Discover Karlsøy

Karlsøy offers nature experiences of very different kinds: protected coastal areas, important seabird breeding grounds, and hiking destinations on Vannøya and Ringvassøya. When planning a trip, you can first decide whether birdwatching and skerry landscapes or paths through valleys and up to peaks should take priority. Access conditions also vary: a boat is required to reach most of the Nordkvaløya-Rebbenesøya protected areas.

Skerries, breeding grounds and coastal culture

The Flatværet nature reserve consists of 52 grassy islets, as well as surrounding skerries and shallow-water areas. Cormorants and gulls are among the birds that breed there, and several species of duck also moult there. Flatvær was protected as an eiderdown station until 1982. The current description of the area combines its distinctive landscape and importance for birds with a reference to this former protective function.

Måsvær is also characterised by islets, skerries and shallow-water areas. The nature reserve includes Store Måsværet, the surrounding skerry landscape, and numerous smaller islands and shallow-water areas. Måsvær is a resting and haul-out site for harbour seals; grey seals can also be seen there. Sørfugløya is home to one of Norway’s most important bird cliffs and a significant breeding ground, particularly for razorbills and puffins. Visitors can also see black guillemots and common guillemots there.

The Nordkvaløya-Rebbenesøya landscape protection area is a continuous coastal area whose landscape is characteristic of Troms’ coastal culture. The Ytre Karlsøy marine protected area overlaps substantially with this landscape protection area. Haugland gård, a state-secured recreational area, is located on Hersøya within the landscape protection area.

Hiking on Vannøya and Ringvassøya

The coastal trails on Vannøya follow historic paths along the sea in some places, and cross mountains and mountain passes between fjords in others. The network therefore includes both coastal sections and more challenging mountain stretches; your choice of route and elevation goal can shape your day’s hike. Skipsfjord landscape protection area lies in the central part of Vannøya.

A gentle summit hike leads to Indianeren in the northwest of Vannøya. The trail is well marked and equipped with benches, tables and a fire pit. If you want to go further, you can continue along the trail to Torstinden. On Ringvassøya, a marked trail leads from Gamnes to the 333-metre-high Nattmålstuva. Storheia, a family-friendly summit, is also located above Hansnes.

In the Nordkvaløya-Rebbenesøya landscape protection area, you can hike through valleys and climb high peaks. At Breivika on the outer side of Rebbenesøya, access depends on the option you choose and the conditions: in suitable weather, the area can be reached by boat; alternatively, you can take the route over the mountain.

Getting there and choosing a holiday rental

The ferry connection is a useful reference point when planning your trip: Svipper’s ferry route 185 connects Hansnes, Karlsøy and Vannøy. The timetable is valid from 1 January 2026. In addition, a boat is required to reach most of the Nordkvaløya-Rebbenesøya protected areas. When choosing a holiday rental, it can therefore be helpful to consider your main interests: hiking trails and summit destinations, birdwatching, or protected coastal areas each call for different travel arrangements. The nature experiences you want to enjoy and the ferry or boat connections are more useful criteria than a general overview of the region as a whole.

Explore more places

More local pages: Hansnes, Vannvåg, Dåfjord, Vannareid, Karlsøy, Valen and Rebbenes.

For the broader travel overview: Troms.

More destinations

More places in the same destination:

Kåfjord.