Alta, Hammerfest, the coast and the North Cape
West Finnmark offers great contrasts over short distances: World Heritage and plateau in Alta, a coastal town and reconstruction history in Hammerfest, and the dramatic meeting of land and sea at the North Cape. A week gives time to experience the highlights at a calm pace.
Days 1â2: Alta
Start in Alta. Spend a day on the World Heritage at Hjemmeluft and the Northern Lights Cathedral, and a day on activity â dog sledding or snowmobiling in winter, the river and hiking in summer. Alta has an airport and plenty of accommodation.
Days 3â4: Hammerfest and the coast
Drive on to Hammerfest, one of the worldâs northernmost towns, known for the Polar Bear Society and the reconstruction history after the war. From here you can follow the HavĂžysund National Tourist Route out towards the Barents Sea â one of the countryâs most dramatic coastal landscapes.
Days 5â7: the North Cape
Finish on MagerÞya. Use HonningsvÄg as a base, take a bird safari from GjesvÊr to GjesvÊrstappan and a king crab safari, before driving out to the North Cape plateau itself. With time to spare you get both the sights and the calm of the coastal landscape.
đ
AltaâHammerfest
approx. 140 km / 2 h
đ
To HonningsvÄg
approx. 3â4 h from Hammerfest
đŁïž
HavĂžysund
National Tourist Route
âïž
Flights
Alta, Hammerfest and HonningsvÄg
âïž
Distances and winter driving
Distances are large and settlement sparse. In winter expect winter road conditions and convoy driving to the North Cape. A hire car gives the most freedom â fill up in the towns, check weather and road status, and allow a good margin on driving times.
Tips
- đA hire car is recommended â public transport is limited.
- đŁïžCheck ferry/road status and the National Tourist Route in advance.
- đïžBook accommodation well ahead in high season.
- â±ïžAllow a good margin â distances take longer than the map suggests.
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