National Cycle Route 8: The Finnmark Route
From Alta through Kautokeino to Kirkenes
The route from Alta to Kirkenes through Kautokeino is about 640 kilometres long and crosses Finnmark from west to east – or vice versa. The route captures some of the fantastic areas in the north, and touches on a number of international cycle routes to the North Cape and to Grense Jakobselv.
The western part of the route runs across the Finnmarksvidda plateau. Wind and weather will have a strong impact on whether the trip will be rough or a magical experience.
The route is not signposted.
National Cycle Route 8: The Finnmark Route
On large parts of the route, vegetation is sparse and there is a wide view over the open landscape. On other parts of the route, forest along the road provides shelter from the sun and wind.
The entire route is paved, and most of it runs on the E45 and the E6. There is still not much traffic. On the other hand, it may be windy, especially from Alta to Karasjok, and you may want to check the direction and speed of the wind before setting off.
If you cycle east from Alta, you will have a long climb up to the Finnmarksvidda plateau. Apart from this, the entire route is flat and easy to cycle.
The Sami Parliament in Karasjok, Strømsbrua near Kirkenes and King Oscar II Chapel Grense Jakobselv. Photo: Henrik Duus
Pack some food
If you embark on a long cycle ride in Finnmark, there are few places to buy food. There are no grocery shops between Kautokeino and Karasjok (128 kilometres), and between Karasjok and Tana bru (180 kilometres) there are no grocery shops on the Norwegian side. A few hundred metres into Finland, in Utsjok, you will find a grocery shop.
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