Myre lies in the northwest of Langøya on the eastern side of Prestfjorden; the fjord cuts inland between Langøya and Skogsøya. At the harbour, the working coastal culture of Northern Norway is on display: maritime tradition and modern fish production come together. Myre is one of the largest fishing villages in Vesterålen and has a significant fish-processing industry, whose main product is frozen fillets.
Harbour, fishing and architecture
Myre Church also has a distinctive place in the history of the village. The fan-shaped church was built from concrete and laminated timber in 1979; the architect was Arne Aursand. Together with the harbour and fish processing, it offers a view of different aspects of Myre: its maritime working culture and a tangible example of the village’s architecture.
Cycling tour or boat trip?
The cycling route from Myre to Nyksund is 13 kilometres long. It passes through gently rolling terrain and reaches just over 50 metres at its highest point. Check road conditions and the route before setting off. Another cycling tour through five fishing villages uses Myre as its starting point; the cycling routes lead from Myre to Stø and Nyksund. This gives you a choice between a specifically measured route to Nyksund and a tour through several fishing villages.
If you would rather plan an excursion on the water, Myre is the starting point for the Øyhopping i Vesterålen express boat tour. It departs from the express boat quay, passes through several fishing villages in Øksnes, offers the chance to visit islands and provides an insight into coastal culture and history. The round trip takes approximately three hours, returning to Myre by boat. The duration depends on how many places the particular trip calls at. Check departures and ticketing before your trip. Unlike the cycling route, the boat tour combines island visits and the history of coastal culture in a round trip.
Practical information for Myre
BUA Øksnes is a lending centre for sports and leisure equipment in the basement of Huset for alle in Myre. Residents and visitors to Øksnes municipality can borrow equipment there free of charge. Opening hours, borrowing rules and available equipment may change; check these details in advance if you plan to borrow something.
Fresh skrei, or Atlantic cod, is served in the restaurant at Myre Kysthotell. Menu availability may change. If this dish is important to your plans, ask about the current menu before your visit.
More experiences in the wider destination of Øksnes
The wider destination of Øksnes comprises 220 islands, islets and skerries. Some activities have their own starting points outside Myre: the Stø Whale & Arctic Wildlife Safari departs from Stø and looks for whales, puffins, seabirds, seals and other marine wildlife. It operates during the summer season from June to August; departures and sightings depend on the weather, sea conditions and availability. Check current dates before planning your trip.
The Dronningruta is also part of the wider destination of Øksnes. This marked circular route runs between the historic fishing villages of Nyksund and Stø, is about 15 kilometres long and takes five to eight hours. Along the way, the terrain alternates between mountains, shoreline, moorland, beach and rocky ground. There is no access to drinking water along the route; bring plenty of drinks and, if possible, a packed lunch.
For a trip to Tinden, the starting point is also not exclusively in Myre: Tinden is on Tindsøya in Øksnes Vestbygd and can be reached by express boat from Myre or from the Skjellfjorden express boat landing. Check the timetables before your trip. In Nyksund, visitors can enjoy concerts and meditative tours, as well as visit art galleries; some venues and events are seasonal or available on request. These regional offerings each have their own conditions and starting points, which you can take into account when choosing your activities.
Discover more destinations: Sandset, Alsvåg, Stø, Klo, Sørvågen, Øksnes.
Go to the wider travel overview: Øksnes.
