Grøtfjord beach, on the small island of Kvaløya, just 45 minutes from Tromsø, is one of the closest white sand beaches to Norway's northern city.

There's a small village and campground here, but there aren't any restaurants or shops.

The stretch of white sand is backed by jagged mountains, and it's your first realization that it's the mountains AND the beaches that make this corner of the Arctic so spectacular—just beauty in its most natural form.

It's the perfect stretch of sand for kicking a soccer ball, going for a walk, or if you'r'e brave, going for a swim! It's also the local surfing spot for dedicated Tromsø surfers.