Gjesvær

The fishing village Gjesvær is situated on the west side of Magerøya. 120 people live here all year round in the shelter of beautiful small and large islands. At the far end of the island group Gjesværstappan rises out of the ocean. In the summer months these islands are home to millions of seabirds that come to this coast to breed. Among these there are about 800.000 puffins, a large colony of With-tailed eagles, Cormorants, Razorbills, Gannets, Guillemots and Kittiwakes. The ocean here is the best food larder in the world for these birds.

Photo: Nordkappferie

Gjesvær has a fish factory that buys fish from the local fishing boats. In addition there is a company that produces fine dried fish. Here you can find a school, swimming pool, church, shop and a post office. It was not until 1976 that the road connected the village with the rest of Magerøya. Up to that time transportation was only by boats. From the Viking Age, Gjesvær was known as a trading post and fish station and was presumably the first site at Magerøya which had a permanent settlement. From the early Middle Ages and up to the last century this fishing village was one of the largest and richest fishing villages in Finnmark.

In Gjesvær you will find fantastic and unspoilt scenery. Additionally, bird safari, fishing trips, accommodation and eating places are available