Lavangen: Mountains, Waterfall and Culture

In Lavangen, Sámi, Kven and Norwegian cultures meet in a landscape of birch forests, fjords and open valleys. Waterfalls, mountain hiking trails, summit views and cultural heritage sites offer different starting points for planning your trip.

Midnattsoltrappa: A Stairway with Views of the Valley

The developed mountain hiking trail Midnattsoltrappa is located in Spansdalen. Its wooden staircase, with 2,117 steps, offers views of the valley, Tennevoll and the Lavangsfjord. The trail starts at the community hall in Spansdalen. From the parking area, the route first follows a gravel road for about 580 metres before the steps climb the mountainside. So the described starting section is not made up of steps alone: the gravel section is also part of finding your way at the beginning of the trail.

Waterfall, Ice Wall and Far-Reaching Views

Henrikkafossen is a waterfall in Lavangen about 250 metres high. In winter, it is a destination for ice climbers: when the waterfall freezes, it becomes a large ice wall that has attracted climbers for many years. The ice wall depends on winter frost conditions, so the waterfall and climbing destination are not the same in every season.

Spanstinden offers a different perspective on the landscape. At 1,457 metres above sea level, it is the highest mountain in Lavangen. From there, views extend across Sær-Troms, the Narvik region, the Lofoten Islands and Swedish Lapland. The waterfall, ice climbing and summit views offer different highlights: Henrikkafossen shapes the landscape with its height, while Spanstinden is described above all for its expansive views.

Cultural History at a Museum and Landmark

Krambuvika Bygdemuseum is located by the sea on Soløy in Lavangen. The cultural heritage site includes several buildings and a diverse collection of objects. The museum includes a nostalgic shop, a pier house, a shoemaker’s workshop and boathouses with older types of boats. The site is therefore not just a collection, but also includes a variety of buildings and workshops.

In Tennevoll, the Kulturgammen is a distinctive landmark of Lavangen. Its grass roof and design are rooted in Sámi cultural history. When the building is closed, the exhibitions can be seen through the windows. This is a practical point to keep in mind when planning your visit: you can view the exhibitions from outside even when the building is closed.

Lapphaugen offers another historical perspective, with a memorial park and traces of the battles of the Second World War. This military history adds another dimension to the cultural themes in Lavangen, which are also reflected in Sámi, Kven and Norwegian identities.

Cave Tours, Tour Themes and Regional Cuisine

Guided cave tours in the caves of Sagelva lead into a hidden world of rocks, cavities and underground water; there is also a waterfall inside the mountain. This is a different nature experience from viewing Henrikkafossen: the focus here is on a guided tour through the underground landscape. Another tour, “In the Footpath of the Mountain Warriors,” was created in connection with the film “The Battle of Narvik,” which premiered on 25 December 2022. The tour was produced as a guided offering and could be booked in advance. Check before travelling whether it is currently available.

Food can also be part of your trip planning: the restaurant Naustet at Fjellkysten Gjestehus serves seasonal dishes with North Norwegian flavours, along with fjord views and a relaxed atmosphere. As restaurant operations can change, it is a good idea to check current availability before planning a visit.

Plan Your Journey and Accommodation

Lavangen is 50 kilometres north of Narvik and can be visited as a day trip or with an overnight stay. For planning public transport, check Entur or Reis. If you are planning an overnight stay, you can decide whether to focus on Midnattsoltrappa, the landscape and cultural sites, or a particular tour theme.

Discover more destinations: Tennevoll, Lavangen, Skånland, Dyrøy, Tranøy, Kvæfjord, Ibestad, Skjervøy.

View the regional travel overview: Troms.