Bø i Vesterålen
Bø welcomes the riders on the western edge of the Vesterålen archipelago, where the open Atlantic Ocean, coastal heritage, and dramatic island landscapes shape everyday life.
The start area near Vinjesjøen brings together the sea, public art, and local history, creating a distinctive northern setting where culture and nature meet before the stage heads across the islands.
Bø has a long history shaped by fishing, agriculture, and coastal traditions. Thanks to rich fishing grounds and generations of maritime expertise, the area was already a center of power for a northern Norwegian elite some 1,700 years ago.
Local society developed in close connection with the sea, where creativity, cooperation, and resilience were essential for survival and prosperity. These values continue to define the community today.
Despite its small population, Bø remains a vibrant municipality where nature plays a central role in both livelihoods and everyday life. Residents enjoy modern lives surrounded by extraordinary landscapes, a reality reflected in the municipality’s slogan: “The good life in Bø.”
Community spirit is also a defining characteristic of Bø. Many public facilities and services have been made possible through strong volunteer engagement, including sports halls, a swimming pool, and a cultural venue with a cinema.
As a result, cultural life in Bø is marked by a remarkable level of local participation, initiative, and collective commitment, demonstrating the enduring strength of community involvement in this corner of Northern Norway.
Mannen fra havet (Man from the Sea)
The stage starts in a striking coastal setting near Vinjesjøen, where the sea, islands, and distant mountains frame the opening kilometres of the race.
The statue “Mannen fra havet” (Man from the Sea), created by artist Kjell Erik Killi Olsen, is one of the area’s most distinctive landmarks and is cherished by both locals and visitors.
Rising from the sea and standing firmly on the cliffside, the sculpture resembles a human figure emerging from the ocean and becoming part of the landscape itself. Its dramatic silhouette creates a powerful visual presence against the backdrop of open waters and rugged coastline.
Rooted in local legends and folklore, Mannen fra havet adds a mythical dimension to its surroundings and reflects the rich storytelling traditions of the region.
More than a work of art, the statue has become a symbol of the deep connection between nature, culture, and coastal life in Bø, embodying the relationship between the sea and the communities that have lived alongside it for generations.