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Nature reserve · Honningsvåg, Finnmark
Gjesværstappan
Rocky islands off the village of Gjesvær, northwest of the North Cape, with colonies of puffins, kittiwakes, barnacle geese and white-tailed eagles, visited on boat trips in summer.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Gjesværstappan
Gjesværstappan is a group of islands and skerries off the northwest coast of Magerøya, opposite the fishing village of Gjesvær, about 35 km from Honningsvåg. It is a nature reserve with some of the largest seabird colonies in northern Norway, and it can only be visited by boat.
During the breeding season the cliffs are covered in birds: puffins, which nest in burrows in the grassy tops, kittiwakes, razorbills, guillemots, barnacle geese and cormorants. White-tailed eagles often circle the rocks and can be seen close by. Seals appear on the rocks near the water.
Boat trips depart from the small harbour of Gjesvær and take about one and a half to two hours, circling the islands slowly. Boats do not land: wildlife is viewed from the water, with a guide who explains the species.
The village of Gjesvær is small, with fishermen’s houses, a quay and a few guesthouses. The road to it leaves the E69 between Honningsvåg and the cape and crosses the tundra for about 15 km.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1.5 to 2 hours for the boat trip.
Best time
The bird season generally runs from April to August; puffins are usually in the nests from May to mid-August. Trips generally operate during this period; check before you go.
How to get there
Boats depart from the port of Gjesvær, about 35 km from Honningsvåg, via the road that leaves the E69 toward the northwest. There is no regular bus; go by car or on an organised tour.
Tip
Bring a waterproof jacket and binoculars; the sea can be choppy. Book the boat in advance in summer and coordinate the trip with the North Cape on the same day.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Gjesværstappan
When can you see the puffins?
They are usually in the nests from May to mid-August.
Do the boats land on the islands?
No. Viewing is done from the boat so as not to disturb the birds.
How long does the tour last?
About one and a half to two hours.
Where is Gjesvær?
On the northwest coast of Magerøya, about 35 km from Honningsvåg.