AlstenAlsten at a Glance
About Alsten
Alsten is an island in Nordland county in northern Norway, part of the Helgeland archipelago. It is most notable for the mountainous ridge that occupies much of the island.
The island’s dominant feature is the multi-peaked mountain chain known as the Seven Sisters, popular with hikers and visible from surrounding coastal communities. Settlement is concentrated along the lower slopes and shoreline, with ferry and road connections linking the island to nearby towns.
Alsten lies close to the mainland town of Sandnessjøen and forms part of the coastal geography of Alstahaug municipality in Nordland.
- Regional context: Forms part of the Helgeland coastal landscape and is closely associated with the town of Sandnessjøen, which lies nearby on the mainland.
What to See#
- Seven Sisters ridge: The Seven Sisters mountain ridge that runs along the island and is the most prominent natural feature, visible from nearby Sandnessjøen.
Nearby Attractions to Alsten
Best Time to Visit Alsten
Summer months are most practical for visits due to calmer seas and milder temperatures.
Weather & Climate near Alsten
Alsten's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -6°C to 13°C. Heavy rainfall (2043 mm/year), wettest in October.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -6° - -2° | -12° | 201 mm | overcast | 90% | 9.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 4.4h |
| February | Poor | -6° - -3° | -12° | 161 mm | overcast | 89% | 8.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.0h |
| March | Poor | -5° - -2° | -11° | 147 mm | overcast | 86% | 8.0 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.5h |
| April | Poor | -3° - 2° | -7° | 124 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.5 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 15.0h |
| May | Poor | 2° - 6° | 0° | 110 mm | overcast | 82% | 6.1 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 18.6h |
| June | Poor | 5° - 10° | 4° | 125 mm | overcast | 81% | 5.9 m/s | 1.0 high | 21.3h |
| July | Acceptable | 8° - 13° | 10° | 148 mm | overcast | 82% | 5.3 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 19.8h |
| August | Poor | 8° - 12° | 7° | 171 mm | overcast | 84% | 5.6 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 16.3h |
| September | Poor | 4° - 8° | 2° | 227 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.8 m/s | 0.3 low | 12.8h |
| October | Poor | 1° - 3° | -4° | 241 mm | overcast | 87% | 8.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.3h |
| November | Poor | -3° - 0° | -9° | 189 mm | overcast | 89% | 8.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.7h |
| December | Poor | -5° - -1° | -11° | 199 mm | overcast | 90% | 9.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 2.8h |
How to Get to Alsten
Reachable by regional boat services and private craft from Nordland’s coastal towns. Check local ferry timetables for island landings; some routes are seasonal.
Tips for Visiting Alsten
- Boat access is the usual way to reach Alsten-check local ferry schedules from nearby coastal towns.
- Keep eyes on weather-Nordland coasts can change quickly; small craft should plan conservatively.
- Bring binoculars for seabird and marine mammal watching; the archipelago supports varied birdlife.