The Varanger peninsula,
also known as Várnjárga in Northern Sami, is a majestic peninsula in Finnmark – far north in Norway.
It is bounded by Tanafjorden in the west and the Varangerfjord in the south, while the Barents Sea encircles it in the north and east. The peninsula is characterized by high mountain vegetation, and the highest point is Stangenestind which rises 725 meters above sea level.
HAMNINGBERG is located at the tip of the Varanger peninsula.
This abandoned fishing village in Båtsfjord municipality has an open harbour to the east, which makes it less suitable for larger fishing vessels.
It has a remarkable history related to World War II. While large parts of Finnmark were burned and destroyed during the war, Hamningberg managed to avoid destruction. This makes it one of the few places in Finnmark where the buildings date from before World War II.
It has a remarkable history related to World War II. While large parts of Finnmark were burned and destroyed during the war, Hamningberg managed to avoid destruction. This makes it one of the few places in Finnmark where the buildings date from before World War II.
Around 1900 Hamningberg was one of the largest fishing villages in Finnmark, with 250 inhabitants. The fish they caught was primarily sold to Pomors, Russian traders who came every summer from the White Sea to buy fish and sell grain and timber. Many of the log houses were prefabricated in Russia and reassembled in Hamningberg, as can be seen in the log technique.
Today, about 65 houses, including boathouses, the manor, the shop and the church, stand and form a traditional Finnmark environment. The fish factory from the fifties is a piece of intact industrial history from the Reconstruction period¹.
Although Hamningberg was abandoned in 1965, it comes to life for a few weeks of summer when the road opens and the original inhabitants and their descendants return. The small shop, which also serves coffee and waffles, is currently closed but hopes to open. Hamningberg gives us a glimpse back to old Finnmark, a time that no longer exists, and a history that has survived both war and peace.
For the adventurous, I can recommend exploring Norwegian Scenic Route Varanger, which stretches between Hamningberg and Varangerbotn. This relatively easy, but long bike ride along the Varangerfjord gives you the opportunity to experience some of Norway's most beautiful landscapes.
The photos are from the area from Vadsø to Hamningberg.
