Stokmarknes – the birthplace of Hurtigruten

Straddling the islands of Hadseløya and Børøya, this traditional fishing community is where Hurtigruten’s founder, Captain Richard With, took on the challenge to safely and reliably connect communities along the rugged Norwegian coast – the second-longest coastline in the world.

We’re proud that our Coastal Express continues to carry you to Stokmarknes, and to cities, towns and villages all along Norway’s coast, to this day.

Stokmarknes, in the Hadsel municipality’s sparkling Vesterålen archipelago, began life as a traditional Norwegian fishing community. It was one of the tiny villages dotted across the islands first settled by semi-nomadic hunter-agriculturalists 6,000 years ago. These original settlers saw Vikings in their great ships battle through the boisterous, freezing waters in search of shelter and trade.

The town grew in prominence in the 19th century thanks to its strategic location on Noway’s shipping routes. Then, in 1893, Richard With founded Hurtigruten here. Since then, Hurtigruten has sailed from Bergen to Kirkenes calling at Stokmarknes on both the north and southbound journeys of its Coastal Express.

Kai Albrigtsen, Captain of MS Otto Sverdrup, was born in Stokmarknes and has sailed the world for more than 40 years but he’s still enchanted by his hometown. “The best thing about Stokmarknes has to be its nature, and its history with Hurtigruten, which is reflected in the old company buildings and the new museum,” he says.

Today, Stokmarknes’ 3,000 residents keep its coastal heritage resolutely alive, and fishing remains at the heart of this tightly knit community.

The town is the kind of place you can go for a walk and end up deep in conversation with a local keen to share the ideal spot to see the Northern Lights or tuck in to a shrimp buffet, or where to find the best solveggen – sun wall – to sit and bathe as the spring sunshine makes a welcome reappearance.

During the winter months, between December and March, the skies above Stokmarknes often fill with snow. A white blanket drapes across the pretty rorbuer – fishermen’s cabins – along the waterfront.

Aliz says, “The snowy landscape create a magical atmosphere. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights dancing across the sky.”

“We spend a lot of time skiing,” says Kai. “You’ll find tracks all around the island, and those with lights close to Stokmarknes are used every weekend by families. They even set up campfires for dinner!"

April to May is Kai’s favourite time of year. “Everything is returning to life after winter – we call it the Arctic awakening. Animals and birds are back again. It’s so joyful to be out listening to nature, especially in the evening.”

Summer brings mild temperatures and long daylight hours perfect for getting out and about. “During the summer, we take advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings – hiking along scenic trails, fishing in the fjords, or even embarking on boat trips to explore the coastline,” says Aliz.

The Midnight Sun also makes its appearance, casting an enchanting glow over the landscape. “In summertime there are no limits for outside activity as there is bright light all night,” says Kai. He is often out hiking and cycling in the mountains, and says people head to fish in the fjords or from the white sandy beaches south of the island.