Stø connects the marked Dronningruta with visible remains of former longhouses, local fishing and a safari in the waters around Anda. The coastal village is a good starting point for exploring hiking, cultural heritage and nature watching in the wider destination of Øksnes.
Hiking the Dronningruta
The Dronningruta runs between the historic fishing villages of Stø and Nyksund. Its main route is 15 kilometres long; guided tours run by the trekking association usually take six hours from start to finish. The entire route is marked with the DNT’s red T-markers. Information boards about the route are located at both starting points, Stø and Nyksund.
The highest point is Finngamheia, 448 metres above sea level. This gives the tour a clear elevation reference without replacing the distance or duration. There is no access to water on the Dronningruta. Bring enough to drink and, if possible, a packed lunch; also check the route conditions before setting off.
Coastal section with cultural heritage
The section of the Dronningruta from Stø to Vargnesset, south of Skipssanden, is rich in cultural heritage. Remains of a Viking Age longhouse can be seen along the coastal section from Stø. There are also remains of two longhouses on a raised beach along the route. This archaeological site is about 170 metres from the landing place at the southern end of Skipssanden; both houses were approximately 20 metres long and 4 to 5 metres wide.
Skipssanden itself is a few minutes’ walk from the harbour in Stø. Langenes Church is also near the village: the wooden cruciform church has 170 seats and was completed in the early 16th century. Fishing reveals another side of the coastal village: fresh catches are landed in Stø, mainly by boats with local connections.
Safari in the waters around Anda
A full-day whale and bird safari departs from Stø. Animals that can be observed in their natural habitat include whales, puffins, seals and other seabirds. The safari goes into the waters around the Anda Nature Reserve. Anda Island is viewed from the boat; there is no landing on the island.
The tour’s summer season runs from June to August. Weather, sea conditions and availability affect whether it can operate. Check current dates and availability before planning. This makes it possible to schedule the full-day safari as a separate activity, rather than combining it with the hike without allowing enough time.
To Stø by bike or bus
Cyclists can also include Stø in their route planning: the Myre–Stø stretch is part of the Fem Fiskevær cycling route. From Myre, follow FV 7672 for 15 kilometres to the end of the road. Just before Stø, a detour along the gravel road Staggarsveien loops around to the historic Langenes Church.
A local bus connects Sortland with Stø; check the timetable before travelling. The drive to Stø takes a little over an hour, although road and weather conditions affect the journey time. Arriving on foot, by bike or from Sortland raises different planning considerations: for a longer hike, allow time for the walk and bring provisions; for the safari, check its seasonal dates; and for the bus, check the current timetable.
Øksnes as the wider region
The wider destination of Øksnes comprises 220 islands, islets and skerries. The landscape along the Dronningruta is also varied: the route passes through mountains, coastal areas, marshland, beaches and rocky terrain.
Outside Stø lies the Stø/Nyksund Nature Reserve, which includes Lyngøyan. Established in 2002, it protects an important seabird breeding area. Its total area is 4,799 decares, of which 370 decares are land. Anda is a Ramsar site in the municipality of Øksnes in Nordland, at the northern end of Langøya; the island is home to one of the largest puffin colonies in Nordland.
Discover more destinations: Alsvåg, Sandset, Klo, Øksnes, Sørvågen, Myre.
Back to the wider travel overview: Øksnes.
