Population 3,496 / 68.3 degrees north

Stokmarknes, Norway

Stokmarknes is located in the traditional region of Vesterålen 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 Vesterålen. 

About Stokmarknes

Latitude: 61.1 degrees north

Population: 4,324

Sami name: Njárga

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.

Museum Website

Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences

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

Vesterålen Scenic Drive (fv82)

The traditional region of Vesterålen is not as world-famous as Lofoten, but there’s no denying that Vesterålen 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!

Vesterålen Scenic drive

Self-Guided Walks

Stokmarknes on YouTube

Watch our YouTube videos featuring Stokmarknes

History of Stokmarknes

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 Vesterålen, 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.

Getting Around

Shops

Places to Eat

Cafes & Bakeries

Keramikk Kafe Blå is a beautiful little café with ceramics for sale.

Quick Bites

 

Reasonable Restaurants

Rødbrygga is a popular local pub.

High End & Unique Eats

 

Places to Stay

Camping

 

Cabins & B&Bs

 

Chains & Mid-Range

The Quality Hotel Richard With is a reasonably priced hotel in town.

Click here to view rates & book

High End & Unique Properties

Vesterålen Kysthotell is located a little out of town but has some incredible views.

Click here to view rates & book. 

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