A pretty but isolated seaside village has been undergoing a revival from adventurous tourists. Nyksund is a coastal fishing village in Øksnes, Norway. It is located on the northern part of the island of Langøya in the Vesterålen archipelago.

Despite the closest village being three miles away, the only road connection to the isolated village is from the village of Myre, about six miles to the south. Until the late 18th century, the population was scarce, but with the rise of commercial trade, Nyksund became an important centre for hundreds of fishermen due to its proximity to Atlantic Cod. But as boats got bigger and road transportation easier, the port was rendered obsolete due to its shallow waters and poor connections. Nyksund became an isolated outpost with a dwindling population. Finally, measures were made to shut the place down. During the 1970s, the village became a ghost town. With the turn of the 21st century, after 30 years of erosion, the lights were turned back on in Nyksund. Modern Nyksund boasts a summer population of around 40 people, and fewer than 10 people remain throughout the harsh winter.

Since then, the village has been “reborn as a hip, creative haven” according to Visit Norway, with colourful buildings contrasting with the rugged environment.

Sven Erik Tøien, local architect, said: “It’s really unique. It’s this combination of an extremely dense urban location, but set in such raw and brutal nature.”

The small community has developed a hub for digital nomads, offering a “very creative vibe” and several co-working spaces, art galleries, a book cafe, an antique shop, and even a recording studio.

Ssemjon Gerlitz, guide and owner of Holmvik Brygge, said: “The biggest resource the place has is actually its energy, which can give you so much support if you want to work creatively.”

Nyksund has several restaurants serving traditional Norwegian dishes like bacalao, cod fillet, and meat stews, as well as local delicacies like Arctic char from Sigerfjord and reindeer meat from the area.

You can even see spectacles such as the Northern Lights, whales, reindeer, and moose. The village is connected to multiple hiking trails, including Dronningruta (The Queen’s Route).