Tromsø Arctic hiking and snowshoeing tour: Kvaløya island views

Hike to mountain viewpoints across Arctic fjords and valleys

This five-hour hiking and snowshoeing tour in Tromsø takes you by 4x4 vehicle to remote trails around Kvaløya island or the mainland, where you walk to scenic overlooks and mountain lakes. Your guide chooses the route based on weather, provides snowshoes or crampons when snow is on the ground, and serves warm soup and hot drinks at a viewpoint before returning to town. Groups stay small at a maximum of six participants.

Step-by-step itinerary

Arctic hiking and scenic drive

• Check weather forecast with guide
• Drive 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser to fjords
• Receive hiking equipment
• Hike scenic trails and take photos
• Enjoy outdoor picnic with warm soup
• Return to Tromsø

The experience

The tour starts with your guide checking the weather forecast to pick the safest and most scenic area for the day: either around Kvaløya island or inland from Tromsø. You'll ride in a 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser along the fjords and valleys, then step out for an easy to moderate walk on uneven terrain to reach viewpoints and mountain lakes. The hike itself covers roughly 500 to 1,000 meters depending on conditions and the route your guide selects.

When snow is on the ground, you get ice crampons or snowshoes, walking poles, and hand and foot warmers for your own boots. The landscape shifts with the season (wet and slippery in autumn, snow-covered in winter), so the terrain changes what the walk feels like, but the vistas stay consistent. Your guide photographs you and the scenery, and you're welcome to bring your own camera.

Midway through, you'll stop for an outdoor picnic at a viewpoint: warm expedition soup (vegan, lactose-free and gluten-free options available), cookies and hot beverages. The group maxes out at six people, so you're never in a crowd. The tour runs in all weather, which is why the operator emphasizes dressing in three layers and wearing waterproof winter boots: your own gear, not provided.

What’s included

• Warm expedition soup with vegan, lactose-free and gluten-free options available.
• cookies and hot beverages.
• professional guide, photographer and driver.
• transportation in a 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser.
• ice crampons, snowshoes and walking poles.
• hand and foot warmers.
• a small 20-litre backpack on request.
• photos from the tour.

Before you book

Days and timesMondayDeparts at 09:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (17 to 65 years) · Youth (13 to 16 years) · Under 13: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish, Italian and Norwegian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Arctic Photo Guide

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to hike to mountain viewpoints on foot rather than stay in a vehicle, and you're prepared for uneven, potentially snowy terrain with proper winter boots and layered clothing.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Italian and Norwegian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 16 years). Children under 13 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What's the difference between hiking and snowshoeing on this tour?

Your guide decides which one based on snow cover and ground conditions when you arrive. If snow is on the ground, you'll use snowshoes or ice crampons to walk safely. If the terrain is clear or wet, you'll hike in boots. Either way, you're walking to the same viewpoints.

How do I know which trail we'll take? Kvaløya island or the mainland?

Your guide checks the weather forecast at the start of the tour and picks the safer, more scenic option for that day. Both routes offer fjord and mountain views. The choice depends on wind, snow, and visibility conditions on the morning you go.

What happens if the weather is really bad?

The tour operates in all weather conditions. Your guide will still choose a safe trail and adjust the walk if needed, but you should expect wind, rain, snow or ice. Dress warmly in waterproof layers and bring appropriate winter boots.

Are the hiking boots and warm clothes included?

No. You need to bring your own waterproof hiking boots suitable for winter and snow, plus warm, water-resistant clothing in three layers. The operator provides snowshoes, crampons, walking poles and hand and foot warmers, but your own footwear and outerwear are essential.

What's included in the picnic lunch?

Warm expedition soup, cookies and hot beverages. Vegan, lactose-free and gluten-free versions of the soup are available if you let the operator know when you book.