Making the most of Lakselv Hamnebukt
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Ships either moor or anchor in this port, with tenders carrying passengers to land.
Lakselv lies at the head of Porsangerfjord on Norway's far northern coast and provides a gateway to Karasjok. That town is the principal commercial and cultural centre for Finnmark's traditionally nomadic Sami (Lapp) people. Their fascinating origins and culture are believed to reach back 8,000 years, while their livelihood relies on valued herds of grazing reindeer.
Money
Norway uses the Norwegian crown, or norske krone, abbreviated kr. The øre is 1/100th of a krone, and 1.00 EUR is worth about 8 NOK.
Norwegian ATMs are known as Minibank.
Nearly every shop accepts major cards such as Mastercard and Visa. Bring a passport or driver's licence because identification is required for credit-card payments.
Staying connected
Norwegian is Norway's official language and is closely related to, and mutually intelligible with, the other two Scandinavian languages. English is spoken widely.
Most Norwegian homes have an internet connection, frequently broadband, leaving too small a market for cybercafés outside the major cities. Most public libraries offer free internet access. WiFi is available in many locations, but is not free.
Opening Hours and
Norwegian opening times have improved, although many small shops still shut early on Saturday, usually at 1 PM or 3 PM, and nearly everything closes on Sunday. A door sign reading "9-21 (9-18)" means 9 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and 9 AM to 6 PM on Saturday.