Tonnes: Caves, Hiking Trails and Boat Connections

Tonnes combines a distinctive coastal landscape with hiking trails and boat connections to the islands of the municipality of Lurøy. When planning your trip, you can focus on different aspects: the origins and location of Tonnes Cave, hikes with different trail profiles, or connections across the water.

Tonnes Cave and Views

Tonnes Cave is a sea cave formed by marine erosion after the Ice Age. It is about 180 metres long and now lies around 40 metres above sea level as a result of post-glacial land uplift. This is where the cave’s geological origins meet the changing coastal landscape.

The trail to Tonnes Cave is rated moderate and is short, steep and uneven. The sandy floor inside the cave itself, by contrast, is easy to walk on. The trail starts at a gate on a hill shortly before Tonnes; there is ample parking at the harbour below the trailhead. From the first ledge at Kleivnakkan above Tonnes Cave, there are wide-ranging views in several directions. Check local conditions before setting out on a hike.

Hikes with Different Profiles

The hike to the distinctive white Himmelbergsteine starts directly above Tonnes Marina. The route to Himmelbergtinden offers two alternative trails, both marked with red markings or poles. You can choose between the two marked options for this hike; the hike to the Himmelbergsteine has its own clearly marked starting point above the marina.

The hike up Tonnesfjellet on the north side of Tonnes is considered relatively easy and offers views of the coast and surrounding islands. From one of the hiking summits, the view extends across the island landscapes of Lurøy, Rødøy and Meløy, as well as the mountains inland. By comparison, the trail to Tonnes Cave is rated moderate and is characterised by its short, steep and uneven route. These different details help you distinguish between hiking destinations and trail profiles when planning.

Boat Connections and Getting Around

Ferries and express boats run from Tonnes on the mainland to the islands of the municipality of Lurøy. Tonnes is also a hub for boat traffic to Kvarøy and Hestmona; express boat connections serve Stokkvågen and the islands of Lurøy. If you are taking water connections into account when planning your trip, these destinations and modes of transport are useful points of reference. Timetables are maintained separately by the transport operator, so check the latest timetable before travelling.

Fishing, Food and Culture in the Area

Around Tonnes, you can fish from shore or take a boat out to sea. The cuisine also reflects the coastal setting: the converted old fishing pier, OscarBrygga, serves local fish dishes and more traditional meat dishes. This gives you a range of topics to consider when planning, from fishing to the food on offer.

Near Tonnes, a monument on the island of Vikingen, off Tonnes, symbolises crossing the Arctic Circle. On Ytterkvarøya, off Tonnes, there is a burial ground where rich finds of weapons, jewellery and everyday objects from the Merovingian period, around 600 to 800 AD, have been discovered. The finds are kept at the Tromsø Museum. The monument is a symbolic marker of the Arctic Circle; the burial ground points to archaeological finds from a specific historical period.

Discover more destinations: Nord-Solvær, Bratland, Lovund, Lurøy

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