Nyksund – from ghost town to creative hub
Once left to the wind and waves, Nyksund in Vesterålen has reinvented itself as a place where history, art and coastal life meet. From its ghost town past to its bohemian present, this remote village offers one of the most authentic experiences in Northern Norway.
A village left behind
Nyksund was once a thriving fishing village on the rugged coastline of Vesterålen. At its peak, hundreds of fishermen worked here during the cod season, and the harbor was alive with boats, noise and trade. But as fishing boats grew larger and new harbors were built in more accessible locations, Nyksund’s exposed position became a disadvantage.
By the 1970s, most residents had moved away. The last families left behind empty houses that slowly decayed under harsh Arctic winds. For years, Nyksund was a ghost town – abandoned, eerie, and almost forgotten by the outside world.
The revival – artists, dreamers and a new vibe
In the 1980s and 90s, Nyksund began to attract a different kind of resident. Artists, travelers and idealists from Norway and beyond discovered the ruins and saw possibilities. They restored houses, opened small cafés, and used the setting as a canvas for creativity. Slowly, the village gained a reputation as a place where people with alternative lifestyles and big ideas could gather.
Today, that spirit is still alive. Nyksund feels different from polished tourist towns – it’s raw, bohemian, and shaped by both storms and human imagination. When you walk through the narrow main street, past weather-beaten houses and quirky studios, you sense that Nyksund is not trying to be perfect. It’s trying to be real.
What it feels like to visit today
Visiting Nyksund is not like visiting Reine or Henningsvær. It doesn’t have glossy souvenir shops or a long list of attractions. Instead, it offers atmosphere. The sound of waves crashing on the breakwater, the smell of salt and fish, and a handful of small eateries serving food in buildings that once stood abandoned.
On a summer day you might find artists at work, travelers gathered around a coffee, and hikers returning from Dronningruta trail. In winter the place is much quieter, with only a handful of locals holding out against the storms. Either way, you feel close to both history and the raw forces of nature.
Things to do in and around Nyksund
Dronningruta hike – A coastal trail connecting Nyksund and the neighboring village of Stø. Named after Queen Sonja of Norway, who once hiked it, this route is considered one of the most beautiful hikes in the country.
Explore the cafés and restaurants – Try locally inspired dishes in atmospheric old buildings, often run by people who came to Nyksund and never left.
Art and creativity – Small galleries and studios showcase photography, sculpture and mixed media, often reflecting the dramatic surroundings.
Nearby Stø – Another fishing village with whale- and bird-watching tours, offering a different glimpse of coastal life.
Bleikstranda and birdlife – Just a short drive away, Bleik beach is a stunning stretch of white sand, home to puffins, sea eagles and unforgettable sunsets.
Practical info – how to get there
Nyksund is located on the island of Langøya in Vesterålen, about a 30-minute drive from Sortland. If you’re traveling from Lofoten, you can drive via the Lofast road connection in just a few hours.
The easiest way to visit is by car, as public transport is limited. Roads are narrow and winding, but the drive itself is part of the experience.
Best time to visit: Summer, when cafés and restaurants are open and the Dronningruta trail is accessible.
Winter visits: Possible, but bring warm clothing and be prepared for storms – this is the raw season when you truly understand why Nyksund was abandoned.
Closing thought
Nyksund is not polished or easy. It’s a place where history is visible in every wall, and where creativity grows in the cracks left by abandonment. Visiting feels less like ticking off a destination and more like stepping into a story – one that continues to be written by those who choose to live here.
If you want Northern Norway at its most authentic – weather-beaten, inspiring, and unforgettable – then Nyksund deserves a place on your journey.
