Bardufoss Airport

Arctic wilderness, northern lights, and Sami culture await you.

Målselv is a large municipality in Troms county, northern Norway, stretching across dramatic Arctic landscapes of river valleys, mountains, and boreal forests. It sits roughly 100 kilometers south of Tromsø and offers a quieter, more rugged alternative to Norway's more tourist-heavy destinations.

The Målselv River, one of Norway's finest salmon rivers, draws anglers from across Europe, while the surrounding terrain attracts hikers, skiers, and wildlife enthusiasts year-round. The area has deep ties to Sami culture and Norwegian military history, adding cultural depth to its natural splendor.

Finnsnes, the main service town in neighboring Lenvik, acts as a practical gateway, while Bardufoss hosts the region's airport. Målselv rewards travelers who appreciate solitude, raw Arctic scenery, and authentic northern Norwegian life.

• •Målselvfossen Waterfall — one of Norway's widest waterfalls, stunning in any season.
• •Dividalen National Park — pristine wilderness with old-growth forest and rare wildlife.
• •Målselv Fjellandsby — year-round mountain resort with skiing and outdoor activities.
• •Polar Zoo (Bardu) — Nordic wildlife park featuring wolves, bears, and reindeer nearby.
• •Bardufoss Aviation Museum — chronicles Norwegian military and civil aviation history.
• •Målselv River — legendary salmon fishing on one of Norway's most celebrated waterways.

Getting around: Bardufoss Airport offers regional flights connecting to Oslo and Tromsø. Local buses run limited routes between villages, and a car rental is strongly recommended for exploring the municipality's spread-out attractions. Taxis are available but expensive over long distances, and there is no rideshare infrastructure in the area.

Best time: Visit from June to August for midnight sun, hiking, and salmon fishing, or from November to March for northern lights and alpine skiing.

Local food: Try fresh-caught Målselv salmon prepared simply grilled or cured, along with traditional Norwegian dishes like fårikål (lamb and cabbage stew) and reindeer meat sourced from local Sami producers.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.