Målselv: Waterfall, Trails and Culture

Målselvfossen plunges 22 meters at the lower reaches of the Målselva. In an NRK listener poll, it was named Norway’s National Waterfall in 2003. The “Fra foss til Foss” cultural trail runs between Bardufossen and Målselvfossen. If you are looking for a hotel in Målselv, you can plan your stay around whether waterfalls and culture or trails and nature are your main focus.

Landscape, River and Protected Area

Øvre-Dividal National Park is a 770-square-kilometer forest and mountain area in the municipality of Målselv. Havgavoupmi, a wetland of about 100 square kilometers, lies at the park’s eastern end. Particularly strict protection regulations apply to safeguard its populations of swimming and wading birds; hunting is completely prohibited.

Above Målselvfossen, smaller boats can navigate the Målselva for almost 80 kilometers, as far as the second Divifoss in Dividalen. Check local conditions before setting out. Downstream, the fishing area covers about 1.8 kilometers; its management may change seasonally. Two different details are relevant for planning: navigability above the waterfall and the seasonally changing management of the fishing area downstream.

Trails in Øvre-Dividal National Park

The Arctic Trail can be started at the end of the road in Dividalen or at Innset by Altevatnet. Along the long-distance route through the park, the local DNT association Troms Turlag maintains three unstaffed cabins: Dærtahytta, Dividalshytta and Vuomahytta. A day hike is also described from the end of the road in Dividalen to Ole-Nergårdbua and onward to the Dividal cabins, before returning.

The marked trail from the parking area to Ole Nergårdbua is about four kilometers long and passes through old-growth forest. The cabin is open to everyone; overnight stays are possible, and there are two sleeping places. Since information about its use may change, check the latest details before staying overnight. Another hiking option leads from Kongsvoldtunet along a marked trail to Rostakulen, which offers wide-ranging views across Målselvdalen.

Museums and Cultural History

Fossmotunet tells the story of the history and culture of the people who immigrated to Målselv from the late 18th century onward. The site includes Fossmostua, a well house, a stable with a bell tower, a storehouse, the first cooperative store in Målselv, Rognmo School and a smithy. Groups and school classes can visit Fossmotunet by arrangement from May to September.

Kongsvoldtunet and Aursfjordsaga are also open to groups and school classes by arrangement from May to September. Kongslistua at Kongsvoldtunet was built in 1846. It contains decorated chests and cabinets associated with the period of the early settlers. Together with the cultural trail between the two waterfalls, these places offer different ways to explore Målselv’s history: through historic buildings, collection items or a route through the landscape.

Activities and Regional Cuisine

As described in 2025, Polarbadet in Bardufoss includes a family pool with an interactive slide, diving tower, sports and therapy pools, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, a Turkish steam bath and a traditional sauna. For guided exploration of Arctic nature, the family-run outdoor company OffTrack Experience in Målselv offers personal, privately guided tours.

Målselv Fjellandsby offers snowshoe tours for different ability levels in small groups. Sámi experiences are also offered there, with cultural insights, stories and traditions in the home of the Oskal family. These activities may be seasonal. Målselv Fjellandsby also serves classic northern Norwegian dishes, simple lunches, sweet pastries, and hot and cold drinks; food and drink options may change.

Discover more destinations: Moen, Bardufoss, Målselv, Rundhaug, Øverbygd, Kåfjord, Skånland, Bardu.

For the main travel overview: Troms.