Sortland - Discovering Norway

Travelling to Sortland

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Sortland, a pretty good destination in Norway (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Sortland and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Sortland, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Norway, here's everything to know about Sortland for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Sortland

Sortland is a municipality in the county of Nordland in Northern Norway. It is situated on the island of Langøya within the Vesterålen archipelago. The municipality has a population of around 10,000 people and is known for its beautiful nature, including fjords, mountains, and beaches. Some popular activities in Sortland include hiking, skiing, fishing, and wildlife watching. The town of Sortland is often referred to as the "Blue City" due to its many blue-painted buildings. It also serves as a hub for transportation and commerce in the area.

What to visit in Sortland

Sure, here are some of the tourist attractions in Sortland, Norway: 1. Sortland Bridge - Sortland Bridge is a road bridge that connects the islands of Langøya and Hinnøya in Norway. It spans over 1,100 meters and is the longest multi-span cable-stayed bridge in Northern Europe.
2. Artscape Nordland - This is an outdoor art exhibition featuring 33 permanent artworks scattered across 12 municipalities in Nordland. There are a number of installations in and around Sortland that can be visited.
3. The Blue City - Often called the “Blue City” because of the abundance of blue-painted buildings, Sortland is a beautiful place to take a walk and take in some of the gorgeous architecture.
4. The Northern Lights - Sortland is located within the Arctic Circle making it a great place to witness the Northern Lights.
5. Møysalen National Park - Home to an impressive system of glaciers and peaks, Møysalen National Park is considered one of the most picturesque regions in all of Norway.
6. Borg - Borg is an archaeological site located about an hour's drive from Sortland. It's the site of an ancient Viking chieftain's village that dates back to around 500 AD.
7. Whale watching - Sortland is home to a number of whales that move through the area during different times of the year. There are a few different companies that offer whale watching tours to visitors so they can get a glimpse these dark giants of the deep.
I hope that helps!
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Norway, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Sortland.

When to go on holiday to Sortland

The best time to visit Sortland is during the summer months, which run from June to August. During this time, you can enjoy the famous Midnight Sun, which means that the sun never sets and you can experience endless daylight. However, keep in mind that this is also the peak tourist season and prices might be higher and attractions might be more crowded. If you prefer a quieter time to visit, shoulder season months such as May or September may be a good option too, although the weather can be cooler and there is a chance of rain. If you are interested in winter activities such as skiing and Northern Lights viewing, the best time to visit is during the winter months from December to March.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Sortland

To get to Sortland, Norway, you can fly from Oslo to Harstad/Narvik Airport or Tromsø Airport, and then take a bus or rental car to Sortland. There are also daily ferries from Bodø and Lødingen that stop in Sortland. Another option is to take the Hurtigruten Coastal Express, which stops in Sortland twice a day on its northbound and southbound routes.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Sortland, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Sortland

Sortland is a small town located in northern Norway, that has traditional foods rooted in seafood and meats. Here are some typical foods of Sortland along with a short description for each of them: 1. Stockfish: Dried and salted cod that is a staple in many Norwegian cuisines. It is often soaked overnight before cooking and is typically served with boiled potatoes, carrots, and celeriac.
2. Fårikål: A stew made with lamb, cabbage, and black peppercorns, is Norway's national dish. It is typically served in the fall with potatoes and carrots.
3. Gravlaks: Thinly sliced salmon that has been cured with salt, sugar, and dill and is served cold on bread or with potatoes. It is commonly enjoyed as a breakfast or lunch dish.
4. Raspeballer: A popular Norwegian dish that consists of boiled, grated potatoes and sometimes mixed with flour. It is served with bacon, sausages, and lingonberry sauce.
5. Rømmegrøt: A creamy and rich porridge made from sour cream, flour, and butter. It is typically flavored with cinnamon and sugar and topped with sweetened red berries. 6. Kjøttkaker: Norway’s version of meatballs, they are made with minced beef, pork, and onions. Generally served with pea stew and mashed potatoes.
These are some of the most famous and typical foods of Sortland, Norway that you should try while you are there.
You can find general info about typical foods in Norway here.

Is Sortland an expensive destination for tourists?

Sortland, like many other destinations in Norway, can be quite expensive for tourists. The cost of accommodation, food, and activities can add up quickly. It is important for visitors to budget and plan accordingly to avoid overspending. However, there are many ways to save money while traveling in Norway, such as staying in budget-friendly accommodations, cooking your own meals, and taking advantage of free activities like hiking and exploring nature.

Where to find accomodation in Sortland

The best areas to find accommodation in Sortland would be the town center, which is a great location to explore the city and its attractions. Another great option would be to stay in the nearby coastal areas, such as the towns of Bleik or Stokmarknes, which are both located within a 30-minute drive from Sortland and offer beautiful scenery and plenty of outdoor activities.
You can check hotel prices at Sortland here:
Booking.com

Is Sortland a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Sortland is considered a reasonably safe place for tourists to visit. Norway, in general, is known for its low crime rates and high levels of safety. However, like any other destination, it's always advisable to take precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings and belongings, following local customs and regulations, and avoiding isolated or unfamiliar areas at night. Overall, visitors to Sortland can expect a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, stunning natural scenery, and a range of cultural and outdoor activities to enjoy.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Norway here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Sortland.

What type of travelers will enjoy Sortland the most?

Sortland is a beautiful place with a lot of natural beauty and plenty of activities to do. It's an ideal location for those who love outdoor activities, adventure, and scenic beauty. Therefore, it is one of the best places for young people looking for fun and adventure. However, the place is also perfect for couples who want to enjoy a romantic getaway, especially during the off-season when there are fewer tourists. Families with children can also enjoy Sortland, as there are activities like hiking, fishing, and whale watching that will undoubtedly keep them entertained. Therefore, Sortland is a versatile location that can cater to different types of travelers.

How to get around Sortland

In Sortland, you can use various means of transportation to move around, including buses, taxis, bicycles, and rental cars. Buses are an affordable and convenient way to get around the town, with several routes covering different areas. Taxis are a more expensive but more convenient way to travel, especially for those in a hurry. Bicycles are perfect for exploring the town and its surroundings on scenic routes, while rental cars provide flexibility and independence for those who want to explore further afield.

What to see around Sortland

Sure, here are some nice places you can visit on a day trip from Sortland, Norway: 1. Andøya Island - Known for its beautiful landscapes, beaches, and picturesque lighthouses.
2. Senja Island - This island is known as "Norway in miniature" because of its diverse landscape and scenery. It is also one of the best places in Norway to see the Northern Lights.
3. Harstad - A scenic coastal town with beautiful mountain scenery, charming streets, and cozy cafes.
4. Tysfjord - The majestic fjord is a perfect place to enjoy kayaking, fishing, and hiking.
5. The Trollfjord - It's a narrow and steep-sided fjord with towering cliffs, often visited by cruise ships and tourist boats.
6. Bø in Vesterålen - A small town with beautiful nature trails, beaches, and charming cafes.
I hope this helps you plan your day trip from Sortland, Norway!
For every travel information about Norway you can click here.

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