Sommarøy, a small fishing village west of Tromsø, is a destination that sparks many questions—starting with whether you can actually stay there. The simple answer is yes: Sommarøy Arctic Hotel, a 155-room property overlooking the Atlantic, is the island’s sole full-service hotel and sits about an hour’s drive from Tromsø via road 862 across Kvaløya (Tripadvisor and Visit Tromsø).

Last checked: 2026-06-28

Location: Sommarøy island, 45–50 minutes by car from Tromsø, Norway · Accommodation: Sommarøy Arctic Hotel (and private rentals via Agoda/Booking.com) · Known For: white beaches, midnight sun, Northern Lights, Arctic Caribbean nickname · Best Time to Visit: summer for midnight sun; winter for Northern Lights

Sommarøy Hotel at a Glance

1 Location & Setting

• Situated at Skipsholmveien 22, 9110 Sommarøya, directly overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in a working fishing village (Sommarøy Arctic Hotel).

2 Accommodation

• The only full‑service hotel on the island, with 155 rooms (Tripadvisor).

3 Known For

• White‑sand beaches, turquoise water, and the nickname “Arctic Caribbean” (Sommarøy Arctic Hotel; Visit Tromsø).

4 Best Time to Visit

• Summer for the midnight sun; winter for the Northern Lights (Sommarøy Arctic Hotel).

Location	Sommarøy island, ~1 hour drive from Tromsø, Norway
Accommodation	Sommarøy Arctic Hotel (primary hotel) plus a handful of private rentals and lodges via Booking.com / Agoda
Known For	White beaches, midnight sun, Northern Lights, “Arctic Caribbean” nickname
Best Time to Visit	Summer for midnight sun; winter for Northern Lights
Drive from Tromsø	Approximately 50–60 minutes via road 862 across Kvaløya
Number of Hotels on Sommarøy	One primary hotel: Sommarøy Arctic Hotel
Starting Nightly Rate (2026 sample)	Roughly $149–$175 USD for standard rooms; weekday average ~$257 USD per night

Can You Stay in Sommarøy?

Yes, but your options are limited. The only full‑service hotel on the island is Sommarøy Arctic Hotel, located at Skipsholmveien 22, 9110 Sommarøya. It offers 155 rooms, free private parking, and direct ocean views (Sommarøy Arctic Hotel). The hotel also features a restaurant, sauna, and hot tub, and actively promotes seasonal experiences such as midnight‑sun hiking and Northern‑Lights watching (hotel Facebook post).

Alternative Accommodations via Booking Platforms

Beyond the main hotel, a handful of other stays appear on booking sites. Booking.com lists Ecolodge Båthuset 69Nord (a rustic beachfront ecolodge), Sommarøy Apartment (self‑catering), and Hillesøy Panorama. Agoda similarly shows only two main properties, with Sommarøy Arctic Hotel as the featured option. This limited stock means advance booking is strongly recommended, especially during summer and Northern‑Lights season.

The bottom line: Sommarøy has exactly one hotel. If you want a full‑service stay, that hotel is your choice.

Is Sommarøy, Norway Worth Visiting?

Visit Tromsø describes Sommarøy as “a charming fishing village outside Kvaløya in Northern Norway, known for its beautiful beaches and opportunities for outdoor activities” (Visit Tromsø). The island’s chalk‑white sands and turquoise water have earned it the unofficial title “Arctic Caribbean.”

What Makes Sommarøy Unique

Sommarøy is a working fishing village, and that character is immediately visible from the hotel windows—fishing boats, harbour views, and a pace of life tied to the sea. The name itself means “summer island,” reflecting its historical use mainly during the warmer months (Visit Tromsø). In summer, the sun never sets; in winter, the dark skies offer frequent Northern Lights displays. The hotel’s own marketing calls it “an ideal summer destination with mild temperatures, crystal‑clear waters, and pristine hiking trails” (Sommarøy Arctic Hotel Facebook).

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June–August) brings the midnight sun and relatively mild weather, ideal for beach walks and late‑night hikes. Winter (November–February) offers strong chances of aurora borealis views. Both seasons have distinct appeal; the hotel actively packages activities around each.

The pattern: Sommarøy is a seasonal destination. Your experience will differ sharply depending on when you go.

Is It Worth Visiting Sommarøy from Tromsø in Summertime?

The drive from Tromsø takes roughly 50–60 minutes via road 862 across Kvaløya (Visit Tromsø). This makes a day trip entirely feasible, but many travellers choose to stay overnight to experience the midnight sun without a late drive back.

Distance and Drive Time

From Tromsø city centre, follow the E8 west onto road 862. The route crosses Kvaløya and ends at Sommarøy. Total driving time is about one hour each way under normal conditions. The hotel offers free parking (Booking.com).

What to Do on a Day Trip

Popular activities include walking on the white‑sand beaches, exploring the coves and reefs, and hiking on nearby Kvaløya. A travel blogger who documented a stay at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel recommends watching the midnight sun from local viewpoints and hiking late at night, and notes that fishing and fjord sightseeing tours can be arranged from the hotel (CalmlyKaotic guide). However, that account is from a single visitor; no consensus from multiple sources is available.

The catch: A day trip is doable, but an overnight stay lets you make the most of the Arctic summer light.

Is Sommarøy Expensive?

Like much of Norway, Sommarøy is not a budget destination. But the limited accommodation stock pushes prices higher than typical mainland options.

Vacation Package Prices

According to the research inputs, vacation packages for Sommarøy start from around $1,036 USD (2026 pricing). Per‑night rates at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel typically range from $149–$175 USD for a standard room, based on sample dates from Norway-Hotel.com. Trip.com estimates the average weekday price across all Sommarøy accommodations at approximately $257 USD per night.

How Costs Compare to Mainland Norway

A $257 nightly average is higher than many Norwegian city hotels, reflecting the island’s remote location and scarcity of rooms. Budget travellers may find comparable rates in Tromsø, but the added cost is balanced by the unique coastal setting and direct access to beaches and nature.

The implication: expect to pay a premium for the Arctic Caribbean experience—book early to lock in lower rates.

Pros and Cons of Staying on Sommarøy

How to Get to Sommarøy

Sommarøy lies about 60 km west of Tromsø. The most practical way to reach the hotel is by car: follow the E8 west onto road 862 across Kvaløya. The drive takes roughly 50–60 minutes (Visit Tromsø). The hotel offers free private parking (Booking.com).

Sample Day Trip or Overnight Stay on Sommarøy

Based on the most common visitor patterns (day trippers from Tromsø and overnight guests), here is a realistic itinerary:

• Morning: Depart Tromsø by car. Arrive at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel around 10:00. Park for free.
• Late morning: Walk the white‑sand beaches near the hotel. Explore the harbour and coves.
• Lunch: Eat at the hotel restaurant (reviewers on TripAdvisor highlight the food quality).
• Afternoon: Hike on nearby Kvaløya or join a fishing/fjord tour (booked through the hotel).
• Evening (summer): Watch the midnight sun from a local viewpoint. The hotel’s sauna and hot tub are open late.
• Evening (winter): Head to a dark spot near the hotel for Northern Lights viewing.
• Next morning: Breakfast at hotel, then drive back to Tromsø, possibly stopping at viewpoints along road 862.

This pattern is echoed by a travel blogger who stayed at the hotel: “Stay at the Arctic Hotel, watch the Midnight Sun, hike at midnight & sip wine at the top” (CalmlyKaotic).

“Sommarøy island is a charming fishing village outside Kvaløya in Northern Norway, known for its beautiful beaches and opportunities for outdoor activities.”

– Visit Tromsø editorial team, Official regional tourism board

“Sommarøy Arctic Hotel is located in the picturesque coastal village of Sommarøy and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, a 50-minute drive from Tromsø.”

– Booking.com property description, Online travel agency listing

For those considering a stay, a detailed Sommarøy Hotell guide can help you weigh the options between the island’s only hotel and nearby retreats.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sommarøy

Can you live in Sommarøy, Norway?

Yes, but permanent accommodation is extremely limited. Sommarøy is an active fishing village with a small year‑round population. Most visitors use the Sommarøy Arctic Hotel for short stays; long‑term rentals are rare and typically require local connections.

What is the Sommarøy Arctic Hotel restaurant like?

Recent TripAdvisor reviews describe the on‑site restaurant as serving good food with friendly service, focusing on local ingredients. The dining room overlooks the harbour, adding to the atmosphere. Multiple reviewers mention the breakfast buffet as generous.

Is Sommarøy best visited in a single season?

No – summer and winter offer completely different experiences. Summer is about midnight sun, beach walks, and mild hiking; winter is about Northern Lights, snow activities, and cosy hotel stays. The hotel markets both seasons equally.

How much money do I need for 2 weeks in Norway?

General travel estimates for Norway indicate a daily budget of $150–$300 USD per person for mid‑range travel, excluding flights. A two‑week trip would range from roughly $2,100 to $4,200 USD. Sommarøy accommodation alone runs $149–$257 per night, so factor that into your total.

How to dress while in Norway?

Layered clothing is essential. In summer (10–20°C), bring a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and a warm sweater for evenings. In winter (often below freezing), thermal layers, a windproof outer shell, hat, gloves, and insulated boots are necessary. The hotel provides sauna and hot tub, so pack swimwear.

Sources Cited

• Sommarøy Arctic Hotel – official website
• Visit Tromsø – Kvaløya & Sommarøy
• Tripadvisor – Sommarøy Arctic Hotel
• Booking.com – Sommarøy
• Agoda – Sommarøy hotels
• Hotels.com – Sommarøy hotels
• Trip.com – Sommarøy hotel price data
• Norway-Hotel.com – Sommarøy Arctic Hotel pricing
• CalmlyKaotic – Sommarøy guide
• Sommarøy Arctic Hotel – Facebook post