Oteren: Fjord Scenery, Hiking Trails and History

Oteren brings together fjord scenery, hiking trails and traces of cultural history. Otertun lies at the innermost end of Lyngenfjord and offers views of the Lyngen Alps. There are also short local trails and hiking destinations in several directions.

Scenery and History in Oteren

Anteksteinen near Fallstokkbakken bears carved names, a date, a boot and other symbols. The carvings are thought to have been made by a man named Antek, who was in Storfjord during the war. Visible markings and a cautious historical interpretation sit side by side here. The excursion destination at Folkets hus Otertun is partially accessible.

Local Trails and Facilities

Near Oteren, hiking trails pass through Tverrdalen towards Gurgela and Bogefjell. There are also short hikes from Oteren towards Oteraksla, including to Fallstokkbakken and Oterbakken. The trail information provides different points of reference: the Otertun trail has a specified length and endpoint, while the trails through Tverrdalen and towards Oteraksla are described by their directions and destinations.

The Otertun trail is 0.5 km long and ends at a shelter. Folkets hus Otertun has a lit cross-country ski trail, a fire pit for making coffee, a shelter and a toilet. By taking trails and facilities into account when planning your day, you can distinguish between the short route with a specified endpoint, hikes to other destinations and the ski trail.

Getting to Oteren

From Tromsø, the drive to Oteren follows the E8 and then the E6/E8. Buses to Oteren travel via Nordkjosbotn, where a change is sometimes required. When choosing how to travel, consider both the road connection and the possibility of a transfer. Check the current timetable before taking the bus.

Storfjord as a Wider Travel Destination

In the wider Storfjord travel destination, the Lyngsalpan Protected Landscape Area covers the municipality of Storfjord. Its protected landscape features include glaciers, moraines, valleys and geological formations, as well as biological diversity and cultural heritage. The protection framework is intended to enable the public to enjoy traditional, simple forms of outdoor recreation in an area with limited technical development.

Storfjord’s historical sites also provide a distinct regional context: Bollmanns-/Russeveien was built by Russian, Yugoslav and Polish prisoners of war in the autumn and winter of 1944/45. Today, vegetation has been cleared from the route, and signs provide information about the war years in Storfjord. Steindalsbreen lies in Steindalen on the western side of Storfjord, between Oteren and Lyngseidet. The hike there takes about two hours along a beautiful mountain trail; the duration may vary depending on the starting point and conditions. Otertinden in Storfjord is 1,356 metres high, has two peaks and is one of the most photographed landmarks.

Discover more destinations: Skibotn, Storfjord.

Go to the main travel overview: Storfjord.