Urban experiences meets raw Arctic nature
How to travel from Tromsø to Balsfjord and Malangen
Balsfjord municipality, with its beautiful fjords Malangenfjorden and Balsfjorden, is a paradise for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, aurora hunting, and dog sledding. Balsfjord is the perfect place for those seeking a break from city life, and wishing to get close to nature.
There are several ways to travel from Tromsø to Balsfjord.
Driving to Balsfjord
The drive from Tromsø to Balsfjord takes about 1.5 hours. Follow E8 out of Tromsø, before turning off onto E6 towards Balsfjord. It is important to check the weather conditions before you set off, especially in winter when the roads can be slippery. Also, remember to fill up on petrol in Tromsø, given the considerable distances between petrol stations on your route.
Before deciding to drive yourself, please ensure you are well prepared for Arctic road conditions and have read our guide to winter driving.
Here you will find updated road and traffic information.
Public transport to Balsfjord
Let others do the driving so that you can relax, sit back and enjoy the view along the way. There are good bus connections between Tromsø and Balsfjord. Ticket information and prices can easily be found in the Svipper app, or at Svipper.no. Remember that bus schedules can vary by season and day of the week.
During the winter season, Balsfjord can also be reached by the Arctic Route bus to Narvik, which stops at the cosy hotel Vollan Gjestestue.
Taxi to Balsfjord
It is also possible to travel by taxi from Tromsø to Balsfjord. Here you will find information about taxi companies.
Driving to Malangen
If you choose to drive yourself, head towards Kvaløya and follow Fv 862, turn onto Fv 858 at the roundabout in Eidkjosen and drive towards Malangen.
Arctic road conditions can be demanding, particularly in winter. We strongly recommend reviewing our guide to winter driving before planning your journey.
Here you will find updated road and traffic information.
Public Transport to Malangen
Although direct bus connections are rare, it is still possible to go to Malangen by bus. It requires a bit of planning, so check updated routes and times at Svipper.no or in the Svipper app before you set out on your journey.
Taxi to Malangen
It is also possible to travel by taxi from Tromsø to Malangen. Here you will find information about taxi companies.