Top Things to do in Finnmark
Top 10 Museums 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. The Gallery - East of the Sun
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 35 reviews
Just two kilometres off the main road to the North Cape is the picturesque fishing village of Kamøyvær. The idyllic setting and opportunity to meet the artist make the detour well worthwhile. A visit can easily be combined with a trip to the North Cape.
Reviewed By lupasrou - Oslo, Norway
I already started noticing some cool unique paintings up in the North Cape Center and then in a few places in Honningsvåg so then I wasn't so surprised when I saw the gallery "West of the Moon", but unfortunately it was closed due to covid, so I investigated a bit and found out there was a sister gallery in Kamøyvær so I headed there and found "East of the Sun" which, luckily, although it was closed, the artist, Eva Schmutterer lives close by and could stop by and let me have a look inside. Very cool unique paintings and ways to present them. Don't miss this place, you won't regret it.
2. Antikstore
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
3. Terminal B
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Northern Lights Observatory at Haldde
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
8. 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.
9. Museum of Reconstruction for Finnmark and Northern Troms
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By Arctic_Lyon - Tromso, Norway
This is a very good introduction to the WW2 history of Hammerfest and the whole Finnmark region. The museum is huge, filled with artifacts, reconstructed locales, movies, and the like. I spent much longer in there than I expected honestly. Worth it.
10. Stabbursnes Nature House and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Stabbursnes Nature House and Museum is an information center for nature and culture in Finnmark and a National Park Visitor Center for Stabbursdalen National Park. The center offers: Standing exhibit of Finnmark's nature and culture. Film about Stabbursdalen National park and the Lappish seasons Sale of coffee/tea/refreshments Sale of souvenirs, books, postcards and works by local artisans Nature walk and guided thematic trips Conducted tour in the museum (Norwegian, English) must be ordered 2 days in advance. NATURE TRAIL We offer a nature walk that starts at the parking lot and goes to Stabbursneset. The trail partly follows the Stabbursnes Nature Reservation. It is approximately 2,8 km one way and you retrace your steps when returning. It will take about 45 minutes each way. The path is well marked, and easy to follow. It goes through woods, along the river, and on top of the Stabbursnes plateau were there is a magnificent view of the inner Porsanger Fjord. You may buy a small booklet describing the nature and walk at the Nature House.
