Top Things to do in Finnmark
The 10 Best Things to do in Finnmark, Northern Norway
Lying at the very top of Europe, Finnmark is the northernmost part of Norway that reaches around Sweden and meets Finland. This is the heart of Norwegian Lapland, where Karasjok is the cultural and political seat of Sami life. Though Norway's biggest county by size, Finnmark has the fewest people. Alta, the biggest city with just 17,000, is called the Town of Northern Lights for its great views of the phenomenon. Alta Museum is largely devoted to local rock carvings from thousands of years ago.
Restaurants in Finnmark
1. Varanger Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
Our exhibitions reflects life and culture in the borderland between Norway, Russia and Finland, with a special emphasis on World War II.
Reviewed By chrispZ6983NO - Oslo, Norway
Super-interesting exhibits on Kirkenes's ordeal during WW2. One of the world's few Shturmovik Soviet ground attack planes in perfect condition. Also exhibits on the local mining industry and a wonderful photo exhibit by a local woman in the early 20th Century. Worth at least two hours here.
2. Alta Canyon and the Alta Dam
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
3. Tirpitz Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
Tirpitz Museum is a war museum that is located in Kåfjord outside the city of Alta in Finnmark county, Norway. Tirpitz Museum is open from 1 June to 1 September. Out of season we open on request for groups or other special occasions.
Reviewed By Laurence1952 - Burgess Hill, United Kingdom
When researching Alta, I heard of the Tirpitz Museum and was particularly keen to visit it as my father had been on the Arctic Convoy during the war. Although normally closed during the winter months, I managed to arrange for them to open for me and I am so glad that they did. Although the museum is quite small, the number of artefacts they have on display is amazing ranging from uniforms to musical instruments and even a typewriter salvaged from the wreck. If you are in the area and have an interest in WW2 history, do try to visit the museum. Highly recommended.
4. Alta Museum - World Heritage Rock Art Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 560 reviews
WORLD HERITAGE ROCK ART CENTRE - ALTA MUSEUM Experience one of Northern Europe's largest rock carving sites, inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage list. The carvings were made by hunters and gatherers, the oldest carvings are over 7000 years. The rock art park is available in the snow free period. The museum is open all year and features exhibitions on rock art in Alta and other cultural history exhibitions. Temporary exhibitions on themes such as the Northern Lights, angling and art exhibitions. Cafe with a panoramic view over the Altafjord and souvenir shop. Guided tours for groups by prior arrangement. Audioguides available in Norwegian, English, German and French.
Reviewed By mberlin2015 - Berlin, Germany
I passed through Alta on my way to the Nordkapp. This is one of the few UNESCO world heritage sites in Norway and absolutely not to be missed. Take an hour or two and walk down the path from the museum towards the more than 5000 years old stone carvings -- the artistry is really astonishing - and there are lots of carvings ... lots , and lots ! Spend a few quid extra for the Audio guide the audio descriptions are phenomenal and make for the best experience.
5. The Polar Bear Society
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 264 reviews
The Polar Bear Society is located on the coastal steamer pier, together with Hammerfest’s Tourist Information. Join the world famous and exclusive society, and receive the Polar Bear Pin as proof that you visited the World’s Northernmost Town – Hammerfest! Our museum showcases our proud traditions with fishing and hunting in arctic conditions. There is also a gift shop. You can only become a member in the Polar Bear Society when you visit Hammerfest in person. A membership costs NOK 220,00 as a one time fee. The money supports the exhibition and pays the components of the membership: the Polar Bear pin in silver and enamel, a sticker with our logo on, a diploma with your name on signed by the mayor of Hammerfest, a membership card with your own membership number.
Reviewed By G6426FManthonys - Brisbane, Australia
Located at the tourist office this is a great little museum. There are plenty of stuffed birds if you are into birds as well as some of the mammals of the area. Info boards with the history makes this a good place to stop.
6. Hammerfest Tourist Information
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Welcome to the world’s northernmost town, Hammerfest. An Arctic town full of life at 70 degrees North. Hammerfest was officially recognised as a town in 1789 and is the oldest town in North Norway. But did you know that Hammerfest was also the very first town in Norway and Northern Europe to introduce electric street lights in 1891? The polar bear in the town’s coat of arms is the symbol of the town’s proud roots connected to Arctic hunting. In recent years, the town has gained world renown for Snohvit, the world’s northernmost LNG plant, and the very first natural gas development in the Barents Sea. From Hammerfest, you can explore sea, land, mountain and mountain plain – no matter the season! Population: 10,287. Area, municipality: 844 km².
7. North Cape Tourist Information
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 261 reviews
Welcome to the tourist information located in Honningsvag. Honningsvag is a town in the municipality of Nordkapp which is located on the island Magerøya. With Honningsvag as the town centre, Magerøya also includes four picturesque fishing villages which we highly recommend you to visit: Skarsvag, Gjesvær, Kamøyvær and Nordvagen. North Cape is our main attraction and it's the northernmost point in Europe that can be reached by car. Population: 3,219. Area, municipality: 924 km² Location: Honningsvag Harbour, in the centre of Honningsvag.
Reviewed By PTM_47 - Miami, United States
The visitors centre is beautifully placed with every facility from bathrooms to cinema to restaurants and a great tourist shop where are you can buy everything needed for your memory of the North Cape. The centre is free of charge.
8. Pasvik Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By Darrencru - Bergen, Norway
This is simple one of the nicest places we have ever been. The scenery, the silence, the wildlife, the adventure were all fantastic and we will definitely be back one day. Just amazing.
9. Northern Lights Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 388 reviews
Reviewed By Davvebiegga - Germany, null
I am completely non-religious, but I like to visit churches in the Nordic countries. The rather new church is really very particular and unusual. There is a small entrance fee and you can also purchase a ticket for the very interesting Northern Lights Museum in the basement of the church.
10. Soviet Liberation Monument
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 117 reviews
Memorial of the Red Army that liberated South Varanger during the fall of 1944, after four years of German occupation.
Reviewed By davidrD518WB
An important reminder of the Soviet liberation of the area, all too often overlooked by historians in the west. Wreaths are still put there to honor those who took part in this important part of the history of Kirkenes.
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