Sea

The coast of Troms stretches for thousands of kilometres. Fjords cut deeply into the landsmasses, and thousands of islands litter the coastal waters.

Maritime anecdotes

  • In December-January the cod comes to the coast to spawn.
  • The Island of Bjarkøy was the seat of a mighty chieftain during the Viking age.
  • The Island of Nord-Fugløy has the biggest colony of white-tailed eagles in Troms.
  • The little, red church of Torsken dates from 1784.
  • Halibut is found in shallow waters with a sandy seabed.
  • The fishing villages of Husøy and Sommarøy export cod and herring worth millions.
  • According to legend, trolls inhabit the island of Senja.
  • From the lighthouse of Torsvåg, you see the horizon curve slightly. The earth isn't flat!
  • Islanders meet for church service, baptism and weddings in the tiny chapel at Gåsvær once a year.
  • Colefish (saithe) is the summer fish favourite

How to get salty hair

Sommarøy. Photo: Christian Houge

A Myriad of Islands

Troms faces the ferocity of the Atlantic with a myriad of islands, small and large. Mountains drop 700 metres abruptly into the sea. Summer waves lap leisurely onto sandy beaches. Bird cliffs rise sharply up from the sea. Deep-sea fishing, sea kayaking, bird watching and whale safaris are best combined with visits to colourful fishing villages.

Andørja © Frank Andreassen

Islands big and small

Islands come on all shapes and sizes. The smallest ones are the ones furthest out, home to seabirds and seals only. Others are forested or heather-clad. Islands like Hinnøya, Senja, Kvaløya and Ringvassøya are like tiny continents, with mountain chains, island-filled lakes, swamps and short, gushing rivers. The island of Andørja is the most mountainous in Europe. Remote sandy beaches invite to 20 seconds of swimming.

Island homes. Bård Løken (c) Visit Tromsø

Islanders and coastal dwellers

Fish is the mainstay of the people living on the islands. Red-painted boat houses, fishracks, picturesque wooden boats and modern steel vessels dot the coastal landscapes. Brightly painted homes are found even at the most improbable locations. Many islands, though, are abandoned, and the locals come back only for their summer holiday. Look out for lively festivals and fishing competitions in the summer.

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