Sea Fishing in Finnmark – Complete Guide 2026
Finnmark is Norway's northernmost and largest county, an Arctic wilderness with an enormous coastline along the Barents Sea and Varangerfjord. The region is known for massive cod stocks, king crab, wolffish, and some of the country's most pristine fishing waters. Expect midnight sun in summer and northern lights in winter.
Key facts
Fishing camps in Finnmark
| Camp | Type | Boats | Species | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sørvær Havfiske | Island | 2 pcs | Halibut, Cod, Ling | 19,600 NOK/week |
| Tufjord Brygge | Island | 6 pcs | Halibut, Cod, Saithe | See camp |
| Båtsfjord Brygge | Open sea | 7 pcs | Cod, Halibut, Saithe | See camp |
| Kongsfjord Arctic Lodge | Coastal | 1 pcs | Cod, Saithe, Haddock | See camp |
| Hasvik Hotel (Big Fish Adventure) | Island | 6 pcs | Cod, Halibut, Saithe | See camp |
| Sørøya Rorbuer og Havfiske | Island | 8 pcs | Cod, Halibut, Wolffish | See camp |
| Nordkapp Havfiske | Open sea | 7 pcs | Cod, Saithe, Halibut | See camp |
| Adventure Camp Mehamn (Nordic Safari) | Open sea | 6 pcs | Halibut, Cod, Wolffish | See camp |
| Varanger Brygge | Fjord | 4 pcs | Cod, Halibut, Saithe | See camp |
| Loppa Seafishing | Fjord | 3 pcs | Cod, Halibut, Saithe | See camp |
| Cape Marina AS | Open sea | 7 pcs | Halibut, Cod, Saithe | See camp |
| Ingøy Sjøhus | Island | 2 pcs | Cod, Saithe, Halibut | See camp |
| Nordic Sea Angling Havøysund | Open sea | 2 pcs | Halibut, Cod, Saithe | See camp |
Seasonal calendar
Winter (Dec–Feb)
~0h daylightPolar night from November to January. Extremely cold with heavy snow and strong winds. Limited fishing opportunities, but king crab fishing is popular.
How to get to Finnmark
✈
By air
Hammerfest (HFT), Alta (ALF), Kirkenes/Høybuktmoen (KKN)
⚓
Ferry
Hurtigruten (Bergen–Kirkenes)
🚗
Driving from Oslo
ca. 30 hours
Frequently asked questions about sea fishing in Finnmark
Can I fish for king crab in Finnmark?
King crab fishing for tourists is offered by many fishing camps in Eastern Finnmark, especially around the Varangerfjord and Kirkenes. It requires a guided trip with a special permit. This activity is not regular sea fishing but a popular add-on.
What is the best time to fish in Finnmark?
June to September is the best period for sea fishing in Finnmark. The midnight sun provides up to 24 hours of daylight, and the weather is mildest. For cod fishing, April–June is excellent when large shoals migrate along the coast.
How do I get to Finnmark?
Finnmark has airports in Hammerfest, Alta, and Kirkenes with direct routes from Oslo. The Hurtigruten coastal voyage stops at several towns in Finnmark. The drive from Oslo is about 30 hours, so most visitors fly.
What is the fish export quota from Finnmark?
The rules are the same as for all of Norway. In 2026, tourist anglers aged 12+ may take up to 15 kg of fish/fish products out of the country from registered tourist fishing businesses, up to two times per calendar year. Fish caught outside registered businesses cannot be exported.
Planning a fishing trip to Finnmark?
Fishing camps in Finnmark use SafeCamp360 for catch reporting and quota tracking.