Bardu: Nature, Wildlife and History

Bardu is well suited to a trip that combines nature experiences, wildlife and local history. Rohkunborri National Park, activities at the predator visitor centre, Steilia ski resort, and museums or historic sites offer different ways to plan your visit.

Landscape and Hiking Plans

Rohkunborri National Park lies entirely within Bardu and rises from the deep gorge in Sørdalen to high, glaciated mountains. This transition from gorge to glaciated mountain scenery shapes the character of the area. The park invites you to hike through scenic surroundings. Its three access points are Altevatnet, Sørdalen and Bones. If you are planning a visit, check road conditions and seasonal access before travelling. In the wider Troms destination, the Reisa River shapes Reisadalen. In summer, the main valley from Saraelv to Nedrefoss is used for river trips, canoeing, salmon fishing and hiking.

For hiking plans, Stikk UT!-Bardu offers free participation through an app with tour descriptions, maps and GPS tracks. You need to set up a user account and register your hikes. Programme details and trail availability vary by season, so check the app’s current status.

Wildlife and Outdoor Activities

Polar Park keeps Nordic predators and ungulates in spacious, naturalistic enclosures. Bardu’s predator visitor centre complements this focus with a large outdoor activity area. Activities there include obstacle courses, learning installations about nature and predators, lasso throwing, and identifying animal tracks. A lavvu is used as an outdoor classroom. Wildlife and learning about nature and predators are therefore presented in a variety of ways.

Skiing and Golf

Steilia Alpinsenter, near Setermoen in Bardu, has several slopes and ski lifts. Its varied ski runs cater to both beginners and experienced alpine skiers. For a different kind of activity, Finnkroken Golfpark in Nedre Bardu has a 9-hole parkland golf course. Narrow fairways and undulating terrain define the course. The ski resort and golf course therefore offer very different types of activities.

Culture and History

Troms Forsvarsmuseum in Bardu focuses on the military history of Troms, particularly the history of the army. Bardu Church also offers a specific historical connection: it was inaugurated in 1829 as a smaller copy of Tynset Church. The museum focuses on military history, while the church tells the story of its architecture.

Outside the summer season, group visits to Bardu Bygdetun are possible. Check the opening arrangements before you travel. From the main road, Strømsør Fjellgård is reached by a path that takes about 30 minutes to walk. Alongside nature and activity options, these two destinations add practical details to your trip planning.

Discover more destinations: Bardu, Kvænangen, Lavangen, Skjervøy, Harstad, Sørreisa, Nordreisa, Gáivuotna-Kåfjord

Go to the main travel overview: Troms.