Borkenes

Borkenes is a village near Harstad and is situated in the municipality of Kvæfjord in the county of Troms, Norway. The village has about 1500 inhabitants and holds the town hall of Kvæfjord. Borkenes is situated about 20km from Harstad. Both are situated at Hinnøya, the largest island in Norway.

Earlier Borkenes was an industrial center with the production of herring oil as the main industry. Later the center of mentally handicapped on Trastad became a principal industry for the village. In the 1990s the government decided to close all institutions of this scale. People who had been living in Kvæfjord for many years could choose to move home or continue living in new housing at Borkenes. Many stayed on, and working with the mentally handicapped continues to be a viable employment opportunity in the community.

Today the suburb has a horticultural school, called Rå videregående skole (high school). There is some agriculture in Kvæfjord, where strawberries and potatoes are grown by local farmers. Wild life and fishing is available in mountains and lakes close to residential areas, and boats are available for sea excursions.

Kvæfjord is known for the national cake of Norway, "kvæfjordkake". Originally it was called "Danish King cake" after a recipe bought from a salesman in recipes.

The midnight sun can be viewed at Nupen and along the drive to Harstad. The view at Nupen is spectacular, and highly recommended.