Årøya is the only island in the Lyngenfjord. The island has probably been inhabited or visited since the Iron Age. On the island there are many foundations and remains of earlier settlements. These bear witness to several centuries of farming, trade and defence activities.
In the 1950s, the island was purchased by the Norwegian Armed Forces, and until 1 July 2006, the entire island was off-limits to civilians.
Bear graves at Bonkholmen
West of the southern end of Årøya is a small islet called Bonkholmen. Here, archaeologists have found the bones of brown bears that were buried there 1,500 years ago. These bear graves are one of the oldest discoveries of bear graves in Northern Norway.
The story of Bonki
Bonkholmen is named after Sam Bonki, who, according to legend, lived on the island in the 1800s and was the last pagan in Lyngen.
Outdoor life and recreation on Årøya
Årøya is ideal for nature experiences and exploration. It is home to a rich plant and bird life and plenty of cultural heritage sites. Most of the island is protected during the summer season.
Settlement on Årøya
Årøya lies in the Lyngenfjord. The island has probably been inhabited or visited since the Iron Age. On the island there are several foundation walls and remains of earlier settlements.
War memories after the Second World War
In Lyngen, the Germans realised that, geographically speaking, the area is the first natural defence barrier where it is possible to defend against a military attack from the east. The area has long fjords and high mountains.
