What to do and see in Finnmark, Northern Norway: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day

September 2, 2021 Jeremy Dunfee

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

Duksfjordveien 4 Kamøyvær, Kamoyvaer 9750 Norway +47 78 47 51 37 [email protected] http://evart.no
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5.0 based on 35 reviews

The Gallery - East of the Sun

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. Perleporten Kulturhus

Storgata 19, Honningsvag 9750 Norway +47 995 15 843 [email protected] http://www.perleportenkulturhus.no/
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5.0 based on 73 reviews

Perleporten Kulturhus

N-9520 P.b 409, Kautokeino 9521 Norway +47 78 48 43 30 [email protected] http://www.juhls.no
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5.0 based on 83 reviews

Juhls Silver Gallery

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!!!

Reviewed By 378andersd

Such a lovely, different, magical, special and cool place! Very beautiful design and very friendly and helpful staff. The lady owner is also such a real lady! Beautiful silver - love the wilderness inspired design.

4. Steilneset Memorial

Steilneset, Vardo 9950 Norway http://www.nordnorge.com/ost-finnmark/?News=469
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5.0 based on 107 reviews

Steilneset Memorial

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.

Reviewed By Werner1960 - Ulm, Germany

Really impressive. A „must see“ and unique experience to walk through the dark corridor. The cube with the eternal flame is also very impressive. Unfortunately no translations into other languages available.

5. Blue Puffin

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5.0 based on 128 reviews

Blue Puffin

More than a Bus Tour! For us,it is all about your experience, here at the FarNorth.Tour Includes Guiding. Our dedicated tour guides will inform, show around and entertain you throughout the tour. North Cape Entrance Ticket. Explore the North Cape during your free time at the North Cape Visitor Center (between 1:15 and 1:30h stay). Transport. Our bus is waiting for you at the port, a stone’s throw from your ship. Fishing Village. Visit a picturesque fishing village and get to know about the local life style, here in the Arctic. King Crab Experience. Join us for a king crab show, take close-up pictures and even touch “The Monster of Barents Sea”. Photo Stops: At Viewpoints, Reindeer. All stops are optional and entirely dependent on the conditions: time, weather, traffic etc. Meeting Point. in front of Tourist Information in Honningsvag, Duration: 4 hours approx. The excursion is adjusted to cruise ship arrival and departure times.

6. Varanger Museum

Gnr 26 Bnr 77, Kirkenes 9900 Norway +47 78 99 48 80 [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/pg/varangermuseum/about/
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4.5 based on 197 reviews

Varanger Museum

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.

7. Tirpitz Museum

Kaafjordbotn 59, Alta 9518 Norway +47 920 92 370 [email protected] http://www.tirpitz-museum.no/
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4.5 based on 108 reviews

Tirpitz Museum

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.

8. The Polar Bear Society

Hamnegata 3, Hammerfest 9600 Norway +47 78 41 21 85 [email protected] http://www.isbjornklubben.no
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The Polar Bear Society

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

Kirkegata 19, Hammerfest 9600 Norway +47 78 40 29 40 [email protected] http://www.kystmuseene.no/the-museum-of-reconstruction-for-finnmark-and-northern-troms.107297.en.html
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4.5 based on 75 reviews

Museum of Reconstruction for Finnmark and Northern Troms

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. Alta Tourist Information

Bjoern Wirkolas vei 11, Alta 9510 Norway +47 991 00 022 [email protected] http://www.visitalta.no
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4.5 based on 68 reviews

Alta Tourist Information

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

Reviewed By OldBill2 - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Beside the bus station this Tourist Information Centre is staffed by exceptionally well mannered, helpful staff who go out of there way to please. They will give you all the information you need regarding tourist spots in the area. They sell post cards and stamps too and will even post them for you after you have written them (works out a good £1 cheaper then posting them with P and O if your on a cruise). Thoroughly recommended.

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