Discover Laksvatn

Laksvatn appeals to travelers with a range of interests: hiking trails and access to the ski mountain Blåtind sit alongside fishing opportunities on the lake and a remarkable historical heritage. The landscape of the local recreation area also gives the place its own character. If you’re looking for accommodation, these themes can help you decide whether Laksvatn is the right destination for your plans.

Hiking and winter sports around Laksvatn

A municipal recreation guide from 2016 mentions a marked hiking trail through Gjømmerdalen toward Gjømmerdalsbreen. The route therefore leads toward this valley and glacier. The area around Laksvatn also serves as an access point for hikers heading to the ski mountain Blåtind. Skiers also use Laksvatn as an access point to this mountain. Blåtind is therefore a shared point of reference for two activities; by contrast, the hiking trail through Gjømmerdalen leads toward Gjømmerdalsbreen.

The winter activities also include a lit cross-country ski trail in the local recreation area. The municipality’s 2016 survey describes it as connected to the ski play area to the south. This provides another winter sports option in the area, in addition to access to Blåtind. The two themes are distinct: Blåtind is associated with skiing and hiking opportunities, while the ski trail and ski play area are described as connected facilities.

The lake, landscape and fishing

The Laksvatn local recreation area has birch forest with tall-herb vegetation. In its 2016 survey, the municipality classified the area as an outdoor recreation area with an A rating. This rating indicates the area’s recreational value; the landscape itself is characterized by forest and tall-herb vegetation.

Lake Laksvatn is used for fishing for salmon and sea trout. For specific fishing plans, the river flowing out of the lake is also important: fishing is protected there. Check the applicable regulations before fishing in the river. This distinguishes fishing opportunities on the lake from the protected river, without treating them as the same body of water.

Farm history and remembrance

Elvebakken, also known as Gáhttelas, is a modest farm complex with a dwelling house, barn, workshop, summer barn and boathouse. As a historical witness, Elvebakken offers a glimpse into how the Coastal Sámi lived in Troms. The different buildings give the complex its distinctive form; its historical significance lies both in the farmstead itself and in the way of life it represents.

Another historical reminder concerns the end of the Second World War: a camp for Soviet prisoners of war was located near Laksvatn at that time. This history adds a different historical perspective to the cultural history represented by the farm complex. The two themes each reflect distinct aspects of Laksvatn’s past.

More topics in the wider destination of Balsfjord

At the regional level, Balsfjord offers additional nature and culture topics. Balsfjorden is a sill fjord with stocks of Pacific herring and capelin, as well as a local stock of cod. This is a regional description of the fjord and differs from the use of Lake Laksvatn for fishing.

Archaeological evidence in the wider destination of Balsfjord includes the rock carvings at Tennes: more than 55 figures carved into stone were created over 6,000 years ago. In Storsteinnes, the Balsfjord Fjord Museum/Wetland Centre presents natural and cultural history. Natural history topics in the exhibitions include birds, predators, insects, plants and the geology of the surrounding area; exhibition content may change. These regional topics complement Laksvatn’s local hiking, fishing and historical themes with further perspectives on Balsfjord.

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

Back to the wider travel overview: Balsfjord.