Drive it Yourself: Båtsfjord to Kjøllefjord
This drive goes from Båtsfjord on the Varanger peninsula to Kjøllefjord on the Nordkyn peninsula, crossing the mountains in beteen.
The village of Mehamn sits on the northern edge of the Nordkyn peninsula where the mountain plateau ends in a flat plain. The village has always been dependent on the supplies of fish from the sea, and Mehamn is regarded as having one of the best harbours in Finnmark. The population is around 700 people.
Latitude: 71 degrees north
Population: 700
Hottest month: July
Coldest month: February
Wettest month: October
Windiest month: February
Annual precipitation: 206mm
Gamvik Municipality
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Mehamn
Slettnes Lighthouse is the northernmost mainland lighthouse in the world and one of the most dramatic coastal landmarks in Arctic Norway. Located on the windswept coast near Mehamn, the lighthouse stands surrounded by tundra, seabirds and views across the Barents Sea. Visitors can walk along wooden boardwalks through the protected nature reserve while experiencing the raw beauty of Finnmark’s coastline. During summer, the midnight sun creates extraordinary lighting conditions across the landscape.
Located nearby, the Gamvik Museum explores coastal Sami culture, Arctic fishing traditions and life in one of Europe’s northernmost communities. Exhibitions include historical photographs, fishing equipment and stories from daily life in Finnmark’s harsh Arctic environment. The museum offers valuable insight into how local communities adapted to isolation, weather and seasonal darkness. It provides a strong cultural context for exploring the wider region.
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
The Nordkyn Peninsula is mainland Europe’s northernmost peninsula and offers remote Arctic landscapes unlike anywhere else in Norway. Visitors can explore dramatic cliffs, tundra plateaus and isolated fishing villages shaped by harsh coastal conditions. The area is especially popular for hiking, birdwatching and photography. During winter, the landscape transforms into a vast snow-covered wilderness beneath the polar night sky.
Kjøllefjord makes an excellent day trip from Mehamn and offers a glimpse into traditional Arctic fishing life along the Barents Sea coast. The village is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and rugged mountain landscapes that are especially striking during winter storms. Visitors can join boat excursions, fishing trips and wildlife tours throughout the year. The nearby rock formation Finnkirka is an important local landmark with Sami cultural significance.
The Arctic coastline surrounding Mehamn is rich in birdlife, attracting puffins, sea eagles, kittiwakes and other seabirds during summer months. Guided bird safaris by boat allow visitors to explore remote cliffs and nesting areas inaccessible by road. The dramatic scenery combined with abundant wildlife makes these tours particularly memorable for photographers and nature lovers. Whale sightings are also possible during certain seasons.
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Mehamn
The Nordkyn peninsula has a unique barren landscape. There’s no high peaks here, and there are large areas of ‘boulder oceans’ – expanses of broken rock virtually without soil or vegetation. The peninsula also has bustling fishing villages and lots of history. It ends at Kinnarodden, the northernmost point on mainland Europe. Follow this scenic drive across one of the remote places in Norway.
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Mehamn
Mehamn’s history has always been closely tied to fishing, Arctic survival and the Barents Sea. Coastal communities in the region depended heavily on cod fisheries for centuries, with seasonal fishing attracting workers and traders from across northern Norway. The harsh Arctic climate and remote location shaped a resilient culture built around cooperation, maritime knowledge and adaptation to extreme seasonal conditions. Fishing remains deeply connected to local identity even today.
Like much of Finnmark, Mehamn experienced major destruction during World War II when German forces retreated from northern Norway in 1944. Many buildings and settlements were burned, forcing residents to rebuild the town almost entirely after the war. Modern Mehamn therefore combines post-war architecture with older cultural traditions linked to Arctic coastal life and Sami heritage.
The wider Nordkyn region has also long been home to Sami communities whose traditions, language and reindeer herding practices remain important parts of local culture. Today, visitors can still experience elements of Sami history and Arctic coastal traditions throughout the area.
Modern life in Mehamn remains strongly connected to the sea, with fishing and seafood industries continuing to support much of the local economy. Despite its small population and remote location, the town maintains a strong sense of community shaped by generations of Arctic living. Residents are accustomed to long winters, rapidly changing weather and seasonal shifts between polar night and midnight sun.
Tourism has gradually increased as more travellers seek authentic Arctic experiences away from larger destinations such as Tromsø. Visitors come to Mehamn for northern lights, birdwatching, fishing and the feeling of being far beyond the ordinary tourist route. The town offers a quieter and more rugged Arctic experience focused on nature and local culture rather than large-scale tourism infrastructure.
Life here is deeply influenced by the surrounding environment, and outdoor activities remain central throughout the year. Locals spend time fishing, snowmobiling, hiking and participating in seasonal traditions linked to the Arctic landscape. The isolation and dramatic scenery create a lifestyle unlike anywhere else in mainland Europe.
Fly: Mehamn Airport offers regional flights connecting with larger airports such as Tromsø and Kirkenes. Flights are often combined with Widerøe regional services throughout northern Norway.
Drive: Mehamn is located on the Fv888, approximately 2.5 hours away from Tana Bru on the E6 highway.
Driving to Mehamn is possible via the E6 and regional roads through Finnmark. The journey passes dramatic tundra landscapes, fjords and remote Arctic scenery. Winter driving conditions can be challenging due to snow, wind, and rapidly changing weather.
Train: No train access
Ferry: Mehamn is a port of call for the coastal ferry. The northbound stops at around 7pm, while the southbound stops in the middle of the night.
Mehamn itself is small and easily explored on foot. Guided tours, taxis and local transport services are commonly used for excursions beyond the town. Rental cars can be useful for exploring the wider Nordkyn Peninsula, though winter driving requires experience in Arctic conditions. Snowmobiles and boats are also important seasonal modes of transport in the surrounding wilderness and coastal areas.
Cafes & Bakeries
Quick Bites
Reasonable Restaurants
Nordkyn Hotel Restaurant – A local restaurant known for fresh seafood, cod dishes and traditional northern Norwegian cuisine inspired by Arctic ingredients.
High End & Unique Eats
Camping
Nordic Safari Wildlife Adventures – accommodation catering to outdoor travellers, fishermen and northern lights visitors.
Cabins & B&Bs
Mehamn Arctic Hotel – Comfortable guesthouse-style accommodation with easy access to harbour activities and Arctic excursions.
Chains & Mid-Range
Nordkyn Hotel – The town’s main hotel offers comfortable rooms, sea views and convenient access to fishing trips, Hurtigruten and local attractions.
High End & Unique Properties
Polar night until 22 January
Average Temperature: -4C (24F)
Sunrise: 7:53am
Sunset: 2:53pm
Average Temperature: -5C (23F)
Sunrise: 5:33am
Sunset: 5:03pm
Average Temperature: -3C (26F)
Sunrise: 3:58am
Sunset: 8:22pm
Average Temperature: 0C (31F)
Midnight sun from the 13th of May
Average Temperature: 3C (38F)
Midnight sun
Average Temperature: 7C (45F)
Midnight sun until 31 July
Average Temperature: 11C (51F)
Sunrise: 2:47am
Sunset: 9:33pm
Average Temperature: 10C (51F)
Sunrise: 5:16am
Sunset: 6:48pm
Average Temperature: 7C (45F)
Sunrise: 7:25am
Sunset: 4:21pm
Average Temperature: 3C (37F)
Sunrise: 9:22am
Sunset: 12:22pm
Average Temperature: -1C (30F)
Polar night
Average Temperature: -3C (27F)
This drive goes from Båtsfjord on the Varanger peninsula to Kjøllefjord on the Nordkyn peninsula, crossing the mountains in beteen.