Balsfjord: Blåtinden and cultural history in the wider area

Near the destination is Blåtinden; the wider Balsfjord region offers more to explore, including fjord nature, protected areas and cultural history. This lets you distinguish a summit destination nearby from the natural and cultural sites in the broader region.

Blåtinden near the destination

Blåtinden is 1,180 metres high and is also known as “den sovende soldat” (“the sleeping soldier”). It is a popular mountain for summit hikes and is often climbed from Laksvatn. A large cairn stands on its summit, built in 1996 by Hans Olaf Nilsen and Rune Morten Johansen. You can enter it and spend the night inside.

Nature and activities in the wider Balsfjord destination

Balsfjorden is a sill fjord with its own stock of Pacific herring, its own capelin stock and a resident cod stock. Malangsfjorden, also called Malangen, is one of the two fjords that make up Balsfjord. The region’s wetland system includes the Sørkjosleira and Kobbevågen nature reserves; both are Ramsar sites.

Hiking, fishing and paddling are especially recommended in Balsfjord in summer. Cross-country skiing is also popular: the region has a varied range of groomed trails in diverse terrain. Grooming and conditions vary by season. Since January 2026, the Stikk UT hiking marking and registration system has replaced the former “Ti på topp” competition in Balsfjord.

Cultural sites in the wider Balsfjord destination

Near Tennes are rock carvings with more than 55 figures carved into stone over 6,000 years ago. The site has footpaths, signs and lighting. As facilities at the site may change, it is advisable to check current conditions before your visit. The fishing vessel MS “Terje” was also built in Tennes: the ship was built there in 1922, brought ashore in 2002 and opened to the public in 2022 after extensive work.

In Storsteinnes, the Balsfjord Fjord Museum/Wetland Centre shares natural and cultural history through exhibitions and visitor experiences. Natural history exhibition topics include birds, predators, insects, plants and the geology of the surrounding area. The programme may change, so check in advance which exhibitions are currently on display.

Balsfjord Church was built in 1856, is a protected cultural monument and has 400 seats. It is also known for its excellent acoustics. Aursfjordsaga is the only preserved sawmill with a gang saw in Northern Norway. It was originally built by Ingebregt Eliassen in 1796. Visits for groups and school classes are available by request from May to September.

The region’s dated heritage spans a long period: the rock carvings were made over 6,000 years ago, while the history of Aursfjordsaga dates back to 1796. Built in 1922, MS “Terje” represents a later chapter in the region’s history.

Getting around the wider Balsfjord region

The E6 runs through Balsfjord; the E6 and E8 meet in Nordkjosbotn. Bus services connect Balsfjord with Tromsø and several other places in Troms. Routes and timetables may vary, so check them before travelling. Parts of the region can be explored on foot or by bicycle along village roads and paths; conditions may vary here too.

Farm experiences near Laksvatn

Selnes Gård near Laksvatn offers rides on Icelandic horses. Depending on the season, you can buy eggs, carrots, strawberries, sheepskins and other farm products there; the selection varies throughout the year. Booking arrangements for rides may also change, so it is a good idea to check current options in advance.

Discover more destinations: Meistervik, Storsteinnes, Nordkjosbotn, Laksvatn, Mortenhals

Back to the wider travel guide: Balsfjord.