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.
Kjøllefjord is a charming fishing village on the northern tip of the Nordkyn peninsula. While fishing has traditionally been the main industry, tourism is a rapidly growing industry.
Latitude: 70.5 degrees north
Population: 845
Hottest month: July
Coldest month: February
Wettest month: October
Windiest month: February
Annual precipitation: 206mm
Lebesby Municipality
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Kjøllefjord
Fordalsbruket is said to be the largest wooden building in the region. It was built in 1917 as a fish processing plant for cod, cod liver oil and other types of fish. The building survived World War II but the business ended soon after. Today it has been converted into a museum and shows the fish processing process.
This rock formation resembles a cathedral and used to be a sacrificial site. It wasn’t human sacrifice, thankfully. Finnkirka is also an important landmark on the coast.
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
Davvi Sami Siida is a unique Sami experience where you can go and learn about Sami culture and meet the reindeer. The site also has some cabins where you can spend the night. I stayed here in 2023 and woke up to a reindeer outside my cabin!
Nordic Safari offers year-round activities from boat tours to snowmobiling.
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Kjøllefjord
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 Kjøllefjord
Join me for a walk around the town of Kjøllefjord, starting in the town centre and finishing at Foldalbruket.
Kjøllefjord has been a trading post and fishing village since the 16th century. Kjøllefjord traded with the Sami in the areas south of the peninsula. The author Jonas Lie wrote in one of his novels from Kjøllefjord about the way of life here around 1750:
“Kjøllefjord is a gathering place for goods and produce of Finnmark, that are loaded onto ships from Bergen and Denmark, and the village is a port of call for Russian sloops trading along the coast as a refuge for foreign ships sailing the seas to Archangelsk. The place is always a hive of activity”.
When the Nazis retreated in 1944, Kjøllefjord was burned to the ground and the residents were evacuated. The entire town was replanned and rebuilt and nine fishing wharves were constructed, so the town grew quickly.
The current population is 845. While fishing is still the major industry, in recent years tourism has begun to grow. Snowmobile tours, northern light safaris and excursions based on Sami culture are organised from the town. There are also over 240km of marked hiking trails.
Fly: The closest airport is at Mehamn with flights going to Tromsø, Honningsvåg and Hammerfest.
Drive: Kjøllefjord is located on the Fv894, approximately 2.5 hours away from Tana Bru on the E6 highway.
Train: No train access
Ferry: Kjøllefjord is a port of call for the coastal ferry. The northbound stops at around 4:40pm, while the southbound stops in the middle of the night.
It’s very easy to walk around Mehamn, but you will need a car if you want to go out exploring.
Cafes & Bakeries
Casual Eateries
Restaurant Nordkyn (part of the hotel) has a pizza menu as well as an à la carte restaurant. It’s the only proper restaurant in town.
High End & Unique Eats
Camping
Cabins & B&Bs
Chains & Mid-Range
Nordkyn Hotel is a lovely, modern hotel right down by the harbour.
High End & Unique Properties
Davvi Sami Siida offers beautiful cabins for rent. The breakfast here is amazing!
This drive goes from Båtsfjord on the Varanger peninsula to Kjøllefjord on the Nordkyn peninsula, crossing the mountains in beteen.