Båtsfjord is Norways largest fishing community and the largest fishing port of any Nordic country. The municipality/township is located on the North side of the Varangerhalvøya peninsula and has approximately 2.200 inhabitants. Surface area are 1.433,0 km2. Archeological finds truly traces of an ancient hunting culture 6-7000 years back in time. Permanent settlement in the outer fringes of the borough from 15th-16th centuries. A benevolent natural harbour has laid the foundation for the town of Båtsfjord that has undergone great changes since World War II.
Finnmark’s highest mountain pass is Ordofjell 358 m.a.s. Trade and Industry is fishing and fish processing. Midnight Sun from 18 May – 26 July. Polar nights from 17 november – 31 January. Experience Finnmark’s untamed landscape. Take a walk along one of the many trails in the borough. An outdoor enthusiast’s Eldorado for hunting, deep sea and sports fishing. Women’s ski run in May that attracts participants from all over the country. The Coastal Steamer (Hurtigruten) has daily departures.
A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE
The World´s Most Beautiful Voyage is a voyage like no other. Nothing can compare with it. Nothing about this journey will resemble anything you have ever experienced before. A ticket for the Coastal Express is a ticket to the theatre, an 11-day drama in which new acts constantly unfold all around you.
BÅTSFJORD
Norways largest fishing community in terms of landed quantities and export value, and also the countrys most modern fishing industry. A mecca for fishermen, especially in the summer, when fishermen from all over the country gather here for big catches.
BÅTSFJORD CHURCH
Consecrated on 20 may 1971. The church has one of Europe`s largest stained glass windows, 85 m2.
SYLTEFJORD
A recently abandoned fishing community. Places too see include a local history exhibition and Syltefjord chapel. There are also traces of the ancient hunting culture (5000-6000 years ago). At Syltefjord school there is a local history exhibition that includes hunting and fishing implements, and some magazines from the early 1900s.
SKARVSKITEN
Small nesting cliff. Accessible by foot, 1 km along a trail.
SYLTEFJORDSTAUREN
Syltefjord is one of Norway`s largest and most important bird colonies. It is home to a number of species, including gannets. The cliffs have been declared a wildlife reserve. There are also about 250 individuals of a local seal species called havert( a type of hooded seal). In outer Syltevika two church sites and clustered sites from houses from the Middle ages and from more resent times, as well as traces of a Stone Age settlement.
SYLTEVIKVANN LAKE
Syltevikvann lies about 7 km west of Hamningberg and is the site of an old Sami sacrificial circle. The circle has a slightly oval shape and consists of stones 6.7 metres. In diameter that stand on a beach ridge with an unobstructed view over Syltevikvann.
HAMNIBERG
This abandoned fishing village is a cultural heritage site with an intact set of buildings, and is the best-preserved fishing village from pre-war times. There are also war memorials, and a fascinating landscape. By road (Highway E75) from Vardø.MAKKAUR
Abandoned fishing village and trading post with attractions such as Makkaur Lighthouse, fortifications from WW2, shipwreck, old sites and two churchyards. Continuous habitation from the Middle Ages to WW2. The village was not burnt down during WW 2.
MAKKAUR LIGHTHOUSE
One of the few lighthouses along the Norwegian coast that still manned. It was erected in 1928.
MAST ON HAMNEFJELL MOUNTAIN
Norway`s tallest telecommunications mast, 241,8 metres high, stands on one of the highest mountains in Båtsfjord. Fantastic view across the Barents sea and Varanger Peninsula.
FISHING
Deep sea fishing enthusiasts can take a fishing trip out on the ocean. You can fish for salmon, sea trout and Arctic trout. Be aware that there are a number of special rules in regards to fishing. Remember to purchase a fishing licence.