4 Best Sights in The Vesterålen Islands, Trondheim to the Lofoten Islands

Norwegian Coastal Express Museum

Fodor's choice
At this museum of the region's maritime history, you can go aboard the MS Finnmarken, a ship dating from 1956 that used to make the journey along the country's rugged coast. It was among the many ships that sailed the Hurtigruten, or "Express Route." It takes you through the history of long-distance ferries and details how shipping routes came into existence. It doesn't overlook the human element; including the lives lost opening up the region to travel and commerce.

Trondenes Historical Center

Fodor's choice
This museum covers the history of the region from the early Viking rulers to the German occupation during World War II. Although the museum's collection spans more than 2,000 years, its main focus is on the earliest eras of Scandinavian history. Using interactive displays and immersive multimedia presentations, the center really brings history to life. The grounds include many historical buildings and remnants of a long-ago way of life.

Adolfkanonen

Part of Nazi Germany's coastal defense system, this massive naval gun was originally built to be used on a ship during World War II. The "Adolph Cannon" is now part of an interactive museum where you can explore its inner workings and see examples of the different types of missiles it could have fired. The gun is the last of its type left in the world, and is a reminder of the country's tragic history.

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Sortland Museum

This interesting museum celebrates the history and culture of Sortland and the surrounding area. Inside the city's modern Kulturfabrikken, its frequently changing exhibits range from photos of nearby communities to explorations of the local flora and fauna. A small shop stocks books and other items.