Skjervøy

Skjervøy muncipality has approximately 3.000 inhabitants and covers a area of 477,6 km2. The municipality´s administrative centre is Skjervøy. In Skjervøy the "Skjervøy King" ruled 300 years ago, a tough, flamboyant merchant who controlled local society. Nowadays it is fish and fish prosessing which provides a living for the local population. Most of the municipality´s inhabitants live on several islands. Skjervøy is the biggest and have approximately 2.000 inhabitants. The other islands which have people live on is Arnøy, Laukøy, Kågen, Vorterøy and Uløy. On Skjervøy you can find the oldest wooden church in Nord-Hålogaland parish, built in 1728.

Skjervøy is also known as the first port of call of the Artic ship Fram after Nansen´s 3year long North Pole expedition in 1896. The Coastal Steamer (Hurtigruten) has daily departures.

MAURSUNDET

Maursundet is one of two tunnel´s you had to pass to get to Skjervøy. The tunnel is 2.130 metres long.

KÅGENTUNNEL

Kågentunnelen is one of two tunnel´s you had to pass to get to Skjervøy. The tunnel is 1.730 metres long.

COASTAL STEAMER (HURTIGRUTA)

The World´s Most Beautiful Voyage is a voyage like no other. Nothing can compare with it. Nothing about this journey will resemble anything you have ever experienced before. A ticket for the Coastal Steamer is a ticket to the theatre, an 11-day drama in which new acts constantly unfold all around you. See the pictures from the Coastal Steamer taken by one of our passengers.

MIDNIGHT SUN

We have the Midnight Sun in our region from 20th May - 20th July. During this period, the sun stays above the horizon, and it is light 24 hours a day. The sky must be clear and there must be unobstructed visibility northwards in order to see the Midnight Sun. A summer night on the fjord or in the mountains is an experience not to be missed, you can go fishing in the fjord, which contains splendid variation of fish, or you can take a walk in the wilderness surrounding.

NORTHERN LIGHTS

Aurora Borealis is the Latin name for the Northern Lights – solar winds that meet the atmosphere in a zone around the magnetic North Pole. The Northern Lights are only visible when the sky is dark and clear, from August to April, and they are most intense from 10 pm to midnight. The region on the 700 northern latitude is a fantastic place for experiencing the beautiful and intense play of colours given off by the Northern Lights.

POLAR NIGHT

The dark time, or the long, dark Polar Night, lasts from 30th November - 12th January - there is only a twilight-dusk type of light (the blue light) for a few hours during the middle of the day. This does not mean that it becomes totally dark, however. The aurora borealis trails its multicoloured banner across the sky and the moon lights the scene just like the nightlight of Our Lord. The experience of the winter with the uniqueness of the light, the northern lights and snow is fantastic. Especially beautiful is the blue light southwards, just before it becomes dark.

FISHING

Deep sea fishing enthusiasts can take a fishing trip out on the ocean. You can fish for salmon, sea trout and Arctic trout. Be aware that there are a number of special rules in regards to fishing. Remember to purchase a fishing licence.