AndøyA in Northern Norway

Situated on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, The Whale is located in one of Europe’s most spectacular natural settings. The site lies at the northern tip of Andøya, in Andenes, Northern Norway, approximately 300 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle.

Elevated view of a rugged coastline with sandy beaches, green wetlands, and steep mountains beneath dramatic clouds.

Tord Karlsen

A Landscape of Contrasts

Thanks to warm ocean currents, the climate is milder than the latitude suggests, and the sea remains ice-free throughout the year. Andøya is shaped by strong contrasts: white sandy beaches and steep mountain peaks along the exposed west coast facing the open ocean, and wide lowlands and wetlands stretching east towards Andfjorden.

Along the rugged coastline, small fishing villages are scattered between mountains and sea. Andenes is the island’s main hub, home to the largest fishing harbour, the airport, and a ferry connection across the fjord.

Due to its northern location, the midnight sun can be experienced from mid-May to late July. In winter, the polar night brings dark skies and frequent northern lights, adding a distinctive seasonal dimension to the landscape.

Helge Hellesund

Large blue-green waves crash near a shoreline with colorful houses and barns, backed by a dark hillside.

Terje Wulff Megård

Jagged rocky mountain summit partially covered by thick fog and low clouds, with faint greenery on ridges.

Benny Høynes

A flock of birds fills a pale sky above red and white houses by a rocky shore, with snowy mountains behind.

Espen Bergersen

Small cluster of houses along a winding road on a narrow peninsula, bordered by calm water under warm light.

Terje Wulff Megård

Sunset over a seaside village with mountains in the background, calm water, and a foreground meadow of wildflowers.

Tord Karlsen

Whale Watching

Andenes is one of the very few places in the world where deep ocean waters lie so close to shore. Just ten kilometres from the coast, the continental shelf drops steeply into the underwater canyon Bleiksdjupet, where cold, nutrient-rich waters rise to the surface. This creates ideal conditions for a rich marine ecosystem and makes the area one of Europe’s best locations for whale watching.

Male sperm whales are present year-round, feeding in the deep waters close to land. During the winter months, large numbers of orcas, humpback whales and fin whales gather in the area to feed on migrating herring, sometimes visible even from shore. Several other whale and dolphin species are also regularly observed, offering rare opportunities to experience whales throughout the year.

Nature and Wildlife

Andøya’s natural environment is shaped by strong contrasts between land and sea. White sandy beaches, steep mountains and open ocean define the western coastline, while wetlands, lakes and lowlands stretch towards Andfjorden in the east.

The surrounding waters are home to harbour seals and otters, while the coastline supports a rich and varied birdlife. Bleikøya is an important bird sanctuary and hosts one of Norway’s largest puffin colonies during summer, alongside species such as kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills and gannets. White-tailed eagles are a common sight along the coast, completing a landscape defined by exceptional wildlife.