Loppa

Loppa municipality lies furthest West in Finnmark County, facing the Arctic Sea and on the border of Troms County. The municipality is home to just under approximately 1.100 inhabitants, spread over ten locations varying in size. Total surface area of 686,8 km2. Archaeological digs on Loppa Island have confirmed that Finnmark´s first human inhabitants settled down on this island ca. 10.000 years ago. The borough can boast 3 glaciers and Finnmark County´s highest mountain peak. The municipality administrative centre is Øksfjord. Øksfjord and Øksfjordbotn are directly connected to the national road network. Other places in the borough are dependent on ferries and express boat services. Trade and Industry is fisheries and public services / government bodies.

ØKSFJORD

In Øksfjord, there is a fish skin leather factory that manufactures first class leather, used in shoes, clothes and souvenirs. Øksfjord have approximately a population of 600. There is a car ferry connection to Hasvik on Sørøya, and to Sør-Tverrfjord and Bergsfjord. The Coastal Steamer (Hurtigruten) has daily departures.

ØKSFJORDJØKULEN

Øksfjordjøkulen is Finnmark's largest glacier, 46 sq. km and 1.166 m.a.s. May be seen from Øksfjord, Nuvågen and Bergsfjord.

COASTAL STEAMER (HURTIGRUTA)

The World´s Most Beautiful Voyage is a voyage like no other. Nothing can compare with it. Nothing about this journey will resemble anything you have ever experienced before. A ticket for the Coastal Steamer is a ticket to the theatre, an 11-day drama in which new acts constantly unfold all around you. See the pictures from the Coastal Steamer taken by one of our passengers.

ØRA at SANDLAND

Ancient cultural landscape with primitive housing sites and stone wall fencing. Easily accessible.

SVARTFJELLJØKULEN

Svartfjelljøkulen is 1.218 m.a.s. and Finnmark´s highest mountain top. Glacier.

LOPPA ISLAND

The island that has lent its name to the county borough. In the olden days, an old trading place was the centre for the borough. Discover glistening white sandy beaches, steep bird colony cliffs (protected wildlife reserves) and a slate quarry. Marvellous terrain for nature walks. The Cave on Loppa Island is only accessible by boat.

BERGSFJORD

An old fishing port with approximately 140 residents. Active fishing fleet that delivers directly to receiver facilities here with production of salt fish, plus roe for the finest caviars.

THE OLD ROAD in ØKSFJORDBOTN

Loppa´s contribution to "Northern Journeys". In a national context, one of the best preserved roads from the turn of the century. In 1995, the road was restored according to the original profile drawings, and is today identical with the 1910-model. This 1,3 km long stretch of road is all that remains of one of the county's first traffic thoroughfares. It is accessible in Summer and Autumn. A brochure has been published on the road.

CHURCHES

The county borough has 5 churches / chapels. These are found in Øksfjord, Loppa Island, Sandland, Bergsfjord and Nuvsvåg.

MIDNIGHT SUN

We have the Midnight Sun in our region from 20th May - 20th July. During this period, the sun stays above the horizon, and it is light 24 hours a day. The sky must be clear and there must be unobstructed visibility northwards in order to see the Midnight Sun. A summer night on the fjord or in the mountains is an experience not to be missed, you can go fishing in the fjord, which contains splendid variation of fish, or you can take a walk in the wilderness surrounding.

NORTHERN LIGHTS

Aurora Borealis is the Latin name for the Northern Lights – solar winds that meet the atmosphere in a zone around the magnetic North Pole. The Northern Lights are only visible when the sky is dark and clear, from August to April, and they are most intense from 10 pm to midnight. The region on the 700 northern latitude is a fantastic place for experiencing the beautiful and intense play of colours given off by the Northern Lights.

POLAR NIGHT

The dark time, or the long, dark Polar Night, lasts from 30th November - 12th January - there is only a twilight-dusk type of light (the blue light) for a few hours during the middle of the day. This does not mean that it becomes totally dark, however. The aurora borealis trails its multicoloured banner across the sky and the moon lights the scene just like the nightlight of Our Lord. The experience of the winter with the uniqueness of the light, the northern lights and snow is fantastic. Especially beautiful is the blue light southwards, just before it becomes dark.

OUTDOORS

The borough is ideal for tough and easier family walks, in Summer and Winter. So many outdoor activities are waiting to be experienced; mountain trekking, lake fishing trips, canoe paddling, deep sea fishing, rowing, horseback riding, glacier wandering with experienced glacier guides and a range of other excursions suited to families, groups and school classes.

SKIING

Two major ski runs organised annually, one before Easter. These contests attract around 300 participants each, and are amongst Finnmark's largest skiing events.

FISHING

Vassdalsvannet, fishing lake in Øksfjord. Located at the borough's centre. Easily accessible. Fishing licences on sale.