Bremnes: Nupen, recreation and wartime history

Bremnes combines the Nupen viewpoint with traces of its wartime history. Nupen is part of the Bremnes area in Kvæfjord and is a popular viewpoint where you can see the midnight sun. In summer, the Bremnes og Molvik velforening maintains Nupen.

Places and events in Bremnes

During the Second World War, Bremnes had a fort built by prisoners of war and a Russian prisoner-of-war camp. Today, remains of bunkers can still be seen there. The camp and defensive installations in Bremnes are an important part of the region’s wartime history. The bunker remains are a tangible historical trace alongside Nupen as a viewpoint.

The Hestesletta recreation area is located in Aspenes/Bremnes. The community hall of the Bremnes/Aspenes velforening can be rented for gatherings, children’s birthday parties, confirmations, baptisms, weddings and other celebrations. If your trip is connected to a celebration or gathering, this rental is a specific local option; Hestesletta is described as a recreation area.

Kvæfjord as a wider travel destination

The wider travel destination of Kvæfjord includes a landscape of south-facing farmland, airy mountain peaks and deep fjords. Kvæfjord’s administrative centre is in Borkenes. This description provides a broader setting for the destination, while Bremnes is associated with its own viewpoints and historical traces.

Kvæfjord also offers a range of nature and recreational activities. The Austerfjord public recreation area has facilities for hiking, fishing, swimming and boating. Austerfjord is also a starting point for mountain hikes to Jonsheimen. In Borkenesmarka, Kvæfjordløyper maintains about 38 kilometres of cross-country ski trails; the season usually runs from November to May. Check current trail conditions before planning a winter visit.

Culture and regional identity in Kvæfjord

Hemmestad Brygge is a museum featuring a well-preserved old wharf building, a shop, and a trading post and post office. Its heyday was in the 19th century; twice a year, sailing vessels set out from Hemmestad for Bergen. Exhibitions in a maritime setting complement the historical focus. The café is open in summer; check current opening dates before visiting.

Trastad Samlinger features an authentic ward area from the period when the institution was in operation and offers insight into the history of special-needs education. The collection preserves more than 26,000 works by people with intellectual disabilities. The museum also presents the history of care and protection for people with intellectual disabilities in Northern Norway.

Regional food is also part of the wider travel experience in Kvæfjord. Kvæfjord is considered the home of Norway’s national cake, Kvæfjordkaka. Kvæfjord Matkultur is a network of 16 businesses that produce, sell and distribute a broad range of local food products and short, locally based experiences from Kvæfjord and the island region. Several producers run farm shops selling products from the network and offer cafés open before holidays and during the summer season, as well as experiences on their own farms. As participation and availability may change, check current offerings before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Borkenes, Gullesfjord, Refsnes.

For the main travel overview: Kvæfjord.