Sommarøy is a fishing village on a small island at the western tip of Kvaløya, about 36 km west of Tromsø. It has 304 residents, white sand beaches that look like they belong in the Caribbean, and water so clear you can see the bottom. Except the water is around 7 degrees, not 27.
The village covers two islands, Store Sommarøya and part of Hillesøya, connected by bridges. The sun does not set here from 18 May to 26 July, a full 69 days of midnight sun. From November to January, it does not rise at all.
Tourism has grown significantly in recent years. There is a hotel and rental cabins, but the village itself is still a working fishing community. The beaches on the outer side of the island are the main draw: turquoise water, fine white sand, and mountain peaks in the background. They photograph spectacularly, and the reality is as good as the pictures suggest, as long as you do not expect warm swimming.
The village covers two islands, Store Sommarøya and part of Hillesøya, connected by bridges. The sun does not set here from 18 May to 26 July, a full 69 days of midnight sun. From November to January, it does not rise at all.
Tourism has grown significantly in recent years. There is a hotel and rental cabins, but the village itself is still a working fishing community. The beaches on the outer side of the island are the main draw: turquoise water, fine white sand, and mountain peaks in the background. They photograph spectacularly, and the reality is as good as the pictures suggest, as long as you do not expect warm swimming.