Bjarkøy – Archaeological Traces and Cultural Trail

On Bjarkøy, the old transport route Nordvegen passes through the protected archaeological area of Bjarkøya, between Austnes and Nergårdshamn. The archaeological traces on Bjarkøya are of rare scale and diversity in Northern Norway. The protected area includes traces of Stone Age settlements, clearance cairns, burial mounds, burial grounds, settlement sites and traces of agriculture. Together, these remains show different aspects of early settlement and land use.

Walking Trails and Archaeological Traces

Several prepared walking trails run through the archaeological area and are used by locals and visitors. On the walk from Nergårdhamn to Austnes, you can see stone burial mounds along the way. If you plan this route, check the trail conditions in advance.

Cultural Trail and History

The Fotefar mot nord: Bjarkøy cultural trail provides information about Ole Ottesastua. Bjarkøy Church is also among the cultural sites highlighted by the trail. Information boards are located by the shop, at Ole Ottesastua and at Frihågen; smaller signs are placed at the burial mounds, with waymarkers along the cultural trail. This connects information about named cultural sites with directions to the archaeological traces.

Bjarkøy Batteri is an important cultural heritage site with a unique national history from the final phase of the war in the north. It adds another chapter to the history of Bjarkøya alongside its archaeological themes. In the wider Harstad destination, Trondenes Fort is part of the Atlantic Wall, which German occupying forces built along the Norwegian coast during the Second World War.

Guided Tours and Coastal Nature

The Vikingøya Bjarkøy tour combines guided visits with a ferry crossing from Harstad to Bjarkøya, coastal nature and birdwatching. It also includes a stop at Røkenes Gård. At Selshevneren, the tour stops at a 15-metre-high spear monument marking Tore Hund’s connection with the island. Another stop is in the Sundsvollsundet Nature Reserve, at the northernmost point of Bjarkøya. Norway’s largest black-legged kittiwake colony is located there. The tour itinerary and availability may change; check the latest information before making plans.

A guided RIB tour in the area around Bjarkøya visits Krykkjeberget in Sundsvollsundet to observe black-legged kittiwakes. It also passes places where there are good chances of spotting white-tailed eagles, harbour porpoises, dolphins and killer whales. The two tours have different focuses: Vikingøya Bjarkøy combines a ferry crossing and sightseeing, while the RIB tour focuses on observing birds and marine wildlife.

Getting to Bjarkøya

Bjarkøya can be reached by a free car ferry; the journey from the airport to the ferry connection is by car. A passenger express boat also runs directly from Harstad centre to Bjarkøya. Check timetables and connections before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Bjarkøy, Sandsøy, Gáivuotna-Kåfjord, Torsken, Harstad, Kåfjord, Tranøy, Sørreisa.

Return to the main travel overview: Troms.