Bugøynes

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Bugøynes is a fishing community in the very most northeastern tip of Norway, in the province of Finnmark, situated by the Varanger Fjord (Bøkfjorden in Norwegian) which is a vast bay off the Barents Sea (a part of the Arctic Ocean), near the border with Russia. The village is situated some 500 km (300 miles) north of the Arctic Circle, with nearly 230 inhabitants.

[edit] History

Before the road was built to Bugøynes in 1962, the main link between Bugøynes and the rest of the world was by sea. The most-visited town in those days was Vadsø, on the opposite side of the Varanger Fjord. Although Kirkenes, on the south side of the fjord, was the local administrative centre for Bugøynes, it did not become the centre for shopping until people could reach it by car.

Now most trade in this part of Finnmark takes place in Kirkenes. Workplaces in Bugøynes include fishing, salmon and other fish processing, the processing of reindeer meat and game, as well as slipway and machine workshops.

At Gandvika, 23 km from the village, is a salmon farm. The village has two grocery shops, a post-office and a doctor's surgery (every other Thursday). There are also a children's nursery, a school, a library, a dentist and a priest.

[edit] Sights:

• The Pleym Pier. Restored piers dating back to the 19th century with a museum exhibition showing old coastal culture. Open on request.

• The Lassi House, culture house dating back to the 1850s.

• Ranvika Bird Sanctuary. The largest bird sanctuary in Sør-Varanger is situated ca 90 minutes' walk from Bugøynes. The footpath to the sanctuary is well marked.

• The King Crab. At Bugøynes, attempts are being made at fishing and farming the Russian king crab, which can weigh up to 12 kg. Bugøynes is one of the few places in Norway, where fishermen have been granted licences to fish this protected species of crustacean.