitchen is fully equipped with an Ankarsrum mixer, Eva Trio tableware, and a view that makes even breakfast special. On good days, move outside to the Italian Alfa 4 Pizze oven or the Australian Beefeater grill. Set the table with white porcelain and let the evening sun paint the sea as you dine to the sound of waves and gulls.

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8. Taste world-class food at Kvitnes Gård

About 1 hour and 45 minutes from Skagenhaugen lies Kvitnes Gård, one of Norway’s most acclaimed farm-to-table restaurants. Here, nature decides what’s on the menu. It's a perfect stop before or after your stay at Skagenhaugen.

Each season brings its own ingredients and flavors. Everything is grown, harvested, and prepared on the farm. The visit can begin with a tour of the grounds before you sit down to a meal that mirrors the surrounding landscape.

It’s an experience of time, craft, and silence — and a taste of Vesterålen at its most authentic.

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9. Activities right outside your door

The property at Skagenhaugen covers 30 acres of untouched coastal land, surrounded by the sea on three sides. Wander along small trails, collect shells by the shore, or simply lie in the heather and gaze toward the open sea and the Lofoten Wall.

Sit on our northern lights bench at the top of the property to watch the sky dance, or light a fire at the firepit and let the silence settle around you.

If you want to swim, a natural bathing spot awaits year-round. Or if you prefer warmth, choose the hot tub. This is true northern wellbeing: fresh air, nature, and peace.

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8. Lofoten or Vesterålen – where should you go?

Many visitors to Northern Norway wonder where to stay — Lofoten or Vesterålen?

Lofoten is spectacular but more crowded. Vesterålen offers the same raw northern landscape, with fewer people and more calm. That’s why many choose Skagenhaugen as their base. An architect-designed retreat with high standards, a fireplace, panoramic views, designer furniture, and interiors that let nature in.

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Plan your trip to Vesterålen

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How to get here:

The nearest main airport is Evenes (Harstad/Narvik), with direct flights from Oslo, Bergen, and several European cities including London, Frankfurt, Paris, and Copenhagen.

From there, it’s about a 2,5-3 hours drive to Skagenhaugen, a scenic journey in itself.

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Best time to visit:

Winter/Spring (February–April): ski touring, blue hour, and beautiful winter light

Summer (May–August): midnight sun and hiking

Autumn/Winter (September–March): northern lights, stillness, storms, and atmosphere

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A place to be, not just to stay

Skagenhaugen is not just accommodation, it’s about the experience of calm, nature, and quality. Here you wake to silence, eat breakfast in peace, and let the days flow at your own pace.

When you return home, it’s not the view you’ll remember most, but the feeling of having been fully present.