Målselv: Waterfall, wilderness and culture
Accommodation in Målselv
Målselvfossen plunges 22 metres at the lower reaches of the Målselva. The waterfall area combines impressive nature with a special distinction: in 2003, a listener vote by NRK chose Målselvfossen as Norway’s national waterfall. In Målselv, you can shape your stay around the water and river, the forest and mountain landscape, or the region’s history.
Forests, mountains and trails in Dividalen
Øvre Dividal National Park is a 770-square-kilometre forest and mountain area in the municipality of Målselv. The Arctic Trail has two possible starting points: the end of the road in Dividalen or Innset at Altevatnet. Along the long-distance route through the national park, the local DNT association, Troms Turlag, maintains three self-service cabins: Dærtahytta, Dividalshytta and Vuomahytta.
Another place to visit in the national park is Ole Nergårdbua, a cabin open to everyone, with two sleeping places and overnight accommodation available. The marked trail there is about four kilometres from the car park and passes through old-growth forest. Havgavoupmi lies at the eastern end of the national park. This wetland, covering about 100 square kilometres, is subject to particularly strict protection regulations to safeguard its populations of swimming and wading birds; hunting is completely prohibited.
Cultural history and views
Fossmotunet conveys the history and culture of the people who immigrated to Målselv from the late 18th century onwards. The site includes, among other things, Fossmostua, a well house, a stable with a bell tower, a storehouse, the first cooperative shop in Målselv, Rognmo School and a blacksmith’s workshop. Fossmotunet is open to groups and school classes from May to September by arrangement.
Kongsvoldtunet also offers insight into the history of the early settlers. Kongslistua, built in 1846, contains decorated chests and cupboards associated with this period of settlement. From Kongsvoldtunet, a marked hiking trail leads to Rostakulen, which offers wide-ranging views across Målselvdalen. Kongsvoldtunet is open to groups and school classes from May to September by arrangement. Another cultural trail, “Fra foss til Foss”, runs in Målselv between Bardufossen and Målselvfossen.
River, activities and shared experiences
Above Målselvfossen, smaller boats can navigate almost 80 kilometres of the Målselva, as far as the second Divifoss in Dividalen. The river and waterfall therefore offer a focus of their own when planning your trip. The fishing area downstream of the waterfall covers about 1.8 kilometres of river.
For active days, there are various options: the family-run outdoor company OffTrack Experience is based in Målselv and offers private, personalised guided tours to explore the Arctic wilderness. Målselv Fjellandsby offers snowshoe tours in small groups and at various ability levels. It also offers Sámi experiences featuring cultural insights, stories and traditions in the home of the Oskal family. Aursfjordsaga is also open to groups and school classes from May to September by arrangement.
Polarbadet offers a family swimming pool with an interactive slide, diving tower and sports pool, as well as therapy pools, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, a Turkish steam bath and a traditional sauna. Målselv Fjellandsby serves classic North Norwegian dishes, simple lunch options, sweet pastries, and hot and cold drinks. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Målselv, you could first consider whether nature trails, cultural history, river activities or opportunities to enjoy time together at the pool should shape your stay.
Local pages in Målselv
More local pages: Målselv, Moen, Bardufoss, Rundhaug and Øverbygd.
For the broader travel overview: Troms.
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