Svensby: Farm History and Routes to Barheia

Svensby is an agricultural settlement on the eastern side of the Ullsfjord. Gamslett farm, trails in Svensbymarka and activities at Svensby Tursenter offer different ways to spend your stay. The ferry and bus connections are also useful to know about if you are considering Svensby as a destination for a hotel stay.

Gamslett: a farm with a long history

The Gamslett fishing farm in Svensby dates back to the 18th century. The complex includes a farmhouse, a boathouse, a reconstructed low barn and a barn building. The farm conveys a way of life that was widespread in North Troms until the 1950s. Gamslett thus connects the history of a specific farm with the everyday life illustrated by the site.

Trails and landscapes around Svensby

The hike to Barheia can begin at the Svensby Tursenter car park or at the Gamslett local history museum. A forest road and trail cover around 3 km. From Barheia, you can enjoy views across the Ullsfjord and of Jægervasstindan. Route conditions can change seasonally; check them before setting out.

Trollvatnet lies at the foot of Trollvasstind in Svensbymarka. The route to the lake is suitable for hiking and skiing; Svensby Tursenter is also a possible starting point. This gives you different destinations and ways of getting around to consider when planning, although no walking time is specified for these routes. Trollhytta is near Iskardtinden in Svensby, at an altitude of 110 m, and offers views of the Lyngen Alps. Check the current access conditions and the cabin’s facilities before visiting.

Seasonal activities at Svensby Tursenter

The snowmobile safari starts at Svensby Tursenter on a publicly approved snowmobile route and continues into the Lyngen Alps area. This alpine landscape has peaks up to 1,500 m high. Check snow conditions and seasonal operating hours before travelling. A dog-sledding experience is offered in Svensbymarka; ask about current availability before booking.

A snowshoe hike starts at Svensby Tursenter and follows a circular route through the surrounding area. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the distinctive Jægervasstindene, or the Lyngen Alps. Check the current availability of this seasonal activity before booking, too. A cycling tour also starts at the Tursenter, goes via Jægervatnet and returns along forest roads.

Svensby Tursenter rents out two fishing boats from 15 May to 30 August. As this is a seasonal service, check current availability in advance.

Ferry, bus and services at the quay

A ferry runs from Svensby across the Ullsfjord to Breivikeidet in Tromsø municipality. The crossing between Breivikeidet and Svensby takes around 20 minutes within the wider Lyngen destination. Check the current timetable and ferry fares before travelling. Bus route 150 runs from Tromsø or Alta to Svensby; here, too, it is a good idea to check the latest timetable.

At the ferry quay, Zapffe Café and the kiosk serve coffee, filled baguettes, soups and baked goods. The offerings for visitors may change. The ferry, bus and food options at the quay are therefore useful points to consider when planning your journey, alongside the routes and activities that interest you in Svensby.

Lyngen as the wider setting

Within the wider Lyngen destination, the region encompasses the northern part of the peninsula between the Ullsfjord and Lyngenfjord. The Lyngen Alps rise from the fjord, with peaks reaching more than 1,000 m. At 1,834 m, Jiehkkevárri is the highest point in the Lyngen Alps. This regional overview sets Svensby’s local descriptions within the broader landscape.

There are also other hiking destinations within the wider Lyngen destination. The round trip to Lyngstuva is about 6 km; allow around two hours for the entire hike. The round trip to Blåisvatnet is about 8 km. The lake in Sør-Lenangen stands out for its intense blue colour and its contrast with the steep mountain slopes in the background. These estimates help you compare regional hiking options by distance and time required.

Discover more destinations: Lyngen, Kvalvik, Lyngseidet, Nord-Lenangen.

Go to the wider travel overview: Lyngen.