SeilandSeiland at a Glance
About Seiland
Seiland is an island in northern Norway’s Finnmark region that contains rugged coastal terrain and upland plateaus. Much of the island interior is protected as Seiland National Park to conserve its mountain and glacier landscapes.
The island is notable for its wild coastal fjords, steep ridges and areas of permanent ice and snow at higher elevations. The National Park protects interior glacierized terrain and associated ecosystems.
The national park and island landscape formed through glacial and coastal processes and are used for outdoor recreation such as hiking and wildlife observation; accessibility depends on sea and weather conditions.
Seiland lies off the Finnmark coast in northern Norway and is reached by local roads and ferry connections from mainland communities in the region.
- Access and conditions: The island contains glacierized high ground and coastal fjords; access is by boat or road from nearby mainland towns and weather can limit visits outside summer months.
What to See#
- Seiland National Park: Covers the interior mountainous areas of Seiland and includes protected glacierized terrain and upland ecosystems designated as a national park.
Best Time to Visit Seiland
Best visited in summer for hiking; winter visits are for experienced winter travelers and aurora chasers.
Weather & Climate near Seiland
Seiland's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -13°C to 10°C. Moderate rainfall (752 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -13° - -7° | -18° | 61 mm | overcast | 90% | 5.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 0.7h |
| February | Poor | -13° - -8° | -19° | 52 mm | overcast | 90% | 5.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.6h |
| March | Poor | -12° - -7° | -16° | 53 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 11.3h |
| April | Poor | -9° - -4° | -13° | 52 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.4 m/s | 0.3 low | 16.0h |
| May | Poor | -3° - 1° | -6° | 48 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.6 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 22.0h |
| June | Poor | 1° - 6° | -1° | 57 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.6 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 24.0h |
| July | Acceptable | 4° - 10° | 4° | 77 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.0 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 23.6h |
| August | Poor | 4° - 9° | 3° | 75 mm | overcast | 88% | 4.2 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 17.9h |
| September | Poor | 1° - 4° | -2° | 75 mm | overcast | 89% | 4.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 13.1h |
| October | Poor | -5° - -1° | -9° | 73 mm | overcast | 89% | 5.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.5h |
| November | Poor | -10° - -5° | -15° | 62 mm | overcast | 90% | 5.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 2.4h |
| December | - | -12° - -6° | -17° | 67 mm | - | 90% | 5.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 0.0h |
How to Get to Seiland
Seiland is reached by road and ferry connections from the mainland near Alta. From Alta, drive west toward Olderfjord and check local ferry services; some routes require booking and change seasonally.
Tips for Visiting Seiland
- If planning to see the northern lights, watch the long-term aurora forecasts - Seiland's latitude offers good aurora potential in winter.
- Many hiking routes cross fragile tundra; use established trails and avoid venturing onto summer-revealed snow bridges.
- Ferries and bridges to the island are seasonal; check local schedules and weather before travel.