Live in Bø

Bø is a beautiful and varied municipality that lies furthest west in Vesterålen. The municipality has about 2600 inhabitants and covers an area of 247 km². Bø has a rich history, an active cultural life and a diverse business sector. Bø is also a popular tourist destination with many attractions and experiences. 

Some interesting facts about Bø are: 

• Bø has Norway’s westernmost lighthouse, Nyksund lighthouse, which is located on the island of Langøya.  
• Bø has Norway’s oldest stone church, Gildeskål old church, which was built in the 1100s.  
• Bø has Norway’s largest whale skeleton, which is exhibited at the Whale Center in Hovden.  

• Bø has Norway’s first wind farm, which was opened in 1993 on Nygårdsfjellet.  

Some tourist destinations in Bø are: 

• Nyksund, an old fishing village that was abandoned in the 1970s, but which has now been revived as a culture and art center.  
• Ringstad, an idyllic place with opportunities for fishing, kayaking, cycling, skiing and dog sledding.  

• Vinje, a scenic area with sandy beaches, bird sanctuary and campsite. 
• Måstadfjellet, a spectacular viewpoint over the sea and islands.  

Some infrastructure facilities in Bø are: 

• Bø airport Skagen, which has daily flights to Bodø and Tromsø.  
• Fast boat connection to Stokmarknes and Sortland.  

• County road 820 and 821, which run through the municipality.  
• Mobile coverage throughout the municipality.  

Some cultural offerings in Bø are: 

• The cultural school, which offers teaching in music, dance, theater and art. 

• The library, which has a varied selection of books, movies, games and events. 
• The cultural center, which has a cinema, a stage, a café and an exhibition hall. 
• Festivals such as Vesterålen Skreifestival, Nyksundfestivalen and Vinjefestivalen.  

Some business actors in Bø are: 

• Bø Fisk AS, which deals with fish processing and export. 
• Hovden Fiskeoppdrett AS, which deals with salmon farming and smolt production. 
• Vesterålen Naturprodukter AS, which produces dietary supplements from seaweed and kelp. 
• Vesterålen Kysthotell AS, which runs a hotel with restaurant and conference facilities. 

Bø municipality also has several schools and kindergartens. There are three primary schools: Bø school, Malnes school and Straume school. There is also a secondary school: Bø secondary school. There are four kindergartens: Bø kindergarten, Malnes kindergarten, Straume kindergarten and Vinje kindergarten.