NORDKYN
WHERE
NATURE
RULES
2024-03-19
e 5.8 M/S
-3.1 °C

ABOUT NORDKYN

A mystic and dramatic history

The climate and global events have shaped local culture, which is friendly and pragmatic.

History

For an easy-to-read and illustrated introduction to the history of Nordkyn, visit The Story of Nordkinn.

The abundance of fish in the Barents Sea induced people to settle on Nordkyn as early as the end of the last Ice Age. The riches of the sea continue to sustain the region to this day.

There is evidence of settlement in the region as long as 10 000 years ago, and the Sami have a long presence in the area.

The first written references to the fishing villages on Nordkyn are from the early 16th century. Financial accounts indicate that of six major fishing centres in Finnmark in 1518, half were located on the Nordkyn Peninsula. The region had a significant position in the fishing industry for hundreds of years.

The Pomor (Russian) trade started in the 18th century, and local fish products were traded for agricultural goods and other merchandise.

World War II was a catastrophe for all of Finnmark, as the German troops practiced a scorched earth policy during their withdrawal in 1944. Most buildings in Finnmark were razed to the ground, and the population exiled to other provinces.

The reconstruction in the 1950's was accompanied by a continued upward swing in the fishing industry which lasted until the 1970s. Despite recent fluctuations in the price of fresh fish, coastal fishing is still alive and well on Nordkyn and over 10 fisheries are active in the region.

Weather & seasons

The time is short between the calm and the storm. Nordkyn is known for its surreal light conditions and temperamental weather.

Although in a subarctic climate, Nordkyn is surprisingly mild considering its location on the 71st parallel. The ocean and especially the Gulf Stream contribute to stabilising the temperatures both summer and winter.

The summer is short and cool, but the Midnight Sun ensures constant daylight and creates a beautiful glowing effect at night.

Winter lasts roughly from November to late April, but temperatures rarely fall much below zero for any considerable length of time. Polar lows and snow storms are common, and the weather can change very quickly.

The Polar Night falls between the end of November and the latter part of January. During this time the sun doesn't rise, but there is a surreal and beautiful bluish light during the middle of the day. In clear weather, the stars, the moon and snow brightly light the landscape. On clear winter days and nights, the Northern Lights often dance in the sky - a truly magical light show, courtesy of Mother Nature!

The sun returns quickly and in full force after the Polar Night. By the end of April, the daylight is constant.


About Visit Nordkyn

Visit Nordkyn is a non-profit association of tour and hotel operators and local organisations with the purpose of developing and marketing Nordkyn as a tourist destination.

See the list of full and supporting members here.