Explore Vesterålen

Explore Vesterålen’s scenic routes, coastal fjords, and historic villages on private or group tours led by experienced local drivers.

Encounter the King of the Forest Year-Round

Join us for a guided moose safari through the magnificent landscapes of Vesterålen. The moose—the largest and heaviest species in the deer family—is an impressive animal to encounter in its natural habitat. All our tours are conducted by car and are suitable for everyone, with no hiking required (walking is optional). Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to stop for landscape photography and spot other local wildlife.

Throughout the tour, your guide will capture photos—and in winter, video footage—which will be sent to you after the trip. To enhance your experience, we offer moose snack sausages upon request (please notify us before the tour), and we also have real moose antlers available for purchase.

What to Expect Across the Seasons

Each season brings a completely different perspective on Vesterålen’s moose population:

  • Autumn (Rut Season): Autumn brings striking fall foliage and the rutting season, when bull moose display their massive antlers. If conditions align, you may see bulls fighting or chasing cows. Tours run in the early morning or evening to match shifting daylight. Note: Moose hunting season begins September 25th; while tours continue, we steer clear of active hunting zones, though safe observation of hunting activity may occasionally occur. The moose remain active regardless of rain.
  • Winter (Snow & Northern Lights): Winter offers magical daytime conditions for spotting moose against snowy Arctic backdrops. In early winter, bulls may still carry their antlers. We offer daytime safaris as well as night tours combining a moose safari with a Northern Lights chase, complete with specialized low-light gear to photograph and film you and the moose under the aurora.
  • Spring (Migration & Returning Life): As life returns to the north, moose migrate from winter grounds to summer pastures, and birdlife returns. You may spot moose swimming or moving through unusual areas. As daylight expands in May, the Midnight Sun arrives, making evening, night, and early morning tours ideal.
  • Summer (Calves & Midnight Sun): June and early July mark the calving season, making young calves the highlight of summer safaris. Bulls begin regrowing their antlers, reaching impressive sizes by late summer. With 24-hour daylight from the Midnight Sun, tours run around the clock, though nighttime provides the best opportunities for close encounters.

Why Choose Vesterålen Tours?

Our guides are locals born and raised in Vesterålen who spend countless hours tracking moose year-round, both on duty and in their personal time. We know the terrain intimately, recognize many of the individual moose, and understand their unique behavior and body language. Weather conditions rarely affect the animals' activity, ensuring a meaningful wildlife experience in any forecast.

Pricing & Practical Details

We offer both private tours for individual groups and open tours for solo travelers and smaller parties:

  • Private Tours (1–7 persons): 7,500 NOK total per group (3–5 hours).
  • Open Tours (2–8 persons): 1,650 NOK per person (3–5 hours).
  • Equipment Rental: Camera lenses are available to rent during the tour for 400 NOK (Sony FE 200–600mm, Nikon 150–600mm, or Nikon Z 180–600mm).
  • Pickup: Direct hotel pickup outside Sortland is available upon request (additional fee may apply for private tours).
  • Payment: We accept both card and cash payments (please bring exact amount if paying cash).

Tour Details

  • Duration: 3–5 hours
  • Group Size: 1–8 persons

Pricing

  • Price: From 1,650 NOK

(See full description for complete price list and options)