The best outdoor activities in Skjervøy

Skjervøy: Where the Whales Meet the Arctic Light

A pod of orcas slices through the icy fjord, silhouetted against the soft pink glow of a winter sunrise. Above, sea eagles circle silently. This is Skjervøy, a tiny Arctic island that feels like the edge of the world, and yet, it's where some of the wildest marine encounters on Earth unfold.

Visit Skjervøy: An Arctic Island Full of Life

Tucked into Norway’s far north, between the vast Lyngen Alps and the open Barents Sea, Skjervøy is a small fishing village surrounded by dramatic fjords and untouched wilderness. Though home to just a few thousand people, it has gained international attention as one of the best places in the world to see orcas and humpback whales in the wild.

But Skjervøy isn’t only about whales. It’s a haven for lovers of raw Arctic nature, outdoor adventure, and peaceful solitude. The island is part of the Troms region and connected to the mainland by a bridge and undersea tunnel, making it surprisingly accessible despite its remote feel.

Things to Do in Skjervøy: Top Outdoor Experiences

Whale Watching Safaris (Nov–Jan)

The most iconic thing to do in Skjervøy is whale watching. Between November and January, large schools of herring migrate to the fjords, attracting both orca and humpback whales. These majestic animals can be seen feeding, breaching, and playing just offshore.

Small RIB boats (rigid inflatable boats) allow for low-impact, close encounters with the whales, while respecting wildlife regulations. The light during this season, soft blues and pinks, or the deep navy of polar night, makes the experience all the more magical.

Northern Lights Adventures

Thanks to its northern latitude and low light pollution, Skjervøy offers excellent conditions for northern lights watching, especially from late September to March. You can view the aurora from the harbour, local viewpoints, or on guided boat trips that take you into the fjords under the dancing sky.

Sea Kayaking and Arctic Paddling

In summer, the same fjords that host whales in winter become a paradise for sea kayaking. Paddle past steep cliffs, remote coves, and seabird colonies. With luck, you might spot porpoises or seals, and even sea eagles gliding above.

Skjervøy’s sheltered waters make it suitable for beginners, but guided tours are recommended due to rapidly changing conditions in the Arctic sea.

Mountain Hikes and Midnight Sun Views

Skjervøy is small but mountainous, with scenic hiking trails that offer sweeping views of surrounding islands and fjords. The peak of Skattørsfjellet (marked with a cairn at the summit) is a popular day hike, especially in summer when the midnight sun lights the sky from May to July.

Less-travelled than inland regions, these trails offer quiet and breathtaking solitude, often with no one else in sight.

Fishing and Local Culture

Fishing is the lifeblood of Skjervøy, and visitors can join guided sea fishing trips or fish from the shoreline. Cod, haddock, and halibut are commonly caught in these cold, nutrient-rich waters.

Though small, Skjervøy has a rich coastal culture. You can visit the wooden Skjervøy Church, built in 1728, or explore the working harbour and watch local fishers unload their daily catch, a rare window into life in Norway’s far north.

Local Tips for Visiting Skjervøy

Dress warmly and in layers, especially in winter. Arctic winds can be fierce, and weather changes quickly. Thermal underlayers, windproof outerwear, and insulated boots are essential for outdoor comfort.

Respect marine wildlife. If joining a whale watching tour, choose operators who follow responsible guidelines and maintain a safe distance from the animals. Feeding or chasing whales is not allowed.

Book early in whale season, as Skjervøy is becoming increasingly popular in winter months and tours often fill up weeks in advance.

Be prepared for limited daylight in winter, but don’t let it deter you. Even a few hours of blue twilight can create stunning photographic conditions, and the polar night has its own quiet magic.

Best Time to Visit Skjervøy

The best time to visit Skjervøy depends on what you're looking for:

• Winter (November to January): Prime time for whale watching, polar nights, and aurora hunting. Expect minimal daylight and cold conditions, but extraordinary wildlife and skies.
• Spring (February to April): Still excellent for northern lights and snow-based activities, with increasing daylight.
• Summer (May to August): Midnight sun, hiking, kayaking, and fishing. The landscape is lush, and temperatures are mild for the Arctic.
• Autumn (September to October): Crisp weather, beautiful colours, and the return of aurora activity. Quieter before whale season picks up.

Each season offers a different side of the island, many visitors choose to return at a different time of year to experience both light and dark.

How to Get to Skjervøy

Despite its remote location, Skjervøy is relatively easy to reach thanks to modern infrastructure:

• By plane: The nearest airport is Sørkjosen Airport (SOJ), about 1.5 hours by car. Fly there via Tromsø or Oslo. Tromsø Airport (TOS) is another hub, about 5 hours away by road or 3.5 hours with a combination of ferry and car.
• By car: From Tromsø, take the E8 and E6 north, then follow Fv866 over the Skattørsundet Bridge and through the Maursund Tunnel to reach Skjervøy.
• By bus: Regional buses connect Skjervøy with Sørkjosen, Alta, and other towns in the region, but schedules are limited, especially in winter.
• By ferry: The Hurtigruten coastal ferry stops in Skjervøy daily, offering a scenic and relaxed way to arrive from Tromsø or further south.

Extend Your Arctic Journey

Skjervøy pairs beautifully with a visit to Tromsø, known as the gateway to the Arctic. Or head inland to Reisa National Park for hiking through gorges and waterfalls. Nearby Lyngen Alps also offer world-class ski touring and glacier hikes.

Skjervøy is a place where nature sets the pace, where every moment, whether it's the rise of a tail fin or the flicker of the aurora, feels like a quiet miracle.