Live in Hadsel

Hadsel is a municipality in the Vesterålen region of Nordland County with around 8,400 residents (2025). The municipality consists of the island of Hadseløya and parts of Hinnøya, Austvågøya, and Langøya, all connected by bridges. The administrative center, Stokmarknes¹ is known as the home of the Hurtigruten coastal express, and the Hurtigruten Museum tells the story of this iconic shipping route².

Nature in Hadsel offers a wide range of experiences. There is a network of marked hiking trails and summit hikes suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers, with spectacular views of fjords and mountains³. The fjords provide excellent opportunities for fishing and boating, and the municipality has good transport connections by road and ferry linking Hadsel to the rest of the region. Stokmarknes Airport, Skagen, also provides easy access to both Bodø and Tromsø⁴.

In Hadsel, Hurtigrutens Hus in Stokmarknes serves as a cultural hub, with venues for concerts, a cinema, exhibitions, and teaching in cultural school subjects⁵. For sports and physical activity, Hadsel Hallpark offers modern facilities including artificial turf fields, multi-purpose areas, climbing and bouldering walls, as well as social meeting places for both clubs and the public.⁶.

The municipality also has an active leisure program for young people. UK Canari in Stokmarknes and UK Melbu are popular meeting places for youth from 8th grade up to 18 years old. Young people also have access to travel card schemes and local activities that promote inclusion and participation⁷.

The business sector in Hadsel is diverse and sustainable, with fisheries, aquaculture, and industry as key pillars. Trade, tourism, and public services also play a central role in the local economy. Hadsel places strong emphasis on childhood development and education, with kindergartens and primary schools located across several islands⁸ ⁹.

With its rich culture, solid infrastructure, and diverse business community, Hadsel is an attractive place to live. Whether you are at the start of your career, a family looking for a safe and active local community, or someone seeking a calm and scenic place to enjoy life, Hadsel has something for everyone. Here, mountains, sea, and community come together — a sea of opportunities awaits you.