Gjesværstappan

The Gjesværstappan reserve encompasses three main islands: Storstappen at 283 meters, Kjerkestappen at 166 meters, and Bukkstappen at 92 meters above sea level.

The nature reserve was established on January 28, 1983, and Kjerkestappen island previously contained a church where local inhabitants gathered for religious services.

The reserve supports scientific research with regular bird surveys documenting populations of cormorants, shags, kittiwakes, murres, razorbills, and northern gannets.

Access to Storstappen island requires permits and remains restricted between June 15 and August 15 to protect nesting seabirds during their breeding season.

The reserve hosts approximately two million seabirds during nesting season, including one million puffins, making it among Northern Europe's largest seabird colonies.

Location: Nordkapp Municipality

Inception: January 28, 1983

Elevation above the sea: 283 m

GPS coordinates: 71.13583,25.35722

Latest update: March 21, 2025 02:03