Sommarøy is an Arctic paradise with white beaches, turquoise waters, and endless light. Midnight sun in summer, northern lights in winter.
Getty Images
Hidden beyond the fjords of Northern Norway lies Sommarøy, an island so beautiful it feels almost unreal. Just an hour west of Tromsø, this tiny fishing village is surrounded by turquoise water, white-sand beaches, and a light that never fades during summer. Sommarøy, which literally means “Summer Island”, has become one of the most breathtaking and photogenic destinations in Norway – and yet, it still feels wonderfully untouched.
Find the best hotels in Tromsø here
Summer in Sommarøy
In summer, the midnight sun glows above the horizon 24 hours a day, bathing the island in soft golden light. Locals say that time doesn’t exist here – and once you arrive, you’ll understand why. There’s a sense of calm and timelessness that wraps around you, whether you’re kayaking through the still Arctic waters, hiking up to the Ørnfløya viewpoint for sweeping ocean views, or simply sitting on a rock watching the sea sparkle in endless daylight.
Despite being above the Arctic Circle, Sommarøy has beaches that could rival those in the Mediterranean – powdery white sand and crystal-clear water that shimmers in shades of turquoise and green. During warm summer days, people swim, picnic, and sunbathe until late at night. In winter, the island transforms into something completely different. The beaches are covered in snow, the nights are long and deep, and the northern lights dance across the sky in bright green and violet waves.
Getty Images
Visitors often stay at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel, a cozy, modern spot right by the water, or in traditional fisherman’s cabins known as rorbuer. Both offer spectacular views and easy access to the sea. The island’s restaurants serve local seafood — freshly caught cod, halibut, and king crab — best enjoyed with a glass of wine as the sun glows over the horizon.
Read more Norwegian travel tips here
Winter in Sommarøy
Winter on Sommarøy isn’t just about watching the northern lights — it’s about experiencing the raw, untouched beauty of the Arctic. The island’s peaceful pace invites slow mornings and quiet adventures. Take a winter hike to Ørnfløya, a short trail that rewards you with panoramic views over snow-covered islands and the open sea. Bring a thermos of coffee and enjoy the silence — only the wind and the distant sound of waves break it.
The local fishermen still head out to sea, and if you’re lucky, you can join a small fishing trip to learn how life in the north continues even in the darkest months. Afterwards, warm up with a sauna session by the water — many cabins and hotels here have their own wood-fired saunas, perfect before a quick (and icy) dip in the Arctic Ocean.
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Back in the village, Sommarøy Arctic Hotel offers hearty northern food — think reindeer stew, fish soup, or freshly caught cod. The calm atmosphere and soft candlelight make it easy to forget the world beyond the island.
And when night falls, bundle up and step outside. On clear nights, the northern lights stretch across the sky in green and purple waves, reflected in the dark sea below. It’s an unforgettable reminder that even in the heart of winter, Sommarøy glows with magic.
Getting to Tromsø from the US
There are no direct flights from the US to Tromsø, but it’s easy to get there with one or two connections. Most travelers fly to Oslo (OSL) first, either via major European hubs such as London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, or Copenhagen, or with a direct flight from New York, Chicago, Miami, or Los Angeles to Oslo.
From Oslo, several daily domestic flights connect to Tromsø (TOS) — the journey takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes. Airlines like SAS, Norwegian, and Widerøe operate frequent routes year-round.
If you prefer a scenic option, you can also take the train north to Bodø and continue by coastal ferry or a short flight to Tromsø — a slower but unforgettable way to see Norway.
Getty Images
Travel from Tromsø
Reaching Sommarøy in Norway is easy despite its remote feel. From Tromsø, you can rent a car or join a guided tour that takes you through a series of small islands connected by bridges. The drive itself is a journey through Northern Norway’s raw beauty — fjords, mountains, and scattered fishing villages where life moves at its own rhythm.
Whether you come for adventure, photography, or peace and quiet, Sommarøy is a place that will stay with you. It’s the kind of destination that captures the essence of Norway: wild, serene, and timeless. Here, surrounded by the Arctic Ocean, you can truly disconnect from the world — and perhaps, for a moment, believe that time really doesn’t exist.
Search for hotels in Tromsø here
