Loppa: Island History, Fjords and Hiking

Loppa can be explored through a wide range of travel interests: on Loppa øy, island history, photography and hiking take centre stage; in the wider Loppa destination, summer trails, mountain hikes and activities by the sea are also on offer. When choosing your holiday rental, it helps to first decide which of these aspects will shape your trip.

Loppa øy: Hiking and Historic Traces

In the municipality of Loppa, Loppa øy is considered an important destination for photography and hiking. The island is a historic fishing village, and visitors use its sandy beaches. A church may have stood in Yttervær on Loppa øy as early as the 14th century; remains of the church and cemetery were said to still be visible.

Loppaværet also tells of the former importance of trade: the buildings, rebuilt after the war, stand on the site of a central, prosperous trading post. Its monumental buildings for the region reflected wealth and power. Together with the history of the fishing village, this offers a different perspective on Loppa øy from a day devoted mainly to hiking or photography.

Perletur Hikes and Mountain Areas

In summer, there are five Perletur hikes in the Øksfjord nearby hiking area, as well as another Perletur hike to Moloen. The number of routes may change; check the current selection for your trip. On Loppa øy, a Perletur hike leads up to Rektinden at 280 metres above sea level. In the 2026 Perletur programme, ratings range from easy green routes to very challenging black routes; blue and red routes indicate low to moderate difficulty. Ratings may change as route lists are updated and serve as a guide for your own planning.

The hiking destinations also vary in difficulty: Kollaren is used for summit hikes, while the hike to Breitinden on the south side of Rivgojávri/Jomfrudalsvatnet is very challenging. In summer, Øksfjordbotn is used for hiking and cycling, as well as a starting area for longer mountain hikes. If you are planning several hikes, you can weigh up the specific route ratings alongside the mountain areas described, rather than treating all the hikes as equally challenging.

Another historic landmark in the Loppa destination is Gammelvegen in Øksfjordbotn: it was built between 1905 and 1910, is 1.3 kilometres long and has been restored. The Perletur hikes are organised jointly by the municipality of Loppa, Finnmark Friluftsråd and several local sports and village associations; the participating partners and routes may change over time.

Sea, Nature and Seasonal Experiences

The beach area at Sandland is used for swimming, paddling and camping. In the Loppa nature reserve, the focus is on protecting an important seabird cliff and the associated plant communities, birdlife and other animal species. Motorised traffic on land, camping and pitching tents, as well as setting up hides, are prohibited there. Bear these restrictions in mind when planning a visit to the reserve.

In the marine area of Sandland, Bergs- and Langfjorden, visitors take whale-watching safaris and go recreational and tourist fishing. The availability of activities may change, so check what is actually on offer for your travel dates. The Bergsfjordvatnet area and Svartfjelljøkelen are used for ski touring with randonnée skis; guided tours are also among the activities described. Before a ski tour, check the current conditions and enquire about the availability of guided tours.

One cultural event in the annual calendar is the Alperocken music festival, held every July in Loppa. The exact festival dates change; check them for the year of your trip. Together with the summer hikes, this creates a seasonal contrast between active days outdoors and a visit centred around music and the festival programme.

Find the Right Holiday Rental for Your Trip

When searching for a holiday rental or holiday home in Loppa, your preferred type of trip is a good starting point: would you mainly like to explore the history of Loppa øy, hike trails with different difficulty ratings, spend time at the beach or plan activities at sea? Compare the accommodation location details with the specific places that matter to you.

Discover more destinations: Sandland, Øksfjord, Storvik

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