Nyksund

Nyksund harbour

Nyksund is a coastal village in Vesterålen, northern Norway (69°N 15°2E). People have been living in Nyksund since before recorded history. 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 coming to exploit the rich cod fisheries nearby.

As bigger vessels and road transportation rendered the port obsolete due to its shallow waters and poor road, Nyksund became an isolated outpost with a dwindling population. Finally, measures were made to shut the place down. During the 1970s, the city became a ghost town.

With the turn of the century, after 30 years of erosion, the lights are turned back on in Nyksund. New citizens are finding the old houses worthwhile. In 2003, the main obstacle to new activity in Nyksund is inadequate communications infrastructure; be it roads, wire or postal service. Modern Nyksund boasts a summer population of 30 to 40 people and about a half- dozen hardy souls remain throughout the harsh winters.

• Nyksund.no
• http://www.nyksund.org
• http://www.nyksund.com
• nyksund pictures

Coordinates: 69°00′N 15°01′E / 69°N 15.017°E / 69; 15.017