NORDKYN
WHERE
NATURE
RULES
2024-03-29
nnw 3.9 M/S
-1.5 °C

SLETTNES

A coastal plains nature reserve with many rare birds.
Overlooked by Europe's northernmost lighthouse.

The world's northernmost mainland lighthouse

The Slettnes Lighthouse is a prominent landmark in the windswept landscape, and the nature reserve is home to many rare species of birds.

The lighthouse

Two thirds of the tower remained after the razing of Finnmark during WWII. It was rebuilt and gained protected cultural heritage status in 1998. It was automated in 2005, and the light reaches 44 meters above sea level.

The lighthouse provides an excellent view of the Barents Sea and the Slettnes plains. Tours and accommodation are available.

The area is also suitable for hiking.

The nature reserve

North of Gamvik, the landscape opens into a vast coastal plain. Windswept and exposed like few other places in Norway, this is mainland Norway’s northernmost nature reserve.

In winter it appears lifeless beneath the magical Northern Lights. In spring and autumn it is the stage for fantastic wildlife displays as many rare species of bird appear in greater numbers here than anywhere else on earth. In summertime, Slettnes is teeming with life in the thickets and water.