Bardufoss: Cross-country skiing, air traffic and culture

Bardufoss is the transport hub of the municipality of Målselv in inner Troms. The town combines cross-country skiing and downhill skiing with flights to Oslo and a village museum. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing the local trails and slopes from the offerings in Målselv. This will help you weigh up the different highlights of your trip.

Cross-country skiing, slopes and snowshoe tours

Rustahøgda provides direct access to the 34-kilometre Reistadløypa trail between Bardufoss and Setermoen. It is considered varied and is known for its historical significance. Bardufoss Ski Center has nine ski trails with a total length of 62 kilometres. This figure describes the center’s ski trails and should be distinguished from the length of the Reistadløypa.

The illuminated trails at Bardufoss Ski Center cover 10 kilometres. They run between Heggelia and Sørhus via the center. Bardufoss therefore has different trail length figures for cross-country and downhill skiing: 34 kilometres for the Reistadløypa, 10 kilometres of illuminated trails and 62 kilometres of ski trails. Before planning, check the latest seasonal and operating information for your chosen activity.

In Målselv, Målselv Fjellandsby adds another option: this family-friendly alpine ski area lies in mountainous terrain, about a 30-minute drive from the Bardufoss region. Alpine skiing and cross-country skiing are available there. Snowshoe tours for different ability levels are also offered in small groups; availability may vary by season. When comparing these options, keep in mind that they are in different locations and involve different activities.

Getting there and finding your way

Bardufoss Airport offers daily direct flights to Oslo. Since flight frequency can change for operational reasons, check the current connections before your trip. Larger and smaller aircraft operate at Bardufoss, which handles both military and civilian air traffic. Together with its role as the transport hub of the municipality of Målselv in inner Troms, these details make Bardufoss a point of arrival and orientation.

Village history and culture in Målselv

Fossmotunet in Bardufoss opened as a village museum in 1963. In Målselv, it conveys the history and culture of the people who immigrated to the area from the late 18th century onward. Fossmotunet includes Fossmostua, a well house, a barn with a bell tower, a storehouse, the first cooperative shop in Målselv, Rognmo School and a smithy. The museum is open to groups and school classes by appointment from May to September. Arrange your visit in advance.

Målselvfossen is also part of the regional landscape: the waterfall lies on the lower reaches of the Målselva and has a drop of 22 metres. In a listener vote by NRK, it was named Norway’s national waterfall in 2003. The “Fra foss til Foss” cultural trail runs through Målselv between Bardufossen and Målselvfossen. The waterfall and trail therefore offer a different focus from the skiing options, highlighting the landscape and cultural history.

Discover more destinations: Rundhaug, Målselv, Øverbygd, Moen.

Go to the main travel overview: Målselv.