Discover Sørstraumen

The main entrance to the Kvænangsbotn and Navitdalen protected landscape areas is on the E6 near Sørstraumen. This makes the village a useful landmark for travellers who want to include these protected areas in their plans. There is ample parking at the entrance, as well as an information display about the protected areas. A small exhibition there presents the history of nature, culture and livelihoods in Kvænangen.

Sea Current and Route Planning

The Sørstraumen Bridge crosses one of Northern Europe’s strongest sea currents. Fishing is also one of the area’s attractions: Sørstraumen is described as an excellent fishing spot for cod, saithe, wolffish, halibut, salmon and sea trout. The current and the fish species mentioned offer different ways to enjoy the natural surroundings.

The Sørstraumdalen/Árresvággi trail branches off the E6 a few hundred metres before the shop in Sørstraumen. Parking is immediately south of the bridge over the Sørstraumelva River. The trail follows a well-maintained path along the river, with good bridges where crossings are needed. It is also suitable for mountain biking. As trail maintenance and surface conditions can change, it is advisable to check the current conditions before setting out.

Culture and Facilities in Sørstraumen

The Kvænangen næringsbygg in Sørstraumen has public toilets and showers. Availability may change, so check the current situation in advance. The same building is home to the Kvænangen språksenter, which offers various activities and courses in Sámi and Kven. If a particular course is important to your plans, it is best to confirm the dates in advance.

As a camping option, Sørstraumen Camping offers pitches for caravans and motorhomes, as well as boat hire. The campsite is about 500 metres from Sørstraumen Handel and the E6. If you plan to use these services, confirm their availability before your trip.

Other Landscapes in the Wider Destination of Kvænangen

Within the wider destination of Kvænangen, the Kvænangsbotn protected landscape area includes pine forests, small lakes, marshes and birch forests between hills and ridges of resistant rock. The Navitdalen protected landscape area consists of a wooded mountain valley with a slow-flowing river. To the east is a mountain range with peaks of up to 1,200 metres; there are open areas on the valley floor. These two landscape descriptions show different features of Kvænangen’s natural environment.

In the Kvænangsbotn protected landscape area, you can take either short day hikes to cabins or longer trips with your own tent and fishing gear. This offers a practical distinction when planning: a short trip to a cabin and a longer stay with your own equipment are different kinds of outings.

Cultural sites in the wider destination of Kvænangen include Dalstuene, also known as Skogstuene: a historic site of the Nord-Troms Museum in Kvænangen Municipality. It consists of Gammelstua, Stallen and Nystua. Gammelstua was built in the 1880s, and the other two cabins in the early 20th century. The cabins were used year-round to make use of forest resources. Visible traces of Sámi reindeer husbandry and Kven forestry can also be seen in the Kvænangsbotn protected landscape area.

For the overview of the wider destination: Kvænangen.