Nordkyn, Norway – Sami experiences, fishing, the outdoors

Where nature rules

On the Nordkyn peninsula, the northernmost region on the European mainland, you can enjoy beautiful scenery, world class fishing, Arctic adventures and Sami experiences.

On Nordkyn the distance between the mountain plain and the coast is short, and there are mere seconds between the calm and the storm. Exotic fishing villages and majestic vistas are hallmarks of the peninsula, but you will also find beaches, lighthouses and quaint fjords.

The abundance of fish in the Barents Sea induced people to settle on Nordkyn as early as the end of the last Ice Age, and the riches of the sea continue to sustain the region to this day. Be a fisherman for a day and learn the trade from the professionals, join a deep sea fishing tour, or hire a boat and try your luck on your own.

Nordkyn is the place for setting out on foot and discovering the many well-marked hiking trails in the area. The entire region is ideal for hiking trips for both experienced and inexperienced hikers – and you can be sure that the vast open spaces and the horizons will affect you in some way.

The main villages on the peninsula are Mehamn, Gamvik, and Kjøllefjord – all located on the northern shore. There is evidence of settlement in the region as long ago as 10 000 years, and the Sami have had a long presence in the area. If you want to experience the Sami culture, there are many cultural tours available. You can also make reservations for an authentic Sami dinner in a lavvu, and even book an overnight stay in one. There are several options for getting to Nordkyn.

In the winter you can enjoy many miles of marked cross-country trails, try your hand at snowshoeing or join a snowmobile trip over snow-covered, vast rolling hills and lakes. Just imagine doing this with the northern lights dancing above your head …

Find more inspiration on Nordkyn’s official website.

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visitnordkyn.com

Deep sea fishing in Nordkyn.
Photo: Tor Petter Krogh

Slettnes lighthouse.
Photo: Christoffer Robin Jensen

Sami lavvu in Nordkyn.
Photo: Monika Nutz

Northern lights in Nordkyn.
Photo: Ørjan Bertelsen

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Seasons and climate

Considering its location in a subarctic climate, Nordkyn has a surprisingly mild climate.

The Gulf Stream contribute to stabilize the temperatures both during summer and winter.

Winter lasts from November to late April, but temperatures rarely fall much below zero.

Between November and January, the Polar Night falls. In this period of time, the sun does not rise above the horizon.

From the start of April, the sun never sets, creating a beautiful glowing effect. Read more about the midnight sun.

Get the latest weather forecast on yr.no.

Getting here and around

Get in-depth travel information on Nordkyn's official website.

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By road

Bus routes from Lakselv and points beyond run daily to Nordkyn. The road to Nordkyn (county road 888) connects the villages of Gamvik, Mehamn, and Lebesby to the E6 highway at the base of the peninsula, and from there it continues on to the towns of Kirkenes in the east and Alta in the west.

Several rental agencies provide cars in Lakselv, Vadsø, Kirkenes and Alta.

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By boat

The famous Hurtigruten, The Norwegian Coastal Voyage, calls at the ports of Kjøllefjord and Mehamn twice a day. The journey between Kjøllefjord and Mehamn takes about two hours.

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By plane

Mehamn Airport, which serves the peninsula and surrounding area, has daily scheduled flights to/from Tromsø, Hammerfest and Vadsø. There are also year-round direct flights from Oslo and other major cities to Kirkenes, from where you can reach Nordkyn with Hurtigruten or by road. Another option is direct flights from Oslo to Alta and continuing by car or bus.

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