Sørøya is Norways fourth largest island and is called the green island in the north. Here you can experience world renowned nature. There are several companies on the island that offers a large variety of activities. In addition, Sørøya is rich in wildlife, including birds, hares, sheep and an Arctic camel family! The island is also called "the kingdom of big fish" and the world's largest cod caught with a rod is caught on Sørøya (47 kg.)
Sørøya consist of several small places spread around the island, and most of them only has boat connections to get there. There are very few roads here and you are not able to drive between most places.
Getting to Sørøya
To get to the north side of Sørøya you can take a boat from Hammerfest or Havøysund. The easiest way to find timetables for the boats is on Snelandia.no. Choose from Hammerfest Havn or Havøysund Kai - To Akkarfjord kombibåtkai, or the harbor you want to go to. You pay for the ticket on the boat. Be aware that you are not able to reserve seats in advance and on sunny days the boat can get filled up. You are not able to bring a car on the boat, but bikes are welcome.
The boat from Hammerfest goes to Akkarfjord, Skippernes, Hellefjord, Lundhamn, Langstrand, Lotre og Slettnes.
Akkarfjord
Akkarfjord is on the north side of the island and the closest to Hammerfest. This is a great place to go if you wanna visit Sørøya and a good starting point if you are going on a hike across the island. Right next to the harbor is Akkarfjord Brygge which has a cafe, tourist information and some convenience items for sale. There is also a small store and several accommodation opportunities in Akkarfjord. The Arctic Camels are located in Akkarfjord and if you are lucky you can see them on the way to Storsand. You can also book a meeting with the camels. Sørøya rorbuer and havfiske is also located in Akkarfjord - they rent out fishing boats and can take you on fishing trips. In addition they have accommodation in modern huts by the sea.
You will also find a lot of great hiking trips here - among others are to Storsand, Sandfjellet and Kjøttvikvarden. Visit ut.no for more information about the paths.
Akkar Brygge
Akkar Brygge is located just to the left of the dock when you arrive by boat in Akkarfjord. It is a café with a kiosk and tourist information. The hosts at Akkar Brygge are helpful with most things on the island. If you have questions, need a place to wait for the boat or want to leave a bag for a few hours - then this is the place to visit.
Phone: +47 90 72 15 27 • Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. • Address: 10, 9650 Akkarfjord • Website: https://johankvalsvik.no/akkar-brygge/
The Arctic Camels and the PolarOasis
The PolarOasis located in Akkarfjord has camels that you are able to book a visit to. In addition they have a gorgeous house for rent, where you can either rent a room or the whole house. They will also gladly help you with transportation and everything needed for you to have an amazing stay in Akkarfjord.
Phone: +47 971 62 380 • Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. • Address: Bismarvikveien 44, 9650 Akkarfjord • Website: https://www.facebook.com/Polaroasen/
Sandøybotn
Sandøybotn is located on the outer side of Sørøya - far away from the noise and bustle of city life. Here you will find endless untouched nature and silence, with the exception of birds chirping and the waves crashing in from the sea. To get here you have to take a boat to Lotre, and drive or walk across the island to the other side.
Sørøya Gjestestue is located here. Ilona and Einar at Sørøya Gjestestue warmly welcomes you and can explain to you everything this beautiful place has to offer. They can show you the best hiking trips in the local area and explain the way to the best fishing lakes. You can also rent a boat and fishing equipment here. In addition they offer accommodation in the old boarding school where Gjestestua is located and in several charming cabins in the area.