Vannareid: Iron Age Farmstead and Landscape

Vannareid on Vannøya combines an Iron Age farmstead with the landscape along the Vannareidelva and nearby Kvalkjeften. The farm mound, associated boathouse remains, and wetland to the north offer different points of interest for planning your trip.

An Iron Age farmstead

The Vannareid farm mound lies at the mouth of the Vannareidelva and measures 72 × 52 metres. The mound rises 3–4 metres; the cultural layer is about 2–2.5 metres thick. These figures distinguish the extent of the farm mound from its height and the thickness of the cultural layer. The Iron Age farmstead also includes two documented boathouse remains north of the river mouth.

The northernmost boathouse remains are interpreted as a typical horseshoe-shaped Iron Age boathouse with broad rampart remains. Vannareid is considered the only Iron Age farm on Vannøya with the complete “Norse package.” Together, the farm mound and boathouse remains are a specific point of interest if you are interested in the area's Iron Age history.

Wetlands and nearby heights

To the north, the Vannareidelva flows through a large wetland with peat bogs and an old peat hut. The river, bogs, and hut shape this part of the landscape with a range of natural and built features.

Nearby is Kvalkjeften, a 609-metre-high mountain between Vannareid and Hamreeidet. It features steep cliffs towards Skipsfjord and a large rock cleft at an altitude of 584 metres. From the summit, the view stretches across the islands, fjords, and sounds, and down to Skipsfjord. Thus, the regional landscape includes heights and coastal features as well as river and moorland scenery.

Karlsøy in the wider context

The wider destination of Karlsøy offers other landscape and nature-related points of interest. The Flatværet nature reserve consists of 52 grassy islets, as well as surrounding skerries and shallow-water areas. Cormorants and gulls are among the birds that breed there; several duck species moult there. These wildlife observations are seasonal and variable.

Måsvær is also part of the wider destination of Karlsøy: the area serves as a resting and haul-out site for seals, and grey seals can be observed there. Sørfugløya is one of Norway's most important bird cliffs and a significant breeding area, especially for razorbills and puffins. Puffins, black guillemots, common guillemots, and razorbills can also be observed there; sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed.

The Nordkvaløya-Rebbenesøya landscape protection area is a continuous coastal area characteristic of the coastal culture of Troms. It offers opportunities to hike through valleys and climb high peaks. On Vannøya, coastal trails follow historic paths along the sea and cross mountains and mountain passes between fjords; marked routes are summer trails. Weather and route conditions may vary.

For travel planning in the wider Karlsøy area, Svipper's ferry route 185 connects Hansnes, Karlsøy, and Vannøy. The timetable is valid from 1 January 2026 and may be changed at short notice. Check it before your crossing.

Discover more destinations: Vannvåg, Dåfjord, Karlsøy, Hansnes, Rebbenes, Valen

Return to the wider travel overview: Karlsøy.