When in Hammerfest, takingt the boat from Hammerfest to Sørøya is definetely worth it! Sørøya is a beautiful island located in the Barentsz Sea. We went on a 6-day hike from Akkarfjord on. Day one, we took the boat from Alta to Hammerfest and then from Hammerfest to Sørøya. Then we hiked to Gamvikhytta, a small cabin near Gamvik. It is an open cabin owned by locals. We stayed the night there, fished in the lake and enjoyed northern lights in the sky from the cabin. We made a campfire in the stove during the night, to stay warm.
Tarhalsen
The next day we hiked from the cabin to Tarhalsen. A 15km hike that took us around 6 hours. At a point we got lost due to the snow, but in summer clear tracks are visible. We managed to refind the track and continue our way. One thing what Sørøya is famous for, is its rapidly changing weather. One moment we were enjoying lunch in the beautiful sun. The next moment we are continueing our way, and it starts hailing intensly. Out of this world. Then the next moment we got caught in a snow storm, circled by reindeer and then the sun popped up again. Unreal! When we arrived at Tarhalsen after our long hike, we were exhausted. The way down to Tarhalshytta is terrifying! It is a enourmous steep hike down the mountain, on a small muddy path. However, when arriving at the cabin, you see what you have done it for. A beautiful cabin, with beds, matresses and again an oven. Views over the ocean, some seals popping up and beautiful nature. The next morning, I took a morning hike up to the lighthouse of Tarhalsen. Again a way to steep hike, with avalange risk, I could actually see where these avalanges had been, and they had happend quite recently. Arrived at the lighthouse a great view over the ocean and the island awaits you.
Gamvik
After spending some time at the lighthouse, I continued back to my friends in the cabin, to pack our bags and continuing our way to Gamvik. Gamvik is a small small village on the island. Featuring two till five houses. There is a beautiful beach, with sand dunes and again seals swimming in the ocean. A must see place!
Akkarfjord
Akkarfjord is the city the boat arrives at the north of Sørøya. It has two supermarkets, a B&B, which I would totally recommend. It is located in a school building. It has a swimming pool and a beautiful view over the sea and in the night magnificent northern lights!
Photo gallery
