How to reach Skjervøy from Switzerland or France
Skjervøy is an island beyond the Arctic Circle, yet getting there is simpler than it looks. Here are the real options, with journey times.
The journey is part of the trip, and it deserves planning. The good news: reaching an island in Arctic Norway in midwinter is simpler than it sounds, provided you do not cut your connections too fine.
Step 1: getting to Tromsø
Tromsø is the gateway to the region and has an international airport. From Geneva, Zurich or Paris the route generally involves one connection, most often in Oslo. Allow a full day door to door.
Flights and transfers are not included in the trip price: you stay free to choose your airline, timings and budget. What the price actually covers is set out in our article on the budget.
Step 2: from Tromsø to Skjervøy
Three options exist, with very different journey times:
- Express boat: about 2 h 15, one departure a day except Saturdays, from the Prostneset terminal in Tromsø. The fastest and most comfortable option without a car
- Bus: about 4 h 15, once daily, including a ferry crossing of the Lyngen fjord
- Car: about 3 h 45, using the ferry between Lyngseidet and Olderdalen
Boat and bus tickets can be bought online or at the terminal. Timetables vary by season: check them when booking your flights, not the other way round.
Which option to choose in winter
The express boat is our default recommendation: it is quick, it avoids driving on snow-covered roads, and the run along the fjords is worth the trip in itself.
A car gives more freedom on site, but driving in the Far North in winter is no small matter: icy roads, permanent darkness, studded tyres essential. If you are not used to it, this is not the trip on which to try.
The advice that avoids bad surprises
Leave plenty of margin between connections. In winter, a delayed flight or a service cancelled for weather is nothing unusual in this region. Arriving in Tromsø the day before your transfer, rather than doing it all in one go, costs one hotel night and removes most of the stress.
The same applies on the way back: keep a margin between the end of the trip and your flight out of Tromsø.
And once you are there?
Everything is within walking distance or a few minutes' drive: the house, the harbour and the shops are close together. The group does not need a vehicle during the stay.
Write to us once you have dates in mind, through the contact form: we will help you line up your flights and transfer without nasty surprises.
Tempted by the trip?
The full trip is described on the trip page, and dates are set with you.