On the different islands of Karlsøy, there are many unique accommodation opportunities in quiet and beautiful settings. Photo: Visit Helgøy
Experience the Arctic lifestyle and spectacular north-Norwegian nature Northern Norway offers some of the most incredible nature experiences. Welcome to the islands of Karlsøy, where you can discover the Arctic lifestyle through everything from sea fishing, kayaking and skiing, to mountain hiking and locally produced food. By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Visit Karlsøy
At 70° north, you will find the municipality of Karlsøy, encompassing about 600 islands and islets. Each island has its own distinctive character, ranging from rough coastal landscapes with steep mountains and long sandy beaches to wooded valleys, rivers and lakes. Ringvassøy, Vannøy, Reinøy, Rebbenesøy and Karlsøya are still inhabited today. The islands offer their visitors the possibility to experience north-Norwegian coastal culture and explore how life with nature, between northern lights and midnight sun, has shaped the people who live here today.
Local products and hospitality The local farms in Karlsøy focus on a natural food production that is symbi54 | Issue 112 | May 2018
otic with the environment. The ingredients harvested from both land and sea are then prepared in both traditional and modern ways. “We are very proud of the local farms and fishermen that provide such high-quality produce. If you want, you can visit the farms, which are idyllically embedded in the landscape, to meet the animals living there and enjoy a homemade meal in a cosy environment,” says Franziska Wentzlaff, project manager at Visit Karlsøy. “We also have a great selection of accommodation facilities, making it possible for our visitors to stay in everything from modern houses or apartments to traditional fisherman huts or even in an old, charming lighthouse.”
Hunting the northern lights “Seeing the colours of the Arctic lights and the aurora borealis is best during the autumn and winter months,” says Wentzlaff. In Karlsøy, you are surrounded by fantastic landscape with excellent conditions for seeing the lights dancing in the sky. “To see the aurora, you can start in Tromsø with one of our guided tours, which leads you to one of our local basecamps at the Skogsfjordvannet lake. There, you can enjoy a hot cup of coffee next to the fireplace in a cosy hut while waiting for one of nature’s most spectacular shows to start. It is also possible to try ice fishing on the nearby frozen lake, and get expert tips from our guide on how to take the best photos of the northern lights,” she recommends. Another possibility is to stay at one of the local accommodation options, where you just need to step out the door to view the lights. Either way, it is a great experience,