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Gjesværstappan

Finnmark  >  Norway

Group of rocky islets NW of fishing village of Gjesvaer, accessed by boat. Breeding cliffs for Razorbill and many other seabirds and frequented by White-tailed Eagle.

Added* by Rob Fox
Most recent update 22 December 2021

Description

Gjesværstappan is a group of high, steep-sided, grass-covered islands 15 km west of the Nordkapp cliff. The islands contain a large colony of seabirds and have been designated a nature reserve since 1983. The largest colonies of cliff-breeding seabirds are mainly located on the bird cliffs of the biggest island, Storstappen, and between June 15 and August 15 visitors are not allowed to set foot on this island. The amount of nesting birds is impressing: about 70 pairs of Great Cormorant; around 50 pairs of European Shag; 5000 to 10,000 pairs of Kittiwake ; about 600 pairs of Common Guillemot; 25 pairs of Brünnich's Guillemot; about 2500 pairs of Razorbill; and about 50,000 pairs of Atlantic Puffin. Also some Northern Gannet nest here. The islands are best visited May to August. Other birds you can see are Black Guillemot, Little Auk and White-tailed Eagle.

Details

Access

Road to Gjesvaer, then boat. (Same island as Nordkapp. Nearest port and airport is Honningsvåg). A two-hour boat tour leaves from Gjesvær to Gjesværstappan Nature Reserve.

Terrain and Habitat

Canyon/cliff , Tundra , Sea

Conditions

Rocky , Mountainous , High water possible

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

Summer

Best time to visit

Summer

Route

Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Boat

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Links

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Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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