The Ultimate Finnmark road trip itinerary (with photos)

In this 9-day itinerary Finnmark road trip we will explore how to plan an epic tour of Northern Norway. Discover the beauty of the small fishing villages, the harsh environment of the tundra and local Sami traditional lifestyle and history.

Table of Contents

Is Finnmark worth visiting?

Finnmark is the home for 200.000 reindeer, but only about 70.000 people. If you are seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a road trip to Finnmark is an ideal way to explore all that this exotic region has to offer. This northernmost region of Norway is situated above the Arctic Circle and boasts a wealth of breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage that are sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Which airport is best for a Finnmark road trip?

If you’re planning a road trip to Finnmark, Norway, the Alta Airport (ALF) would be the best airport to fly into. Located in the heart of Finnmark, the Alta Airport offers domestic and international flights, making it an easily accessible entry point to the region. From there, you can rent a car and start your adventure.

How to rent a car

Renting a car in Alta, Norway, is a straightforward process. There are several car rental companies available at the Alta Airport, including Avis, Europcar, and Hertz, among others. You can also find car rental companies in the city center of Alta.

To rent a car, you need to be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license. International visitors must have a valid driver’s license and may need an International Driving Permit (IDP), depending on their country of origin. It’s also important to note that driving in Norway is on the right side of the road.

How long do you need for a road trip in Finnmark?

The length of time you need for a road trip in Finnmark, Norway, depends on your interests and the specific route you plan to take. However, to truly experience the region’s natural beauty and cultural attractions, I would recommend at least a week or two for your road trip. The 9-day itinerary in this article covers 2000 kilometers of driving and allows some limited time for detours and excursions.

Accommodation in Finnmark

Accommodation in Finnmark can sometimes be a challenge, especially during high season. I would recommend mapping out your route and make hotel bookings in advance. Some of the hotels can be found on your regular booking sites, and others not. To help you out I have added some proposed recommendations for each location below.

Airbnb is becoming more and more popular in Finnmark and is a good alternative to a regular hotel. It is also a good option to meet the locals.

What is the best time for a Finnmark road trip?

Summer is undoubtedly the best time for a Finnmark road trip due to its pleasant weather conditions and extended daylight hours. During the summer months the temperatures are moderate and the roads are free of snow. With the sun shining almost 24 hours a day, visitors can make the most of their time. Many of the local museums and restaurants in the small villages are closed during winter season, thus making summer season the better option.

Finnmark Road Trip – Map and Locations

The map below show all the main locations included in the 9-day itinerary. The road trip conveniently starts and ends in Alta to allow for flight to/from Alta which has direct flights to/from Oslo several times a day.

Day 1: Arrival in Alta

Arrive in Alta and spend the day exploring the town. Visit the Northern Lights Cathedral and the Alta Museum to learn about the history and culture of the region. Alta Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can experience rock carvings that are 2000 – 7000 years old. You can also learns about local history and culture of the indigenous Sami people of Norway.

Enjoy a good dinner and spend the night in Alta. There are several restaurant and hotels in the city center.

Proposed accommodation: Thon Hotel Alta is conveniently located in the middle of downtown Alta and makes a good starting point for exploring Alta and Finnmark.

Day 2: Havøysund and National Tourist Route

Embark on a picturesque drive along the National Tourist Route to Havøysund, a charming fishing village located on the edge of the Arctic Ocean. This route showcases the stunning natural beauty of Finnmark and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, fjords, and ocean. Drive carefully as there are plenty of reindeer in this region and they do not know the traffic rules. Upon arrival in Havøysund, take a walk along the harbor and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants.

Spend the night in Havøysund. Should you have problems getting a hotel room (or airbnb room) in Havøysund an option is to drive back to Olderfjord/Skaidi where you will also find accommodation.

You may also be interested in: Driving National Scenic Route to Havøysund

Proposed accommodation: Accommodation is limited in Havøysund and I would recommend checking out Havøysund Hotel. If you like glamping you should check out Aurora Glamping in Kokelv on the return from Havøysund.

Day 3: Honningsvåg and Nordkapp (North Cape)

Drive to Honningsvåg, the northernmost city in Norway, and visit the iconic North Cape. On the way, you’ll pass through scenic landscapes and quaint fishing villages. At North Cape, stand on the edge of Europe’s northernmost point and take in the breathtaking views of the Arctic Ocean.

Spend the night in Honningsvåg. One of the favorite restaurants among the locals is Corner, where you can get deep fried cod tongues.

You may also be interested in: Travel guide to North Cape in Arctic Norway

Proposed accommodation: Scandic Bryggen is a well established hotel in the center of Honningsvåg with walking distance to restaurants.

Day 4: Trollholmsund and Gamvik

Take a scenic drive to Trollholmsund, a narrow strait surrounded by rugged mountains and fjords. There is a small hike from the parking lot to get to the main attraction which is the rock formations, but it is family friendly and usually something everyone can manage.

Afterward, drive to the small village Gamvik. Here, you can visit the Gamvik Museum to learn about the history and culture of the region. Continue your journey to the Slettnes Lighthouse, the northernmost lighthouse on the Norwegian mainland.

Return to Kjøllefjord for an overnight stay and enjoy the warm hospitality of the local community. Kjøllefjord is a charming fishing village with a unique character and is an ideal place to unwind after a day of exploring. If you have time, visit Foldalbruket, an old fish depot converted to an accommodation and museum.

Proposed accommodation: Hotel Nordkyn is located in Kjøllefjord. The hotel has newly renovated rooms and there is a tourist information located at the hotel. An alternative is to stay overnight at Slettnes Lighthouse where you can book a room in the old lighthouse officer’s house.

Day 5: Kjøllefjord – Berlevåg

After breakfast, depart from Kjøllefjord and head towards Berlevåg, another small fishing village on the Barents Sea. Here, you can explore the Berlevåg Museum to learn about the fishing industry and pomor trade. Make a stop at the Arctic Glasstudio where you can watch master glassblowers at work and purchase unique glass art souvenirs.

In the afternoon, take a hike to Tanahorn, a nearby mountain cliff with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The hike is a bit challenging, but the views from the top are worth it.

You may also be interested in: Visiting Berlevåg and hiking to Tanahorn

Proposed accommodation: I’d highly recommend spending the night at Kongsfjord Gjestehus (Kongsfjord Arctic Lodge), a charming guesthouse located on Veines. The guesthouse is composed of several colorful houses that have maintained their original structure from the end of the XIX century and have protected status. Should this option already be fully booked, you should check out Berlevåg Motell.

Day 6: Berlevåg -Vardø

Drive to Vardø, a historic town located on an island in the Arctic Ocean. Here, you can visit the Vardøhus Fortress and learn about the town’s fascinating history with Russia as its closest neighbor. Another attraction not to miss is Steilneset Memorial. Steilneset Memorial or ‘The Witches’ Monument” commemorates the victims of the witches’ trials in Finnmark during the 17th century. Vardø is also known for its street art.

You may also be interested in: Visiting Vardø and driving National Scenic Route to Hamningberg

Proposed accommodation: There is limited accommodation in Vardø, but I found Vardø Hotel satisfactory with its central location. And they had great cod in their restaurant. If you want something extraordinary you need to check out Varanger View outside of Vardø.

Day 7: Vardø

Spend an extra day in Vardø to experience Hamningberg and Hornøya.

From Vardø take the national scenic route to Hamningberg. This scenic route offers breathtaking views of the Arctic Ocean and windswept landscapes. As you approach Hamningberg, you’ll see the remnants of an abandoned fishing village that was once a thriving community in the early 1900s. Hamningberg has a rich history, and it’s worth taking some time to explore the old buildings and learn about its past.

Hornøya is a wildlife watcher’s paradise. Staggering numbers of seabirds cover the island, playing out their daily lives before you. A visit to Hornøya is a visit to one of the wildest, most extreme places in Europe, yet it is still easily available, only a short boat trip from Vardø.

If you are into bird watching you should check out this post: Bird watching on Hornøya

Day 8: Karasjok

Drive to Karasjok, the cultural capital of the Sámi people. In Karasjok, visit the Sámi Parliament which is an indigenous parliament and deals with all matters concerning the Sámi people. The Sámi Museum is another attraction in Karasjok and is dedicated to preserving and promoting Sámi culture. The museum has a large collection of Sámi artifacts, including traditional clothing, tools, and artwork.

Proposed accommodation: For staying the night in Karasjok most visitors choose Scandic Karasjok. If you fancy something a bit more authentic you should check out Engholm Husky, especially if you love dogs.

Day 9: Karasjok – Kautokeino – Alta

Drive to Kautokeino, a small Sámi village located in the heart of Finnmark. Here, you can visit Juhls’ Silver Gallery and browse the unique jewelry and artwork. I strongly recommend joining one of the free guided tours of the museum to learn about the history of this Oasis of the Tundra. Afterward, drive back to Alta to end your road trip.

Proposed accomodation: If you plan for an overnight stay in Alta before you fly out and feel like splurging you should book a night as Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge which is located idyllically along the Alta River outside the city center.

If you are planning a Finnmark road trip and have any questions, please feel free to reach out and I will answer as best I can. Being a local I want to make sure you make the best out of your arctic adventure!