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Adventures in nature
First and foremost, it is Nature herself that provides the greatest adventures in Bø. The township has often been called a fairy tale land, not only because Bø is the birthplace of fairy tale author Regine Normann, but because nature here is fairy tale-like in its variation and richness. Contrast and abundance are two key words that describe outdoor adventures you will experience in Bø.
On your trip here, you can hike some of our marked trails or perhaps take to the open sea for some fishing. For your trip out on the ocean, you may either rent a small boat on your own, or hire someone certified to take tourists out for fishing trips. Please contact the office of cultural affairs for further information. Fishing licences may be purchased at the post office.
In some water courses, fishermen are required to have separate, local licences. Contact the cultural affairs office for information. There are many smaller fishing lakes in Bø, although we do not have so many good salmon rivers.
For bird watchers, Bø is an eldorado. The abundance of nature provides an abundance of bird species. As many as 150 species have been observed in the township. Perhaps the most spectacular bird is the white tailed eagle, which is a common sight in our area. If you are observant, it is unlikely that you will miss seeing this majestic bird.
At Nykvåg, in the spring, you may even see the white tailed eagle swooping in for prey on the bird rocks. It is here at Nykvåg that we find the highest concentration of sea birds in the Vesterålen islands. There is a large variety of species, among the most common of which are the gulls: the common gull, the herring gull and the black backed gull. Eider ducks and cormorants, puffins and kittiwakes are found along the coast, most often out on the bird rocks that are accessible only by boat. Guillemots nest at Måsnyken and Fuglenyken.
Along the lakes and in the marshes, there are also many birds. Some 80 lakes and a numerous smaller ponds provide the habitat for the many species we find here. At Straume, a bird watching tower has been built; you can climb it and use your binoculars to observe a variety of birds: ducks, redshanks, snipes, sandpipers and lapwings, as well as many others. The woods and the mountains are also home to numerous bird species, such as the golden plover, the common grouse, the bluethroat and woodcock, willow tit and flycatcher. Bird life in Bø varies from season to season as many species migrate south for the winter; many remain year round, however, so that the bird lover has an adventure in store here, no matter what time of year. An informative brochure on bird life in Bø is available at the office of cultural affairs.
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