Fiskenes: Moorland Landscape and Skrei History

Fiskenes is an old fishing village with two distinctive themes: the Einlettvatnet Nature Reserve and the history of skrei fishing. Moorland, water and vegetation history give the landscape a unique dimension; the fishing tradition also tells a story of seasonal income and trade. Gammelveien and Gamle Fiskenes add further points of interest. This makes it possible to distinguish between nature, village history and sea fishing when planning your trip.

Moorland and Water at Einlettvatnet

The Einlettvatnet Nature Reserve covers about 642 dekar, of which about 277 dekar is water. The surrounding moors are part of the protected area, which was designated by royal decree on 16 December 1983. It is located in Andøy Municipality in Nordland County; the unregistered Fiskenes communal property is also included in the protected area. The reserve protects typical nutrient-poor fens, which are considered very important for research into vegetation history. Thus, vegetation history is also a central part of the nature theme, alongside the water. Visitors interested in moorland landscapes and their importance to vegetation history will find a clear point of interest here when planning their trip.

Fishing Village and Skrei

The skrei, or cod, that arrives each winter traditionally provided the people of Fiskenes with their most reliable source of income. The fish was hung on racks to dry and then sold south to Trondheim or Bergen. From there, it was transported onward to the continent. The local history thus links the cod’s winter arrival with processing and long-distance trade. For travellers interested in how a fishing village made its living, skrei tells more than the story of a single catch: it connects the season, the work and the markets.

Gammelveien and Sea Fishing

A large part of the Gammelveien Fiskenes outdoor recreation area lies in the shoreline zone of the planning area. A municipal planning assessment from 2021 rates the area’s recreational quality as average. A planning description from 2021 notes that Gammelveien ends at the fence of Andøya Air Station and is little used, if at all. Check current access conditions before visiting. Gamle Fiskenes is also a sea-fishing spot with access. Alongside the historic fishing tradition, this offers a specific fishing location as a separate point of interest.

If you are looking for a holiday rental in Fiskenes, these different themes may influence your choice: are you most interested in the nature reserve, the village’s history or the fishing spot?

Andøy as a Wider Setting

The wider destination of Andøy offers other points of interest in their own distinct locations. In Andenes, visitors can climb the lighthouse stairs on a guided tour; the tour includes an exhibition, history and views from the top. Check the current tour conditions before your trip. In Risøyhamn, the large Fembøring Haakon, built in Helgeland in 1880, is housed in the open-air museum’s boathouse. Andøymuseet has branches in Andenes and Risøyhamn. These places broaden the regional perspective to include lighthouse history, maritime travel and museum culture.

Discover more destinations: Nøss, Andenes, Andøy, Risøyhamn, Dverberg.

Go to the main travel overview: Andøy.