Tromsø – Sommarøy

From Tromsø, you cycle south, first on local roads and then on a cycle path. At Telegrafbukta, there is a lovely beach that is worth a stop before the cycle path continues past the airport and across Kvaløybrua Bridge. It can be quite windy here. Continue along a good cycle path through Kvaløysletta, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. At Storelva, you’ll find the last opportunity to stock up before Sommarøy, as long as Eide Handel remains closed until 2027.

Across Kattfjordeidet, you share the road with cars. Cyclists should be comfortable riding in mixed traffic for parts of this stage – expect some traffic during high season and rush hour. This is where today’s main climb begins, but the gradient is steady and the scenery makes it a beautiful part of the ride. The road takes you through a green mountain landscape, surrounded by streams and steep mountainsides, with snow often remaining on the higher peaks. At the top, it can be noticeably cooler than down by the sea.

On the other side, the road descends towards Kattfjorden, with the mountains following you along the fjord. Gradually, the landscape opens up towards the sea again as you approach the bridges leading out to Sommarøy. Before reaching them, you cycle through the 600-metre Otervik Tunnel. The tunnel is lit and has a warning button for cyclists. The final stretch towards Sommarøy is a fantastic end to the day, with dramatic mountains, small islands, white sandy beaches and turquoise-blue water. Cycling out to Sommarøy really is a little adventure.