Sortland

Travel Guide

A harbor with several ships docked, a blue building, and snow-capped mountains in the background.
A bridge over a body of water with mountains in the background.
A large cruise ship with a red and black hull, white superstructure, and yellow lifeboats, docked near a bridge and snow-covered mountains.
A circular floating structure in a fjord with mountains in the background.

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

Find the best Sortland areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Sortland
Learn more about Sortland

Vesterålen

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

Scandic Sortland

Scandic Sortland

4 out of 5
HAVNEGATA 3 Sortland
Fully refundable
$86 nightly
The price is $96 total per night from Nov 1 to Nov 2
$96 total
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Sortland. Enjoy a marina, breakfast (surcharge), and a sauna. Popular attraction Sortland Museum is located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
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Reviewed on Oct 10, 2026

Scandic Sortland
Thon Hotel Sortland

Thon Hotel Sortland

3.5 out of 5
Vesterålsgata 59 Sortland
$132 nightly
The price is $148 total per night from Oct 23 to Oct 24
$148 total
Oct 23 - Oct 24
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Sortland. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attraction Sortland Museum is located nearby.
8.6/10 Excellent! (227 reviews)
"Fairly large room but a little run down compared to the other Thon hotels I have stayed at. Soundproofing was also kind of poor as we could hear people talking as well as foot steps when people on the above floor were walking around the room. Staff was friendly and the breakfast spread lives up to ..."

Reviewed on Sep 29, 2026

Thon Hotel Sortland
Marina Hotel Sortland

Marina Hotel Sortland

2 out of 5
34 Strandgata Sortland Nordland
$83 nightly
The price is $93 total per night from Nov 11 to Nov 12
$93 total
Nov 11 - Nov 12
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Sortland. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour health club, and parking (surcharge). Popular attraction Sortland Museum is located nearby.
7.6/10 Good! (36 reviews)
"Heat in bathroom, no heat in room…no thermostat. Just one small, oldish pilllow. If you don’t have internet, you cannot scan the code on the door. Tough luck for you because you paid for the room but you can’t get in! Only good thing is the location."

Reviewed on Sep 14, 2026

Marina Hotel Sortland
See all 152 properties in Sortland
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 Nordland
Stay at this cabin in Sortland. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and cable/satellite TV service.
10/10 Exceptional! (97 reviews)
"Wir hatten einen tollen Aufenthalt. Das Haus ist sehr schön eingerichtet und die Lage mit Aussicht einfach genial.Wichtig: man kann mit dem Auto nicht direkt ranfahren an das Haus. Es geht einen kleinen Weg runter, was aber kein Problem ist. Weiterempfehlung von uns 100%"

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2026

House with stunning views !!
Bø Art Studio

Bø Art Studio

3.5 out of 5
Bøness Sortland Nordland
Book a stay at this ski cottage in Sortland. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attraction Sortland Museum is located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (3 reviews)
"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
Top modern holiday house with all amenities in idyllic surroundings by the sea

Top modern holiday house with all amenities in idyllic surroundings by the sea

Sortland Vesterålen
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Sortland. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden.
10/10 Exceptional! (29 reviews)
Beautiful quiet property by the sea
"Very peaceful, spacious, comfortable property with expansive sea views. There is a lovely small sandy beach at the end of the “garden” and a beautiful seating area right next to the sea. It’s a beautiful spot to relax and soak up the amazing views. We enjoyed exploring the area and discovering the ..."

Reviewed on Sep 5, 2024

Top modern holiday house with all amenities in idyllic surroundings by the sea
See all properties in Sortland
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.

Stay near popular Sortland attractions

Sortland Museum

10.0/10 (1 review)
You can spend time exploring the galleries in Sortland Museum during your trip to Sortland.
See properties

Things to do

Explore Nature and Wildlife in Andoya Scenic Route

Explore Nature and Wildlife in Andoya Scenic Route

$202
per adult
Explore Nature and Wildlife in Andoya Scenic Route
Year Round Moose Safari

Year Round Moose Safari

$175
per adult
Year Round Moose Safari
See all activities in Sortland

Frequently asked questions

Is Sortland worth visiting?
Sortland is worth visiting for its local dining scene, offering Italian and Asian cuisine, alongside cultural experiences at the Sortland Museum. Travelers can enjoy diverse flavors, from pasta dishes to stir-fries, and explore local history and art.
When is the best time to visit Sortland?
The best time to visit Sortland is from July through August, when the weather is mildest for exploring. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of December through March are a good bet. While colder and snowy, these months offer a unique winter experience.
What is a good itinerary length for Sortland?
A good itinerary length for Sortland is two to three days to visit the Sortland Museum and experience an Arctic wildlife safari in Vesteralen. For a longer trip of four to five days, you can also explore nature and wildlife along the Andoya Scenic Route or take a small guided tour to see the Northern Lights.
What are the top things to do in and around Sortland?
Sortland offers unique arctic experiences, from cultural insights to stunning natural phenomena:

  • Visit Sortland Museum
  • Explore nature and wildlife along the Andoya Scenic Route
  • Go on an Arctic wildlife safari in Vesteralen
  • Experience a Sami Reindeer encounter
  • Chase the Northern Lights on a guided arctic tour

What cuisines can you find in Sortland?
In Sortland, travelers can find Japanese cuisine, offering dishes like sushi, ramen, tempura, and teriyaki. There are also Italian options, such as pasta and pizza, alongside other Asian flavors, fresh seafood, and steakhouses for a varied dining experience.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Sortland?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Sortland by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Sortland with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Sortland trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Sortland?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Sortland can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Sortland trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Sortland trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Sortland trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Sortland trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Sortland?
If it's your first trip to Sortland, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Sortland hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Sortland hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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