Kirkeporten in Skarsvag
Kirkeporten in Skarsvag
4.5
About
This rock formation is a geological wonder a fissure several metres wide in a cliff overhang shaped like a big gate. The midnight sun shines through this gate between midnight and two in the morning. The views of the rock formation “Hornet” are breathtaking. To get there, follow the 2.5 km long path starting at Kirkeporten Camping and Nordkapp Turisthotell. The walk there and back takes around 45 minutes.
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4.5
59 reviews
Excellent
39
Very good
15
Average
4
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Garsiepeg
Magdeburg, Germany2 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
A short but very dangerous and steep walk down to the rock formation. The paths can be slippery and are very steep. I‘m 26 years old and sporty but I climbed down and back up on all 4 to have more stability.
It’s an absolutey beautiful view once you arrived but the journey is quite the adrenaline rush.
NOT recommended for kids or elderly.
It’s an absolutey beautiful view once you arrived but the journey is quite the adrenaline rush.
NOT recommended for kids or elderly.
Written 9 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AndyRSwindon
Thásos, Greece67 contributions
Apr 2012 • Friends
We went on a 'Northern Lights' cruise up into the Arctic Circle in February 2012. We did see the Northern Lights but actually this trip was its equal for me. It was not one of the 'brochured' excursions but was advertised during the voyage.
We didn't want to go on the 'North Cape trip which by all accounts is a bit cheesy (and very expensive). This trip took us on a 30 minute coach trip over beautiful snow filled scenery to a tiny village 'on the top of the world'. This used to be a thriving fishing village but things are getting tough there. Our hostess was a 'fisherman's wife'. Her husband seemed to be some sort of village elder - top man sort of thing and still had a trawler. However, fishing was in decline and there was no work for women. There isn't enough money for single earner families so the village is in decline. Children tended to move away and they were concerned for the village. The village school had only two pupils and that very day there was a meeting to decide its future. All very dismal you may think.
But no. This proud lady had decided to do something about it. She had invited Hurtigruten to bring coach parties down there and she showed us around. Its a stunningly beautiful setting - a little bay about as far up as you can go in the habitable world. On the day we were there it was beautiful and sunny. She took us round the village and to the little harbour where her husband has just bought in a catch. She described how life worked up there and how they were trying to preserve their way of life. This wasn't a charity event or sob story. This lady wanted to make a difference so she had started a business and was doing so. After maybe 90 minutes wandering round the beautiful setting, hearing how life works on the top of the world, we went back to her house, which has been decked out as a sort of permanent Christmas decoration shop where you could buy locally made Christmas decorations and gifts. Beautifully made (if fearsomely expensive, as things in Norway are to us). We were treated to a warming fruit drink and some home made cake.
When the coach came for us, the lady expressed her hope that we would tell people about her village and encourage then to come to visit. It was not a call for charity but a willingness to share their life with the hope that we all benefitted. The trip is not yet in the Hurtigruten brochure so is a sort of special. We told our ship guide that it had been the highlight of our cruise and hoped that it would become a standard trip. That evening, we saw the Northern Lights for the first time. A perfect day.
I am going on the cruise again this May - but on a longer trip. The tour still isn't listed but I really hope that I can get there again.
Please support this village if you can and get a taste of life on top of the world. You won't regret it.
We didn't want to go on the 'North Cape trip which by all accounts is a bit cheesy (and very expensive). This trip took us on a 30 minute coach trip over beautiful snow filled scenery to a tiny village 'on the top of the world'. This used to be a thriving fishing village but things are getting tough there. Our hostess was a 'fisherman's wife'. Her husband seemed to be some sort of village elder - top man sort of thing and still had a trawler. However, fishing was in decline and there was no work for women. There isn't enough money for single earner families so the village is in decline. Children tended to move away and they were concerned for the village. The village school had only two pupils and that very day there was a meeting to decide its future. All very dismal you may think.
But no. This proud lady had decided to do something about it. She had invited Hurtigruten to bring coach parties down there and she showed us around. Its a stunningly beautiful setting - a little bay about as far up as you can go in the habitable world. On the day we were there it was beautiful and sunny. She took us round the village and to the little harbour where her husband has just bought in a catch. She described how life worked up there and how they were trying to preserve their way of life. This wasn't a charity event or sob story. This lady wanted to make a difference so she had started a business and was doing so. After maybe 90 minutes wandering round the beautiful setting, hearing how life works on the top of the world, we went back to her house, which has been decked out as a sort of permanent Christmas decoration shop where you could buy locally made Christmas decorations and gifts. Beautifully made (if fearsomely expensive, as things in Norway are to us). We were treated to a warming fruit drink and some home made cake.
When the coach came for us, the lady expressed her hope that we would tell people about her village and encourage then to come to visit. It was not a call for charity but a willingness to share their life with the hope that we all benefitted. The trip is not yet in the Hurtigruten brochure so is a sort of special. We told our ship guide that it had been the highlight of our cruise and hoped that it would become a standard trip. That evening, we saw the Northern Lights for the first time. A perfect day.
I am going on the cruise again this May - but on a longer trip. The tour still isn't listed but I really hope that I can get there again.
Please support this village if you can and get a taste of life on top of the world. You won't regret it.
Written 21 March 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelingcompanions
Moffat, UK247 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
We read the review by AndyRSwindon before deciding to visit Skarsvåg. And we were realy glad we went there, rather than taking the more publicised excursion to the Northern Cape, which most people described as overpriced and over-rated. By taking this trip, you realise that, although Norway has the fourth highest income per head in the world, not everyone has it easy. Skarsvåg is a stark example of how life this far north, where so much is dependent on catching large numbers of cod, can be tough, even dangerous. The price they get for the small catches their single-handed boats make is low. For much of the year their roads are closed. Their school has now closed, so children have to be bussed to another town. Poles and Germans have bought properties and boats in the village, do not use the local fish processing facilities and export their catches back home. The young people are leaving and very decent houses are on sale for only £2,500. Monkfish, expensive in the UK, is worth virtually nothing here. Go there, please, so you can understand their struggle and give your support.
Written 4 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Riekie2
Strijen, The Netherlands234 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
When you enter Skarvag on the left side of the road you will see a sign for a hike to Kirkeporten. You walk up the hill, down the hill on the other side, where you find a gate out of stone ( natural phenomena). Standing in the gate you can see North Cape, it is really wonderfull. From the gate you can walk along the waterfront to the beginning of Skarsvag village at the lake The hike took us 1,5 hr. It is not too hard, just wear some good waterproof hiking shoes. For lunch you might want to try the tourist information near the port, see pictures for menu. In case you want something else then waffles.
Written 10 June 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terri M
Bradenton, FL75 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
Hike was the focus of a cruise tour and I am so glad we did it. Beauty everywhere in varied forms and styles! It is not too difficult, if you are aware and used to hiking. Weather changed nearly as often as the scenery-overcast, rain, sleet, snow, then sunshine in approximately a three mile hike. Just come prepared clothing wise and make sure footwear is appropriate for uphill, rocky paths (which can become slick), downhill, and a walk along the sea edge. Well worth it to see such a beautiful rock formation, "Church Door", with a view to the North Cape. We had great guides that ensured everyone successfully navigated the terrain.
Written 21 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kayleigh b
Newport, UK56 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
My husband and I visited Skarsvag Fishing Village and Heidi's Christmas house there in February this year instead of the other optional trip of the North Cape. We went as a day trip whilst on an Arctic Circle cruise with Hurtigruten and this truly was the highlight of my trip. Heidi was so friendly and gave us homemade mulled wine, cakes and cream and explained to us the history of her village and how they are struggling to manage as the young people move away and the village population dwindles. This doesn't stop them from helping each other in the village however and working hard to produce an income. This gives you an opportunity to visit a genuine piece of Norway. I made sure to buy some little Christmas ornaments in the shop when I left but unfortunately I smashed one (the girl) of a pair of a girl and boy pushing snowballs so if anyone is popping by you couldn't pick me one up could you?! lol
Written 8 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marius P
Oslo, Norway2,254 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
The hike is not too long and you reach a great natural phenomenon and picture spot.
You get easily get the gate with north cape in the background.
You get easily get the gate with north cape in the background.
Written 26 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian0ntheGo
Bradenton, FL866 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
This hike was one of the tour options we had on our recent cruise trip to Honninsvag. While lots of people opted to visit the North Cape, we were really glad we opted for this hike instead. The hike begins near the Kirkeporten Campground just outside the village of Skarsvag. The hike begins with a fairly steep climb up a hill on a rocky path and then down the other side to the Kirkeporten rock formation. The "Church Door" rock formation/natural arch is certainly worth the walk. You'll enjoy lots of amazing views as well as being able to walk directly through the rock formation itself. The footpath is easily navigated although there are lots of rocks and muddy areas - you'll be taking lots of pictures, so watch were you're walking and stop to take your photos. From the Kirkeporten rock formation you'll have a great view of the coastline and the North Cape in the distance. Our guide provided us with lots of great information, but you would certainly enjoy this hike with or without a guide. Wear good shoes and be prepared for changing weather. As long as you are reasonably fit, you should have no trouble completing this very worthwhile hike. You'll treasure the photos you'll take for a lifetime!
Written 26 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
846leilal
Naantali, Finland30 contributions
Sept 2015 • Couples
It was the only place, which was open in September. It was also the only place to have food that day we where there at the area.
Written 16 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
H.M.WvH
Tiel, The Netherlands3,293 contributions
Sept 2019 • Couples
During our Scandinavian holiday by camper we also visited this place.
It was a normal tuesday, but it was as quiet as could be.
There was'nt any person or animal on the street.
The " all year round christmas shop " was closed, although there was a sign at the road " opened ".
The same for the tourist info.
Only 6 reindeers were walking by at the harbour !
It was a normal tuesday, but it was as quiet as could be.
There was'nt any person or animal on the street.
The " all year round christmas shop " was closed, although there was a sign at the road " opened ".
The same for the tourist info.
Only 6 reindeers were walking by at the harbour !
Written 13 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I would like some contact details for Heidi's Christmas House at Skarsvag so that I can replace some lost items which we bought on a trip in Jan. 2019
Written 27 May 2019
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