Krøttøya
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Aerial image of Krøttøy (lower) and Meløyvær (upper) | |
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| Geography | |
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| Coordinates | 69°03′21″N 16°31′52″E / 69.055891°N 16.531013°ECoordinates: 69°03′21″N 16°31′52″E / 69.055891°N 16.531013°E |
| Length | 3.4 km (2.11 mi) |
| Width | 1.7 km (1.06 mi) |
| Highest elevation | 99 m (325 ft) |
| Highest point | Nordlystoppen (Kollen) |
| Administration | |
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Norway | |
| County | Troms |
| Municipality | Harstad |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 3 in winter, ca. 100 in summer (2015) |
Krøttøya is the northernmost inhabited island in the Andfjorden, consisting of 365 small islands, with over 20 white-sand beaches. Krøttøya is located in the municipality of Harstad in Troms county, Norway. Krøttøy is surrounded by the islands of Senja to the east, Bjarkøya and Grytøya to the south and Andøya to the west.
Flora and fauna
Whales
During the winter season (October–March) large schools of herring arrive in Andfjorden, followed by orcas, humpback whales and fin whales. Sperm whales and pilot whales are encountered all year round.
Attractions and activities
The main attractions are Viking graves and the national museum Meløyvær fortress. The island was of great strategic importance during the Cold War thus holding back a possible naval attack of the Soviet Navy on the supply lines and defence positions of the Norwegian Army, in Northern Norway. Fully manned it had stationed up to 450 soldiers of the Norwegian Army. It is only since 2002 that the army left and that visitors from outside are allowed without a security clearance. Some of the bunkers and military buildings are now privately owned. Valhall, an ex-military summer residence has been renovated in 2007 and now serves as a hotel. The main activities are whale watching, sea eagle safaris, fishing, sea kayaking and diving.
Gallery
Midnight sun view from the Nordlystoppen
Meløyvær and Krøttøy seen from the Nordlystoppen
Nordlystoppen (Kollen) 99m, as seen in summer
A view to the north from the Nordlysveien - Krøttøy
A view from Meløya with Andørja in the background
Whale observation from Nordlystoppen - Krøttøy
Ancient settlement from the Viking Age - Krøttøy
Cannon B - Meløyvær Fortress
Transport
Krøttøy (Meløyvaer) is inhabited and is connected daily with the islands of Bjarkøy and Senja and the city of Harstad by a catamaran operated by Boreal Transport. There is also a bridge connecting Krøttøya with Meløyvær.