Kjerstad: Hiking and Archaeological Traces

Kjerstad offers a starting point for the hike to Trollfjellet, as well as a history of archaeological finds and distinctive landscape views. The hike, the archaeological discoveries and the various viewpoints offer different ways to shape your travel plans. If you are looking for a hotel, you can weigh up whether hiking, the landscape or traces of history will be the deciding factor for your trip.

Hiking and views nearby

Kjærstad is one of the starting points for the hike to Trollfjellet. Seasonal and trail conditions can vary, so check the latest conditions before setting out. Nearby, Kjerstadtinden rises to 854 m on Tjeldøya. A hiking report describes views from there across the Tjeldsund and towards the mountains in Lødingen. Another hiking report, dated May 31, 2019, describes a hike to Kjerstadtinden that began just before Kjerstad and mentions a marked trail there. Markings may have changed, so check the current route in advance.

Archaeological traces and landscape views

The archaeological history includes various finds and sites. Archaeological finds made at Kjærstad in 1963 include 26 different iron pieces, an iron hoe, a fitting made of whale bone and an ointment jar. In addition, two archaeological finds are registered on the Kjærstad farm. The site on Bnr. 2 of the farm lies on a rocky headland facing west, with heathland and scattered deciduous and pine trees. From there, the view extends over the Tjeldsund from north to south and towards Våge on Tjeldøya to the south. The site on Bnr. 3, by contrast, lies on farm grounds with a garden and a farm mound; from there, there is a view of Kjærfjord to the south. The two landscapes are markedly different: at Bnr. 2, the rocky headland and expansive view across the sound define the place, while at Bnr. 3, the farm grounds and the view towards the fjord take centre stage.

Tjeldsund: regional culture and orientation

The wider travel destination of Tjeldsund offers other nature and cultural attractions, distinct from Kjerstad’s local highlights. Tennvatn Nature Reserve has international Ramsar status. In Stokke on Tjeldøya, the Tjeldsund Museum is housed in an old school building that includes a classroom and a teacher’s and sexton’s residence dating from 1869. Steinsland Klyngetun includes a farmhouse from 1840 and an exhibition about Regine Normann; 2,000 objects are also displayed there in an authentic atmosphere from around 1920. Archaeological attractions in Tjeldsund also include the remains of a boathouse near Sand. They are about 40 metres long and are among the largest discovered in Northern Norway. The Steinsvik sword was discovered in a grave dating from the early 9th century and is considered unique in a Nordic context.

Road information also relates to the wider area of Tjeldsund: County Road 7548 runs from Ramsundbrua to Tjeldøya and continues around the island, except for a section at the southern end. The E10 crosses Tjeldsundbrua towards Vesterålen and Lofoten. From the municipal centre of Tjeldsund, the E10 heads south to Harstad/Narvik Airport Evenes and onwards to Narvik.

Discover more destinations: Myklebostad, Fjelldal, Tjeldsund

Go to the wider travel overview: Tjeldsund.