Svensby between Ullsfjord and cultural history

Svensby is a settlement shaped by agriculture on the eastern side of Ullsfjord. Here, insights into the history of North Troms meet hikes and excursions through the landscape. From Barheia, the view stretches across Ullsfjord to the Jægervasstindan peaks. Visitors looking for both culture and outdoor activities during their holiday will find a range of options in Svensby.

Barheia and the landscape around Ullsfjord

The hike to Barheia can start at the Svensby Tursenter car park or at Gamslett local museum. From there, a forest road and trail continue for about 3 km. The approximate distance is a useful guide for planning your day; from Barheia, the view takes in Ullsfjord and the distinctive Jægervasstindan peaks.

Trollvatnet is also part of the Svensbymarka landscape, at the foot of Trollvasstind. The route there is suitable for hiking and skiing and can also start at Svensby Tursenter. This gives you different destinations and activities to choose from when planning excursions, without every trip having the same starting point or purpose. Trollhytta is located near Iskardtinden in Svensby at an altitude of 110 m and offers views of the Lyngen Alps.

Gamslett: buildings and way of life

Gamslett, a fishing and farming homestead, dates back to the 18th century. Its historic buildings include a dwelling house, a boathouse, a reconstructed low barn and a barn. The homestead offers a glimpse into a way of life that was widespread in North Troms until the 1950s. Gamslett thus complements the landscape experiences with a tangible insight into cultural history: the visit is shaped not only by the buildings themselves but also by the way of life they convey.

Excursions with different focuses

Several activities and excursions start at Svensby Tursenter. A snowshoe hike follows a circular route through the surrounding area, with views of the distinctive Jægervasstindene peaks and the Lyngen Alps. If you prefer cycling, you can start a ride at the Tursenter, cycle via Jægervatnet and return along forest roads. These two options differ in both their mode of travel and their route.

The snowmobile safari also starts at Svensby Tursenter, following a publicly authorised snowmobile route. It continues into the Lyngen Alps, an alpine landscape with peaks reaching up to 1500 m. A dog-sledding experience is also offered in Svensbymarka. Alongside the hiking and cycling excursions, these activities offer a more active focus for your holiday, while Gamslett provides a cultural and historical counterpoint.

For anglers, Svensby Tursenter rents out two fishing boats from 15 May to 30 August. This period is worth bearing in mind if you plan to combine a holiday during these months with a boat trip. The different excursions and experiences offer several possible ways to shape a stay in Svensby, rather than forming one single route.

Getting here and everyday life

Svensby has a ferry connection across Ullsfjord to Breivikeidet in Tromsø Municipality. Bus route 150 also runs from Tromsø or Alta to Svensby. These connections are useful points of reference when considering how to get to Svensby. At the ferry terminal, Zapffe Café and the kiosk serve coffee, filled baguettes, soups and baked goods.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Svensby, you can start by considering which part of the place and the trip matters most to you: the cultural and historical perspective at Gamslett, excursions such as the hike to Barheia, or the various activities at Svensby Tursenter. For getting there, the ferry and bus are different options. This way, you can base your choice of Svensby on the experiences you actually want and your preferred way of travelling.

More places to discover: North-Lenangen, Lyngen, Lyngseidet, Kvalvik.

Back to the main travel guide: Lyngen.