Hinnøya

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Hinnøya
Geography
Location North Norway
Coordinates 68°32′N 15°50′E / 68.533, 15.833Coordinates: 68°32′N 15°50′E / 68.533, 15.833
Archipelago Vesterålen
Area 2,204.7 km² (851.2 sq mi)[1]
Highest point Møysalen
1,262 m (4,140 ft)
Administration
Flag of Norway Norway
County Nordland and Troms


Sigerfjord, a village on the west coast of Hinnøya
Sigerfjord, a village on the west coast of Hinnøya

Hinnøya is an island in North Norway. It is largest island in Norway (except for Svalbard) with an area of 2,204.7 square kilometers (851.2 sq mi). It has a population of 31,851 (2006). The western part of Hinnøya belongs to the district of Vesterålen, and the southwestern tip to the district of Lofoten. The major settlement is the city of Harstad. Some villages scatter the island, among them Lødingen, Sigerfjord and Borkenes.

Southeastern part of Hinnøya north of Lødingen; April 9 2006.
Southeastern part of Hinnøya north of Lødingen; April 9 2006.

Geographically divided between the counties Troms (Harstad and Kvæfjord municipalities) and Nordland (Andøy, Hadsel, Lødingen, Sortland, Tjeldsund and Vågan), Hinnøya is dissected by several fjords, and contains a mostly rugged and mountainous terrain. Especially the southern part, where the Møysalen National Park is located, including the highest mountain on the island, Møysalen, with its 1,262 meters (4,140 ft) above sea level. The best agricultural area is in the northeast, in Harstad and Kvæfjord municipalities. Hinnøya is connected to the mainland by the Tjeldsund Bridge across Tjeldsundet. To the west it is connected to Langøya by the Sortland Bridge, and to the north to Andøya by the Andøy Bridge.

Lofast, connecting Lofoten to the mainland without any ferry crossings, was officially opened on December 1, 2007. The road is designated as the E10 and goes very close to Møysalen National Park.

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Forfjord valley, northwestern Hinnøya, Andøy municipality.
Forfjord valley, northwestern Hinnøya, Andøy municipality.

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