Sortland

Travel Guide

Sortland showing a lake or waterhole, mist or fog and boating
Sortland featuring a bridge, mountains and general coastal views
Photo by Amanda Williams

Wander through the downtown area painted brightly blue, hike a nearby trail and admire art in a gallery in this charming town.

Sortland is regarded for its cultural heritage and outdoor activities. Spot a spermaceti whale, known to feed around the islands. Enjoy hiking, cycling, diving, golf and more activities during the summer. Ski, snowboard and dogsled during the winter. Find some of Norway’s most spectacular natural areas in Sortland and the surrounding islands.

This beautiful town connects many of the Vesterålen islands by bridge and operates as a commercial hub. Explore the other islands and shop for local produce in the city center. Book a sport fishing charter and catch deep-sea fish, including cod, salmon and halibut.

Stop at the remarkable Sortland Church, built in the early 20th century. Tour the church and admire its neo-Gothic architectural style. Head to the Norwegian Fishing Industry Museum about 26 miles (42 kilometers) from Sortland. This museum traces the rich history of northern Norway’s fishing industry.

Observe the midnight sun from Sortland Bridge in the summer. This natural phenomenon occurs when the sun is visible at midnight local time. Book a northern lights tour during the winter season and let a local guide show you the best places to view the breathtaking colorful lights and patterns that decorate the sky.

Visit Hinnøya, located about 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Sortland. This large island is regarded for its excellent natural areas. Hike through the Møysalen National Park and admire the impressive jagged mountains. Notice predatory birds, including white-tailed eagles and golden eagles, circling above.

Fly into Stokmarknes Airport in Skagen, about 13 miles (21 kilometers) from the center of Sortland. Stay in available self-catered apartments and hotels in the downtown area. Waterfront cottages and holiday homes are also available in Sortland and the surrounding islands.

Come to Sortland in the fall and attend the Sortland Jazz Festival, featuring prominent Norwegian and international jazz musicians.

Where to stay in Sortland

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Vesterålen

If you're spending some time in Vesterålen, Sortland Museum is a top sight worth visiting.

Vesterålen
Scandic Sortland
Scandic Sortland
4 out of 5
HAVNEGATA 3, Sortland
$143 nightly
The price is $160 total per night from Jun 22 to Jun 23
$160 total
Jun 22 - Jun 23
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Sortland. Enjoy free breakfast, a marina, and a sauna. Popular attraction Sortland Museum is located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (819 reviews)
"Nice staff. Good food. Comfortable rooms."

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2025

Scandic Sortland
Thon Partner Hotel Sortland
Thon Partner Hotel Sortland
3.5 out of 5
Vesterålsgata 59, Sortland
$127 nightly
The price is $143 total per night from Jun 22 to Jun 23
$143 total
Jun 22 - Jun 23
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Sortland. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attraction Sortland Museum is located nearby.
8.6/10 Excellent! (155 reviews)
"Rooms are not new, but I can see the hotel staff are keeping the rooms nice and clean. The lady at front desk is very nice. Parking lot right behind the hotel, quite convenient."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2024

Thon Partner Hotel Sortland
True Vesterålen Hotel
True Vesterålen Hotel
2 out of 5
34 Strandgata, Sortland, Nordland
$134 nightly
The price is $151 total per night from Jun 22 to Jun 23
$151 total
Jun 22 - Jun 23
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Sortland. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attraction Sortland Museum is located nearby.
8.6/10 Excellent! (12 reviews)
"Clean and convenient accommodation with very comfortable beds. Very good breakfast provided."

Reviewed on Jun 11, 2025

True Vesterålen Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
House with stunning views !!
House with stunning views !!
Sortland
Stay at this cabin in Sortland. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and cable/satellite TV service.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (66 reviews)
Magical!
"The immaculate and ideally located cabin made for a magical vacation! Everything in the cabin was very clean and well-stocked. We appreciated use of the kitchen, the hot tub, the views, etc. Additionally, Remi went above and beyond to help us with planning, research, and a problem we had with our ..."

Reviewed on Dec 4, 2024

House with stunning views !!
Bø Art Studio
Bø Art Studio
3.5 out of 5
Bøness, Sortland, Nordland
Stay at this 3.5-star ski cottage in Sortland. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attraction Sortland Museum is located nearby.
"The property is well appointed and very nicely curated in a beautiful setting. The proprietor is very friendly and extremely helpful. For us it served as a very nice base while we explored the area for a few days. What is not immediately obvious from the photos is that this property is right next ..."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2019

Bø Art Studio
8 Person Holiday Home in Sortland-by Traum
8 Person Holiday Home in Sortland-by Traum
2 out of 5
Sortland
Stay at this vacation home in Sortland. Enjoy free parking. Popular attraction Sortland Museum is located nearby.
8 Person Holiday Home in Sortland-by Traum
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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