The Arctic Route: Tromsø to Svolvær

TROMSØ

Arrival to Tromsø on your own. Gateway to the Arctic and capital of northern Norway, here you can experience the “midnight sun” so familiar to polar countries.

From TROMSØ to SOMMARØY 62km 299m

Your day begins quietly with a few kilometers between the famous Norwegian fjords. You have the opportunity to cross the longest bridge in Northern Norway, which is no less than 1.2km long!

After this warm-up, the route becomes steeper to reach the Kattfjordeidet pass, from where you can admire the surrounding mountains.

The final stretch takes you downhill to Sommarøy, a lively coastal village renowned for its fishing traditions

From SOMMARØY to MEFJORDVAER 54km 259m

After 7 kilometers of cycling, you reach the Brensholmen quay. A ferry takes you to the country’s second-largest island: Senja.

Ride along the fjord to Mefjordvær. On Senja’s scenic road, you can contemplate the breathtaking scenery of mountains plunging into the ocean.

Enjoy your evening in Mefjordvær, with its wooden houses, a truly peaceful place creating an almost magical atmosphere.

From MEFJORDVAER to HAMN 46km 1465m

Today’s route follows the fjord to reach the Geitskards tunnel, over 2km long.

You then cycle to Tungeneset, a particularly famous viewpoint. Take a few moments to enjoy the breathtaking view the mountains known as Devil’s Teeth.

The day is not over yet, as you now have to tackle the big climb up to the Skaland tunnel.
To get back to your destination for the day, the last few kilometers are a smooth descent.

From HAMN to BØ 58km 598m

You have two choices at the start of the day: join the Gryllefjord ferry via the Ballesvikskar tunnel (11km) or extend your journey by crossing the mountain pass (17km).

You embark on a 1h40 ferry crossing, time enough to enjoy the Norwegian scenery all around you.

Then it’s back on the bike for a pleasant ride to Bø, between marshes, rugged mountains and secluded beaches.

From BØ to SORTLAND 63km 206m

A few turns of the wheel and we have to change islands again. This time no ferry, but a bridge over Risøysundet. The terrain is relatively varied, with flat sections along the fjords and moderate climbs that allow you to discover the beauty of the archipelago at a pleasant pace.

At the end of the day, you arrive in Sortland, nicknamed “the gateway to the Vesterålen”, a charming place to end your itinerary, with its colorful houses and tranquil atmosphere.

• For a few more km 98km 339m

  This variant takes you to the southern tip of Andøya and its wild beauty.

  At the southern tip of the island, you find breathtaking coastal scenery, dominated by rock formations and unobstructed sea views. It’s also a great place to spot wildlife, including whales, seabirds and the occasional seal basking on the rocks.

From SORTLAND to SVOLVAER 85km 597m

You follow the coast, passing through rural areas and fishing villages. Another ferry crossing takes you to Fiskebøl.

You pass over bridges linking the small islands that make up the archipelago, and each crossing is an opportunity to admire the immensity of the Arctic landscape. As you progress, the terrain becomes more varied, with some moderate climbs offering panoramic views of the Lofoten mountains and the crystal-clear waters of the fjords.

Finally, you reach Svolvær, capital of Lofoten.

From SORTLAND to SVOLVAER, par le bateau Hurtigruten/Havila 28km 70m

If you want to shorten the stage, you can stop off at Stokmarknes. From there, take the Hurtigruten/Havila boat (payable locally, approx. €50/person including bike) to Svolvær. This crossing enters the famous Trollfjord inlet.

SVOLVAER

End of your stay after breakfast.

Before setting off again, take advantage of the city’s lively port and stroll through the streets of the town center to pick up a few souvenirs in the craft stores.

You can return to Tromso by ferry on the Hurtigruten. This is a sublime cruise through the fjords, giving you a different view of the landscape. Enjoy the midnight sun and the chance to observe the whales and dolphins that inhabit the Arctic fjords. A great way to round off your cycling adventure in Norway. Allow 16 hours for the crossing, from €130/person (cabin rental available).