Vesterålen (Norwegian, pronounced [ˈvɛ̂stəroːɫn̩],[1] English: /ˈvɛstərɔːlən/ VEST-ər-aw-lən[2]) or Viestterálas (Northern Sami)[3] is a district and archipelago in Nordland county, Norway.

Similarly, the old name of the seaway east of Hinnøya (now called Tjeldsundet) might have been Austráll (meaning "the eastern sound/strait").

The climate in Vesterålen is maritime, with mild winters considering this archipelago is well north of the Arctic Circle.

Bø Municipality is the northernmost location in Norway with daily mean above 0 °C (32 °F) in all winter months.

The population in Vesterålen as of 1 January 2004 was 30,648 according to Statistisk Sentralbyrå) The largest town is Sortland, but the regional hospital is in nearby Stokmarknes in Hadsel Municipality.