Lebesby: Culture, Coast and Trails

The inner part of the Laksefjord in Lebesby Municipality includes settlements from Veidnesklubben through Kunes to Bekkarfjord. The region offers a range of options to help you plan your trip: cultural history in Kjøllefjord, trails along the coast and in the highlands, and winter activities in Kunes. Which of these interests you most can help shape your choice of destinations.

Kjøllefjord and Finnkirka: History and Culture

Kjøllefjord has been a trading post and fishing village for fishermen, Sámi and traders since the 16th century. Today, it is a cultural village with several annual festivals and frequent concerts. The Klubbhøgda day cabin is also located in Kjøllefjord, in Lebesby Municipality.

At the entrance to Kjøllefjord lies Finnkirka, an old sacrificial site for fishermen and seafarers. It is registered by the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage (Riksantikvaren) as a Sámi cultural heritage site. A marked hiking trail leads from Snattvika to Finnkirka and onwards to a viewpoint on the plateau above Finnkirka. The hike takes about two hours and is of moderate difficulty; conditions can change with the seasons.

Finnkirka can also be viewed in the context of maritime traffic: Hurtigruten ships pass close by as they enter or leave Kjøllefjord. The hiking route from Snattvika and the ships’ passage therefore offer two different ways to approach the same place.

Hiking Trails and Coastal Scenery

Lebesby has several well-marked hiking trails and Perleturer in natural surroundings, both by the sea and in the highlands. In the inner part of the Laksefjord within Lebesby Municipality, there are also good opportunities for hiking, camping and fishing. The range of options extends from trails through different landscapes to other activities in the fjord area.

At Adamsfjordfossen, where the Adamselva flows into the Adamsfjord, there is a long sandy beach and a hiking trail. This location brings together two distinct landscape features: the river mouth and the beach. These differences can help you choose what to focus on, whether you would prefer a hike, time by the sea or activities in the fjord area.

Kunes: Winter Activities and Festival

Kunes is also a popular destination in winter. Activities there include camping, ice fishing, and trips on skis, snowshoes and snowmobiles. There are different ways to spend time in the winter landscape, with specific trips distinguished by means of transport.

The events calendar also adds a seasonal highlight: a festival is held in Kunes every year around the turn of July and August. The weekend features contemporary art, talks, sociopolitical debates and music. The festival takes place in summer, while the described excursions also include winter activities. If you are travelling for the event, check the dates and current programme in advance; the exact details may change.

Oace Ifjord as a Stopover

Oace Ifjord is a natural stopover for travellers on the road. It has a café, accommodation, fuel and tourist information. As individual services may change, check which ones are currently available before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Lebesby, Kjøllefjord, Ifjord, Tana, Nordkapp, Vadsø, Hasvik, Alta.

See the broader travel overview: Finnmark.