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 on the coast in northern Norway, passing through rough waters or snow-covered terrain, when suddenly a mountain cliff comes into view, rising over one thousand feet (307 meters) above the Arctic Ocean. This is the North Cape – which, at 71°10′21′′, is the northernmost point on the European mainland.
As you approach, you might feel like you have arrived 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 we call it 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.
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
Excursions to the North Cape
Whether you want to jet off on a seabird safari or tuck into breakfast with a view, there are plenty of opportunities to discover the North Cape while on a Hurtigruten voyage.
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The North Cape
excursions
Breakfast at the North Cape
excursions