Setermoen, the administrative center of Bardu Municipality in Troms county, Norway, is a small yet significant village nestled in the heart of Northern Norway’s rugged landscapes. Located along the Barduelva River and on the shores of Sætervatnet Lake in the Bardudalen Valley, Setermoen is approximately 25 km east of Sjøvegan, 25 km south of Bardufoss, and 75 km east of Harstad. With a population of 2,505 (2023) spread over 2.87 square kilometers, it has a population density of 873 inhabitants per square kilometer. Despite its modest size, Setermoen’s strategic military importance, stunning natural surroundings, and rich cultural heritage make it a unique destination.
Setermoen’s development is deeply tied to its military history and
strategic location. The name “Setermoen” derives from Norwegian seter (a
summer farm or pasture) and moen (moor or meadow), reflecting its
historical role as a pastoral area in the Bardudalen Valley. The
village’s modern significance began in 1898 when the Norwegian Armed
Forces established a military camp here due to its sheltered position
amidst mountains, ideal for defense and training. This camp, one of
Norway’s oldest, has shaped Setermoen’s identity, economy, and
community, making it the country’s largest military garrison today,
hosting approximately 1,000 soldiers and 500 officers.
In 1999,
Bardu Municipality declared Setermoen a town, but the Norwegian
government rejected this status because the municipality’s population
was below 5,000. Despite this, Setermoen functions as a regional hub,
with the European Route E6 highway running through its center,
connecting it to larger towns like Tromsø (90.8 km north) and Oslo
(1,058.1 km south). The village’s military presence expanded
significantly after the Cold War, with a major renovation program
launched in 2007, costing nearly 1 billion NOK (approximately $155
million USD). This project demolished outdated barracks and built modern
facilities to transform the Norwegian Army into a professional force,
improving standards to attract volunteers.
Setermoen is home to Setermoen Camp, the largest military garrison in
Norway and a key component of Brigade Nord, the Norwegian Army’s primary
combat unit. The camp hosts several battalions, including:
Artillery Battalion (Artilleribataljonen): Equipped with advanced
artillery systems.
Armored Battalion (Panserbataljonen): Specializing
in tank operations.
Medical Battalion (Sanitetsbataljonen): Providing
medical support.
Intelligence Battalion (Etterretningsbataljonen):
Focused on reconnaissance and espionage.
The camp’s strategic
location in a mountainous valley offers natural protection and ideal
conditions for cold-weather and Arctic warfare training. Since January
2025, Setermoen has been a focal point for Exercise Joint Viking 25, a
major NATO winter warfare exercise involving the Norwegian Armed Forces,
U.S. Marine Corps, and other allies, highlighting its role in
international military cooperation. The military presence drives local
employment and infrastructure development, with soldiers and officers
integrating into the community, though the transient population can
limit cultural amenities compared to larger towns.
Setermoen’s cultural fabric is shaped by its Norwegian and Sami
heritage, reflecting the historical interplay of these cultures in
Northern Norway. The region’s Sami traditions are evident in local
crafts, reindeer herding practices, and festivals, though specific Sami
cultural sites in Setermoen are less documented. The Bardu Church (Bardu
Kirke), located in the village, is a cultural and historical landmark,
serving as a focal point for community gatherings and religious events.
While Setermoen lacks major museums, the surrounding Troms region
offers cultural attractions, such as the Polar Park (15–16 miles away),
the world’s northernmost wildlife park, where visitors can observe
Arctic animals like wolves, lynx, and reindeer. Setermoen’s cultural
scene is modest, with community events often tied to military activities
or outdoor recreation. For a taste of urban culture, residents and
visitors travel to Tromsø, 90.8 km away, which offers cinemas like
Verdensteateret, museums, and a vibrant nightlife.
Setermoen’s attractions are primarily tied to its military and
natural assets:
Setermoen Military Camp: While not a public
tourist site, the camp’s presence is a defining feature, with
occasional open days or guided tours for educational groups. Its
modern facilities, built post-2007, are a testament to Norway’s
military modernization.
Bardu Church: A historic wooden church in
the village center, offering a glimpse into local religious and
architectural heritage.
Sætervatnet Lake: A serene lake ideal for
fishing, kayaking, or relaxing, bordered by the Barduelva River.
Barduelva River: A scenic waterway running through Setermoen,
popular for fishing (salmon and trout) and leisurely walks.
Polar
Park: Located 15–16 miles from Setermoen, this wildlife park is a
major draw for families, featuring Arctic animals in their natural
habitat.
The village’s compact size and quiet atmosphere make it
an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions, such as the Tromsø
Fjords or the Målselven Valley, both offering stunning landscapes.
Tripadvisor reviews highlight Setermoen’s appeal for those seeking a
peaceful retreat, with 115 traveler reviews noting its natural
beauty and proximity to outdoor activities.
Setermoen’s location in the Bardudalen Valley, surrounded by
mountains and forests, makes it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts,
particularly in winter:
Hiking and Trail Running: The area
features six documented trails for hiking, mountain biking, and trail
running, with GPS tracks available via Trailforks. Popular routes
include those around Sætervatnet Lake and the Barduelva River, offering
scenic views of the valley.
Skiing and Snowboarding: While Setermoen
lacks a major ski resort, cross-country skiing is popular on local
trails, with no designated areas required—skiers can explore freely. For
alpine skiing, nearby Målselv or Narvik offer lifts and slopes.
Splitboarding and backcountry skiing are also viable, though beginners
may need guided lessons, available in Bardufoss.
Husky Safaris and
Snowmobiling: Nearby operators, such as those in Tromsø, offer husky
sledding and snowmobile tours through snowy forests, ideal for
experiencing North Norwegian nature.
Northern Lights Viewing:
Setermoen’s remote location and minimal light pollution make it a prime
spot for aurora borealis sightings, especially from September to March.
Guided 4x4 tours to secluded areas enhance the experience.
Fishing
and Hunting: The Barduelva River and Sætervatnet Lake are rich in salmon
and trout, attracting anglers. Hunting is also popular, with maps like
the Setermoen 1:50,000 series aiding navigation.
Wildlife
Exploration: The proximity to Polar Park allows visitors to see Arctic
wildlife, while the surrounding wilderness offers chances to spot moose
or reindeer.
The region’s climate, with short winter days (sunrise at
8:41 AM, sunset at 1:16 PM in April) and polar night from late November
to mid-January, adds a unique dimension to outdoor activities. Studded
shoes (e.g., Icebug) or screw-on studs are recommended for icy trails.
Setermoen’s dining options are limited due to its small size, but
local cuisine reflects Northern Norway’s traditions:
Reindeer
Meat: A Sami staple, often served as steaks, stews, or dried jerky,
available at restaurants like Bardu Hotell.
Salmon and Trout: Freshly
caught from the Barduelva River, served grilled or smoked.
Cloudberries: A regional delicacy, used in desserts or jams, often found
at local markets.
Flatbread and Gomme: Traditional Norwegian
flatbread and a sweet cheese spread are common in rural eateries.
Bardu Hotell in Setermoen offers a restaurant and snack bar, serving
hearty Norwegian fare. For more dining variety, visitors head to
Bardufoss, where hotels like Bardufosstun feature cozy lobby bars.
Setermoen’s quiet nature means no bustling nightlife, but Tromsø’s bars
and restaurants, like Verdensteateret, are a 90-minute drive away for a
livelier scene.
Setermoen is compact and accessible, with infrastructure supporting
both residents and visitors:
Transportation: The E6 highway runs
through Setermoen, connecting it to Bardufoss (20 minutes), Tromsø (90
minutes), and Narvik. Public transport includes buses to Bardufoss
Airport (14 miles away) and Tromsø, with limited daily services. Taxis
are available, but a car (preferably with four-wheel drive for winter)
is recommended for flexibility. Used or new cars can be purchased
locally or via Finn.no, Norway’s equivalent to Craigslist. Bardufoss
Airport (BDU) offers daily flights to Oslo, while Tromsø Airport (TOS),
59 miles away, serves international routes.
Accommodation: Options
include Bardu Hotell, with free Wi-Fi and a restaurant, and Soltun
Soldatheim & Ungdomssenter, offering budget-friendly rooms with a garden
and terrace. Nearby Bardufoss has additional hotels, like Bardufosstun,
with leisure activities. For budget travelers, June to August offers the
lowest hotel rates.
Amenities: Setermoen has basic services,
including a grocery store, pharmacy, and small shops. For larger
shopping needs, Bardufoss or Finnsnes (nearby) offer more options. The
village’s quiet atmosphere is ideal for those seeking a calm base.
Education and Services: Setermoen hosts schools and administrative
offices for Bardu Municipality. The military camp provides some
healthcare services, with larger hospitals in Tromsø or Narvik.
Setermoen’s community is shaped by its military presence and rural
setting:
Military Influence: The 1,500 personnel at Setermoen
Camp create a transient population, with soldiers often participating in
local events. The camp’s facilities, including gyms and training
grounds, are occasionally accessible to civilians.
Recreation: Beyond
outdoor activities, Setermoen offers playgrounds and wildlife
experiences for families. The Soltun Soldatheim & Ungdomssenter provides
a shared lounge for community gatherings.
Climate Adaptation: Winters
are harsh, with temperatures often below freezing and polar night
limiting daylight. Residents use studded shoes and embrace outdoor
activities to cope. Summer (June–August) brings milder weather (around
11.75°C) and long days, ideal for tourism.
Setermoen’s small size and natural surroundings foster a sustainable lifestyle, with eco-friendly practices like hiking and fishing minimizing environmental impact. The military’s modernization efforts include energy-efficient buildings, aligning with Norway’s green initiatives. The community is tight-knit, with locals and military personnel coexisting harmoniously. However, some describe Setermoen as “cold and remote,” suggesting newcomers prepare for a quiet, nature-focused life.
Setermoen is a destination for those seeking an authentic Northern Norwegian experience, blending military history, Arctic nature, and Sami heritage. Its role as Norway’s largest military garrison offers a unique glimpse into modern defense operations, while its trails, lakes, and proximity to Polar Park appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. The village’s quiet charm, affordability (with cheap accommodations), and Northern Lights viewing opportunities make it an ideal base for exploring Troms. However, visitors craving urban amenities may need to venture to Tromsø or Narvik.