Sandset by Skjellfjord: Trails to Steinheia

Sandset is a small settlement at the outer end of Skjellfjord. Its fjord setting shapes the character of the place; a described hike to Steinheia also starts here. Sandset can therefore be explored as a holiday destination by considering two specific questions: Would you like to explore the landscape around the settlement, and which other destinations in Øksnes municipality would you like to shape your days?

Fjord setting and hike to Steinheia

Steinheia reaches an elevation of 627 metres. From Sandset, a good hiking trail leads through a valley to Sandsetvatnet and onward towards the mountain. A route report dated 13 July 2020 describes this trail. The hike to Steinheia is recorded as 5.2 kilometres, with 629 metres of elevation gain and a stated duration of 1 hour and 41 minutes; these figures may vary depending on the exact route taken. The summit elevation and the tour’s elevation gain describe different things: the height of the destination and the recorded ascent, respectively.

The Steinheia hike offers views of Dyrøya, Børøyfjorden and Romsetfjorden. In practical terms, the tour combines a trail through the valley with a destination that provides views over several named landscape features.

Getting to Sandset

Information is available on getting there by road, bus and boat. County road Fv. 7680 connects Skjelsfjord with Sandset kai. In Reis Nordland’s timetable, the Sortland–Kjerringvik–Sandset bus service is listed as route 18-845; check the journey planner for the specific departure.

A travel notice from 2022 also mentions a local scheduled boat that reaches Sandset through the Øksnes Vestbygd archipelago and calls at Breistrand, Barkestad and Tinden, among other places. Check current departures before travelling. The Orreleik Course and Conference Centre is located in Sandset. Those interested can contact the centre about courses, conferences and holiday rentals.

Other destinations in Øksnes municipality

For a longer day of hiking, the marked Dronningruta offers another option in Øksnes municipality. This circular route runs between the historic fishing villages of Nyksund and Stø, along the shore and over the mountains. The route is about 15 kilometres long; the estimated time is approximately five to eight hours, although the actual duration depends on the hikers. The landscape alternates between mountains, shoreline, marshland, beach and rocky terrain. There is no access to drinking water along the route. Be sure to bring enough drinks and, if possible, a packed lunch.

Nearby Øksnes Vestbygd is also considered a paddling area. Its cultural and historical sites include the listed trading post of Tinden, the fishing village of Skipnes, and Finvåg, a former school and church site. Check access separately before visiting Tinden.

Another seasonal experience in Øksnes starts in Stø: Stø Whale & Arctic Wildlife Safari searches for whales, puffins, seabirds, seals and other marine animals. The stated season runs from June to August; trips are subject to weather, sea conditions and availability.

Holiday apartment and planning your days

When choosing a holiday apartment, it helps to prioritise the experiences you have planned. The hike to Steinheia starts in Sandset; the longer Dronningruta runs between Nyksund and Stø. The tours differ considerably in length and estimated duration. If you plan to focus your holiday days on trails around Sandset, its local fjord setting is a natural starting point for your search. If the longer circular hike or seasonal safari is your main focus, these destinations may also influence your choice of itinerary. This lets you compare options based on specific plans without treating the different places and offers as interchangeable.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Klo, Myre, Sørvågen, Alsvåg, Stø, Øksnes.

Back to the main travel overview: Øksnes.