Drive it Yourself: Berlevåg to Båtsfjord
Follow this scenic drive between two relatively isolated fishing communities on the Barents Sea, crossing the Varanger peninsula in between.
North European travel guide
Located in a fjord, Båtsfjord is a sheltered fishing village on the northwestern coast of the Varanger peninsula in Finnmark. Båtsfjord boasts as being the capital of fishing, and that is probably true – it is one of Northern Norway’s most important fishing harbours. Båtsfjord is also one of Norway’s most diverse communities, with over 30 countries represented amongst its small population.
Latitude: 70.2 degrees north
Population: 2,165
Hottest month: July
Coldest month: February
Wettest month: January
Windiest month: January
Annual precipitation: 20mm
Båtsfjord Municipality
Here are some things that you must do and try in Båtsfjord
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Båtsfjord
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Båtsfjord
The drive from Berlevåg to Båtsfjord is something special. Both ports are incredibly isolated on the Finnmark coast, but are vital fishing communities for Norway. The rugged shoreline has been shaped by bad weather from the Barents Sea, and the geology here is some of the oldest in Norway. The drive itself is short, but well worth it on any road-trip in the north.
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Båtsfjord
Join me on an early morning walk around the town of Båtsfjord.
The current Båtsfjord was likely populated around the beginning of the 19th century, as in 1852 there were 26 inhabitants. The population boom took place in the early 20th century, when Hamningberg began to experience stagnation due to poor harbour conditions, and Båtsfjord had a much more suitable harbour. Since boats with motors were now being used, it wasn’t as important to be close to the fisheries anymore. by 1909, as many as 300-400 boats with 3000-4000 men were moored at Båtsfjord.
Whaling stations have been in Båtsfjord since the late 19th century.
Båtsfjord was not too badly damaged during World War II. Around 27 buildings were burned down but most survived, so Båtsfjord was the supply base during the reconstruction period.
Fishing is the major industry in Båtsfjord and it is one of the biggest fishing stations in Norway in terms of quantity brought ashore. 7,000 fishing ships dock in Båtsfjord every year.
Fly: Båtsfjord has an airport with flights to Hammerfest, Honningsvåg, Tromsø, Vardø and Berlevåg.
Drive: Båtsfjord is located on the Fv891, approximately 90 minutes off the E6 highway.
Train: No train access
Ferry: Båtsfjord is a port of call for the coastal ferry. The southbound ferry stops in the evening, while the northbound ferry stops around midnight.
It’s very easy to walk around Båtsfjord, but you will need a car if you want to go out exploring.
Cafes & Bakeries
Quick Bites
Reasonable Restaurants
High End & Unique Eats
The best place to try local food is at Båtsfjord Brygge.
Camping
Cabins & B&Bs
Chains & Mid-Range
High End & Unique Properties
Båtsfjord Brygge is a wonderful hotel!
Polar night until 19 January
Average Temperature: -6C (22F)
Sunrise: 7:42am
Sunset: 2:49pm
Average Temperature: -6C (21F)
Sunrise: 5:25am
Sunset: 4:56pm
Average Temperature: -4C (25F)
Sunrise: 3:54am
Sunset: 8:11pm
Average Temperature: -1C (31F)
Midnight sun from the 15th of May
Average Temperature: 3C (38F)
Midnight sun
Average Temperature: 7C (45F)
Midnight sun until 30 July
Average Temperature: 11C (51F)
Sunrise: 2:46am
Sunset: 9:20pm
Average Temperature: 11C (51F)
Sunrise: 5:10am
Sunset: 6:40pm
Average Temperature: 7C (45F)
Sunrise: 7:15am
Sunset: 4:16pm
Average Temperature: 2C (35F)
Sunrise: 9:03am
Sunset: 12:26pm
Average Temperature: -2C (28F)
Polar night
Average Temperature: -4C (25F)
Follow this scenic drive between two relatively isolated fishing communities on the Barents Sea, crossing the Varanger peninsula in between.
Follow this scenic drive through the rugged Varanger peninsula from Varangerbotn to Berlevåg on the Barents Sea.