The national tourist route to Havøysund offers a great variety of nature and cultural experiences! Although the drive can be completed in less than 1 hour, it is recommended to have plenty of time to explore several of the stops on the road a little closer. We list some of the highlights here:
Start - Kokelv, the sea Sámi village
The national tourist route starts right next to the small village Kokelv, which has around 130 inhabitants. Kokelv has traditionally lived off fishing, and a large part of the population is of Sámi origin. At Kokelv Sjøsamiske Museum you can learn more about the Sea Sapmi by visiting a 50s reconstruction house, decorated with Sea Sapmi treasures in the form of clothing, tools, furniture, an associated barn and boathouse with an impressive boat collection. Kokelv Church can also be worth a visit, as the church has a very special history. It was, like the rest of Finnmark, burned down during World War II - but after the war, German youths came to the village to rebuild a new church in Kokelv.
Accommodation: In Kokelv you will find Aurora Glamping which offers accommodation completely out of the ordinary. They have an "Arctic Dome" where you can, among other things, sleep under the northern lights when the conditions are right for it. In addition, they have Sami-inspired barns, with accommodation, kitchen and bathroom, a large wooden lavvu where groups can eat amazing food around the fire. They also have a luxury cabin. In the area there are many nice hiking trails, a river you can go for a swim in, a hot tub for those who prefer that, and the opportunity to carry out many exciting activities!
Watch out for the Sphinx!
From Kokelv, the trip continues along county road 889, towards Snefjord. On the way you pass many fascinating rock formations, including a formation similar to the Sphinx in Egypt. On one side of the road you have the fjord, and on the other side you have rock cliffs and strange formations. It can be difficult to prioritize where to look, because in the fjord it is not uncommon to spot porpoises, or a the majestic sea eagle - but the stones are also really special!
Lillefjord
In Lillefjord there is a stop with toilet facilities, benches, and the start of a hiking trail that leads a bit up the mountain towards some impressive waterfalls. You can see the waterfalls from the main road and do not have to go for a walk if you do not want to, but a little stretch can be good for the legs!
Selvika offers "wow" - especially at sunset
We let the picture speak for itself. Selvika is a picnic area a little out of the ordinary - don't you think? Go down to the sandy beach and watch the sun go down on the horizon - or not - if it's midnight sun. Here it's just a matter of snapping pictures!
Havøysund - a living fishing village at 71 degrees north
When you finally come driving around the last turn and spot Havøysund, it is almost as if you do not believe it. Such a big fishing village, here? You probably expected something less. But Havøysund is full of life, with boats coming and going under the bridge. Maybe they have king crabs with them in to the port? The windmills that spin on the plateau above the village. Fishermen's cabins, hotels, and small niche shops. In addition, there are several beautiful hiking destinations, such as to the cairn, with a view over the Barents Sea and the windmills.
In the summer, remember to watch out for reindeer along all the roads in the Hammerfest region, as reindeer graze along the coast.
Enjoy the ride, and drive safely!