Kjøllefjord – beautiful wilderness where nature rules

By a small fjord on the west side of the Nordkinn peninsula, the northernmost part of the European mainland, lies Kjøllefjord, a small fishing village with around 1,000 inhabitants. It offers an excellent view toward the ocean and the Finnkirka rock formation. Despite its small size, Kjøllefjord offers many services and shops. The atmosphere is serene and friendly, the air very clean, and the weather mild, considering the latitude of 70°N.

Nine Sami families move their reindeer to summer pasture in the area each year, and the contemporary culture of the region is influenced by Sami traditions. The Sami culture is several thousand years old, and has been heavily influenced by the natural environment in the Barents region. Sami culture emphasizes harmony with nature, and has a long heritage of reindeer herding, coast fishing and herbal medicine.

The snowmobile is an important vehicle for the inhabitants. It allows everyone to enjoy the winter countryside, and is a practical tool for transporting equipment to cabins in the wilderness. Two thirds of the locals own snowmobiles, and the snowmobile season runs from December to May.