Tour highlight
Discover the Finnish Roots of Bugøynes
Upon arrival in Bugøynes, we go ashore to explore a village with deep Finnish roots. Settled by Finnish immigrants (Kven people) in the 19th century, many locals still speak “såråket” – a unique local dialect of Finnish (Meänkieli) that has been preserved through generations. This cultural heritage continues to shape daily life, language, architecture, and culinary traditions in the village. Bugøynes is one of the few places in Norway where Finnish is still spoken as a living language.
Making the most of your time ashore
Enhance your visit to Bugøynes
Bugøynes also holds a unique place in history as one of the few villages in Finnmark that was not burned by the Germans during their retreat in 1944. Much of its original wooden architecture remains intact – a rare historic treasure in the region. During your stay in Bugøynes, you will have the opportunity to:
- Enjoy lunch featuring local delicacies (e.g. king crab, smoked fish, or Finnish-inspired dishes) – optional, can be pre-booked
- Experience an authentic Finnish sauna with views of the Barents Sea – optional extra, can be pre-booked
- Listen to local stories from a guide about life in this borderland, the role of the Finnish language, and the village’s unique wartime history
- Explore the village independently – and perhaps chat with some of the Finnish-speaking locals
After your visit, we return to the boat and cruise back to the departure point – leaving you with unforgettable memories of a day where Arctic nature and living culture come together.
