Andøy

The Norse form of the name was Andarøy (from *Amdarøy). The first element is the genitive case of the old uncompounded name of the island: Ömd, the last element is øy f 'island'. The meaning of the uncompounded name is unknown.

[edit] Coat-of-arms

The coat-of-arms is from modern times (1983). It shows a wave.

[edit] History

The village of Andenes has been an important fishing village since the Iron Age, and today it is the starting point of whale safaris (whale watching) to see the sperm whales off the island that migrate here in the summer.

[edit] Geography

The municipality of Andøy is spread across Andøya, the Northernmost island in the archipelago of Vesterålen, and Hinnøya, the largest and most populous island in Norway. The municipality also consists of smaller skerries like Bleiksøya, Vomma and Stavaøyan.

The bird cliff Bleiksøya, outside of Bleik, is a spectacular and photogenic landmark outside the Northern part of Andøya. The midsection of the island consists of marshes, known for their arctic cloudberries. The island is also the only place in continental Norway where coal and fossils from dinosaurs are to be found.

[edit] Business, science and military

Andenes is still a thriving fishing village and enjoys a number of tourists every year.

Andøya Air Station is located next to Andenes. It is the home of 333 Squadron of the Royal Norwegian Air Force and houses all P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft in the Norwegian armed forces.

Andøya Rocket Range is a civilian facility for launching sounding rockets, located a few kilometres south of Andenes.

[edit] Communication

Hurtigruten stops at Risøyhamn.

Andøya Airport at Andenes is served by Coast Air. From April 1st 2007 Widerøe will replace Coast Air as the local operator.

During the summer, Andenes is connected to Gryllefjord on the island of Senja by ferry.

By car you reach Andøy on Route 82, northbound from Sortland.

[edit] Birdlife

Andøy and the neighbouring island of Hinnøy cover an area of 659,3 sq. kilometres. Lying furthest north in the area known as Vesterålen, Andøy is a mixture of vast areas of marshland fens, with a backdrop of high peaked mountains. The coast is not only famous for its sea bird colonies such as Bleiksøya, you will also find sheltered bays with white sandy shores. The area has a rich bird life and this is reflected in some good birding localities like Forfjorden Nature Reserve and Skogvoll, the latter a Ramsar site of international importance. For more information check; Bird Watching In Norway - Andøy

Municipalities of Nordland