Can you visit Sommarøy as a day trip from Tromsø?

If you are staying in Tromsø during summer, you may be wondering whether Sommarøy is worth visiting for just one day. The answer is yes. Sommarøy is one of the best day trips you can take from Tromsø during the summer season.

With white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, coastal landscapes and a calm atmosphere, Sommarøy offers a completely different experience from the city.

Why Sommarøy is perfect for a day trip

One of Sommarøy’s biggest advantages is its proximity to Tromsø, which is located only around 1.5 hours away. Our summer bus route between Tromsø and Sommarøy makes getting there even easier. Many visitors are surprised by how much they can experience in just a few hours. Unlike destinations that require long journeys or complicated logistics, Sommarøy allows you to spend more time enjoying the destination. The island is small and easy to explore at your own pace. Whether you prefer relaxing by the water, taking pictures, enjoying local food or joining an outdoor activity, a day trip gives you enough time to experience the most of it.

What can you do during a day trip to Sommarøy?

Some visitors choose to slow down and enjoy the fresh air. The white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters create perfect conditions for a peaceful walk along the coast. During the Midnight Sun season (20 May to 22 July) the sun never truly sets, bathing the island in a soft evening light.

For travelers looking for something more active, Sommarøy offers excellent opportunities such as a hike to the summit of Håja or kayaking. A short hike can reward you with panoramic views over the surrounding islands, while a guided kayak tour allows you to explore the coastline from the water.

Wildlife enthusiasts may also be lucky enough to spot sea eagles, seabirds and marine life around the archipelago. If you want a guided tour you can join a sea eagle safari by boat, with transfer from Tromsø or without transfer.

If you prefer a more organized experience, a self-guided fjord and island trip from Tromsø is another excellent option. The excursion combines transport with free time in Sommarøy, allowing you to explore the island’s beaches, viewpoints and coastal scenery at your own pace. It is a great alternative for travelers who want the convenience of a planned itinerary while still being able to discover Sommarøy independently.

The journey is part of the experience

One of the reasons Sommarøy works so well as a day trip from Tromsø is the direct summer bus route operated by The Arctic Route. Running daily from 15 June until 23 August, the route connects Tromsø and Sommarøy in approximately 1.5 hours, making it possible to spend several hours exploring the island before returning to the city.

The bus journey itself is a highlight. As the bus leaves Tromsø, the landscape quickly changes from city views to fjords, mountains, bridges and small Arctic villages. From your seat on the bus, you can enjoy some of Northern Norway’s most beautiful coastal scenery before even arriving in Sommarøy.

For visitors who do not want to rent a car, the summer bus route offers a comfortable and stress-free way to discover one of the most spectacular summer destinations of Northern Norway.

The perfect kayak adventure

One of the best ways to experience Sommarøy during a day trip from Tromsø is from the water. With its turquoise sea and small surrounding islands, the area is ideal for kayaking, even for beginners.

If you are seeking for an easy and active day out, our kayak trip to Sommarøy from Tromsø combines transport with a guided kayaking experience. See a sneak-peak of this tour here.

Depending on the experience you’re looking for, we offer you multiple tours:

• Morning sea kayaking tour: with transfer from Tromsø, without transfer
• Afternoon sea kayaking tour: with transfer from Tromsø, without transfer
• Midnight sun sea kayaking tour: with transfer from Tromsø, without transfer

You will head to the water with an experienced guide and explore the Arctic coastline from a unique perspective. Paddling through the waters allows you to discover hidden islands with beautiful beaches. Along the way, you might spot some wildlife species.

If you choose a tour with transport from Tromsø included, there is no need to worry about renting a car or planning logistics. Simply hop on the bus, enjoy the journey to Sommarøy and spend your day exploring the Arctic wilderness before returning to the city later in the day.

A suggested day trip itinerary

The flexibility offered by the our summer bus schedule is one of the reasons Sommarøy works so well as a day trip. You could begin your journey with a morning departure (8:45) from Tromsø, arriving in Sommarøy before midday. From there, you’ll be able to spend a few hours exploring the beaches, walking around the fishing village or enjoying lunch with a view at the Sommarøy Arctic Hotel. In the afternoon, you could take a short hike to Nordkollen on Hillesøy or simply continue discovering the coastline before returning to Tromsø later in the day.

So, can you visit Sommarøy as a day trip from Tromsø?

Absolutely. With a journey time of only around 1.5 hours and plenty to see and do, Sommarøy is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Tromsø.

Whether you spend your time exploring the beaches, joining a kayaking adventure, spotting wildlife or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the coast, a day in Sommarøy offers an escape from the city.