Stokmarknes is an idyllic town where you can visit one of the top maritime museums in Scandinavia. It’s a great base for exploring Hadseloya, a picturesque island surrounded by rocky beaches and grass-covered cliffs.
Set on the waterfront, Hurtigrutemuseet occupies a striking glass-walled building and is filled with exhibits on the town’s seafaring heritage. Admire model ships, relics salvaged from offshore wrecks and other maritime memorabilia. It’s also known as the Norwegian Coastal Express Museum and commands spectacular views over the harbour. The enormous MS Finnmarken dominates the main entrance hall and gives the museum a larger-than-life feel.
On the opposite side of the harbour is the Days and Nights Sculpture designed by Turkish-born artist, Sarkis Zabunyan. Simple but evocative, the outdoor art installation features a pair of stone houses, one carved from light grey granite and the other from jet black granite. From the peninsula, you can enjoy fantastic views over the harbour and the Norwegian Coastal Express Museum.
Getting there
Stokmarknes is located in Nordland county, a 5.5-hour drive from Bodo and six hours from Tromso. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Stokmarknes and explore surrounding sights and attractions at your own pace. Bodo Airport is a 5.5-hour drive away.