Akkarfjord: Coastal Landscapes and Nature on Sørøya

Akkarfjord combines the coastal landscapes of northern Sørøya with hiking trails, a beach and geological features nearby. The area is part of a coastal region known for its landscape qualities, rich flora and fauna, cultural heritage and geological attractions. Depending on whether you would rather spend your holiday hiking, enjoying nature or taking a trip to the coast, your journey can take different directions.

Coast, Geology and Birdlife

Nearby is Storsanden, an approximately 1.3-kilometre-long sandy beach made of mineral sand with embedded shell and coral fragments. Sandfjellet is located in Gamvika: a mountain slope about 300 metres high, made of fine-grained mineral sand, also containing fragments of shell and coral sand. In certain wind conditions, it renews itself and is described as a geological attraction unique in Norway. The beach and mountain slope show two different aspects of the region’s geology.

Birdlife also has a distinct seasonal aspect. A large colony of herring gulls and great black-backed gulls nests at the Tarhalsen beacon in summer. If you plan your trip around nature, this is a specific addition to the coastal formations and geological features in the area.

Hiking Trails and Cultural Heritage

A marked trail leads from Akkarfjord to Kjøttvikvarden. Every year on the first Sunday in August, Hammerfest Municipality and the Akkarfjord bygdelag organise a hiking day there. Kjøttvikvarden has stood unattended and without maintenance for over 150 years and is protected under the Norwegian Coastal Administration’s (Kystverket) National Protection Plan for Maritime Infrastructure.

Another nearby trail is Fyrvokterveien. It is about three kilometres long and starts at Høgfjellet, 290 metres above sea level, near Tarhalsen; its destination is the beacon at the end of Tarhalsen. Alongside the trail from Akkarfjord, this gives you another route with a stated length and elevation to help you plan. Tarhalsenhytta is open to the public and has a wood-burning stove and three sleeping places.

Getting There and Holiday Activities

Akkarfjord can be reached from Hammerfest by local boat in about 25 minutes. Bygderuta is the only link to the outside world for several roadless settlements in the Hammerfest part of Sørøya. The boat service leaves central Hammerfest a few times a day; the order of its stops depends on demand and the day of the week. Check the timetable before you travel so you can plan your journey accordingly.

Bicycles without motors and electric bicycles are available for rent in Akkarfjord. You should confirm current availability before your trip. This lets you plan your day around your intended activities without relying solely on a particular rental option.

Another activity is the swimming pool at Akkarfjord skole. It measures 12.5 × 10 metres, has a water temperature of 29°C and can be rented by arrangement. If you plan to combine excursions with swimming, take this arrangement into account when planning.

When choosing a holiday apartment, your plans for your days away may be the deciding factor: would you mainly like to take the marked trail to Kjøttvikvarden, explore the surrounding landscape or plan a range of activities? Akkarfjord offers several specific options, from the local boat service to the swimming pool, available by arrangement.

Culture in the Wider Hammerfest Destination

In the wider Hammerfest destination, the Kåre Kivijärvi Collection adds a distinct cultural dimension. Hammerfest Library displays it permanently and free of charge; the collection includes 34 photographs, which today make up the majority of the library’s art collection. Kåre Kivijärvi (1938–1991) was a Kven artist from Hammerfest and is considered Norway’s first art photographer as well as a pioneer in his field. This insight into the arts complements the nature and cultural experiences around Akkarfjord with an aspect specifically associated with Hammerfest.

Discover more destinations: Hammerfest, Nordre, Kårhamn.

Back to the wider travel overview: Hammerfest.