Smørstabben Hike in Tromsø

There are so many beautiful hikes in Tromsø and the surrounding islands! The Smørstabben hike on Kvaløya is just one of them!

This hike is pretty easy with only a few short sections that are steep.

Along the way, you’ll walk alongside Storvatnet and the river coming out of it, head up through a forest, and finally reach Smørstabbvatnet before climbing to Smørstabben peak which sits at around 420 metres above sea level.

It’s a great alternative to the busier Brosmetinden trail which is quite close by.

We didn’t see anyone else on this hike and it was super peaceful. We hiked it twice during our few weeks living in Tromsø and it’s where we hiked the morning of our wedding too!

If you’re looking for new routes to hike in Tromsø then check out this one; I strongly believe it’s one of the best things to do in Tromso.

Hiking Smørstabben

Smørstabben translates literally as “stick of butter”. I don’t think that means much when it comes to the hike but perhaps you’ll see what it means!

Starting from the trailhead just off the road towards Grøtfjord, you’ll head on the small trail right next to the lake.

The trail winds around the lake as it turns into a river and over some rocky terrain.

You’ll soon see a little hut in the forest! This is a private cabin but it looks super cute and it’d be so nice to spend an afternoon here with a campfire.

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.

There is a small bridge that helps you cross over the river. The bridge is closest to the lake so you may need to backtrack if you missed it!

Once you’ve crossed the bridge you’ll start climbing up through the forest.

Soon, you’ll come out of the trees and start seeing some of the beautiful views! You can see Grøtfjord beach below you and don’t forget to look behind you for views of Storvatnet Tromsø (the lake you started at).

There are quite a lot of paths that have been made around this area and you can choose which one makes the most sense for you. Try not to make any more though as it damages the landscape.

We went off to the right to start, where we came across Lake Smørstabbvatnet.

It was already iced over when we hiked Smørstabben in late October but still super pretty.

From here, we looped back around to hike up to Smørstabben. Here you look right over the fjords and other surrounding islands. It’s super pretty!

Continue the loop as marked on my AllTrails map and head back down through the forest on the same trail you walked up on.

If you’ve got time before you need to head back to Tromsø I’d recommend heading out to Grøtfjord. The beach here is beautiful and there are toilets and fire pits. You can also camp at the beach for a small fee.

Smørstabben hike stats

• Distance: 7km
• Duration: 1.5-3 hours
• Difficulty: Easy-moderate
• Elevation: 400m
• Smørstabben trail map

How to get to the Smørstabben trailhead

There is a very small parking space for Smørstabben. When you get to the trailhead make sure you park well so you leave space for any other hikers that might turn up.

The Smørstabben hike parking lot is just off the 7768 to the right before you arrive at Grøtfjord beach. It’s around a 45-minute drive from Tromsø.

You can see the start of the trail on my AllTrails trail map for the Smørstabban hike.

What to know before hiking in Tromsø

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

• 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!

What to pack for this Tromsø hiking trail

Tromsø in northern Norway has so many beautiful hikes with views of both the fjords and mountains.

Given its location above the Arctic Circle, it experiences varying and often unpredictable weather conditions throughout the year. So, with that in mind, here’s a list of what you should pack for a hike in Tromsø Norway.

Essentials for All Seasons

• Backpack: A comfortable daypack with waist and chest straps to evenly distribute weight.
• Water: Minimum 1-2 liters. Consider a hydration bladder for ease of drinking while on the move.
• Food: High-energy snacks like nuts, energy bars, trail mix, sandwiches, and fruit.
• Navigation Tools: Map and compass. GPS or a smartphone with offline maps and a reliable hiking app.
• First Aid Kit: Including band-aids, antiseptic wipes, blister treatment, pain relievers, and personal medication.
• Multi-tool: Handy for various situations.
• Headlamp: Even during summer months because of sudden weather changes. Always pack extra batteries.
• Communication: A fully charged mobile phone with a portable charger. Or better yet, a Garmin InReach.
• Sunglasses & Sunscreen: High UV protection, even in cloudy conditions.

Weather Dependent Gear

Spring/Summer/Autumn:

• Clothing: Breathable, moisture-wicking layers. Remember, layering is key.
• Rain Gear: Waterproof and breathable jacket and pants. Tromsø weather can be unpredictable.
• Hat & Lightweight Gloves: For cooler mornings or windy summits.
• Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes can be an issue, especially during summer months.
• Hiking Poles: For added stability and to reduce knee strain.

Winter

• Insulated Clothing: Moisture-wicking base layer, insulating middle layer (fleece or down), and a waterproof, windproof outer layer.
• Winter Boots: Waterproof, insulated, and with good grip.
• Thermal Gloves and Mittens: Waterproof and insulated.
• Warm Hat and Neck Gaiter or Scarf.
• Ice Grips: Vital for icy conditions. Snowshoes in fresh snow.
• Gaiters: Prevents snow from getting inside boots.
• Hiking Poles with Snow Baskets.
• Avalanche Safety Gear: If you’re hiking in avalanche-prone areas, consider having an avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel. You should also have checked the conditions and know how to do rescues and identify danger areas.

As always, before setting out, check the weather forecast for Tromsø and inform someone about your hiking plans and the expected return time.

Be prepared to adjust your plans if conditions seem unsafe.

Final thoughts on the Smørstabben Tromsø hike

There are so many awesome Tromso hiking trails to choose from and this was one of my favorite Troomso hikes of all the ones we did (and we did quite a lot!).

This hike has it all. From walking through a small part of Tromso forest to lakes, beach views, and views of the fjords, this is a great place for hiking near Tromso.

If you’re looking for other hikes near Tromso, be sure to check out this guide to the Ornfloya hike on Sommaroy, or these awesome hikes in Senja. I’ve also got a guide to the famous Sherpasteps trail in Tromso. Or, go further south to discover these Lofoten Island hiking trails as well as all my Europe travel guides.

Last Updated on September 13, 2023 by Hannah