10 Things to Discover on KvarOy Island
by sea explorer Grace Cordsen
For such a tiny island, there is so much to explore on the Kvarøy. From the island’s natural wonders to its small businesses there are lots of activities to pack your day with.
Stay in a Scenic Sea House: Perched on top of a steep sea cliff is a row of red and white seahouses. These dreamy homes are the only hotel option on the island and make any visitor feel as if they have their own cottage on Kvarøy. Each house has a total of six twin beds divided between three bedrooms. The houses come with a full kitchen, living room area, and beautiful seaside deck. Looking to do some cooking? It is an easy walk down to the local grocery store to pick up some fresh produce. Just make sure you go during the store’s limited hours! In the evenings, cozy up in one of the Sea House’s three wooden hot tubs that sit beside the row of houses.
Go for a walk around the Island: Despite being only two square miles, Kvarøy is home to a variety of landscapes. Going on a walk around the whole island takes only about 2-3 hours. You’ll be able to experience the island’s rocky and sandy beaches, forested center, and coastal tidal pools all on foot. Make sure to keep an eye out for birds and other critters local to the area.
Visit the Micro-Greenery: Kvarøy is home to a variety of small businesses, including a micro-greenery located near the island’s ferry stop. Despite only taking up about three storage containers of area, this micro-greenery grows over 40 kinds of plants and distributes its produce all over Norway. For an island right on the Arctic Circle, Kvarøy serves up a ton of greens all year long!
Check out the New Kvaroy Arctic Offices: Also located by the island’s ferry stop, are the impressive Kvarøy Arctic corporate offices. This structure is a combination of new and old buildings. The meshing of traditional island architecture with more modern building elements demonstrate just how the company has grown over the years. These offices are also home to the only cafeteria on the island. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to get a taste of what is being served up for lunch!
Go to the Island Bar: Located across the street from the local grocery store is the one bar on the island. It opens Friday and Saturday nights and is an excellent spot to grab a beer or other drink with some locals.
Visit the SJY Sea Chips Factory: Located right near the island’s main harbor is a small building housing the SJY Sea Chip factory. This small structure produces crunchy, fluffy sea chips that are a delicious way to incorporate more seaweed into one’s diet. Swing by the factory when it is open to see how these delicious snacks are made and to purchase some for yourself!
Take a Boat Around the Island and Surrounding Coastline: If you want to take to the water, best to coordinate with the team at the Sea Houses to find a local willing to tour you around on a boat. From the water you will be able to see the stunning coastal towns of the area as well as distant mountain ranges. Keep a keen eye out for whales, porpoises, and other sea life too.
Get to know the amazing locals: The local community on Kvarøy is one of the most welcoming you can experience. As you walk around the island don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to some of the locals. Everyone will welcome you with a smile.
See the Northern Lights and lay out under the stars: All year long Kvaroy’s nighttime sky glistens with amazing stars, largely due to the limited light pollution of its remote location. If you want to sneak a peek at the Northern Lights, try to time your visit for the wintertime when the lights are more prevalent. Pro tip: take some time before nightfall to get the settings of your camera correct for proper nighttime photography, especially if you are hoping to capture the Northern lights.
Read about Kvaroy history at the Kvaroy Museum: Located along the waterfront by the main harbor is the Kvarøy outdoor museum which features printed boards with historical information, fun facts, and informative visuals. The museum culminates at the glass-enclosed early fishing boat. This wooden vessel is the perfect representation of the island’s deep history of fishing.
