Sørøya
Norway's fourth-largest island, famous for sea fishing for big cod and its barren Arctic coastline; a fast boat from Hammerfest reaches it in about an hour.
Sørøya is Norway's fourth-largest island and belongs mainly to Hasvik municipality. It has only a few small fishing villages, with barren, treeless uplands and an indented coastline. It is regarded as one of Europe's best sea-fishing destinations, where anglers have repeatedly landed cod weighing tens of kilograms and large halibut. Every summer it draws anglers from across Europe, and the fishing villages have camps that rent out boats. Visitors who are not fishing can hike, watch seabirds and enjoy the midnight sun. Fast boats run from Hammerfest to villages on the island, including Hasvik and Sørvær (about 1 hour, with few departures). A car ferry on the south of the island links it to the mainland. A day return trip is tight, and fishing usually requires 2–3 nights, so check ferry schedules before leaving.
Opening hours
All day (per sailing schedule)
Nearby sights
- Fuglenes Peninsula & Lighthouse
- Meridian Column
- Hammerfest Church
- Museum of Reconstruction for Finnmark and Nord-Troms
- Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society
- Salen Viewpoint
- Mikkelgammen
- Tyven