Måsøy: Island World, Coastal Route and History
Accommodation in Måsøy
Five larger islands and almost 400 smaller islands, islets and skerries belong to Måsøy. The island world in the far north of Finnmark offers various ways to shape a trip: you may be interested in coastal history and art, exploring the Havøysund Scenic Route, or discovering nature and birdlife. When choosing a holiday apartment, it is therefore helpful to first consider which places and experiences you want to focus on.
On the Havøysund Scenic Route
The Norwegian Scenic Route Havøysund is 67 kilometres long and runs from Kokelv to Havøysund. It also follows EuroVelo 1, the “Atlantic Coast Route”, and can be combined with National Cycle Route 1. An important point to bear in mind when planning a cycling trip: the route is not signposted as a cycle route. If you would like to explore Måsøy by bicycle, you should take this distinction into account when choosing your route.
From Havøysund, an approximately half-hour hike leads to Havøygavlen, the highest point on the island. From there, the views stretch across the Arctic Ocean and towards the nearby islands. The viewpoint offers a different way to experience the landscape than travelling along the coast. When planning your day, you can choose between a hike and the longer Scenic Route, without needing to combine both into a single outing.
Coastal History and Art
In Havøysund, the Måsøy Museum is housed in the old vicarage, one of the first reconstruction houses built in Måsøy after Finnmark was burned down during the Second World War. The museum presents the history of life in the far north of Finnmark. This includes fishing, reconstruction and everyday life in a coastal society shaped by the coastal climate. Typical post-war reconstruction houses can also be seen along Havøysund’s waterfront.
The Havøysund Artwork installation at Ørahaugen also makes a distinctive impression: it consists of two glass objects in an architecturally designed wooden hut. Those interested in the region’s history can discover further traces of the past on Måsøya. The island already had its own church in 1668, was once the administrative centre of the municipality, and is associated with hymn writer Magnus Brostrup Landstad. Remains of Stone Age settlements are located in Østervågen and Vestervågen.
At Selvika, nature and cultural history come together: protected sandy beach Sandbukta lies at the inner end of the bay. There are cultural heritage sites and settlement remains from the Neolithic period and Sámi culture. A nature trail runs along the “Fotefar mot nord” path. For a further glimpse into wartime history, Russehula offers an impression of the living conditions of the Russians who hid there from the Germans. The site is easily accessible from the road.
Island Nature and Varied Discoveries
On Rolvsøya, bogs and birdlife shape the nature experience. The bogs are known for their rich birdlife; the northernmost breeding populations of black-tailed godwits nest there. The island is also home to the world’s northernmost known occurrence of the red helleborine. Those with a particular interest in birds will find one of Europe’s largest bird cliffs at Hjelmsøystauren, where numerous bird species nest.
On Ingøya, the Sanden nature reserve is one of the attractions. Ingøya is also home to a ceramics workshop and candle-making studio, with more than 250 products and its own shop. Arctic View on Havøya is a dining establishment with panoramic views across the Barents Sea. These places offer varied discoveries across nature, crafts and views over the sea.
The water and coast also offer a range of possibilities: Måsøy has around 2,200 freshwater lakes, many of which are suitable for trout and Arctic char fishing. On Rolvsøya, the sandy beaches at Eines and Persand invite you to swim in the Arctic Ocean on warm summer days. Måsøya has long white sandy beaches that also invite you to swim in the Arctic Ocean. The rest area at Snefjord offers good opportunities for salmon fishing. The options range from freshwater fishing to beaches on the open coast.
Places to Consider When Looking for Accommodation
When looking for a holiday apartment, you can prioritise places according to the experiences that interest you most. Havøysund is a possible base for visiting the museum, hiking to Havøygavlen and arriving on the coastal express ship Hurtigruten, which calls at Havøysund daily. If you are more interested in beaches, fishing or nature, the relevant islands and places may play a greater role in your travel plans.
To get your bearings within the municipality, you can take a closer look at Måsøy, Havøysund and Snefjord.
For the broader travel overview: Finnmark.
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