To main content
Hurtigruten Coastal Logo Hurtigruten Coastal Logo Norwegian Coastal Express

Norwegian Coastal Express

Go to Hurtigruten Expeditions
Go to Hurtigruten Group
  • 130 years together
  • Voyages
  • Offers
  • Ships
  • Blog
  • Order Brochures
  • Request a Quote
  • Norway’s Coastal Kitchen
  • The seasons in Norway
  • Search

For travelers

  • My Booking
  • Book excursions
  • Extend your voyage
  • Practical information

Norwegian Coastal Express

Go to Hurtigruten Expeditions
Go to Hurtigruten Group
Change
Info: We at Hurtigruten use cookies to optimize our websites for your needs. By using this website you consent to our cookie policy
North Cape plateau in winter

The North Cape

Once you’ve experienced the North Cape, you will understand why it is one of the absolute highlights of a trip to Norway.

Imagine taking a journey north, passing through rough waters or snow-covered terrain, when suddenly a mountain cliff comes into view, rising 307m above the Arctic Ocean. This is the North Cape – which, at 71°10′21′′, is the northernmost point on the European mainland.

The North Cape plateau on a sunny day
The North Cape plateau on a sunny day
Photo: Oscar Farrera

A mighty cliff

As you approach the North Cape, you might feel like you are at the end of the world. This is the same feeling the first explorers must have had when they reached this majestic cliff in 1553, while in search of the Northeast Passage. Though two of the three British ships never returned home, the third survived to name it the North Cape – or Nordkapp, as it is known in Norway.  

But it wasn’t until 1873, when King Oscar climbed these steep cliffs, that the North Cape really became a tourist attraction, as the King’s effort to explore the cliff sparked great interest across the world.  

The North Cape plateau on a sunny day
The North Cape plateau on a sunny day
Photo: Oscar Farrera
Photo: Getty Images

When is the best time to visit the North Cape?

No matter the time of year, arriving at this dramatic plateau is the experience of a lifetime. In summer, you might spot herds of grazing reindeer along the nearby clifftop plateau. In winter, the unspoilt white plains and snow-capped mountains will reflect the soft Arctic light.  

The North Cape is also a fantastic location for experiencing two of Norway’s most spectacular natural phenomena: the Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun.

Photo: Getty Images
North Cape Hall
North Cape Hall
Photo: Camille Seaman

What to see at the North Cape

Most visitors to the North Cape come for the sensational view. Gazing out across the Barents Sea, there is no dry land between you and the North Pole, other than the islands of Svalbard. Soak up the breathtaking scenery before taking that obligatory selfie in front of the iconic globe sculpture.

To learn more about the area’s long history, be sure to stop at North Cape Hall. Here you can watch an impressive 180° panoramic film about the region, explore exhibitions in the underground tunnel, and pay a visit to the world’s northernmost chapel. 

North Cape Hall
North Cape Hall
Photo: Camille Seaman
Photo: Espen Mills

Getting to the North Cape

While visitors once had to climb up the cliff to explore, today it is accessible by bus from Honningsvåg. The capital of the North Cape, this town of 2,800 inhabitants is a lively centre with shops, restaurants and a historic church.

Discover Honningsvåg Discover Honningsvåg
Photo: Espen Mills

Experience the North Cape

Whether you want to jet off on an Arctic adventure or tuck into breakfast with a view, there are plenty of opportunities to discover the North Cape while on a Hurtigruten voyage.

Experience the North Cape

Whether you want to jet off on an Arctic adventure or tuck into breakfast with a view, there are plenty of opportunities to discover the North Cape while on a Hurtigruten voyage.

Excursion

The North Cape

Excursion

Breakfast at the North Cape

Excursion

Snowmobiling to North Cape

Excursion

Four Wheeler to North Cape

Further reading

  • The Norwegian fjords
  • Lofoten and Vesterålen

Sign up for our newsletter

Receive special offers, exciting new itineraries and fascinating articles delivered straight to your inbox.

Yes, sign me up!

Contact

  • Coastal Express Voyages (6 days or more):

    1 (866) 280-0642

    [email protected]

     

    Port-to-Port Voyages (5 days or less):

    +1 (833) 230-0285

    [email protected]  

     

  • Contact us

About us

  • Hurtigruten Group
  • 1893 Ambassador Loyalty Program
  • Sustainability
  • Charters and Incentives
  • Travel Agent Portal
  • Press
  • Order Brochure
  • Awards

Support

  • Request a Quote
  • My Booking
  • Make a Payment
  • Terms and Conditions

Social media

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Privacy

  • Statement of Privacy
  • Cookie policy
  • Cookie Settings

Hurtigruten Expeditions

  • Expedition Cruises

Norwegian Coastal Express

  • Norway Fjords Cruise
  • Northern Lights Cruise