The hiking season in Finnmark stretches from June to September.
Hammerfest - Sørøya - Seiland - Kvaløya
The Hammerfest region is one of huge contrasts, with a varied countryside which appeals to people who enjoy hiking. Here you will find a spectacular coastal landscape, fertile fjord heads, glaciers, several kilometers of white shell and coral sand beaches, a whole mountain of sand, soaring mountain peaks and great fishing lakes and hunting terrain. The ocean waters off Sørøya contain some of the world’s most extensive fish stocks and large colonies of seals and sea birds. When the weather is good it is possible to see large whales blowing as they graze here during the summer.
Tourist information: hammerfest-turist.no
Enarstien - Inarinpolku - Anárašmáđđi
Enarstien is a historic trail dating back to the 1500s. There are cultural sights along the path. You start in Karlebotn and walk past Lake Vestreelvannet, and have a view northwards to the Varangerfjord. Higher up at Lávkavárri the trees stop growing and you enter the Finnmarksvidda Mountain Plateau. The path goes east through the Ásllatnjuoski valley and further towards the Finnish border.
Distance: 60 kilometers
Duration: Three to four days
Rating: Medium
Tourist information: varanger.com
Mortensnes Cultural Area
The cultural area of Mortensnes is a marked path flanked by items of cultural interest. The terrain is open. Please be aware that the area is a protected area and it is therefore forbidden to move or take any of the stones with you. This area lies 20 kilometers from Varangerbotn, towards Vadsø.
Distance: One-and-a-half kilometers
Duration: Two hours
Rating: Easy
Tourist information: varanger.com
The Sami Sacred Hill - Aldon
There is a marked path which takes you up Aldon, a hill sacred to the Sami people. It starts from the football pitch at Meskelv, is somewhat demanding and towards the end becomes relatively steep.
At the top you will get your reward in the form of an amazing view over the fjord looking toward Varangerbotn. Meskelv is situated approximately seven kilometers from Varangerbotn when driving towards Vadsø.
Duration: Two to four hours
Rating: Medium
Tourist information: varanger.com
Nature and culture path in Ekkerøy
This is a short path situated in the small community of Ekkerøy. There are informative signs alongside the way, which give information about the nature, history and culture of the area.
Distance: One-and-a-half kilometers
Duration: One hour
Rating: Easy
Tourist information: varanger.com
Svanerunden
Located just beyond Vadsø town centre, Svanerunden is a popular path with the locals. The trail has scenic views over the town and of the mighty Arctic Ocean most of the way.
Distance: 10 kilometers
Duration: Three hours
Rating: Easy
Tourist information: varanger.com
Path of Love
The Path of Love is a wonderful walk that follows the coastline. Here you can experience a closer and more impressive power of the sea. The path is signed and the terrain is easy to walk in. It starts at the breakwater in the western part of Vadsø.
Distance: Six kilometers
Duration: Two hours
Rating: Easy
Tourist information: varanger.com
The Nattfjelldalen Valley
The walking tour to Nattfjelldalen is a longer walk. From Nattfjelldalen you can enjoy a fabulous view over the Varangerfjord and the Varanger Peninsula. You may walk down the valley to a charming river and enjoy a rich fauna or you follow the edge of the valley and experience the spectacular waterfall at the end.
Duration: Three to five hours
Rating: Easy
Tourist information: varanger.com
Vestre-Jakobselv
The landscape in Vestre-Jakobselv is luxuriant and varies from forests to open areas. Follow the pathway along the riverside up to the first waterfall. The path is unmarked, but the terrain is easy to walk in.
Distance: Three kilometers
Duration: Two hours
Rating: Easy
Tourist information: varanger.com
Witches' Cave under Domen Hill
Just outside Vardø you will find the entrance to the Witches' Cave under the Domen Hill. Some 300 years ago educated people believed that this was the entrance to hell, and that small devils came flying out to meet the witches.
The path is steep, so you need to be in relatively good condition. When you have descended as far as the shoreline you will find the cave, which is situated at water level. There is no real marked path however.
Distance: Three kilometers
Duration: Two hours
Rating: Medium
Tourist information: varanger.com