Drive it Yourself: Bergen to Balestrand on the E39
Visit Balestrand on the Sognefjord with this scenic drive from Bergen.
The Hidden North
North European travel guide
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.
Fun Facts About Stokmarknes
Latitude: 61.1 degrees north
Population: 4,324
Sami name: Njárga
Hadsel Municipality
In this Travel Guide...
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Stokmarknes
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.
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
Self-Guided Walks
Stokmarknes on YouTube
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Stokmarknes
Uniquely Stokmarknes
Here are some things that you must do and try in 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.
High End & Unique Properties
Vesterålen Kysthotell is located a little out of town but has some incredible views.
All Posts About Stokmarknes
The Historic Market Town: Kaupanger Stave Church
Explore the history and present-day use of Kaupanger Stave Church, located on the site of a historic Viking market town.