What to do and see in Finnmark, Northern Norway: The Best Free Things to do

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.

Finnmarks first silverworkshop (est.1959) offers traditional and exclusive modern jewelry made one the premises.The Tundra collection designed by Regine Juhls is recognized as modern classics within scandinavian jewellery design. Tundra ..the eternal wasteland of the arctic has inspired her to create timeless unique jewelry through 50 years. Also International art and handicrafts are presented in a beautiful, special and unique setting. This is an architectural attraction, developed by Frank and Regine Juhls themselves through out their life. Juhls’ Silver Gallery is truly a cultural oasis in the heart of Norwegian Lapland, which reinforces the experience of the arctic landscape through art and design. An architectural gem: personal,exiting and surprising. Here you need time!!!

Steilneset Memorial or 'The Witches' Monument" commemorates the victims of the witches' trials in Finnmark during the 17th century. It consist of the House of Flames, with an artwork of French-American artist Louise Bourgeois, and the Memorial Hall designed by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor. The Memorial was opened by Her Royal Higness Queen Sonja in 2011.

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.

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.

The Tourist Information is located in the city center by the bus station. Alta - the City of the Northern Lights - where past meets future! Rock carvings created 10,000 years ago tell the history of our cultural past. Today, export and technology, entrepreneurs and the service industry leave their mark for the future. Alta is a modern technological community, with an emphasis on research and higher education. 2,000 students have found their place in the community and fallen in love with the city of Alta and the wonderful countryside right on Alta's doorstep. Alta, the City of the Northern Lights, is only a 2-hour flight from Oslo, and provides a natural base for day trips to the most popular attractions such as the North Cape, Sapmi theme park and Juhls' Silver gallery. Population: 20.000 Area, municipality: 3,845 km²

This rock formation is a geological wonder a fissure several metres wide in a cliff overhang shaped like a big gate. The midnight sun shines through this gate between midnight and two in the morning. The views of the rock formation “Hornet” are breathtaking. To get there, follow the 2.5 km long path starting at Kirkeporten Camping and Nordkapp Turisthotell. The walk there and back takes around 45 minutes.

The world's northernmost mainland lighthouse is located near the village of Gamvik in Norway. It is situated in the middle of a unique nature reserve, and the area is also rich in cultural heritage. The lighthouse itself is protected by the Cultural Heritage Act. Accomodation is simple but cosy. During summer, one can join a guided tour in the lighthouse tower, or have a coffee and a waffle in the little café.

Boble glasshytte is Finnmark’s first and only glassblowing studio, with an open workshop and sales gallery. The workshop is located in Sapmi park in Karasjok, alongside many other exciting local attractions. The heart and centre of the glasstudio is the furnace, where the hot, glowing mass of molten glass is lovingly blown and crafted into cold, hard and beautiful glass products while you watch. All the glass in the sales galler is made right here. Want to try glassblowing yourself? Contact us for bookings, and we'll help you blow your very own ornament or drinking glasses!