The North Cape in Northern Norway

THE NORTH CAPE

The northernmost point in Europe

Map of Norway with a red dot on North Cape
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Welcome to Nordkapp (the North Cape) in Western Finnmark, Northern Norway.

The North Cape lies far above the Arctic Circle, with several months of never-ending daylightin the summer.

Visit the very north of Europe, previously known as 'the end of the world'!

Explore all options below, or go directly to:

The North Cape, Northern Norway
Puffins at Gjesværstappan nesting cliffs in Nordkapp, Northern Norway
The Kirkeporten rock formation in Nordkapp, Northern Norway

Here, a 307-meter high cliff plunges into the sea and the only dry land between you and the North Pole is the Svalbard archipelago.

It's a magical place where thousands of puffins, gannets, and cormorants congregate on the bird cliff at Gjesværstappan.

Hike to the natural arch Kirkeporten (the Church Door), which offers an impressive window to the North Cape Plateau.

A more challenging hike will take you to cape Knivskjellodden, technically the northernmost point in Europe, from where you can see the seaside cliff face of the North Cape Plateau.

Top things to do

Don't miss these highlights.

  • Tamsøya - A journey back in time
    Honningsvåg

    Tamsøya - A journey back in time

    Tamsøya – a unique stop on the way to Northcape. Take “a journey back in time” on an island almost completely to yourself.
    North Cape Winter Tour

    North Cape Winter Tour

    CORRESPONDS WITH HURTIGRUTEN: Visit the North Cape and the great sights of the arctic in winter. Experience the North Cape Hall and its exhibitions. Enjoy the great photo opportunities at the northernmost of Europe. Join us on a journey through stunning scenery on your way to the North Cape. All entrance tickets included. This tour corresponds with Hurtigruten and you are guaranteed to be back in time.
    Midnight Expedition to the North Cape
    Honningsvåg

    Midnight Expedition to the North Cape

    Join us on a Winter Expedition to the Northernmost point of Europe. Conquer the arctic wilderness by snowmobile, spend the night at the North Cape and enjoy the stunning scenery and lights of the Arctic - hunting for the northern lights. This is a once in a lifetime adventure!
    Book now
    The Gallery - West Of The Moon
    Honningsvåg

    The Gallery - West Of The Moon

    The Art galleries on Magerøya - beautiful, unique and eco- friendly Our two galleries on the North Cape Island Magerøya - one in the " capital" Honningsvåg and one in the fishing village Kamøyvær - present self produced, exquisite art and handicrafts. The extreme seasons of the Norwegian Arctic, life on the small island and the rugged beauty of its nature and landscapes are reflected in pictures, prints, books, gifts and handmade souvenirs. The long and quiet winter months are ideal for production - the results are exhibited all year round in the colourful and pleasant atmosphere of both galleries.
    From sea to shore, the wondrous world of the king crab
    Honningsvåg

    From sea to shore, the wondrous world of the king crab

    Meeting the local wildlife isn’t as easy as one might think, knowing that many of them live far beneath the surface of the sea. Join us for a king crab safari by RIB boat and follow the journey of the king crab from the Barents Sea all to way to your plate.
    The North Cape cliff - North Cape

    The North Cape cliff - North Cape

    The North Cape cliff has long been a popular and important navigation mark for shipping traffic in the north. In 1553, an English expedition set sail under the command of commander Richard Chancellor to find the North-East passage to China.
    images[1]
    Honningsvåg

    Kirkeporten in Skarsvåg

    This rock formation is a geological wonder; a fissure several metres wide in a cliff overhang shaped like a big gate.
    Knivskjellodden
    Honningsvåg

    Knivskjellodden

    Europe’s northernmost point (71°11’08’’). Marked hiking trail, 18 km round trip from Highway E69. Excellent view towards the North Cape Plateau.
    Magerøya round trip

    Magerøya round trip

    Get to know Magerøya through an exciting tour of the world's most beautiful island. Visit the island's attractions and sights, eat good local food and experience the atmosphere of the arctic.
    Entrance ticket North Cape Hall

    Entrance ticket North Cape Hall

    For more than 300 years people have travelled to the North Cape to experience Europe’s northernmost point. This majestic cliff has become one of the most visited destinations in Norway.
    The Midnight Sun Ceremony

    The Midnight Sun Ceremony

    Come and experience the magic of the midnight sun with us! We will take you on a beautiful hike to the Mefjord, where we’ll gather in or around a little hut and enjoy the spectacular view of the North Cape Horn and Plateau shining in the midnight sun.
Two people holding up king crabs on a boat outside of Honningsvåg in Northern Norway
Winter excursion with snowmobile to The North Cape
Worlds northernmost fishing village Skarsvåg

You can go fishing for giant king crabs on a RIB boat (and feast on fresh, tasty crab afterwards!).

In winter, explore the white, treeless landscape on a snowmobile. Go fishing or dog sledding, go on an ATV safari or try snowshoeing – ever on the lookout for the sometimes elusive yet always spectacular northern lights.

Don't miss the colourful fishing villages in this stark, barren landscape. Skarsvåg is the world’s northernmost fishing village. Kamøyvær is home to the art gallery West of the Moon.

Where to stay

Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.

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    Skarsvåg

    Kirkeporten Camping

    With only 500 meters to the fishing village Skarsvåg and only 14 km to the utmost point of the North Cape plateau, the location of Base Camp North Cape is unique.
    Fisherman's cabins in Gjesvær

    Fisherman's cabins in Gjesvær

    Spend the night in a fisherman's cabin (rorbu) with kitchen and sanitary facilities. The rorbu is located by the sea in beautiful surroundings.
    The View
    Honningsvåg

    The View

    New Hotel at North Cape. Our hotel has been fully renovated during 2017 - 2019. We have an exciting concept: We will invest more in local cuisine, history and comfort. Our food concept is mainly seafood cuisine that is locally caught in the fjords. Such as Saithe, Cod, King Crab and other local specialities.
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    Honningsvåg

    Scandic Hotel Honningsvåg

    Accommodation in Honningsvåg/North Cape: One of Scandic's summer hotels, centrally located by the Norwegian Coastal Voyage quay in Honningsvåg harbour.
Reindeer on the road to North cape
Hurtigruten located in port Honningsvåg

The North Cape is a 3.5-hour drive from Alta. You may encounter some unusual traffic along the way!

The cosy little town of Honningsvåg is a gateway for cruise passengers visiting the North Cape. Here, you will find quaint shops and delicious Arctic food experiences.

The most popular activity is of course a visit to the North Cape Plateau. Hurtigruten offers its own excursions to the plateau.

The North Cape has achieved the certification Sustainable Destination. Although this does not mean that the destination is completely sustainable, it has made a commitment to work systematically to reduce the negative effects of tourism, while strengthening its positive ripple effects.

Visit Nordkappwww.nordkapp.no/en/

Getting here and around

Plan your trip to the North Cape with Entur.

  • By road

    You can drive all the way to the North Cape, whether by car, mobile home, or motorcycle. The North Cape is located at the end of the E69 motorway. The motorway passes through a 212-meter deep undersea tunnel.

    There is also a bus service from Narvik. Please check local bus operators for timetables and prices.

    Ad: AutoEurope – always a smooth rental experience

    By ship

    The Norwegian Coastal Voyage Hurtigruten calls at Honningsvåg twice a day. Both calls offer an excursion to the North Cape.

    Ad: Hurtigruten – “The World’s Most Beautiful Sea Voyage”

    By plane

    The closest airport is Honningsvåg Airport 32 kilometers from the North Cape.

    You can also travel to the North Cape by bus or car from Lakselv Airport (3 hours) and Alta Airport (3–4 hours).

    Ad: Norwegian – Cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European airports

Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

  • Food - Brim Explorer
    Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
    Performancce Marketing
    CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
    Campanyon - Arctic Dome Smiberget
    CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
    Elegant wooden hotel in mountain valley beneath snow-capped peaks.
    De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
    Blazerbu - Norgesbooking
    NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
    Family in outdoor pool in winter at Radisson Blu mountain resort & residences in Trysil, Eastern Norway
    Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
    The Hurtigruten ship MS Nordkapp in Geirangerfjord in Fjord Norway
    HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
    Woodward - Arctic Campers
    Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
    Sykkeltur i Hardanger
    Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
    Eidfjord village - Go fjords
    Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
    The Thief - A lifestyle boutique hotel in Oslo
    StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
    Two people sitting in a sofa in Eagle Nest Eco Lodge in Eastern Norway
    50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
    A bus driving along the coast in Norway, Vy express route vy146
    Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
    Two women waving out the windows of a campervan with Benzini Campers on the hood
    Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.
    Buss bilde - NOR-WAY
    NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
    Airplane
    NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
    Hotell Refsnes Gods - fasade
    Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
    Standard Room - Svolvær - Thon Hotel
    Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
    Lit-up tent in snow with colorful northern lights and mountains behind it
    Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
    Hop on hop off bus - Stromma
    StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
    Two women viewing scenic Norwegian fjord from a boat, with dramatic mountains reflected in calm water under blue sky.
    Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
    Aurora borealis Tromso - Fjord Travel
    Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
    Malangen resort - My nordic travel
    My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
    Raumabanen - SJ Nord
    SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
    Vy Train travelling on a scenic railway line between Bergen and Hønefoss, Norway
    Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
    A woman hiking in the summer mountains by the fjord.
    CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
    Auto Europe
    Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
    Valevåg Camping
    CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
    Shutterstock 4 - Rent-A-Wreck
    Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
    Happy family taking a selfie in an airport after arriving to Norway
    Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
    Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel in Oslo, Eastern Norway
    Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
    Skiing on finnmarksvidda
    Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
    Hardangerfjord - Authentic Scandinavia
    Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
    Hikers approaching a small wooden cabin with grass roof in mountainous landscape
    Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.

Experience the North Cape with Hurtigruten

Autumn leaves and the hurtigruten steamer in the fjord
Hurtigruten – the coastal highway to the north
View of the Hurtigruten ship MS Nordlys from a kayak at Hjørundfjorden in Fjord Norway
Plan your trip with Hurtigruten

Seasons and climate

Although the North Cape is located at the northernmost tip of Europe, it has a subarctic climate, thanks to the Gulf Stream.

The average temperature in summer is 10 degrees Celsius, while temperatures may reach 25 degrees Celsius at the hottest. In winter, the average temperature is about minus 3 degrees Celsius. Temperatures can fall to about minus 15 degrees Celsius on the coldest.

The wettest months are from October to January, when the average precipitation is 85 millimetres per month. The driest months are from May to July, when the average precipitation is 43 millimetres per month.

The sun is up for 24 hours per day between 14 May and 29 July. In winter, the sun remains below the horizon from 21 November until 21 January, creating the polar night.

Get the latest weather forecast on yr.no.

Read more about northern lights.

Get inspired

Lofoten
Bathing in gold
Aurora infographic
How to pack and dress for the northern lights

Amazing adventures await

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The northern lights over the fishing village Reine in Lofoten, Northern Norway
Northern lights
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