Tromsø: Snowshoe walk with local café stop in Kvaløya

Summary

Snowshoe through Kvaløya’s quiet, then share cake by the fjord

You’ll step into Kvaløya’s peaceful winter with an easy snowshoe walk led by a local guide, pausing for hot drinks and stories along the way. Afterward, relax at Bryggejentene café on Ersfjord’s shore — try their homemade cakes and soak in that cozy Norwegian feeling you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway down the snowy path when I realized how quiet it was out here — just the crunch of our snowshoes and someone’s laugh drifting back from up ahead. Our guide, Marta, kept pointing out little things I’d never have noticed: reindeer tracks pressed into the powder, the way the light turned everything blue for a while. I tried to keep up but got distracted by how soft the snow felt under my boots. It’s not like hiking at home — there’s this hush that settles in your chest.

I didn’t expect to feel so awake during polar night. Maybe it was the cold air or maybe just being outside Kvaløya, away from Tromsø city center for once. We stopped for a minute and Marta handed around a thermos of something hot (I think it was blackcurrant tea? Sweet and tart at the same time). My fingers stung a bit from pulling off my gloves too fast, but honestly, I didn’t care. The group was mostly Norwegians and one German couple — everyone seemed happy to just stand there and look at the fjord for a second.

The best part came after we finished walking: Bryggejentene café sitting right on Ersfjord’s edge, windows fogged up from inside. You could smell cinnamon as soon as you walked in. I ordered chocolate cake because Marta said it was “famous” (she winked; I believed her). We sat by the window with mugs of coffee, watching snow swirl outside. Someone tried to pronounce “koselig” properly and failed — Li laughed so hard she almost spilled her tea. I still think about that warm slice of cake and how nobody rushed us out when we lingered too long before heading back.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snowshoeing and Café Visit

• Snowshoeing in Malangen landscapes
• Relax at Tove's Tradisjonsmat café
• Enjoy coffee or tea with cake

Top questions

Is this snowshoe tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s designed for all fitness levels and doesn’t involve steep climbs.

Where does the tour take place?

The snowshoe walk is in Kvaløya near Tromsø, ending at Bryggejentene café in Ersfjord.

Are snowshoes and poles provided?

Yes, all necessary equipment is included in your booking.

Is food or drink included?

You get a warm drink (coffee, tea or chocolate) and homemade cake at the café.

How do we get to the starting point?

Public transportation options are available nearby; check details when booking.

Can people with health issues join?

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes all snowshoeing equipment (snowshoes and poles), guidance from an experienced local guide, plus a stop at Bryggejentene café where you’ll enjoy a hot drink and their famous homemade cakes before returning to Tromsø.