Bleik is one of those places in Northern Norway that lodges itself in your memory long after you’ve brushed the sand off your boots. Set on the outer edge of Andøya in the Vesterålen archipelago, this fishing village fronts a sweeping crescent of pale sand with the open Atlantic on one side and jagged mountains on the other. Offshore sits Bleiksøya, a cone-shaped bird island that hosts thousands of nesting seabirds each summer. Between the beach, the wildlife, and the easy access to hikes with cliff-edge views, Bleik is small, but it’s mighty.
If you are asking whether Bleik is worth the detour, the short answer is yes. Come for the wide, wind-brushed beach, the puffin safaris to Bleiksøya, and the midnight sun that floats above the horizon from late May to late July. In winter, those same horizons turn inky and the northern lights often put on a show. Nearby Andenes brings whale watching within reach, so you can comfortably base in Bleik and sample the best of Andøya.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the world of Bleik: how to get here, where to stay, and the experiences you should not miss.
Where Is Bleik and Why Visit
Bleik lies on the west coast of Andøya, the northernmost island of Vesterålen. It is about a 10 to 15 minute drive south of Andenes. The settlement is compact, friendly, and anchored by its long beach, Bleikstranda. The village’s character is a blend of fishing culture and nature tourism, which means you’ll find a handful of simple places to stay, a small shop for essentials, and locals who know the weather better than any app.
Visitors come for three main reasons: the beach, the birds, and the views. Bleik Beach is among the longest sandy beaches in Northern Norway, a rare find in a region better known for granite, fjords, and pebble coves. In summer, boats head out to Bleiksøya for puffin and seabird watching. Above the village, ridgeline hikes like Måtinden deliver some of the best coastal panoramas in the north.
How to Get to Bleik
The easiest gateway is Andøya Airport in Andenes, with connections that typically route via Bodø or Oslo. From the airport, pick up a rental car and drive the coastal road south to Bleik. If you are coming by road from mainland Norway, you can reach Andøya via bridges through Vesterålen. In summer, a seasonal car ferry usually connects Andenes with Gryllefjord on Senja, making it possible to loop Troms and Vesterålen in one trip. Always check the current schedule and weather conditions, as sailings can be canceled when the sea gets rough.
A car is the most practical way to explore Andøya, especially if you plan to chase sunsets, northern lights, or hike trailheads at odd hours. Public transport exists but is infrequent.
Best Time to Visit Bleik
Bleik is an all-season destination, but the experience changes wildly with the light.
- Summer, late May to late July: Midnight sun season. Warmth is relative this far north, but you get long, luminous days ideal for hiking and late beach walks. Puffins nest on Bleiksøya in summer, and boat trips run regularly when the sea is calm.
- August to October: Quieter shores, soft light, and the first crackle of northern lights from late August. The sea is at its warmest by local standards, though a wetsuit is still your friend.
- November to March: Polar night wraps the island in a deep blue twilight. This is prime northern lights season, with long dark hours and clear-air displays when the weather cooperates. Sea conditions are harsher and wildlife tours are more limited, but the drama of winter storms over the beach is unforgettable.
- April to early May: Shoulder season with lingering snow in the hills, good for photography and solitude.
Top Things to Do in Bleik
Bleik works best when you let the weather lead. Keep plans flexible, and build your days around wind direction and cloud cover. Here’s what to prioritize.
Walk Bleik Beach
Start simple: walk the beach. Bleikstranda runs for several kilometers, with golden sand, sand dunes, and turquoise water on bright days. The view to Bleiksøya is iconic, especially when the tide is low and the sea turns glassy. In summer, the midnight sun hangs above the waves and the beach becomes a front-row seat to a 2 a.m. glow. In winter, this is one of my favorite spots to watch auroras, as the sea often reflects the green curtains.
Local tip: The dunes are fragile. Stick to marked paths and avoid trampling the grass. It protects the shoreline from erosion.
Join a Puffin and Seabird Safari to Bleiksøya
Boat trips head out to Bleiksøya to see puffins, kittiwakes, guillemots, and sea eagles. Puffins are most reliable from late spring through early August. On calm days, the ride is short and scenic, and you will usually circle the cliffs at a respectful distance. Bring warm layers and a windproof jacket, even in July. The air over open water is colder than it looks from shore.
Photography tip: A 200 to 300 mm lens is a sweet spot for birds in flight without over-zooming. Keep your shutter speed high and your stance braced, since boats move more than you think.
Hike to Måtinden
The ridge hike to Måtinden is a Vesterålen classic. There are a couple of approach options, including a route from Bleik’s side and one from Stave farther south. The trail climbs through heath and along cliffy terrain with broad, safe paths if you mind your footing. At the top, you get a commanding view of Bleikstranda to the north and long ocean horizons to the west. On clear evenings in summer, I time this for a midnight sun summit, descending with a headlamp as insurance.
Safety matters here: weather changes fast, fog can roll in, and the edges are real cliffs. Wear sturdy footwear, pack layers, and avoid the rim if winds are strong. If visibility drops, turn around before the ridge narrows.
Whale Watching in Nearby Andenes
Andenes is one of Norway’s most consistent places for sperm whale safaris, thanks to the deep-water trench offshore. Trips typically run most of the warmer season when seas are manageable. Plan some buffer time in case poor weather postpones departures. Bleik makes a good base: you can drive up for your boat time, then retreat to the calmer rhythm of the village.
Drive the Andøya National Tourist Route
The west-side coastal road along Andøya is an official National Tourist Route for a reason. It strings together beaches, headlands, fishing hamlets, and viewpoints. Between Bleik and Stave, pull over wherever it is safe and legal to do so. South of Bleik, keep an eye out for sculptural rock formations and roadside rest areas designed by Norwegian architects. When conditions are right, this drive is all sea sparkle and sharp mountain silhouettes.
Northern Lights and Midnight Sun
Bleik is set up for sky shows. In summer, the beach and nearby viewpoints give you a panorama of the midnight sun rolling along the horizon. In autumn and winter, aurora hunting is as simple as stepping outside and looking north. The trick is to escape artificial light. Kill your headlamp, let your eyes adjust, and watch the sky. A thermos and a foam pad to insulate you from the sand are worth packing.
Weather and What to Pack
Northern coastal weather changes quickly. The trick is layering and staying dry.
- Essentials year-round: windproof shell, warm midlayer, hat, gloves, sturdy waterproof shoes or boots.
- Summer add-ons: light down or fleece, quick-dry pants, sunglasses. If you plan to swim or surf, a proper wetsuit is necessary even in July.
- Winter add-ons: insulated boots with good grip, microspikes if you expect icy paths, and thermal base layers. I also carry a headlamp and spare batteries during the dark months.
Do not underestimate wind chill on the beach or in a boat. It is better to peel layers off than to wish you had them.
Where to Stay in Bleik
You will find small guesthouses, simple cabins, and beachside camping options within or near Bleik. For more choice, expand your search to Andenes. Booking ahead is wise in summer school holidays and during northern lights high season. If you prefer quiet, target May, early June, late August, or September.
Local habit: I like staying within walking distance of the beach. You catch more spontaneous moments that way, like a sudden pink sky or a sea eagle pass.
Food and Supplies
Bleik has a small grocery for basics and a handful of places to eat that ebb and flow with the season. For a wider selection of restaurants and shops, drive up to Andenes. If you plan a long beach day or a late hike, stock picnic supplies and extra water in advance. There are few services once you step onto the trail or settle into a dune.
Practical Tips and Etiquette
- Respect the dunes and nesting birds. Use established paths, and give wildlife space. Bleiksøya is a protected bird colony. Boat operators keep a distance for good reasons.
- Allemannsretten applies with care. Norway’s right to roam allows responsible access, but camping is not allowed in the dunes, and you must leave no trace.
- Parking and toilets. Use signed parking areas and public facilities where provided. Do not block gateways or drive onto the beach.
- Dress for boats. Even if the sun is blazing, pack a hat, gloves, and a windproof shell for the seabird or whale tour.
- Aurora etiquette. Turn off bright lights, be mindful with tripods, and share the shoreline so everyone can see.
A Simple 2-Day Bleik Itinerary
Day 1: Beach and Puffins
Arrive by midday, check in, and walk Bleikstranda to stretch your legs. In the afternoon, join a boat to Bleiksøya for puffin watching. Back on shore, linger for the evening light. In summer, take a late beach walk under the midnight sun. In autumn or winter, watch for auroras from the darkest part of the beach.
Day 2: Ridge Views and Scenic Drive
Start early for the Måtinden hike. Pack layers and snacks, and give yourself time to savor the summit. After the hike, cruise the Andøya coastal road toward Stave and beyond, stopping at viewpoints and beaches. If seas are calm and you want more wildlife, slot in a whale safari from Andenes. End with a sunset or star watch back at Bleik.
Traveling With Kids or Limited Mobility
Bleik’s draw is that you do not have to climb a mountain to feel immersed in nature. The beach is wide, flat in many sections, and perfect for sand play, shell collecting, and brisk stroller pushes where the sand is firm. The seabird cruise is a good family option on calm days. For those avoiding steep trails, you can still score big views from roadside pullouts along the Andøya scenic drive. Check accessibility notes with your accommodation and tour operators, who are used to tailoring plans to different needs.
Responsible Photography
Bring the big lens, but keep ethics in front of the shot. Do not bait birds. Do not creep close to nests or cliff edges. Drones may be restricted or banned around bird colonies, so confirm local rules and always prioritize wildlife welfare over footage. On the beach at night, shield your light and let your eyes adjust so you catch the aurora’s subtler movements.
Final Notes From a Local
Bleik rewards unhurried time. Give yourself a couple of days, accept that wind and cloud will have their say, and let the place meet you where you are. On bright mornings the sea gleams like polished glass. On moody afternoons, surf scours the sand and sea eagles hang on the updrafts. Either way, Bleik is exactly what it looks like on the map: the edge of the world, easy to reach, and hard to leave.