History
About Krøttøy
Krøttøy is the sixth largest island in the municipality of Bjarkøy. It is connected to the neighbour island Meløyvær by a bridge. Meløyvær once served as a social meeting point for people living on the two islands. It had a grocery store and post office, and the local boat arrived three times a week. From about the year 1900, iron ore was extracted from the mine on Meløyvær — and a total of 70 to 80 people were employed as miners until a major fire led to the closing of the mine in 1929. Except for mining, fishing and agriculture were the chief means of livelihood for the people living on Krøttøy and Meløyvær.
Before the bridge was raised in 1976, people living on Krøttøy depended on boats to reach Meløyvær, whether they were in need of groceries or had to catch the local boat to Harstad. Children living on Krøttøy had to travel by boat every day to attend the elementary school on Meløyvær. The school was closed in 1985. At most, 88 people were living permanently on Krøttøy.
The Norwegian Defence Force's presence on Krøttøy
During the World War II, German soldiers were stationed on the island. The location of Krøttøy made it an important island for the Norwegian Defence Force. In 1958, they bought property on the island to build a military fort. The fort, built in the 1960s, consisted of a signal and radar station. This was a strategic location during the Cold War, as hostile boats heading for Harstad could easily be spotted on approach. About 30 years later, a modern coastal fort was built. It was completed in 1989, and housed at most about 400 men who participated in exercises in the area. The fort was closed in 1999.
Krøttøy and Meløyvær today
Today there are 15 inhabitants on Krøttøy and Meløyvær combined. Krøttøy is a pearl in the island kingdom of Bjarkøy, with multiple sandy white beaches where you can kick back, relax and dream away. Great fishing spots between the small islands, magnificent hiking opportunities, a diverse flora and fauna, some animals so tame that they can be watched up close — these are some of the wonderful experiences Krøttøy can offer.