Drive it Yourself: Lakselv to Kirkenes on the E6
This is the last stretch of the E6 in Norway.
Lakselv, which translates to “Salmon River”, reflects on the towns main attraction and reason for founding. Though salmon fishing is very traditional here, today Lakselv is a major stop on a road-trip through Northern Norway as it’s where the E6 and E69 (to North Cape) meet.
Latitude: 70 degrees north
Population: 2,224
Sami name: Leavdnja
Hottest Month: July
Coldest Month: January
Wettest Month: August
Windiest Month: January
Lakselv Municipality
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Lakselv
This local museum offers insight into the region’s rich cultural tapestry, with exhibits on Sámi, Norwegian, and Kven cultures, traditional crafts, and wartime history. It’s a good place to deepen your understanding of how people have lived in this far north.
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
West of the village is the Stabbursdalen National Park, which is a great place for hiking and has the world’s northernmost pine forest.
This is a horse-riding centre located close to Lakselv. There are horse rides with Icelandic horses here. Trips last an hour or can be a few days.
A striking natural spectacle close to town, Rappafossen features dramatic falls and steep cliffs carved by glacial waters. It’s a favourite photo stop and easy to combine with hikes or picnics near the river.
Just outside Lakselv, at Trollholmsund, you’ll find unusual rock formations—including ancient dolomite pillars shaped by ice age processes. The landscape here feels sculptural and remote, with fjord views all around.
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Lakselv
The E6 highway is the longest highway running through Norway, beginning south of Oslo and ending at Kirkenes. This stretch of the E6 covers the entire length of Arctic Norway, passing by and including some spectacular remote places.
The scenic drive from Tana to Lakselv is so off-the-beaten path that it’s barely visible on Google Maps. However, this rugged drive across the Ifjordfjellet mountains is used by the Sami people with their reindeer. It is incredibly diverse and scenic!
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Lakselv
Here are some things that you must do and try in Lakselv
Lakselv has its roots in trade and travel at the head of Porsangerfjorden. Over centuries, it grew as a local service centre and gateway to the Finnmark hinterland, with fishing and small-scale agriculture as vital livelihoods. The community reflects a blend of Sami, Norwegian and Kven heritage, evident in local culture and place names. During WWII and the post-war reconstruction, this area—like much of Finnmark—saw rebuilding and renewal that helped shape its modern identity.
Today Lakselv is a lively yet compact village with essential services, shops and cafés. It’s often visited by travellers keen on fishing, hiking and northern lights, and serves as a practical base for exploring northern Norway’s Arctic landscapes. A local airport means Lakselv is more accessible than many small northern communities, and the village retains a welcoming small-town feel.
Fly: Lakselv airport has flights to Tromsø and some small destinations across Northern Norway.
Drive: Lakselv is located on the E6 highway, which is the main highway running through Norway. It’s also located at the southern end of the E59, which goes to North Cape.
Train: No train access
Ferry: No ferry access
To get around the area you will need a car.
Cafes & Bakeries
Lakselv Bakery – highly rated bakery known for fresh bread, pastries and coffee; ideal for breakfast or snacks.
Restaurants
Marthes Bistro – a popular bistro serving a range of lunches and casual dinners in the village centre.
Hos Magnus – a smaller local lunch restaurant praised on social platforms for its friendly service.
Joy’s Thaimat AS – takeaway Thai food if you’re looking for something different.
High End & Unique Eats
Lakselv is small and the dining scene is more casual-focused; high-end, fine-dining venues aren’t a major feature of the village itself. Instead, expect comfort food and local seasonal menus rather than formal Michelin-style plating—ideal after outdoor days exploring the fjords and rivers.
Lakselv Hotel is probably where you find the most ‘high end’ food.
Camping
Fjord view Porsanger AS – highly rated RV park with cabins and scenic views over the fjord.
Cabins & B&Bs
Stabbursdalen Resort – a well-liked base for exploring Stabbursdalen and surrounding nature by car or bike.
Wild Caribou AS – highly rated accommodation with strong reviews for comfort and local host hospitality.
Chains & Mid-Range
Stabbursdalen Lodge AS – cabin booking service with various rural options near lakes and rivers.
Lakselv Hotel – a comfortable hotel with an on-site restaurant serving local dishes, outdoor gear rentals and sauna facilities; located just outside the village centre.
Verdde Hotel Lakselv AS – centrally located hotel with restaurant options and views towards the Porsanger region.
High End & Unique Properties
This is the last stretch of the E6 in Norway.
Polar night until 18 January
Average Temperature: -8C (18F)
Sunrise: 7:57am
Sunset: 3:12pm
Average Temperature: -8C (18F)
Sunrise: 5:40am
Sunset: 5:19pm
Average Temperature: -5C (24F)
Sunrise: 4:13am
Sunset: 8:29pm
Average Temperature: 0C (32F)
Midnight sun from 15 May
Average Temperature: 5C (41F)
Midnight sun
Average Temperature: 10C (49F)
Midnight sun until 28 July
Average Temperature: 13C (55F)
Sunrise: 3:17am
Sunset: 9:27pm
Average Temperature: 11C (52F)
Sunrise: 5:33am
Sunset: 6:54pm
Average Temperature: 7C (45F)
Sunrise: 7:34am
Sunset: 4:35pm
Average Temperature: 2C (36F)
Sunrise: 9:13am
Sunset: 12:55pm
Average Temperature: -3C (26F)
Polar night
Average Temperature: -6C (21F)