Kunes, Øst-Finnmark | Exploring Norway
Kunes, known in Northern Sami as Gussanjárga, is a small village nestled in Lebesby Municipality within Norway’s vast Finnmark county. Situated along Norwegian County Road 98, it lies on the shore of the innermost arm of the Laksefjorden, an arm known as Storfjorden. This tranquil community, though small in population, serves as an authentic slice of Arctic life. Kunes offers a quiet escape for those seeking to immerse themselves in the pristine wilderness of Eastern Finnmark.
Things to Do and See
Welcome to the wilderness of eastern Finnmark. Kunes might be small, but do offer some majestic views of the fjord as well as the nearby mountain areas. This is an area of tranquility.
Kunes Chapel
This modest chapel serves as a focal point for the community, reflecting the simple yet profound character of many small churches found throughout northern Norway. The chapel was built in 1982 and is a annex chapel of Lebesby parish. The congregation is a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Norway.
Laksefjorden
The village’s prime location on the Laksefjorden makes it a haven for fishing enthusiasts. The fjord and its feeder rivers, such as Storelva, are known for excellent salmon and trout fishing.
Laksefjordvidda
Laksefjordvidda is a large mountain plateau and a popular area for recreational activities. Kunes acts as one of the main gateways to Laksefjordvidda, a gate that is opened around the 20th of July each year. The area is well-known for both hiking and fishing.
How to Get to Kunes
- Flights: The nearest airports are Lakselv Airport (LKL) to the west and Mehamn Airport (MEH) to the northeast. Lakselv Airport is a larger hub in the north, with flights to both Oslo and Tromsø, while Mehamn Airport is a smaller regional airport.
- Car: Kunes lies along Road 98, between Børselv and Ifjord.
The driving distance from 5 major Norwegian cities, according to Google Maps:
- Oslo – 1891 kilometers (23 h 10 min)
- Bergen – 2252 kilometers (29 h)
- Trondheim – 1556 kilometers (20 h)
- Narvik – 784 kilometers (10 h 20 min)
- Kirkenes – 261 kilometers (3 h 50 min)
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