Kvæfjord: Hiking, culture and regional cuisine

In Borkenesmarka, Kvæfjordløyper prepares around 38 kilometres of cross-country ski trails; the season usually runs from November to May. Hiking, fishing, swimming and boating are also among the activities available in Kvæfjord. These different options make the time of year a useful starting point for planning your trip.

Outdoor activities

Austerfjordbotn is a state-protected recreation area with facilities for hiking, fishing, swimming and boating. Austerfjord is also a recreation area and a starting point for mountain hikes to Jonsheimen. On Kveøya, an easy hike is one of the listed outdoor excursions; check local route conditions before setting out.

Sea fishing is possible year-round in Kvæfjord, Austerfjord and Gullesfjord. Nupen is a viewpoint in Kvæfjord from which you can see the midnight sun. So, alongside hiking and activities by the fjord, fishing and a special view offer different reasons to visit.

In Borkenes, Leikvika marina has parking spaces for motorhomes. There are also facilities for emptying toilets and grey water and refilling water. If you rely on these facilities, check the details before travelling.

Museums and history

Hemmestad Brygge is a museum featuring a well-preserved old Bryggen building, a shop, and a trading post and post office. Hemmestad flourished in the 19th century: Jekter sailed from there to Bergen twice a year. Today, the museum offers exhibitions in a maritime setting; the café is open in summer. If you would like to combine your visit with a café stop, check opening hours in advance.

Trastad Samlinger features an authentic ward from the time the institution was in operation. The presentation offers insight into the history of special-needs education and the care and protection of people with intellectual disabilities in Northern Norway. The collection preserves more than 26,000 works by people with intellectual disabilities. Trastad Samlinger is also Norway’s only Outsider Art gallery.

Cultural landscapes and wildlife

Kveøya is included in the Riksantikvaren’s KULA project for cultural-historical landscapes of national interest. The Storjord cultural landscape includes around 30 cultural heritage sites that together illustrate settlement patterns in the 17th and 18th centuries. These landscapes complement the museum perspective with a theme that can be explored through the heritage sites themselves.

Kvæfjord is home to a diverse range of bird and animal life, including eagles, seals and otters. These animals are part of the local natural environment; sightings are not guaranteed.

Regional food and experiences

Kvæfjord Matkultur is a network that produces, sells and distributes regional food and short, locally based experiences from Kvæfjord and the island realm. Several producers run farm shops where the network’s products are available. The specific selection may change; check before visiting. Some producers open their cafés before holidays and during the summer season, and offer experiences on their farms.

Kvæfjord is considered the home of Norway’s national cake, Kvæfjordkaka. Together with the farm shops and seasonal café offerings, the regional food culture provides a distinct focus alongside nature and cultural history.

When to visit and hotel planning

The activity seasons vary: cross-country ski trails are usually prepared from November to May, while sea fishing is possible year-round. Hemmestad Brygge’s café is open in summer; some producers schedule their café offerings around holidays and the summer season. If you are considering a hotel stay in Kvæfjord, these differences can help you choose when to travel based on the experiences that matter to you.

Discover more destinations: Borkenes, Bremnes, Refsnes, Gullesfjord, Berg, Kåfjord, Tranøy, Dyrøy.

Return to the overview of destinations: Troms.