Syltefjord

Syltefjord is an Arctic fjord in Båtsfjord Municipality characterized by steep mountain walls and deep waters that create a dramatic landscape. The waterway cuts inland and is surrounded by rocky terrain and sparse vegetation typical of northern Norway.

Fishing communities once thrived around the fjord during earlier centuries, but these settlements gradually emptied during the 1900s as economic conditions changed. The abandonment of these villages reflects broader shifts in how people lived and worked in Norway's northern coastal regions.

The Sámi people have lived in this region for centuries and their cultural traditions continue to shape how local communities relate to the landscape and its resources.

Access to the fjord is easiest from Båtsfjord, where visitor accommodations and basic facilities are available. Summer months offer the most favorable conditions for exploring the area, as weather is more stable and the landscape becomes more accessible.

The Syltefjordstauran cliffs on the northern shore form a major breeding ground where seabirds nest in substantial numbers throughout the breeding season. This natural colony offers visitors a chance to observe arctic bird species in their natural habitat.