Are you looking to plan a trip to Kongsfjord, a charming fishing village in Finnmark, Norway?
This adorable village of around thirty people is one of my favorite places to visit on the Varanger Peninsula and most definitely one of the north’s hidden gems!
In this guide, I will tell you everything you need to know about visiting Kongsfjord, Norway! You can find the best things to do, where to stay, delicious places to eat, and more!
If you have any questions about this Kongsfjord travel guide, please let me know in the comments! Thanks!
In this post...
About Kongsfjord, Norway
Kongsfjord is a village of just over 30 inhabitants that is located in the Berlevåg kommune (and about an hour’s drive from it).
It is situated on the Varangerhalvøya (Varanger Peninsula) and is one of the best preserved ‘væreier’ in Finnmark.
Væreier are 19th-century fishing villages that were controlled by a væreigar system which ties back to landowners in these small villages. You will see them scattered about Northern Norway and Kongsfjord is a perfect example!
However, Kongsfjord has a few things it is known for. It was never destroyed in WWII like most of the villages and towns in Varanger.
While it was under German occupation throughout much of the war, the Germans didn’t have time to burn it as they retreated and the historic buildings still stand today.
Kongsfjord is also attached to a small peninsula called Veines (sometimes written as ‘Veidnes’ where there is an extensive bunker system that you can hike to today (and it is surprisingly bigger than I had expected).
About 140 German soldiers were stationed there. I will explain more below about how you can easily hike to see these bunkers.
How to Get to Kongsfjord
The best way to reach Kongsfjord is to drive there. You can fly into Berlevåg (or even Båtsfjord) but it is easier to get to Kirkenes and drive up from there. I drove from my home in Rovaniemi.
If you opt to drive to Kongsfjord, you need to get to Tana where the famous bridge is, and continue straight from there. You will see a sign eventually that says to continue straight for Båtsfjord or take the left to Berlevåg. Take that left on the 890.
From Tana Bru, it is about a 1.5-hour drive, or 97 kilometers (about 60 miles). It is best to fill up on gas in Tana or you can also grab some in Austertana. There is nothing beyond that before arriving in Kongsfjord.
Visiting Kongsfjord in winter? You will need to plan your trip around the fixed queue schedule called the Kolonnetider.
This is a type of convoy system that operates in parts of Northern Norway, including Varangerhalvøya, during the winter months for a guided escort into the villages. You can see the Kolonnekjøring schedule here.
Things to Do in Kongsfjord
I was surprised at how much there is to do in this colorful and creative village!
Here are some can’t miss things to do in Kongsfjord, Norway:
- Have a waffle and coffee at Kongsfjord Landhandel & Cafe (this place is so cute and one of the best road trip stops in all of Norway!)
- Pick up a souvenir at Kongsfjord Atelier (run by Italian couple Claudia and Giorgio who fell in love with Kongsfjord 16 years ago and relocated – they craft gorgeous Arctic prints, frames, and other works of art; more below)*
- Hike to Veinesodden (you can see tons of bunkers and old cannons from WWII – it was much larger than I expected and the hike was so beautiful; more below)**
- Go birdwatching on Veines (all over Varanger are birdwatching huts and there is one on Veines where you can spot the world’s largest falcon called a gyrfalcon)
- Have dinner at Kongsfjord Arctic Lodge’s restaurant (I had the fish and chips and it was stellar!)
- Take a tour with Skua Nature (they offer northern lights safaris, birdwatching tours, and more; they are based out of the Kongsfjord Arctic Lodge area)
- Visit the Wildlife Center at Kongsfjord Arctic Lodge (more below)***
* Please note that Kongsfjord Atelier has two spots in Kongsfjord.
On the second floor of the Landhandel is a boutique where I met up with Giorgio and at the harbor, you will find the workshop where Claudia creates her masterpieces.
You can visit both and I recommend that you do!
** Veinesodden was remarkable. I used a Google map that showed me what to expect and it was hardly anything.
This is an out-and-back trail that is 2.9km (1.8 mi) one-way with an elevation of 83m (272 ft). It is an easy trail and I hiked it with no problem and the entire hike can be 2-3 hours.
Bring binoculars as you can sometimes spot whales! Please note that it is also extremely windy so be prepared to turn around if it gets too bad.
This trail is best used from May until October and there is a parking lot at the start of it. At the end of the trail is a small lighthouse. Click here for a map and details of the trail.
*** You will need to get permission to enter if you are not a guest, but on the second floor of the yellow ‘boathouse’ construction on Veines is a small museum and educational center.
It is in one room but it has SO much information about local birds and wildlife. I particularly loved it because you got to see what bird nests for local species looked like which helped me keep an eye out as I was walking around.
Where to Eat in Kongsfjord
You have limited options of places to eat in Kongsfjord, but you can definitely survive for a few days!
At Kongsfjord Arctic Lodge, there is an on-site restaurant that is available for guests and visitors. I enjoyed a fish and chips meal there one night when I was staying at the lodge and it was extremely delicious!
They also serve breakfast and lunch. The restaurant is open during the following times:
- Breakfast: 8am until 9:30am (daily)
- Lunch: 12pm until 3:30pm (Wednesday-Sunday)
- Dinner: 6:30pm until 10pm (daily)
Do double-check with them about times before venturing that way. While these are their set times, dinner ran short on both nights I stayed at the property.
I was there just after high season, however, so I think they were working with a skeleton crew after the busy summer season.
Another place to stop for food in Kongsfjord is the Landhandel. This is a historic building on the left side of the highway (if driving north) where you’ll find a cafe and small shop.
Kongsfjord Atelier is on the top level. I had a tasty waffle and coffee there and it is the perfect place to break up a road trip!
There is seating inside and picnic tables outside (during the warmer months).
Where to Stay in Kongsfjord
I based myself in Kongsfjord for my trip in the Berlevåg area. I stayed at the Kongsfjord Arctic Lodge on both nights of my trip and I can highly recommend a stay there too!
It is located on Veines and breakfast is included in the stay. There is free parking on site and it is waterfront (I had beautiful views from my accommodation, which was called the ‘Otter’ room!
One thing to note is that this property is also called Kongsfjord Gjestehus (it was historically known as this).
>> Click here to check rates and availability at the Kongsfjord Arctic Lodge
Kongsfjord Travel Tips
Here are a few travel tips for Kongsfjord that will help you plan your trip with ease!
☔ Weather: When I stayed in Kongsfjord, it was around 20C in August, which is a bit warmer than average. It was also relatively sunny throughout my stay!
The hottest month here is July (average of 52F/11C). The coldest month is January (24F/-4C) and the wettest month is usually March. March also tends to be the windiest month but I would prepare for wind at any time! It was windy when I was there in August.
☀️ Daylight: Kongsfjord experiences the midnight sun from around May 12 until July 30. The village experiences the polar night from around November 20 until January 21.
⛽ Gas: There is no gas station in Kongsfjord. The closest one is Austertana or Berlevåg. You can also fill up in Tana before heading on the road toward Kongsfjord.
🍎 Grocery stores: There is no grocery store in Kongsfjord but there are items to purchase at the Kongsfjord Landhandel right off the road! You will find a select everyday items as well as a cafe inside!
Should you visit Kongsfjord, Norway?
Absolutely! This is one of the cutest and coziest villages in Northern Norway, hands down!
It is stunning at any time of the year and you will find a surprising amount to do there for a place of such few residents. It is also a fantastic stop on the way to Berlevåg (which I also recommend visiting).
If you have any questions about traveling to Kongsfjord, Norway, let me know in the comments. Thanks!
More Varanger Peninsula Travel Guides
- Varanger, Norway itinerary
- Båtsfjord to Berlevåg itinerary
- Båtsfjord travel guide
- Berlevåg travel guide
- Hamningberg travel guide
- Steilneset in Vardø
- Vardø visitor’s guide
- Places to visit in Vardø
- Things to do in Kirkenes
- Where to stay in Kirkenes
- Bugøynes travel guide
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Megan is a travel blogger and writer with a background in digital marketing. Originally from Richmond, VA, she now lives in Finnish Lapland after previous stints in Norway, Germany, Armenia, and Kazakhstan. She has a passion for winter travel, as well as the Nordic countries, but you can also find her eating her way through Italy, perusing perfume stores in Paris, or taking road trips through the USA. Megan has written for or been featured by National Geographic, Forbes, Lonely Planet, the New York Times, and more. She co-authored Fodor’s Travel ‘Essential Norway’ (2020) and has visited 45 US states and 100+ countries.