Akkarfjord: Coastal Landscapes and Hiking Trails

If you are planning a stay in Akkarfjord on Sørøya, the coastal landscape, geology and hiking destinations offer different points of reference. Akkarfjord is part of a coastal area in northern Sørøya, considered scenic and rich in flora and fauna, cultural heritage sites and geological attractions.

Coastal Landscapes and Nature

Nearby, Sandfjellet in Gamvika is a roughly 300-metre-high mountainside made of fine-grained mineral sand with fragments of shell and coral sand. In certain wind directions, the slope renews itself; it is considered a geological attraction unique in Norway. Storsanden is another nearby destination. This roughly 1.3-kilometre-long sandy beach consists of mineral sand interspersed with shell and coral fragments. The two places differ in form: Sandfjellet is a mountainside, while Storsanden is a beach.

A large colony of herring gulls and great black-backed gulls breeds at the Tarhalsen beacon in summer. The Tarhalsenhytta cabin, which is open to the public, is nearby. It has a wood-burning stove and three sleeping places.

Hiking Destinations and Culture

A marked trail leads from Akkarfjord to Kjøttvikvarden. The landmark has stood for more than 150 years without supervision or maintenance and is protected under Kystverket’s National Protection Plan for Maritime Infrastructure. Every year, on the first Sunday in August, Hammerfest Municipality and Akkarfjord bygdelag jointly organise a hiking day to Kjøttvikvarden.

Another nearby destination is Fyrvokterveien. This roughly three-kilometre-long hiking trail starts at Høgfjellet near Tarhalsen, at an elevation of 290 metres, and leads to the beacon at the end of Tarhalsen. In comparison, the Kjøttvikvarden trail is characterised by its starting point in Akkarfjord and its trail markings; the length and endpoints of Fyrvokterveien are specified.

Getting There and Practical Information

You can reach Akkarfjord from Hammerfest by local boat in about 25 minutes. Bygderuta is the only connection to the outside world for several roadless settlements in the Hammerfest part of Sørøya. The boat service departs from central Hammerfest a few times a day; the order of stops is adjusted according to demand and day of the week. Check the current timetable before travelling, as the order of stops depends on demand and day of the week.

The swimming pool at Akkarfjord skole on Sørøya measures 12.5 × 10 metres and has a water temperature of 29°C. It can be rented by arrangement. Muscle-powered bicycles and electric bicycles are also available for hire in Akkarfjord. Confirm the current availability of rental bikes before your trip.

Culture in Hammerfest

An additional cultural attraction is in Hammerfest: the library permanently displays the Kåre Kivijärvi Collection, and admission is free. The collection comprises 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 and a pioneer in his field.

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