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 sailing along Norway’s rugged coastline when suddenly a towering sea cliff comes into view, rising 307m above the Arctic Ocean. This is the North Cape, or Nordkapp as we call it in Norway. At 71°10′21′′ it is the northernmost point on the European mainland and only about 2,100km from the North Pole.
But the end of the world (as it’s nicknamed) isn’t as barren as you might think. Since 1873, when Norway’s King Oscar scaled the cliffs and brought attention to its charms, visiting the North Cape has become a bucket-list experience for travellers around the world. You can take a photo next to the globe-shaped monument, visit the world’s most northerly chapel or simply gaze out towards the Arctic.
Hurtigruten sails to the North Cape year-round, in all seasons, on both our Original and Signature voyages. We think this iconic destination is spectacular – we even named our North Cape Line after it.
Where is the North Cape?
This is where we reveal a secret. The neighbouring Knivskjellodden Cape is actually 1,450m further north than the North Cape but is much less accessible. Both are located on the island of Magerøya in Finnmark county, in northern Norway, but only the North Cape is reachable by road – that's why it so often claims the title of mainland Europe’s northernmost point.
The windswept headland sits well above the Arctic Circle, yet despite its extreme latitude, the effects of the Gulf Stream help keep the surrounding waters ice-free for much of the year. Expect bracing winds, wide-open seascapes, and either Midnight Sun in summer or the Northern Lights in winter.
When is the best time to visit the North Cape?
Spring
The cape’s location above the Arctic Circle can mean cold and windy weather, even in spring. But this time of year also offers longer days, beautiful snow-capped landscapes and fewer crowds.
Summer
Summer brings endless light over the North Cape, as the sun stays above the horizon continuously from 14 May to late July. Bring your camera and capture the cliffs bathed in golden rays.
Autumn
The autumn months mean shorter days and more unpredictable weather, but it’s also the start of the Northern Lights season. Expect fewer tourists and perhaps the first glimmers of aurora across the sky.
Winter
In winter, expect colder temperatures, snow-covered plateaus and the Polar Night, meaning little to no daylight between November and January. This creates ideal conditions for prime Northern Lights viewing.
The best things to see and do at the North Cape
Take a selfie at the Globe Monument
A visit to the North Cape isn’t complete without taking a photo (or two) at the Globe Monument. Erected in 1978, this steel sculpture sits near the cliff’s edge as a reminder of this location’s geographical importance. Gaze out towards the ocean, where only Svalbard sits between you and the North Pole.
Most of our voyages, including The Coastal Express, The Svalbard Line and, of course, The North Cape Line, call at Honningsvåg – the closest town to the North Cape. From there, it’s just a short bus ride to the monument and North Cape Hall.
Visit North Cape Hall
The beautiful glass-fronted building on the clifftop is the North Cape Hall. This visitor centre houses an exhibition space in an underground tunnel, a cinema showing panoramic films about the history and nature of the North Cape, and a gift shop to buy gifts or send postcards.
On our North Cape excursion, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the visitor centre. Be sure to pay a visit to the world’s northernmost chapel, which is often used for weddings and offers a quiet space for reflection.
Enjoy breakfast at the end of the world
Imagine dining on Norwegian waffles and coffee at the northernmost point in mainland Europe. Or tasting fresh seafood while looking out across the Barents Sea. The Aurora Restaurant at the North Cape, with its panoramic views, is the perfect spot to soak up the Arctic atmosphere.
From May to early October, you can enjoy a lavish breakfast buffet at the Aurora Restaurant with our breakfast at the North Cape excursion. After eating, explore the North Cape Hall, visiting the exhibitions and cinema room.
Go quad biking
If you're looking for a bit more adventure, quad biking to the North Cape is a thrilling way to explore the Arctic wilderness. Your guide will give a short safety briefing on how to drive a quad bike, then you’ll take off on a scenic tour of Magerøya island before driving up to the North Cape.
Visit the Globe Monument, learn about history and wildlife in the North Cape Hall, and then suit up for your quad bike drive back to Honningsvåg, with a few photo opportunities along the way.
Marvel at natural phenomena
Located well above the Arctic Circle, the North Cape is perfectly positioned to showcase some of Norway’s most spectacular natural phenomena. In winter, Northern Lights paint the sky and, from late-November to late-January, the Polar Night means the sun never rises above the horizon.
In summer, the sun does the opposite. From mid-May to the end of July, the Midnight Sun brings endless daylight – the perfect time for long walks and wildlife watching. You might even spot herds of grazing reindeer along the nearby clifftop plateau.
Taste locally caught king crab
Look down from the North Cape and you’ll see the crashing waves of the Barents Sea. These cold, nutrient-rich waters are home to red king crabs: a culinary delicacy in Norway and around the world. Visit the nearby fishing village of Sarnes to try Norwegian king crab served the traditional way: with soft bread, mayonnaise and a slice of lemon.
Join us in summer or winter on an excursion that combines the highlights of visiting the North Cape with the pleasure of tasting freshly caught king crab. This small group tour starts and ends in Honningsvåg.
How to get to the North Cape
Getting to the North Cape
The North Cape is best reached by bus from the town of Honningsvåg – and the best way to reach Honningsvåg is by ship. Cruising along Norway’s coastline (rather than navigating its interior) provides diverse scenery and authentic coastal experiences.
There are several options for cruises to the North Cape:
From Oslo: on The North Cape Line
From Bergen: on The Svalbard Line or The Coastal Express
From Tromsø: on The Arctic Line or The Arctic Circle Explorer
North Cape cruises with Hurtigruten
Travel tips: Visiting the North Cape
Most people find 2-4 hours is a good amount of time at the North Cape: enough for photos at the globe sculpture, a walk along the cliffs (weather permitting), and time inside North Cape Hall. If you’re coming from Honningsvåg on our North Cape excursion, the whole trip is around 3 hours total including transport.
Absolutely! The North Cape is above the Arctic Circle and sits under the Auroral Oval, making it a fantastic spot for seeing the Northern Lights in Norway. The best window is typically late September to late March, when nights are long enough.
Expect fast-changing weather year-round due to the exposed location of the cape. In winter, conditions can be very cold and snowy, so be sure to wrap up warm and grab a hot chocolate from the café at North Cape Hall.
Yes, there are usually entrance fees to access the North Cape area, around NOK 100 (approx AUD $15) for parking and NOK 360 (approx AUD $54) for the North Cape Hall. But if you’re visiting as part of our North Cape excursion, entrance is included in the tour.
No, it’s not a realistic walk for most visitors. The North Cape is about 34km from Honningsvåg (one way), and the route is via an exposed main road. The best way to get there is by bus on an organised excursion – save your steps for exploring the North Cape plateau.