Population 2,165 / 70.2 degrees north

Båtsfjord, Norway

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. 

About Båtsfjord

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

In this Travel Guide...

Uniquely Båtsfjord

Here are some things that you must do and try in Båtsfjord

Things to See & Do

Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Båtsfjord

Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences

Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!

Road-Trips

Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Båtsfjord

Berlevåg and Båtsfjord on the Fv890

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.

Self-Guided Walks

Båtsfjord on YouTube

Watch our YouTube videos featuring Båtsfjord

Båtsfjord Walking Tour

Join me on an early morning walk around the town of Båtsfjord. 

History 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. 

Båtsfjord Today

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. 

Travel Information

Getting Here

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. 

Getting Around

It’s very easy to walk around Båtsfjord, but you will need a car if you want to go out exploring. 

Shops

Places to Eat

Cafes & Bakeries

 

Quick Bites

 

Reasonable Restaurants

High End & Unique Eats

The best place to try local food is at Båtsfjord Brygge. 

Places to Stay

Camping

 

Cabins & B&Bs

Chains & Mid-Range

High End & Unique Properties

Båtsfjord Brygge is a wonderful hotel!

Sunrise/Sunset & Weather Averages

January

Polar night until 19 January

Average Temperature: -6C (22F)

February

Sunrise: 7:42am

Sunset: 2:49pm

Average Temperature: -6C (21F)

March

Sunrise: 5:25am

Sunset: 4:56pm

Average Temperature: -4C (25F)

April

Sunrise: 3:54am

Sunset: 8:11pm

Average Temperature: -1C (31F)

May

Midnight sun from the 15th of May

Average Temperature: 3C (38F)

June

Midnight sun

Average Temperature: 7C (45F)

July

Midnight sun until 30 July

Average Temperature: 11C (51F)

August

Sunrise: 2:46am

Sunset: 9:20pm

Average Temperature: 11C (51F)

September

Sunrise: 5:10am

Sunset: 6:40pm

Average Temperature: 7C (45F)

October

Sunrise: 7:15am

Sunset: 4:16pm

Average Temperature: 2C (35F)

November

Sunrise: 9:03am

Sunset: 12:26pm

Average Temperature: -2C (28F)

December

Polar night

Average Temperature: -4C (25F)

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