Skjervøy: Whale Safaris and Coastal History

Skjervøy combines Arctic fjords with a diverse coastal history. The archipelago includes Arnøya, Kågen, Uløya, Laukøya and Skjervøya, among other islands. Whale watching, ski touring and cultural sites on the islands offer different ways to shape your stay. When planning, consider which experiences interest you most and where each tour begins.

Whale Watching and Nature

A RIB whale safari departs from Skjervøy and searches the Arctic fjords for orcas, humpback whales and other marine wildlife. The tour takes place in a small group. The surrounding fjords are considered important feeding grounds for whales, but their locations vary from year to year. Whale watching is seasonal, and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

A nine-hour whale-watching tour between Tromsø and Skjervøy combines bus and boat journeys through Arctic landscapes and waters. It therefore differs in duration and itinerary from the RIB safari, which begins in Skjervøy. The duration and format of this longer tour may change.

Kågen offers another kind of nature experience: the island is known as a destination for ski touring from summit to sea. Conditions vary by season. Skjervøy’s mountain areas are also an important recreational resource for locals and tourists.

Coastal History and Cultural Sites

Skjervøy Church is a preserved wooden church dating from 1728 and was part of Thomas von Westen’s Finn Mission. As the oldest preserved wooden church in Nord-Hålogaland, it is protected as a historic monument and subject to strict restoration requirements set by the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage, Riksantikvaren. The building’s history and the history of the Finn Mission come together here.

Seppalatunet tells the story of Leonhard Seppala in particular and offers insights into the 1925 serum run to Nome, Alaska. The house also provides a glimpse into Skjervøy’s history and features art, handicrafts and local food. Visits are by request.

Maursund gård, a historic trading farm with roots in the 17th century, is located on the island of Kågen near Skjervøy. The museum site includes a reconstructed boathouse for a fembøring, a grand main building and exhibitions. Traditional coastal cuisine is served there on special occasions, so this offering is tied to such events.

Other cultural sites tell different parts of the coastal story. At Engnes, the ruins of a German coastal fort from the Second World War remain, including tunnels, gun emplacements and trenches. At Rotvåghula, a memorial plaque commemorates partisans who hid there while spying on maritime traffic.

The privately run Edmunds fiskabondemuseum in Årviksand displays a large collection of boats, tools and household items from the lives and work of fishing farmers. As visiting arrangements may change, it is best to check in advance before visiting.

Cultural Trails and Excursions

The cultural trail at Lauksletta is considered an easy, accessible route for the whole family and offers insights into the area’s nature and culture. Another cultural trail on Laukøya begins at the end of the road in Nikkeby. It follows the coast, with several information boards along the way about Laukøya’s nature and culture. The two routes offer different ways to explore the islands: one is described as an easy family trail, while the other follows the coast.

On Arnøya, Årvikmarka is a developed hiking area in Årvikdalen. For a boat excursion, the Aurora Salmon Centre in Skjervøy Municipality offers a tour to the demonstration facility at Kåvika, outside Skjervøy, which must be booked in advance. The trip lasts 2.5 to 3 hours; factor the advance booking into your plans.

Getting There and Planning Your Hotel Stay

When driving from Tromsø to Skjervøy, the ferry crossing between Lyngseidet and Olderdalen is part of the standard route. Another option is the express boat from Tromsø harbour terminal: it runs several times a week and takes about two hours. Before travelling, check the latest timetable information as well as road and ferry conditions.

The RIB whale safari starts in Skjervøy, while the longer whale-watching tour connects Tromsø and Skjervøy. Together with the cultural sites and the different island trails, these options offer a practical starting point for planning your stay without requiring every experience to fit into the same day.

Discover more destinations: Årviksand, Skjervøy, Uløybukt, Arnøyhamn, Torsken, Skånland, Harstad, Ibestad.

For the full travel overview: Troms.