In the land between North Calotte´s Lappland and the islands furthest out toward the Arctic Ocean in Norway lies Balsfjord. The municipality of Balsfjord encompasses 1.495,8 km2 and has approximately 5.600 inhabitants. Most of the inhabitants live in the densely populated areas of Storsteinnes and Nordkjosbotn, but there are great opportunities for nature adventures and recreation in the entire municipality. From the shoreline to the flouristhing birch forests, rolling hillsides an majestic mountains of the municipality, Balsfjord offers its visitors recreational opportunities in unparalleled natural surroundings.
Balsfjord is North Norway´s largest agricultural municipality, but the landscape is also characterized by the two fjords, Balsfjord and Malangen, which give the municipality distinct and beautiful nature. Scientists have called Balsfjord “a miniature Barents Sea”, partly because of the distinctive species of herring and capelin.
Balsfjord municipality´s long and narrow shape causes the climatic conditions to vary from the coast to the inland areas, with an average temperature of minus 4 degrees C in January and 14 degrees C in July. The mountain walkers all concede that autumn is the best time of the year. Crystal clear air. Fat trout and char. Hunting. Mushrooms, blueberries and cranberries in abundance.
HISTORY
The first settlements in Balsfjord occurred more than 4000 years ago. Numerous ethnical groups, from northern Scandinavna, have left their mark on the development of the municipality. Settlements are dispersed, but the greatest concentrations lie in the vicinities of the administrative center, Storsteinnes, and the traffic junction at Nordkjosbotn. other population center are found at Meistervik and Laksvatn.
STORSTEINNES
Storsteinnes is the administrative centre in the municipality of Balsfjord. The population of Storsteinnes is approximately 2.200. Whether you choose the summer or winter season, fantastic nature and wildlife experiences await you here in Troms. Summer or winter, midnight sun or northern lights, the sky is never dark.
NORDKJOSBOTN
Nordkjosbotn is a small village about 70 kilometres southeast of Tromsø. Two major highways, European route E6 and European route E8, meet in this village, making it a major crossroads in Northern Norway, with an estimated annual passage of 3 million people. Nordkjosbotn Church is located in this village.
Mack Bryggeri claims to be the northernmost brewery in the world, a claim that is cited on Mack´s beer bottles. After over 130 years of operation in Tromsø, in March 2012 the company moved production to Nordkjosbotn, and subsequently lost the title of world´s northernmost brewery to the brewery operated inside the Hotel Icefiord in Ilulissat (Greenland) by a margin of a mere 50 meters.
Nordkjosbotn is located at the end of the Nordkjosen branch of the Balsfjorden where the river Nordkjoselva meets the fjord. The village is about 1 kilometre wide filling the narrow valley between several mountains, some of which are more than 1,000 metres above sea level, most notably Store Russetind to the southwest. The village has an area of about 0.8 square kilometres and is located on a partially marshy alluvial plain formed by the Nordkjoselva river.
DEN SOVENDE SOLDAT
High peaks and deep fjords carve out the landscape of Balsfjord. The most known mountain peak is Blåtind or The Sleeping Soldier. Blåtind is 1182 metres high and lies in Laksevatn.
THE AURSFJORD SAW
A restored sawmill with a reciprocating saw, from 1796, may be viewed in use.
STONE CARVINGS
At Tennes a tract or stone carvings, nearly 4000 years old, prossessing 40 figures.
CHURCHES
Balsfjord Church, Tennes and Malangen Church. These churchs were built in the 1850´s and are open for guided tours upon appointment.
MIDNIGHT SUN
The Midnight 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.
TAMOKDALEN VALLEY
Tamokdalen is a 30 km long valley in the municipality boundary between Balsfjord and Målselv and goes through the valley in the very south, about the Erikbufossen in Tamokelva river. The valley begins where Lyngsalpene ends in the south until it meets Målselva river in the north. Valley Floor is about 200 meters above sea level, the highest mountain is 1,600 meters above sea level.
The name is of Sami origin, and actually means “Trout Valley”. Tamokelva river which flows through the valley and into Målselva river, starting at the entrance to Finndalen at Harkinn farm. The valley is surrounded by high mountains, characteristic of Troms, including Rostafjellet, Hattavarre and Tamokfjellet. The long, narrow, spooky, spectacular Øksehøgget in Tamok is choose the Norway´s toughest skirun.
The modern city of Tromsø is just one hours drive from Camp Tamok where Lyngsfjord Adventure offers their visitors to have a great chance to experience the Northern Lights.
HIKING
Hikes on marked trails, guided tours, boat and canoe rentals, river, sea and freshwater fishing, horse riding. Wandering in the mountains, trips to glacier, through valleys, adventure in the wild and beautiful nature.
FISHING
Numerous fishing-lakes, and rivers including fishing for herring and coalfish in Malangen Fjord has been of particular importance. Hire a small boat or boat and guide and go fishing in one of the world’s most bounteous seas. Summer or winter. 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.
GOLF
Golfclubs in Troms.