Hiking Guide: Brosmetinden Tromsø

Our year of travel where we’re spending a year living in different places to see where we might want to live permanently had us living in Tromsø as our first stop so we could enjoy hikes like Brosmetinden!

One of the main reasons we chose Tromsø was because of its similarities to Vancouver (where we’d been living for 6 years). It’s got the ocean, fjords, mountains and all the outdoor adventures you could dream of.

Basically, it’s what we loved most about Vancouver but half the distance to go and visit family.

When we arrived in Tromsø, we headed out to go on a hike the following day. Our first hike in Tromsø was Brosmetinden which is on Kvaløya island. Sometimes it’s called Brosmortinden too.

It’s a brilliant hike that has expansive views the entire way and not too much elevation (compared to some of the other hiking trails we’ve done).

The Brosmetinden Hike

Brosmetinden is a relatively easy hike in Tromso if you’re fit and used to hiking. If hiking isn’t something you do regularly then you should consider it more intermediate as there are some steeper elevation sections.

AllTrails is my go-to hiking app for finding, planning, and navigating while I’m out on the trails. With offline maps on AllTrails+ you can be confident you’re still on the right track, even without mobile signal.

From the parking lot, you start with a gradual incline of about 1km up and over the first bump of the hike.

When we visited in late October this section of the trail was a little muddy from some recent rain, but nothing too hard if you’ve got good hiking shoes or hiking boots on.

As you continue the trail flattens out a little and you’ll come to a view of the ocean and islands ahead of you.

You’ll then follow the trail towards the right which climbs steeply uphill.

You’ll be hiking over rocky terrain and it continues up and up with a false peak.

You’ll know you’ve reached the top when you see a large stack of rocks and you can’t go any higher!

The peak is around 525m above sea level and you’ll get fantastic 360° views of the islands, fjords, and surrounding mountains.

When we did the Brosmetinden hike it wasn’t super clear but we still enjoyed some amazing views.

Brosmetinden Hiking Stats

• Distance: 4km
• Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours return
• Elevation: 230m gain
• Difficulty: Easy
• Brosmetinden trail map

How to get to Brosmetinden Trailhead

Brosmetinden is on the island of Kvaløya, the Brosmetinden trailhead is around 1-1.5 hours from Tromsø by car. It’s a popular trail for those people looking to do hikes in Tromsø and for good reason since it’s relatively easy and has great views!

Brosmetinden trailhead is a location on Google Maps so you can set that as your destination as you drive.

As you turn left out of Tromvik, there’s a 4km section of gravel road which any car should be able to handle.

Alternatively, you can take bus 425 from Tromsø to Tromvik but check bus times in advance as it’s not a very regular bus.

There’s a fairly large parking lot to the right of the road once you arrive at the trailhead.

What to know before doing the Brosmetinden Mountain hike in Tromsø

There are some important things you should know before going on a hike in Tromsø like the Brosmetinden trail.

• Always practice leave no trace ethics. Not sure what those are? Get a refresher here.
• Remember to respect the terrain, environment, and other users while you are enjoying the trails.
• Follow the three Ts—trip planning, training, and taking the essentials.
• Don’t leave home without your 10 essentials. They could save your life!
• Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back so they can raise the alarm if needed.

Extra considerations for the Brosmetinden hike winter trail

The Brosmetinden hike is a popular walk on the island of Kvaløya near Tromsø. While this hike is often done during the summer months, it’s possible to do a Brosmetinden winter hike too if you take some extra things into consideration before going hiking around tromso.

• Weather Forecast: Before starting, always check the local weather forecast. Winter conditions in Norway can change rapidly, and severe weather can make hiking dangerous.
• Daylight Hours: Winter days are short in Norway, especially in the northern parts, with no official daylight at all for about a month in December. Check the sunrise and sunset times to ensure you’re not caught out in the dark.
• Clothing: Layering is key. Use a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating middle layer (like fleece or down), and a waterproof and windproof outer layer. Waterproof hiking boots with good grip are essential to deal with snow and ice. Wear a hat, gloves, and a neck gaiter or scarf. Remember, a lot of body heat is lost through the head. Consider thermal leggings or pants and carry an extra set of clothes in a waterproof bag.
• Avalanche Gear: If traveling in areas prone to avalanches, consider carrying an avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel. Most importantly, know how to use them.
• Safety: Always check the avalanche forecast for the region. If you’re not experienced, consider hiring a guide or taking an avalanche safety course
• Hiking Buddy: It’s safer to hike with someone, especially in winter conditions
• Trekking Experience and Physical Fitness: Winter hiking is more demanding than summer hiking. Make sure you’re physically prepared. If you’re not experienced with winter hikes, consider joining a guided tour or taking a friend who is familiar with winter trekking.
• Local Knowledge: Ask locals or check online forums for recent trail conditions and any other advisories.
• Snow travel: If there’s a lot of snow you may need snowshoes or touring skis. If it’s icy with not much fresh snow, then microspikes should suffice.

What to pack for the Brosmetinden hike winter

The Brosmetinden hike isn’t extremely long but does require preparation, especially due to the unpredictable weather conditions in Norway.

Here’s a good list of items to consider packing for this Tromso hike all year round:

Essentials for All Seasons

• Backpack: A comfortable daypack with good support.
• Water: At least 1-2 liters, more if you’re a heavy drinker or if it’s particularly hot. Consider a hydration bladder for ease of access.
• Food: High-energy snacks (nuts, energy bars, trail mix, and fruit).
• Navigation: Map, compass, and GPS or a smartphone with a reliable hiking app. Make sure you’re familiar with their use.
• First Aid Kit: Basics like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, blister treatment, pain relievers, and any personal medication.
• Knife or Multi-tool: Useful for various situations.
• Headlamp: With extra batteries.
• Communication: Fully charged mobile phone with a portable charger, or better yet a Garmin InReach
• Sunglasses & Sunscreen: Protect against UV rays.

Weather Dependent Gear

Spring/Summer/Autumn:

• Clothing: Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothes. Dress in layers.
• Rain Gear: Waterproof jacket and pants. Weather can change rapidly.
• Hat & Cap: Protection against the sun.
• Insect Repellent: Especially for summer months when mosquitoes are common.
• Trekking Poles: Useful for stability.

Winter:

• Clothing: Warm, moisture-wicking base layer, insulating middle layer (fleece or down), and a waterproof, windproof outer layer.
• Winter Boots: Waterproof and insulated.
• Gloves and Mittens: Waterproof and insulated.
• Warm Hat and Neck Gaiter.
• Crampons or Ice Grips: For icy trails, snowshoes in fresh snow
• Gaiters: To prevent snow from entering your boots.
• Thermal Socks.
• Avalanche Gear: If you’re in avalanche-prone areas, consider an avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel.
• Ski Poles or Trekking Poles with snow baskets if ski touring.

Final thoughts on this hike Tromso has to offer

This Tromso hiking trail was one of my favorite of all the hikes we did in Tromso, apart from the Smorstabben hike which is where we got married!

This is definitely one of the trails for hiking in Tromso that deserves being included on a best hikes in Tromso list.

If you’re looking for more awesome Tromsø hiking trails, be sure to check out the Sherpa Steps in Tromso which go up to where the gondola goes. As well as the Ornfloya hike over by Sommaroy. And, while you’re there be sure to check out these fun things to do in Sommaroy!

I’ve got a tonne more guides to Northern Norway and the Lofoten Islands too. Check out my Europe travel guides!

Last Updated on September 13, 2023 by Hannah