Oldervik – Cultural History on Ullsfjord

Oldervik brings together a historic cultural heritage with a river estuary on Ullsfjord and a coastal landscape of Arctic forest and rocky beaches. If you’re looking for hotels in Oldervik, these local themes can help you choose a destination: the cultural heritage sites in the centre, the Oldervik Coastal Trail, and various activities associated with the village. Consider whether history, scenery or outdoor activities should be the focus of your trip.

Location and getting there

The Oldervikelva flows into Ullsfjord at Oldervik. The river is also of interest to anglers: fishing permits are sold for fishing in the Oldervikelva. Fishing access and permit sales are seasonal, so check the operator’s latest information before your trip.

Bus route 450 runs from Tromsø via Tønsvik to Oldervik. Routes and destinations may vary between the summer and winter seasons. Check the timetable for your travel dates so you can plan for seasonal changes to the service.

Coastal scenery and activities

The Oldervik Coastal Trail passes through Arctic forest and then leads to several rocky beaches. The trail connects two distinct landscapes in sequence: forest first, then coast. On a clear day, the Lyngen Alps are visible across the water, so this view depends on visibility.

Winter activities associated with Oldervik include cross-country skiing, freeride skiing and snowshoeing. Photographing the Northern Lights is also among the activities mentioned. These appeal to different interests: the three winter sports involve moving through the snow, while Northern Lights photography centres on a subject of its own.

Cultural history in Oldervik

Guttorm Hansen’s house in Oldervik is designated as a cultural heritage site. Guttorm Hansen was a local “nessekonge” (merchant king) and ran a trading business, a school and a telephone station.

The cultural heritage sites in central Oldervik form a heritage ensemble that should be preserved as an anchor for local identity. This is about more than individual historic buildings; it is also about how the ensemble fits together in the village centre. Visitors interested in the village’s history can consider this shared aspect alongside Guttorm Hansen’s biography.

Culture and nature in Tromsø

In Tromsø, Polaria offers educational programmes and exhibitions on environmental protection, research-based knowledge and the protection of Arctic wildlife. The Science Centre of Northern Norway covers four main themes across three floors and is also home to Norway’s largest planetarium. The Arctic University Museum of Norway, also known as Tromsø Museum, features exhibitions on the history and nature of Northern Norway. Individual programmes and exhibitions may change.

Tromsø’s nature-based offerings also have their own distinct highlights. The municipality of Tromsø’s cross-country ski trail network spans more than 400 kilometres; trail grooming is seasonal. Prestvannet is a protected landscape area with abundant birdlife in summer. It has a path around the lake, fire pits and benches. In winter, there is an ice rink, provided the ice is safe.

Discover more destinations: Straumsbukta, Ramfjordbotn, Sommarøy, Skulsfjord, Lakselvbukt, Vikran, Jøvik, Vengsøy.

For the main travel overview: Tromsø.