Population 700 / 71 degrees north

Mehamn, Norway

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.

About Mehamn

Latitude: 71 degrees north

Population: 700

Hottest month: July

Coldest month: February

Wettest month: October

Windiest month: February

Annual precipitation: 206mm

Gamvik Municipality

In this Travel Guide...

Things to See & Do

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

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 Mehamn

The Nordkyn Peninsula (Fv888)

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. 

nordkyn Peninsula (Fv888)

Self-Guided Walks

Mehamn on YouTube

Watch our YouTube videos featuring Mehamn

Sailing into Trondheim on Hurtigruten

Watch the approach into Trondheim

Watch on YouTube

Uniquely Mehamn

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

Shop

Christmas House

The world’s largest collection of Santas is at Mehamn – there are over 26,000 Santas on display at the Christmas house.

History of Mehamn

Mehamn was permanently settled in 1819, when three families moved here. The families moved here because of the proximity to the rich fisheries of the Barents Sea. The entire town was destroyed during World War II.

Mehamn is known for the whaling controversy that occurred in the early 20th century. In 1885 a whaling station opened at Mehamn. The fishermen began complaining that the whaling was affecting their livelihood as the whales were used to lure the fish closer to land.

Years of conflict came to a head in 1903, when the fishermen had gathered in Mehamn for a festival and after lots of alcohol attacked the whaling station. The military had to be called in, but by the time they got there the conflict had settled down. Whaling was banned the following year.

Mehamn Today

Fishing is the major industry in Mehamn and the community is more or less dependent on it. Mehamn is regarded as having one of the best harbours in Finnmark. King crab is also caught here for the Asian markets. 

Travel Information

Getting Here

Fly: Mehamn does have an airport with flights going to Tromsø, Honningsvåg and Hammerfest. 

Drive: Mehamn is located on the Fv888, approximately 2.5 hours away from Tana Bru on the E6 highway.  

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. 

Getting Around

It’s very easy to walk around Mehamn, 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

Places to Stay

Camping

 

Cabins & B&Bs

Chains & Mid-Range

High End & Unique Properties

Sunrise/Sunset & Weather Averages

January

Polar night until 22 January

Average Temperature: -4C (24F)

February

Sunrise: 7:53am

Sunset: 2:53pm

Average Temperature: -5C (23F)

March

Sunrise: 5:33am

Sunset: 5:03pm

Average Temperature: -3C (26F)

April

Sunrise: 3:58am

Sunset: 8:22pm

Average Temperature: 0C (31F)

May

Midnight sun from the 13th of May

Average Temperature: 3C (38F)

June

Midnight sun

Average Temperature: 7C (45F)

July

Midnight sun until 31 July

Average Temperature: 11C (51F)

August

Sunrise: 2:47am

Sunset: 9:33pm

Average Temperature: 10C (51F)

September

Sunrise: 5:16am

Sunset: 6:48pm

Average Temperature: 7C (45F)

October

Sunrise: 7:25am

Sunset: 4:21pm

Average Temperature: 3C (37F)

November

Sunrise: 9:22am

Sunset: 12:22pm

Average Temperature: -1C (30F)

December

Polar night

Average Temperature: -3C (27F)

All Posts About Mehamn