5 easy hikes

Here are five easy mountain hikes in Tromsø’s backyard that offer wonderful sun conditions on long summer days.

You don’t have to travel far from Tromsø until you are in the middle of an Eldorado of mountain summits and peaks. The Tromsø region offers wonderful hiking opportunities year-round. Hiking in the middle of summer with loads of fresh air and the golden rays of the Midnight Sun on your face is a unique and memorable experience. When you reach the top, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of fjords, white sandy beaches and small islands on the outer coast.

The starting points for these five summit hikes near Tromsø can be reached by car, on foot or using public transport. All five options are family-friendly, and you won’t need previous hiking experience to enjoy these recommended hikes.

However, it’s important to take a few precautions. Check the weather forecast, wear suitable clothing, feel free to ask the locals for advice and take some food and drink with you.

1. Hillesøytoppen: Magnificent views of the open sea

You will find Hillesøytoppen (210 m.a.s.l.) on the outer coast of Kvaløya, near beautiful Sommarøy . This popular and fairly easy walk offers wonderful views of the rocky island Håja, which provided inspiration for Jan Inge Hovig when he designed the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø. When you reach the top, you will also see beaches, rural communities and other islands, including Senja. On a fine summer’s evening, you will have the Midnight Sun on your face during the entire walk. The walk up takes about an hour.

Access by car and public transport: The drive to Sommarøy takes about an hour or you can hop on bus no. 420 or 422. (Please note that it’s not possible to take a bus there and back on the same day).

2. Brosmetinden: An airy and beautiful evening walk

Brosmetinden is a relatively easy summit hike on the outer coast of Kvaløya suitable for children and adults alike. The peak rises 525 m above sea level and offers spectacular views. This hike is renowned for excellent sun conditions and is especially beautiful in the evening sun and Midnight Sun. If you want to test your fear of heights, you can hike up the extreme edge of the mountain and experience a few airy sections on the way to the top. As the car park is situated at an altitude of almost 300 m, the hike up to the summit only takes about an hour.

Access by car and public transport: It’s about a 90-minute drive from Tromsø to the car park. See Outdooractive.com for a more detailed description of the hike.

3. Trehørningen: The mountain that plunges steeply down to the fjord

With an altitude of just 283 metres above sea level, this hike suits virtually everyone. There is a nice cairn at the summit, magnificent views of islands, fjords and mountains, and you will be rewarded with the Midnight Sun. Remember to pose for a photo at the top! This peak is somewhat exposed to the wind, so dress warmly. Adults walking at a leisurely pace can reach the top in about 30 minutes.

Access by car and public transport: It’s a 30-minute drive from Tromsø to the Bellvika-Skulsfjord area. See ut.no for a more detailed description.

4. Nordtinden: A slightly longer hike with great rewards at the top

If you head to Skulsfjord, you can go on a slightly longer hike up to the summit of Nordtinden (640 m.a.s.l.). This hike is somewhat longer than the first three but, with a gradual ascent and a good path all the way, is relatively easy. From the summit, you can take wonderful photos of small islands in the open sea, small coastal communities and chalk-white beaches in the golden rays of the Midnight Sun. The hike up and down including breaks takes 2-3 hours.

Access by car and public transport: The drive from Tromsø to Skulsfjord takes 30-45 minutes. Please note that you need to pay for parking here. See Outdooractive.com for a more detailed description of the hike.

5. The Cable Car and the Sherpa Steps: Wonderful views of Tromsø

The mountain plateau at upper station of the Cable Car offers stunning views of Tromsø city and the surrounding islands. There are several options suitable for adults and children alike. You can either walk up the popular Sherpa Steps, a stone staircase that starts right behind the Arctic Cathedral, or via the Dalberg Path on the southern side, which is a longer alternative. Another option is to take the Cable Car to the upper station at an altitude of 421 m. This is a good option if you have little children with you. When you reach the top, you can enjoy a waffle at the Fjellstua Café. You also have the option of hiking further into the mountains on a long summer night. Remember the mandatory photo of Tromsø bathing in the Midnight Sun!

You will find directions and more information about the various options on the Cable Car’s website. Find a detailed description of the hike to mount Fløya at Ourdooractive.com.

Get ready for magical moments. Take a deep breath, relax and enjoy the beautiful mountains.