The Coastal Trail in Bø – a hike on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean

The Raw and Varied Coastal Landscape

The Coastal Trail in Bø is the perfect hike for anyone wishing to experience the sharp contrasts of Vesterålen’s wild nature up close.

Here, you will hike at the crossroads where the rugged, weather-beaten rocky landscape plunging into the sea meets sheltered, pristine white sand beaches. Along the way, you will walk in the footsteps of the coastal communities who once clung to life out here.

Route Description

From Hadseløya and Sortland to the starting ooint of the Coastal Hike
Our journey begins in Melbu, in the far south of Vesterålen, where you will be picked up and transported to the starting point of the hike. During the drive, we will also stop to pick up guests at the hotels in Stokmarknes and Sortland. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Melbu.

From Husvågen to Åsand
The hike starts in Husvågen, and the first section follows a clear trail through relatively flat and easy terrain. You will hike through abandoned villages before suddenly catching sight of Åsand—perhaps the most beautiful white sand beach in all of Vesterålen. The beach is idyllically situated with green, grassy slopes in the background and a fantastic view towards the famous bird cliff, Nykan. This is the perfect spot for a well-deserved lunch break, and for the bravest among us: a refreshing dip in the open ocean!

The Roller-Coaster Section Towards Vikan
After Åsand, the landscape changes character, and we enter the most challenging and hilly section of the hike. The trail transitions into rocky terrain with boulder fields and scree. Here, the path goes steeply up and down like a literal roller coaster. The barren and raw landscape gives you an intense and powerful feeling of standing right on the edge of the open Atlantic Ocean.

The Final Stretch Towards Straumsjøen
Once you have put the toughest section behind you, the terrain levels out again. The final two kilometers towards Straumsjøen are easy going and follow a charming old road. After approximately 10 kilometers, we safely arrive in Straumsjøen. Here, we will enjoy a well-deserved stop at one of the local eateries before heading back to our starting point.

Program for our guests

The tour departs from Melbu, with additional pick-ups at Stokmarknes and Sortland

1. We’ll meet at one of the designated meeting points.
2. Transport to starting point for the hike.
3. Upon arrival at the foot of the mountain, hiking poles will be provided to our guests      upon request.
4. Guided hike in terrain where the highest point is approximately 50 meters above sea level. There will be plenty of stops along the way to enjoy your packed lunch and drinks.
5. After 5–6 hours, we will arrive in Straumsjøen, which includes a brief stop at a local eatery.
6. We are returning to the pick-up points. We will spend maximum 11 hours on this tour included stops.

Included in the tour

• Transport between Melbu, Stokmarknes or Sortland to Bø, both ways
• English speaking guide
• Hiking poles

Do you need food and drinks on tour?

It is possible to rent a backpack included local food, hot and cold drinks for NOK 395.

Important to know!

It is important to be dry, warm and feel safe on our tours. Our guide demands correct shoes and outfit, so our guests stay warm and safe. If the outfit is not correct, you will not be allowed to participate.

A backpack with local food, drinks and extra clothes is also important for a good experience.

For more tips on how to dress properly, see our guide in the link below:

Kle seg riktig for aktiviteten

Sustainability

Sustainability and eco-friendly tourism are one of our main priorities. We do not want to leave any traces behind.

We hope you can help us with:

• Not throwing thrash in the nature.
• Walking on the trails already made.
• Listening to the guide’s instruction if we meet animals.
• Using toilette facilities BEFORE starting the tour. There are no public toilets available on this tour.
• Respecting the other participants.