Finnkirka in Norway is one of the world´s most beautiful mountain cliff´s, formed like a church at the entrance to Kjøllefjord. According to legend, Finnkirka was an ancient sacrificial site for fishermen, seafarers and the Sami. Those sailing along the coast feared the stretch of sea past Nordkyn. The two rock formations are mentioned in old sources as a Sami sacrificial site and sacred sea cliff. Finnkirka is listed by The Directorate for Cultural Heritage in Norway (Riksantikvaren) as a Sami cultural monument. A marked trail offering spectacular viewing points leads out over the plateau above Finnkirka, but if you want to experience the cliffs at close range you need to go by boat.
On their eastward journey, seafarers sailed as far as the sea cliff Altertavla on the eastern side of the fjord and made an offering for a safe onward journey. On the return voyage, they sailed to Finnkirka on the western side of the fjord and gave an offering of thanks for surviving the voyage round Nordkyn.
Finnkirka has always led the way. Today the cliff is illuminated with artistic lighting when the Coastal Steamer (Hurtigruten) approaches it in the darkness of the Polar Night.
ADAMSFJORD NATURE RESERVE
Adamsfossen and Adamsfjord Nature Reserve a 37 metres high waterfall between Kunes and Ifjord. Nesting area for marsh birds. Terraced-formed landscape that reveals land upheaval activity since the last Ice Age.
SVÆRHOLDT
An abandoned trading post at the outermost point on the west bank of Laksefjord. Here you will find Norway´s third largest nesting cliff and the ruins of fortifications from WWII. Only accessible by boat from Kjøllefjord or Veidnesklubben.
BRATTHOLMEN
Brattholmen is an abandoned islet in the Laksefjord. Previously a fishing port and trading place. Cliffside nesting colony with kittiwakes and cormorants. Old coastal Sami sacrificial stone. There is a chapel and an old churchyard here plus ruins from Second World War fortifications.
RASTAGAISA
Eastern Finnmarks highest mountain, 1,067 m.a.s.
NORDKYNVEIEN
The landscape between Bekkarfjord and Hopseidet reminds one of the moon´s surface. Summer road that is also used as a Winter road. Norway´s most rugged and infamous stretch of road in Winter.
BEKKARFJORD HEIGHTS
A vantage point with a view over Laksefjord.
KALAK HEIGHTS
Kalak heights and Kalakveien, the road between Lebesby and Kalak. Marvellous view over a dramatic rugged landscape.
VADSABAKTI
Offerfjellet. Laksefjordvidda plateau. Ancient Saami sacrificial site. Famous landmark.
TRAILS
There are 6 marked trails from Kjøllefjord to surrounding sights, including Finnkjerka and Kinnarodden.
OKSVÅGEN LAND STATION
This place has mostly been connected with the whaling industry in modern times. The Finnmark Hunt was mostly operated from stations ashore. Ruins of a land station may be seen at Oksvågen, a three-metre long steam cauldron hovers in the landscape. The road to Oksvågen Land Station goes through the world´s northernmost birch forest. Light rolling terrain, marked path where a walk takes less than 30 minutes. The station area is designed for visitors with a picnic area and information boards on the site´s history.
RYPØYA ISLAND
Uninhabited holm with diverse fortifications from World War II.
SAAMI CAMP
On Ifjordfjell and Børselvfjell mountains in Summer. In Autumn, reindeer are herded, marked and some are slaughtered here.
REINDEER
There are approximately 9.000 reindeer on Summer grazing in the Ifjordfjell mountains, approximately 2.400 reindeer on Børselvfjell mountains and approximately 4.000 on Nordkyn.
FISHING
For mainland fishermen, Laksefjordvidda plateau is an Eldorado. Thousands of lakes with good fishing here. Light terrain. You can fish for salmon, sea trout and Arctic trout in many of the rivers. Be aware that there are a number of special rules in regards to fishing. Remember to purchase a fishing licence. Deep sea fishing enthusiasts can take a fishing trip out on the ocean.
Permanent seal colonies on skerries in Laksefjord can be seen from the road in Bekkarfjord.
SKJØTNINGBERG
This abandoned fishing village from the 1400s was the former administrative centre of the Borough of Lebesby. The last inhabitants moved out in the mid-1950s.
CHURCHES
The churches in Lebesby and Kjøllefjord, and the chapels at Kunes, Børselv, Ifjord and Veidnes are all well worth a visit. Lebesby church is open to the public during the summer.
KJØLLEFJORD
Kjøllefjord is also centre for commerce and a traditional fishing port. Kjøllefjord is the largest village in the northwestern part of Nordkinn Peninsula, located on the shore of a small fjord of the same name, which empties into Laksefjord. The Coastal Steamer has daily departures at Kjøllefjord.