Gjesvær
Gjesvær is a true pearl of Magerøya, with spectacular landscape. During the summer months it is a home for many colonies of seabirds, and in winter period it is a good place to catch the Northern Lights.
Gjesvær is quite a remarkable place:
With the current population ofaround 100 people, it is recognized as the only place in Finnmark known from the Viking Age.
What makes this fishing village so unique is the Gjesværstappan – the group of steep mountains rising from the sea, creating islands: “Storstappen”, “Kjerkestappen”, and “Bukkstappen”.
Those islands are a home for a large colony of seabirds (in total more than 60 000 pairs), and from 1983 they are designated area of nature reserve.
Due to the nesting of birds, it is prohibited to set foot on those islands from June 15 until August 15.
Gjesvær is located about 36 kilometers (around 35 – 40 minutes by car) from Honningsvåg.
We recommend traveling by car, as it provides the most flexibility to explore the area and nearby viewpoints.
There is also a public bus connection, but please note that it operates as a “bus on demand.”
This means you must book your trip at least 4 hours in advance.
You can find the schedule and booking details here: snelandia.no
For assistance, call (+47) 75 77 18 88.
Yes, Gjesvær is accessible year-round, but services and activities are limited during winter. The road is usually kept open, but always check weather and driving conditions before you travel, especially between November and April.
Gjesvær is best known for its bird safari to the Gjesværstappan Nature Reserve, home to puffins, gannets and other seabirds. The boat season usually runs from May to August.
While visiting the village, you can also explore its history and culture through small-group experiences with Gjesvær Handel, including guided visits to the privately owned Gjesvær Church, the cultural heritage collections, and a stop at Norway’s northernmost grocery store.
Visitors can enjoy scenic coastal views, peaceful Arctic surroundings and an authentic fishing village atmosphere — perfect for those looking for a quiet and meaningful stop near the North Cape.