Dyrøy: Hiking Trails, Culture and Views

Steady climbs, views of fjords and islands, and traces of earlier life define Dyrøy. The municipality can be explored through a range of themes: marked hiking trails, winter ski trails, cultural sites and fishing waters.

Hiking Trails, Summit Views and a Winter Ski Trail

The well-marked hiking trail to Dyrøygommen climbs steadily. From the summit, there are beautiful views of Vågsfjorden and Senja. On Dyrøya, the accessible Hagenes route follows a forest path in the south of the island. Along the way, you will see World War II cannon displays and bunkers; from there, you can also look out over Vågsfjorden.

A marked route leads to Kvalnes and the remains of a settlement abandoned in 1959 because of a landslide. The surviving traces of settlement make this a destination for anyone interested in the history of permanently inhabited places. Børringen offers a different perspective on the landscape: its summit can be reached on foot from Langbakken. In suitable weather, the views extend in every direction, including Hinnøya, Andøya and Senja with the Norwegian Sea, as well as the Lyngen Alps and the mountains of inner Troms.

In Gumpedalen, the natural attraction Steinora stretches for about two kilometres. It was formed at the end of the last Ice Age, about 9,000 years ago; some of the boulders are up to 30 metres high. Take extra care when exploring the area. Follow the marked paths.

In winter, the floodlit Moan–Espenes ski trail is available. It runs from the town centre to Espenes, passes through varied terrain and is groomed during winter when snow and operating conditions allow.

Cultural Sites and Local History

Kastnes Museum is an open-air museum in Dyrøy municipality, dedicated to the traditional lives of the local farmers and fishermen. The area includes Viking Age graves and a cultural trail where you can walk all year round. Group visits to the museum can be booked in advance during the summer season.

The churches also offer insight into the municipality’s architectural history. Dyrøy Church is a wooden long church on Dyrøya, completed in 1880. The wooden Brøstad Church dates from 1937 and is located in the southern part of the settlement of the administrative centre, Brøstadbotn. The Arvid Hanssen Documentation Centre is located in the Arvid Hanssen House.

During Kulturuka 2026, the Sveitservilla in Langhamn on Dyrøya opened to the public for the first time, with a café and art exhibition. The works on display included paintings and acrylic art by Cecilie Håkonsen Sandness, as well as sculptures and ceramics by Kjersti Håkonsen. In the 1980s, the house was named the most beautiful house in Northern Norway. Dyrøy’s Kulturuka celebrated its fifth anniversary in 2026, offering cultural events throughout the municipality.

Fishing, Local Products and Getting Around

Salmon and sea trout can be fished in the Brøstadelva, which has a fish ladder. Check local regulations before fishing. Recreational fishing in Faksfjorden, Dyrøysundet, Tranøyfjorden and Solbergfjorden may yield cod, saithe, redfish, flatfish, halibut, tusk, ling and herring. Mackerel has also become common in summer in recent years; the range of species varies by season.

Steinbakken gård in Espenes has a self-service farm shop selling herbs, juice, spices and other products; the selection may vary. Dyrøymat supplies local meat and fish products, catering and ready-to-serve quality meals. Local products are available at Coop Prix, although availability in stores may vary.

There is an 18-hole disc golf course in the town centre. Discs and a map can be borrowed from the library. A guest harbour is located at Finnlandsnes. Express boat services run to Finnsnes, Tromsø and Harstad; check the timetable before travelling. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, you can choose based on the activities you have planned, such as hiking, visiting cultural sites or fishing.

Troms in a Broader Context

In the wider destination of Troms, the Norwegian Scenic Route Senja is part of National Cycle Route 1 and is signposted. Also in Troms, the long Reisadalen valley, shaped by the Reisa River, forms part of Reisa National Park. Its landscape includes narrow valleys, gorges, powerful waterfalls and river valleys. In summer, the main valley from Saraelv to Nedrefoss is used for river trips, canoeing, salmon fishing and hiking.

Discover more destinations: Brøstadbotn, Målselv, Nordreisa, Torsken, Salangen, Bjarkøy, Skånland, Kåfjord.

Back to the main travel overview: Troms.