See one of Norway’s most iconic waterfalls amid a diverse landscape of mountain ridges, valleys, ski fields and farming countryside.
Maalselv is a municipality huddled within southeastern Troms County’s ridges and valleys. Named for the region’s mighty Maalselv River, the town has diverse landscape that includes rugged mountains, velvety-green valleys and ocean coastline to the northwest. Check out the alpine ski fields at Maalselv Fjellandsby or the powerful rapids of MaalselvfossenOpens in a new window, known by some as Norway’s national waterfall. Explore Maalselv to learn about Norway’s military and wartime history or simply to enjoy mountain panoramas dominated by the peaks of Blåtindan and Istind.
Take a road trip around Maalselv to experience the region’s charming villages and dramatic landscapes. Check out the Bardufoss area’s collection of villages around the confluence of the Barduelva and Maalselv rivers. Bardufoss also features the Polar Park Zoo and the Troms Armed Forces Museum.
Follow the Barduelva River to access the waterfall BardufossenOpens in a new window. Nearby, the thunderous Maalselvfossen is a treasured emblem in the area and picturesquely surrounded by pine forest. It is also a well-known spot for salmon fishing.
Learn about the region’s folk traditions at the Fossmotunet folk museum, housed within a restored 19th-century farmhouse. Find a pretty farm village surrounded by forest in nearby Alapmoen.
In winter, head to Maalselv Fjellandsby, one of Norway’s largest mountain resorts. The magnificent resort has excellent downhill ski slopes, a network of scenic cross-country trails and a busy alpine village. See additional breathtaking landscapes in Øvre Dividal National Park. The park’s plant life includes still pine forests, arctic rhododendron patches and dwarf birch in the alpine tundra. You might see wolverines and reindeer herded by Sami people.
Maalselv is located in southeastern Troms. Access the area via the regional airport in Bardufoss. Alternatively, use local buses arriving from Narvik and TromsøOpens in a new window. The region is known for its greenery in summer and heavy snowfall in winter. Stay in hotels and smaller lodgings in the larger townships or pleasant camping sites. Camping near the Maalselvfossen is particularly popular.
