Tromso, Norway is one of the stunning locations in Northern Norway that every nature lover has to visit. We have spend two weeks exploring the city, the fjords and mountains of Tromso last summer (2020).
Mount Floya, Tromstaltinden, and Brosmortinden, just to mention a few from the easy hikes from Tromso.
Tromso hiking
Although hiking on Kvaløya island is possible with public transportation, we highly recommend you renting a car. It is not only easier but cheaper, and most hiking trails have designated parking places near the trailheads.
Hiking on Kvaloya
Kvaløya, “whale island” is situated north from Tromsø. It is located within the arctic circle and is the 5th largest island off of Norway’s mainland. This island boasts several fjords and 10 peaks higher than 700 m, three of which are over 1,000 m. The west coast of Kvaløya, Sommerøya, faces the open ocean and is the warmest area of the Tromsø municipality. It is hard to choose what stands out more on Kvaløya: the magnificent mountain peaks or the raw coastal beauty.
When to Hike in Tromso?
The best time of year for hiking in the Tromsø area is between May and September. We spend there two weeks in August, and the weather was amazing. A bit windy, but the temperature was over 20°C every day.
The average summer temperatures range from 10-15 C with the lowest amounts of rainfall, less than 10 cm of precipitation per month, in comparison to the rest of the year. The biggest concern you should think about is the strong winds due to the proximity of the sea.
Tromso to Fjellheisen (Cable Car)
One of the most popular and easy Tromso hikes is the Cable Car ride to Fjellheisen. The top station of the Cable Car gives an amazing view over the city from 421 meter.
This easy hike is actually a short walk from the cable car, and suitable for any age.
Fjellheisen ‘hike’ info
Distance 200 meters – 1 km (if you walk around on the top).
Time: 2-3 hours (including spending time on the mountain.
Hiking Mount Floya
Mount Floya is the closest mountain to the city of Tromso. The trailhead starts not far from Tromso’s famous Arctic Cathedral. This hike is an extended or alternative version of Fjellheisen.
The hike offers you an amazing view from 671 meters down to the city from this mountain on the east. It is extremely popular among tourists, although most of them opt for cable cars. Don’t worry, we were lazy to walk with a baby and toddler as well 😉
The best hiking route to Floya takes you to the first lookout point at Storsteinen, this is the place where the historic cable car arrives too, and then you can continue further up the hill past Steinbøhytta to the peak. The Fjellstua offers basic meals for tired hikers.
Hiking info
5.6 km
3 h
650 m ascent
Brosmetinden Hike
Our favorite hike near Tromso was the breathtaking route to Brosmetinden. Brosmetinden is one of the simply reachable summits in the area. The elevation gain is small, and the terrain is easy, it is a family-friendly route (but you need to watch the kids near the cliffs).
Brosmetinden peak is 525 m above sea level and is located on the northeastern side of Kvaløya island. Hiking up to it is fairly easy and can be done by kids and elderly as well.
In the beginning, the well-marked trail crosses the moor and then it reaches the edge of the cliffs. That’s when the scenery becomes even more awesome. We saw a lady pitching her tent up there. A view that everyone would easily accept.
Hiking info
3.8 km
2 hours
238 m elevation gain
Store Blåmannen hike
If you are looking for a more demanding and stunning hike, concoure the tallest and peak on Kvaløya.
The Stora Blamannen hike is demanding, and requires good physical shape and fair montain hiking experience.
Store Blåmannen demands your focus and effort the entire trek, but at the top, there will never be a more exquisite experience. Not only will you have worked hard (therefore clearly earning that “kanelbolle” you were eyeing at the cafe this morning) but you will be overlooking some of the most magnificent scenery you can imagine.
Store Blåmannen is the highest peak in the middle of the island of Kvaløya at 1044 meters above sea level. You can observe the Kaldfjorden fjord below you. The trail is very well-known and popular, therefore the route is well-signed and maintained.
Hike Info
3 km
4 hours
1040 m ascent
Nortinden
Another panoramic hike on Kvaløya: Nortinden trail. Nortinden is the highest peak on the northern side of Kvaloya, and offers amazing views along the hiking trail, and tt is only 25 km from Tromso.
The first half of the hike leads along a maintained dirt road which inclines gradually. After 3 km, the trail becomes rocky and more demanding due to the steeper climb.
Hiking Info
5.1 km
3 hours
650 m ascent
Where to Stay in Tromso
Tromso is full of accommodations with awesome views. One of the nice options to stay near the city center of Tromso, for example, in Scandic Ishavshotel, and take day trips to the different hikes. We did the same, as there are almost no services outside of the city, so it was the easiest option with two small kids, and it also gave up the opportunity to freely decide which hike we are heading to.
Near the Cathedral, you can try an awesome Norwegian wooden house as well: Arctic Villa in Tromsø.
On Kvaløya, you can stay in the Ersfjordbotn Brygge or the more budget Holiday Home Straumsveien.
