Finnkirka was an ancient sacrificial site for fishermen, seafarers and the Sámi. Those sailing along the coast feared the stretch of sea past Nordkyn.
On the sea approach to Kjøllefjord is the distinctive Finnkirka rock formation. On their eastward journey, seafarers sailed as far as the sea cliff Altertavla on the eastern side of the fjord and made an offering for a safe onward journey. On the return voyage, they sailed to Finnkirka on the western side of the fjord and gave an offering of thanks for surviving the voyage round Nordkyn.
The two rock formations are mentioned in old sources as a Sámi sacrificial site and sacred sea cliff. Finnkirka is listed by The Directorate for Cultural Heritage in Norway (Riksantikvaren) as a Sámi cultural monument. A marked trail offering spectacular viewing points leads out over the plateau above Finnkirka, but if you want to experience the cliffs at close range you need to go by boat.
Finnkirka is clearly visible from Kjøllefjord and consists of two large sections. If you sail with the Hurtigruten coast liner, the ship passes close to Finnkirka on both approach and departure.
You can also easily reach Finnkirka by boat from Kjøllefjord.
Hikers can reach Finnkirka from Kjøllefjord in a couple of hours using the low-difficulty Finnkirka-Mostavika trail. The Kirkefjellet trail takes you on top of the opposite side of the fjord with beautiful panoramic views of Kjøllefjord and Finnkirka.
