Karlsøy: Birdlife and Hiking Trails

Grassy islets, bird cliffs and mountain trails offer a variety of nature experiences in Karlsøy. The protected areas are known for their coastal landscapes and wildlife watching, while trails on Vannøya and Ringvassøya lead to summits and along the sea. When planning your trip, it is also important to consider the access conditions: a boat is required to reach most of the Nordkvaløya-Rebbenesøya protected areas, and sea conditions can affect the journey.

Skerries, Birds and Marine Mammals

The Flatværet Nature Reserve consists of 52 grassy islets surrounded by skerries and shallow-water areas. Cormorants and gulls, among other species, nest there; several species of duck also moult there. This seasonal wildlife means that what you can observe depends on the time of year.

The Måsvær Nature Reserve is also characterized by islets, skerries and shallow-water areas: it includes Store Måsværet, the surrounding skerry landscape, and numerous small islets, skerries and shallow-water areas. Måsvær is a resting and haul-out site for harbour seals; grey seals can also be seen there. Whether you spot any animals depends on the conditions at the time.

Sørfugløya is one of Norway’s most important bird cliffs and a significant breeding area, particularly for razorbills and puffins. Visitors may also spot black guillemots and common guillemots there. Sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed. The area’s history of eiderdown harvesting is also part of its landscape history: Flatvær was protected as an eiderdown station until 1982.

The Nordkvaløya-Rebbenesøya Protected Landscape is a continuous coastal area characteristic of the coastal culture of Troms. The Ytre Karlsøy Marine Protected Area overlaps substantially with this protected landscape. On Hersøya, Haugland gård is a state-secured recreation area within the protected landscape.

Hiking on Vannøya and Ringvassøya

The coastal trails on Vannøya follow historic paths along the sea and between fjords, over mountains and mountain passes. The coastal trails on Vannøya are summer trails. The Skipsfjord Protected Landscape lies in the central part of Vannøya. The landscape in Nordkvaløya-Rebbenesøya offers opportunities to hike through valleys and climb high summits; weather and trail conditions may vary.

On Ringvassøya, a marked trail leads from Gamnes to the 333-metre-high Nattmålstuva. Trail conditions may change. Storheia, a family-friendly summit, lies above Hansnes. These destinations differ in their described location and trail type: the ascent to Nattmålstuva begins in Gamnes, while Storheia is above Hansnes.

In the northwest of Vannøya, Indianeren is an easy summit hike. The trail is well marked and has benches, tables and a fire pit; facilities may change. If you continue, the trail leads to Torstinden. In suitable weather, Breivika on the outer side of Rebbenesøya can be reached by boat; alternatively, a trail leads over the mountain.

Ferry Service and Travel Planning

Svipper ferry route 185 connects Hansnes, Karlsøy and Vannøy. The timetable is valid from 1 January 2026; as schedules can change at short notice, check it before travelling. For the protected areas and hikes, it is also worth keeping the stated conditions in mind: sea conditions can affect boat trips, weather and trail conditions may vary, and the facilities along the trail to Indianeren may change.

Discover more destinations: Hansnes, Vannvåg, Dåfjord, Vannareid, Karlsøy, Valen, Rebbenes, Bjarkøy.

For the main travel overview: Troms.