The municipality of Bjarkøy is an island municipality in Norway comprising 365 islands and islets of varying size and covers a area of 75,0 km2. The most populous islands are Bjarkøy, Sandsøy, parts of Grytøy, Meløyvær and Krøttøy. On the island of Bjarkøy, you find Nergård, the administrative centre, where governmental services are provided. Most of the municipality’s appoximately 550 inhabitants live on Bjarkøy. Here are also service facilities such as garage, petrol station, accommodation and places to eat. In former days, Bjarkøy was a market place and a centre for the trade in hides with the county of Finnmark. The district of Bjarkøy is situated in magnificent surroundings, from high mountains to white sandy beaches. The coast is a paradise for boating enthusiasts. Good transport links, express boat and ferries.

HISTORY

Tore Hund was chieftain here around the year 1000. He laid the foundation for the immense riches of the Bjarkøy family through trade with the Sami people and the Karelians. Under Erling Vidkunson, one of Norway’s great politicians in the 14th century, Norway was governed from Bjarkøy. Up until the 1960s, Bjarkøy was a centre for herring fishing and seal hunting. In recent years, small-scale industrial activities have been predominant, in addition to the traditional primary industries (agriculture and fishing).

MIDNIGHT SUN

The Midnight Sun in this region is 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.

BJARKØY CHURCH

Beautiful cruciform church dating from about 1765.

SANDSØY CHURCH

Dating from about 1888.

TORE HUND

Stone Monument to the Viking chieftain Tore Hund, who had his seat on Bjarkøy and the Bjarkøy family. Culture path through area with ancientmonuments. (Fotefar mot nord.)

SØR-TROMS ZOOLOGICAL MUSEUM

One of the largest private collections in northern Europe of preserved birds and animals.

BYGDETUN

Old country courtyard and buildings – “Ole Ottesa” house. Restored crofter’s home from the 1800s.

BIRD WATCHING

Bird rock at Sundsvollsundet. Kittiwake colony with more than 10.000 birds.

CHARLOTTENLUND HORSE & FARM

Exhibition of home art and crafts made by local craftspeople. Demonstration of wool tangling, knife making, the Norwegian pony used for work, leisure, transport and riding. Farm open to the public: get to know the animals: the goat Grimkjell, the Norwegian pony Villemo, lamb, ducks, rabbits, kid, etc.

FISHING

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.