Drive it Yourself: Båtsfjord to Kjøllefjord
This drive goes from Båtsfjord on the Varanger peninsula to Kjøllefjord on the Nordkyn peninsula, crossing the mountains in beteen.
The Hidden North
North European travel guide
Population 700 / 71 degrees north
Mehamn, Norway
The village of Mehamn sits on the northern edge of the Nordkyn peninsula where the mountain plateau ends in a flat plain. The village has always been dependent on the supplies of fish from the sea, and Mehamn is regarded as having one of the best harbours in Finnmark. The population is around 700 people.
Fun Facts About Mehamn
Latitude: 71 degrees north
Population: 700
Hottest month: July
Coldest month: February
Wettest month: October
Windiest month: February
Annual precipitation: 206mm
Gamvik Municipality
In this Travel Guide...
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Mehamn
Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
Road-Trips
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Mehamn
Båtsfjord to Kjøllefjord
This road-trip includes crossing the Nordkyn peninsula and visiting Gamvik.
Self-Guided Walks
Mehamn on YouTube
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Mehamn
Uniquely Mehamn
Here are some things that you must do and try in Mehamn
Christmas House
The world’s largest collection of Santas is at Mehamn – there are over 26,000 Santas on display at the Christmas house.
History of Mehamn
Mehamn was permanently settled in 1819, when three families moved here. The families moved here because of the proximity to the rich fisheries of the Barents Sea. The entire town was destroyed during World War II.
Mehamn is known for the whaling controversy that occurred in the early 20th century. In 1885 a whaling station opened at Mehamn. The fishermen began complaining that the whaling was affecting their livelihood as the whales were used to lure the fish closer to land.
Years of conflict came to a head in 1903, when the fishermen had gathered in Mehamn for a festival and after lots of alcohol attacked the whaling station. The military had to be called in, but by the time they got there the conflict had settled down. Whaling was banned the following year.
Mehamn Today
Fishing is the major industry in Mehamn.
Travel Information
Getting Here
Fly: Mehamn does have an airport with flights going to Tromsø, Honningsvåg and Hammerfest.
Drive: Mehamn is located on the Fv888, approximately 2.5 hours away from Tana Bru on the E6 highway.
Train: No train access
Ferry: Mehamn is a port of call for the coastal ferry. The northbound stops at around 7pm, while the southbound stops in the middle of the night.
Getting Around
It’s very easy to walk around Mehamn, but you will need a car if you want to go out exploring.
Shops
Places to Eat
Cafes & Bakeries
Quick Bites
Reasonable Restaurants
High End & Unique Eats
Places to Stay
Camping
Cabins & B&Bs
Chains & Mid-Range
High End & Unique Properties
Sunrise/Sunset & Weather Averages
January
Polar night until 22 January
Average Temperature: -4C (24F)
February
Sunrise: 7:53am
Sunset: 2:53pm
Average Temperature: -5C (23F)
March
Sunrise: 5:33am
Sunset: 5:03pm
Average Temperature: -3C (26F)
April
Sunrise: 3:58am
Sunset: 8:22pm
Average Temperature: 0C (31F)
May
Midnight sun from the 13th of May
Average Temperature: 3C (38F)
June
Midnight sun
Average Temperature: 7C (45F)
July
Midnight sun until 31 July
Average Temperature: 11C (51F)
August
Sunrise: 2:47am
Sunset: 9:33pm
Average Temperature: 10C (51F)
September
Sunrise: 5:16am
Sunset: 6:48pm
Average Temperature: 7C (45F)
October
Sunrise: 7:25am
Sunset: 4:21pm
Average Temperature: 3C (37F)
November
Sunrise: 9:22am
Sunset: 12:22pm
Average Temperature: -1C (30F)
December
Polar night
Average Temperature: -3C (27F)
All Posts About Mehamn
Mehamn Photo Diary
September 2023