Stokmarknes is located in the traditional region of VesterĂ¥len at the northern end of the incredible Raftsundet strait. This is the place where, in 1893, Richard With founded the company that would develop into Hurtigruten. Today Stokmarknes is an important fish farm town, but the road through it, the Fv82, is great for visitors as it circles around VesterĂ¥len.Â
About Stokmarknes
Latitude: 61.1 degrees north
Population: 4,324
Sami name: NjĂ¡rga
Hadsel Municipality
In this Travel Guide...
Map of Stokmarknes
Uniquely Stokmarknes
Here are some things that you must do and try in Stokmarknes
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Stokmarknes
Museum
Hurtigruten Museum
The Hurtigruten Museum is the main museum in town. It also has the old Hurtigruten ship M/S Finnmarken that you can explore.
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
Road-Trips
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Stokmarknes
VesterĂ¥len Scenic Drive (fv82)
The traditional region of VesterĂ¥len is not as world-famous as Lofoten, but there’s no denying that VesterĂ¥len is equally as beautiful. On this off-the-beaten path drive, you’ll pass through charming fishing villages and important settlements for North of Norway. This drive connects well with the Lofoten Tourist Road and the Andøya Tourist Road, making it perfect for any Norwegian road-trip!
Traces of ancient settlements in the area around Stokmarknes with sites from the Iron Age, burial sites and boathouse remains. Received status of ‘privileged trading post’ in 1776. It was strategically placed for vessels sailing along the outer side of VesterĂ¥len, before the shallow Risøyrenna was dredged and opened for shipping in 1922.
Around 1900 many industrial and commercial innovations occurred. Stokmarknes is regarded as the birthplace of the Hurtigruten.
Stokmarknes Today
Fishing and fish farming is important, with Nordlaks having their head office and breeding facilities here. The most important industrial area is Børøya, which employs 500 people mostly in fish farming and fish processing.
Stokmarknes has a growing population.
Travel Information
Getting Here
Fly: Stokmarknes airport is one of Norway’s most used regional airports.
Drive:Stokmarknes is on the Fv82 road, which connects the town to Sortland and the rest of Norway.
Train: No train access
Ferry: Stokmarknes is a port of call on the coastal ferry. The northbound ferry stops there in the early hours of the morning, while the southbound stops there in the afternoon and gives enough time to visit the Hurtigruten museum.