Søstrene Kafè og Landhandleri

Why I recommend it

Some places are worth visiting for the food, others for their location. Søstrene manages to combine both. What I love most is how genuinely local it feels. This isn’t a polished café created for tourists; it feels like a little piece of village life in one of the most beautiful parts of Kvaløya. And before you leave, have a browse through the little landhandleri as well. Picking up something locally made makes a pretty good souvenir from Kvaløya. Make it a stop on a road trip around the island, order something homemade and take your time. On a beautiful day, sitting outside with the mountains and sea around you is one of those simple travel moments that tends to stick with you.

What to order

They do have a wide selection of food, but my recommendation is to keep it simple. Coffee and a homemade pastry are hard to beat here. If you’re hungry, though, let the menu guide you. Their lunch dishes are based on fresh, local ingredients, so don’t arrive with one specific craving in mind. See what’s available that day and go with it.

Good to know

Søstrene is quite a way outside Tromsø, so don’t treat it as somewhere to quickly pop into from the city. Make it part of a day exploring Kvaløya — the road towards Tromvik and the surrounding landscape are a big part of the experience. Opening days can also be limited. It is primarily a weekend café, so check their Facebook or Instagram before making the drive. If the weather allows, sit outside. They even light fire pits on the veranda, making it possible to enjoy the view while staying warm on those very Norwegian days when the sunshine doesn’t necessarily mean it’s warm.