Sortland (Langoya Island Norway)

Sortland is a port town on Langoya Island in Norway's Nordland County, and the municipality is also part of the Vesteralen Islands. The town has population around 10,000 and is the municipality's administrative center. Other towns in Sortland Municipality are Bo, Holand, Holmstad, Sigerfjord, Strand, Liland. The Norwegian Coast Guard has its base (Kystvaktskvadron Nord) in Sortland.

In 1997, Sortland was given the town status. It is Vesteralen's biggest town and commercial center. It is located close to Sortland Bridge (opened in 1975, length 948 m / 3110 ft) that connects Langoya Island and Hinnoya by road.

Important for Sortland (although not part of the municipality) are the Andoy Bridge (between Andoya and Hinnoya, opened 1974, length 750 m / 2460 ft), Hadsel Bridge (between Langoya and Boroya, 1978-opened, length 1011 m / 3317 ft).

Ryggedalstunnelen (Ryggedal Tunnel, aka Bo Tunnel) has length 1612 m (5290 ft) and was opened in 1980.

Most settlements of the municipality are linked with roads. Highway 85 from the east comes in Kvaefjord Strand through Long Vassdalen. The section between Melbu and Sortland is part of Road 82 that continues to Andoya Island via Sortland Bridge. The only part of the municipality that doesn't have road access is Eidsfjord (on Langoya  Island's west coast).

The following YouTube video shows Sortland Harbour, where cruise ships dock.

Sortland cruise terminal