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Population 2,237 / 70.5 degrees north

Honningsvåg, norway.

Honningsvåg is one of the most popular places to visit. After all, it is the home to North Cape, the northernmost point in mainland Europe. 

Fun Facts About Honningsvåg

Latitude: 70.5 degrees north

Population: 2,237

Sami Name: Áváhki

Hottest Month:  August

Coldest Month:  February

Wettest Month:  October

Windiest Month:  January

Annual Precipitation: 499mm

Nordkapp Municipality

In this Travel Guide...

Things to see & do.

Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Honningsvåg

Artico Ice Bar

Artico Ice Bar is made up of frozen water from the island. It’s not like the Magic Ice Bar – in many ways, the bar is a lot more basic. However, it is an interesting place to visit. 

North Cape Museum

The North Cape Museum is about the history of the island with a focus on the culture and fisheries. 

Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences

Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are my recommendations!

North Cape Winter Tour

It can be risky driving out to North Cape in winter, so I recommend booking a guided tour with a driver to ensure you’ll get there safely.

Follow my road-trip guides for scenic trips around Honningsvåg

Honningsvåg to North Cape

Have you even been to Honningsvåg if you haven’t been to North Cape?

Honningsvåg to Hammerfest

Drive between the two major northern cities

Self-Guided Walks

No self-guided walks are currently available for Honningsvåg. 

Honningsvåg on YouTube

Watch my YouTube videos featuring Honningsvåg

Follow us to North Cape!

Follow us between the two northernmost cities. 

Uniquely Honningsvåg

Here are some things that you must do and try in Honningsvåg

Of course, North Cape is one of the most special places in Northern Norway. The centre can feel touristy, but it is worth visiting. 

History of Honningsvåg

The area around Honningsvåg has been inhabited for thousands of years. 

Honningsvåg Today

Today Honningsvåg is one of the big tourist towns of Norway due to its proximity to North Cape. It is also one of Norway’s largest cruise ports.

Fishing is still a crucial industry to Honningsvåg. 

Honningsvåg is known for its rich cultural life. 

Travel Information

Getting here.

Fly: Honningsvåg Airport has daily flights to Hammerfest, Tromsø, Mehamn, Vadsø and Kirkenes.

Drive:  Honningsvåg is connected to the mainland via the North Cape tunnel. The E69 runnings past Honningsvåg is a major road connecting to the E6. 

Train: No train access

Ferry:  Honningsvåg is a port of call for the coastal ferry. The southbound stops early in the morning, while the northbound stops in the middle of the day, giving enough time for passengers to visit North Cape. 

Getting Around

Honningsvåg town centre is walkable. 

Places to Eat

Cafes & Bakeries

Honni Bakes is a little bakery down by the pier. I definitely recommend this place!!

Quick Bites

Reasonable Restaurants

Corner Spiseri is an excellent restaurant and specialises in local dishes. 

High End & Unique Eats

Places to Stay

All my hotel recommendations are based on research and experience. I don’t recommend somewhere unless I think it is wonderful! The Hidden North focuses on accommodation that provides good quality for price or offer local or unique experiences. 

Cabins & B&Bs

Chains & Mid-Range

Scandic Bryggen is one of the better hotels in Honningsvåg. 

Click here to view rates & book

Scandic Nordkapp is located out of Honningsvåg on the road to North Cape and is only open in the summer.

High End & Unique Properties

Hotel the View is my favourite hotel in the town!

Sunrise/Sunset & Weather Averages

Polar night until 21 January

Average Temperature: -2.5C (27F)

Sunrise: 8am

Sunset: 3:01pm

Average Temperature: -3.3C (26F)

Sunrise: 5:41am

Sunset: 5:11pm

Average Temperature: -1.7C (29F)

Sunrise: 4:06am

Sunset: 8:29pm

Average Temperature: 0.7C (33F)

Midnight sun from 13 May

Average Temperature: 4.2C (40F)

Midnight sun

Average Temperature: 6.9C (44F)

Midnight sun until 22 July

Average Temperature: 10.2C (50.4F)

Sunrise: 2:56am

Sunset: 9:40pm

Sunrise: 5:24am

Sunset: 6:55pm

Average Temperature: 8C (46F)

Sunrise: 7:32am

Sunset: 4:29pm

Average Temperature: 3.8C (39F)

Sunrise: 9:28am

Sunset: 12:31pm

Polar night

Average Temperature: -0.8C (31F)

All Posts About Honningsvåg

Drive it Yourself: Honningsvåg to Hammerfest

Here’s a practical guide for the drive from Honningsvåg to Hammerfest in the far-north of Norway.

Drive it Yourself: Honningsvåg to North Cape via the Fishing Villages

Here’s a practical guide for the drive from Honningsvåg to North Cape.

Honningsvåg Photo Diary

Honningsvag

Travel guide.

• Things to Do
• Best Hotels
• Things to See
• Best Nightlife
• Planning a Trip

Planning a Trip in Honningsvag

Getting There -- If you don't take the coastal steamer (visit www.hurtigruten.us for information), you can reach Honningsvåg by car. From Oslo (a very long trip -- about 30 hr. June-Sept), take E6 north to the junction with Rte. 95 north. That route leads to Honningsvåg, with one ferry crossing. SAS flies from Oslo or Bergen to Alta; there you can catch a bus to Hammerfest (Apr-Sept only), where you change to another bus to Honningsvåg. For bus information, call Veolia Transport (tel. 78-40-70-00 ).

Visitor Information -- The North Cape Tourist Office, in the Nordkapphuset (tel. 78-47-70-30; www.nordkapp.no), can give you information on sightseeing boat trips, museums, walks, and deep-sea fishing. The office is open June to August Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday noon to 8pm; September to May Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4pm.

A Special Event -- The North Cape Festival, held for 1 week in mid-June each year, presents a wide display of local culture. During the festival, participants in the North Cape March trek from Honningsvåg to the North Cape and back, a total of around 70km (43 miles).

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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6 reasons to visit Honningsvåg at least once

Dotted with quaint colorful houses that overlook the peaceful bay of the Barents Sea, Honningsvåg boasts a postcard-perfect scenery.

Due to its location at the southeastern side of the large island of Magerøya, the traditional fishing village is well-known as the gateway to the iconic North Cape. Spend some time in Europe’s northernmost town and discover a wide range of outdoor activities in the Arctic landscape. 

Here are 6 reasons you must visit Honningsvåg at least once:

Honningsvåg is located VERY close to North Cape

Honningsvåg serves as the ideal base for those eager to reach the North Cape because it offers an abundance of hotels and it is less than an hour away by car.

Known as the northernmost point on the European mainland, the North Cape has been a pilgrimage for travelers for over 3 centuries. Here visitors can stand at 307 m (1007 ft) above sea level, watching the Atlantic Ocean colliding with the Arctic Ocean.

Learn about local culture at the North Cape museum

Welcoming visitors from all over the world since 1982,  the North Cape Museum (Nordkappmuseet in Norwegian) is a gem in the center of Honningsvåg. 

Rummage the 2-story center and learn about the history and culture of the local community from the Stone Age to modern times. The museum hosts a minimum of 5 annual exhibitions and displays a rich collection of over 300,000 historical photos introducing visitors to the fishing industry of the area.

Taste the local cuisine – especially king crab

Honningsvåg’s cuisine reflects the community’s strong fishing traditions. The menu often mainly consists of seafood dishes made from cod, saithe, salmon and of course, the Norwegian king crab. 

The impressive sea creature is renowned worldwide, and Honningsvåg is the ideal place to taste it cooked in the traditional way. You also have the chance to learn the history, life and anatomy of king grabs and even catch your own.

Explore Magerøya island

Aside from the North Cape, Magerøya island features a dramatic landscape that is definitely worth your while. 

The tundra-covered island boasts an otherworldly scenery that leaves astonished even the most demanding travellers. In between magical mountainscapes and steep cliffs, you find small picturesque villages offering activities such as hiking excursions and bird watching. 

Plus, along the way, chances are you’ll encounter wildlife, including the much-beloved reindeer.

See the Northern Lights

Catching a glimpse of the northern lights is on top of many Norway traveler’s wish lists. In Honningsvåg the chances are high to watch this spectacular natural wonder. 

The aurora borealis make their appearance in the winter months, so make sure to plan your trip sometime between November to March to see them.

Witness the Arctic landscape

Whether you’re visiting Honningsvåg in the summer or in the winter, the Arctic landscape is bound to captivate you. 

Experience the raw, imposing arctic nature either through activities such as ATV safaris and snowshoeing, or on a road trip at your own pace. 

It is an experience of a lifetime that will give you a real taste and sense of life way up north.

Related articles

Why magerøy is so special, things you may not know about the north cape, atv safari to the north cape: why you should go on one.

CRUISE PORT GUIDES

Honningsvåg – Norway

Travel information Norway

Official currency – Norwegian krone Accepts Euro / US dollars – sometimes in souvenir shops Creditcards – are widely accepted

Drives on the – right Timezone – UTC +1

About Norway

Inhabitants – 5,1 million Official language – Norwegian and Sami Capital city – Oslo

Kingdom of Norway Government – Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Norwegian language

Good day – God dag How are you? – Hvordan har du det? Thank you – Takk Cruise ship – Cruiseskip Port – Havn

Cruise Port Guide Honningsvåg – Norway: docked

In Honningsvag your cruise ship has several options to dock. All cruise docks are just a few minutes walk from the main street of Honningsvag. Although Honningsvag is a small town it still has rather good facilities for cruise passengers. Everything in town, when it comes to tourism, is basicaly arranged through the tourist information. They are the spider in the web when it comes to transportation, tours, hikes etc. You’ll find them on the parking lot in front of the cruise docks (see map).

Transportation in Honningsvag

Since Honningsvag is in such a remote area of the world transportation options are limited. Please find your options underneath:

Public bus system

Public transport is now under control of the Tourist Information. Bus 330 used to be the public bus going to the North Cape. These tickets are now sold through the tourist information. Walk into their office on the main parking lot to check the times and buy your tickets. You can also pre-book your tickets from the cruise dock to the North Cape through the following link:  http://www.nordkapp.no/en/travel .

Taxis are generally only available in the morning.  Find them in front of the dock on the main parking lot. They are willing to show you around or just to bring you to the North Cape. Negotiate a price before hand. Please know 1600 NOK is a suitable price to pay per taxi (max. 4 persons) round trip. Please know that taxis are very limited in Honningsvag.

There are a few car rentals in Honningsvag. Why not rent a car yourself and drive all over the island. It is a rather small island with a couple of roads. The only thing you need to do when driving on Mageroya is avoid the reindeer. You’ll find the Hertz and Avis car rental near the tourist information on the main parking lot. Since vehicles are limited we do recommend to book ahead of time by emailing [email protected] for example.

Distance from cruise port

Honningsvag centre – 300 meter walk Honningsvag church – 900 meter walk

Gallery of the Sun – 11 km to the north North Cape – 33 km to the north

FAQ about Honningsvag

– How far is the city centre? The city centre of Honningsvag is just a few hundred meter walk from the cruise dock.

– Is the North Cape really worth visiting? Yes and no. The North cape is one of those places that is definitely not as spectacular as people imagine it to be. However being so close you want to tick it off your travel resume.

– Are the ships shore excursions the same as what they offer on shore? Yes, they are. There is only a hand full of tour operators and so its basicly all the same. If you are looking to buy a tour, buy it through your cruise line or directly from the local tour operator/tourist information while you are still at home. Please know tours are limited and therefore making independent arrangements is recommended to arrange before you leave on your cruise. To book yourself online: http://www.nordkapp.no/en/booking  or cruisecrocodile.com/shore-excursions/

Also visit our cruise port guides for:

Tromso Trondheim Geiranger Bergen Alesund

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This 19th century neo Gothic style church has a very special place in the heart of the locals. It was the only building in town that was not destroyed during WWII when the German troops set the entire town on fire. Discussions where held to rebuild the town of Honningsvag on the mainland. The locals simply refused. They made the church their home until the entire town was restored. From cruise port the church it is about a 900 meter walk to the east.

Honningsvag church

Kirke, Honningsvag

There are many ice bars in Scandinavia. One of them is in Honningsvag near the cruise dock. Inside the ice bar everything is completely made of ice; the bar, the seats and even the glasses that you get to keep as a souvenir. Have a nice cold drink inside and get your souvenir pictures! Find the ice bar’s exact location in the map above. Ticket price is 139 NOK per adult. Openings hours are generally from 10 am – 7 pm although they generally adjust their opening hours to the cruise schedule.

Artico Ice Bar

ice bar, honningsvag

On your way to the North Cape you can visit a Sami camp. The Sami are the indigenous people of Lapland. The Sami still have their tradition way of life here. Don’t expect they walk around like this all day long, but it does make a nice souvenir picture.

the Sami camp

Mageroya, norway

For people who are looking for a unique souvenir: anything that comes from Gallery East of the Sun is something special. Artist Eva Schmutterer makes these very unusual pieces of art inspired by the 4 seasons of Northern Norway. Her work is not just for sell as her galley that you can visit, you will also find it at the souvenir shops in town. Visit this site to get acquainted with her work: www.evart.no/ The actual gallery you will find 11 km / 15 min drive to the north in Kamøyvær.

Gallery East of the Sun

Sjoveien, Kamoyvaer

This is the main Honningsvag cruise dock. For the full information about this dock we recommend you to visit the full Honningsvag cruise port guide.

Honningsvag cruise dock

Honningsvag cruise dock, Norway

The north cape is traditionally the most Northern point of mainland Europe. It lies 71 degrees north of the equator. It is a cliff of 307 meter that stands tall overlooking the Arctic sea. From port it is 33 km / 45 min drive to the north. At the visitors center you will find several facilities like: cafes, restaurants, a cinema, several small museums and the most northern post office. Admission fee is 260 NOK for an adult. The North Cape opens at 11.00 am. Closing hours vary during the season.

The North Cape

north cape, mageroya, Norway

Cruise ships come and go during the summer time. Generally they sail around the North Cape. It truly is an impressive sight to see this famous cliff from the sea. It usually takes about 4 hours to sail from Honningsvag to the North Cape. Cross your fingers your captain will sail close and hang around there before you make your way to the next port of call. Even if that isnt the case, cruising these waters is always impressive due to the dramatic coastline and barren landscape.

Sailing around North Cape

Puffins are found at the Gjesværstappan Nesting Cliffs. Gjesværstappan is the MUST visit for bird watchers. The spot is hard to reach by public transport and therefore your best options is to go with a tour. See if you ship offers this excursion or book it online through the tourist information.

Gjesværstappan

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• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.4 By boat
• 2.5 By bicycle
• 3 Get around
• 9.2 Mid-range

Nordkapp ( North Cape ) is a 307-m-high (1007-ft) cliff rising above the Arctic Ocean, located in Finnmark county in Norway . It is the northernmost point in Europe reachable by car, and the northernmost place connected with the international road network. Some 200,000 tourists visit annually, during the two to three months of summer. Nordkapp is also the name of the municipality. The town Honningsvåg is the municipality's administrative centre, 34 km south of Nordkapp, 30 minutes' drive by car. It is where you'll find most services.

From October to April the road to Nordkapp is not open to ordinary traffic. December–January there is no real daylight as the sun remains under the horizon.

Understand [ edit ]

71.171 25.784 1 Nordkapp is promoted as the northernmost point of mainland Europe, which is not exactly true. Nordkapp is on an island, Magerøya, and the neighbouring point 71.185 25.675 2 Knivskjellodden is actually 1,457 m (4780 ft) further north (on the same island). Nordkapp is however the northernmost point in Europe reachable by the international road network. Islands farther north, such as Novaya Zemlya , are far from the mainland. The northernmost point on the actual mainland (islands like Magerøya not included) is 71.133889 27.65 3 Kinnarodden some 65 km to the east from Nordkapp (some 300 km by road), 25 km from the nearest village, Mehamn.

The midnight sun may be enjoyed 14 May–29 July, unless the night is cloudy.

Nordkapp – The North Cape, the North Cape Horn – has always been a well-known and important point of orientation for all boats and ships navigating the area. The rock has had a great variety of names and it was only in the mid 16th century that it was given the present name.

In 1553 an English commander, Richard Chancellor passed Nordkapp and named the cliff Nordkapp, the North Cape. From that time, it has been called Nordkapp. At that time it wasn't exactly the centre of interest. But only 100 years later, the first "tourist" was reported to have climbed up to the plateau. He was an Italian priest named Francesco Negri. It took him more than two years to go from Italy on foot, by boat, on horseback, on sleighs and on skis. In 1664, finally having reached his destination, he noted in his travel log: "Here I am now on the North cape, at the extreme tip of Finnmark, really at the end of the world"

In the 18th and 19th centuries, a journey to Nordkapp was still an adventure – and an expensive one at that. One needed to get a ship with crew or to arrange an expedition through hundreds of kilometres of wilderness. This is why there were quite a few high-ranking people among the first tourists: Prince Louise Phillippe of Orleans, Oscar the second, King of Norway and Sweden, King Chualalonkorn of Thailand. He got his name and date carved into a rock on the top of the plateau. This rock can be seen in the Panorama hall in front of the souvenir shop. And Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany was here also.

In 1875, London Travel agent Thomas Cook organized the first group travel to Nordkapp for 24 participants. At that time travelling to Nordkapp was very different compared to how it is now. There was no road leading across the island to the plateau. Travellers were taken by rowing boat from Skarsvåg or Gjesvær to Hornvika, just below the north cape. From there they had to climb up the steep and rocky ravine, to reach heigh of plateau. The first modest wooden buildings started to appear on the plateau. One of those was the hut "Stoppenbrink's Champagne Pavilion.

Get in [ edit ]

In winter, the Nordkapp road is not open to ordinary traffic. Nordkapp is accessible only via a daily convoy headed by a snow plough. The day's convoy can be cancelled if there is severe weather. The visitor centre is open for approximately one and a half hours between the arrival of the convoy and its departure. Visitors have to return with the convoy.

By plane [ edit ]

By car [ edit ].

Nordkapp is where European route E69 ends. E69 branches off European route E6 at Olderfjord, 129 km (80 mi) away. The road passes several tunnels and the deep undersea North Cape Tunnel reaches 212 m below sea level at its lowest point. There used to be a toll, but since 29 June 2012 using the tunnel is free. The North Cape Tunnel has a continuous downwards and upwards slope of 9%. The road inside the tunnel has one lane in each direction, with a dedicated lane on each right side for cyclists. Select the correct gear before entering the slope. This is important, since there is no clear view of when the slope goes from downwards to upwards. Consider driving a car with an engine able to increase speed considerably when driving upwards.

By bus [ edit ]

There is a network of bus lines in Finnmark. For example there are two daily buses Alta–Honningsvåg. See 177finnmark.no .

It is possible to do it in a day trip from as far away as Karasjok , even in winter. Check the schedules and, if in winter, ensure you arrive in Honningsvåg before 11:30 and the return bus leaves no earlier than 14:50. You can buy tickets for the Nordkapp tour from the tourist office behind the Scandic Honningsvåg, or directly from the driver, which is a bit cheaper.

There is a seasonal connection from Rovaniemi , Finland by Eskelisen Lapinlinjat or The Arctic Route .

By boat [ edit ]

Hurtigruten calls Honningsvåg. Several cruise ships visit Honningsvåg and Nordkapp every year. It is possible to transport a car (not a camper car) on Hurtigruten. This is an interesting option to cut distances, for example if going to the Mehamn area, the northernmost mainland in Europe.

By bicycle [ edit ]

When arriving by bicycle, be aware of the tunnel from the mainland. This is a 7 km tube going 212m under the sea level. Good fun the first 3 km, and remember the speed limit. You'll need good gears to get out again. You will need them on the surface road too, from Honningsvåg to the North Cape plateau. Take care of the wind: gale of 7 or 8 Bf with gusts far stronger than that is not unusual. At the North Cape centre itself, don't forget to sign the cyclists' guest book.

Get around [ edit ]

In Honningsvåg city centre and in the North Cape area itself one can get around by foot. Practically all traffic from and to the North Cape goes through Honningsvåg, 34 km or half an hour to the south by car or bus. Travelers from Northern Europe usually arrive with their own cars or camper, and many travellers from countries further away buy a package which includes the transport to and from the North Cape.

If you've simply bought a flight ticket to Honningsvåg airport, or using public buses, the only way to get to the North Cape itself aside from hitchhiking or hiking (only for the most adventurous, and bring your own tent as there is no accommodation whatsoever on the cape itself) is taking a taxi, or the local bus 330 ( www.177finnmark.no ), which runs a few times per day in the summer and not at all in the winter.

Hurtigruten charters special buses going to North Cape. Tickets are bought onboard. The ship stays several hours in Honningsvåg so there is time for such a trip.

See [ edit ]

• Kirkeporten ( Church gate ) ( A short walk from E69 ). A cliff with a hole trough, where the view towards Nordkapp can be enjoyed.  
• Nordkapphallen . 1 May-17 May: 11:00-15:00, 18 May-31 Aug: 11:00-01:00 . A big hall carved out in the plateau, where the view can be enjoyed, acting as a visitor’s centre. Circular restaurant block with roof crowned with a white spherical telecommunications installation. At the centre there is a small ecumenical chapel dedicated to St. John. There are three large niches with displays by the Norwegian artist, puppeteer and film maker Ivo Caprino. Special North Cape Film is shown on a high definition panoramic screen, regularly. Adults: kr 235, students: kr 150, children: kr 80 .  
• Nordkappmuseet , ☏ +47 48060465 , [email protected] . 16 Aug-31 May: M-F 11:00-14:30 . Telling the aspects of fishieries and everyday life, in the far north. Adults: kr 70, Seniors(65yrs): kr 60, Students: kr 50, Children(up to 17yrs): Free . ( updated Feb 2022 )

Do [ edit ]

• Birdsafari , Gjesvær ( 21 km (13 mi) from the junction at E69 ). See seabirds like puffins, and the birds' mountain.  
• 71.122 25.71 1 Knivsjellodden ( Starting point: at the parking space 7 km south of Nordkapp ). Hike to Knivskjellodden, the northernmost point of mainland Norway: 1.5 km more to the north than Nordkapp and with a good view to there. The track is marked with red T's. The distance one way is 8 km (5 mi), and the hike takes an estimated two and a half hours, each way. The trail may be wet, bring good footgear. Since the weather is unstable at this high latitude, you should always tell somebody where you were going and what time they should start a search if you haven't returned. For safety, bring a GPS and mark a waypoint at the parking place and at other critical places, such as passages over wetland and brooks, and up steep hillsides.  

Buy [ edit ]

• Nordkapp Jul og Vinterhus , Skarsvåg , ☏ +47 78-47-52-89 , fax : +47 78-47-36-48 , [email protected] . Christmas decoration and the Nordkapp Santa.  
• 70.982129 25.971596 1 Gallery West Of The Moon ( Evart ), Storgata 4A ( 2 min from the harbour, on the main street ), ☏ +47 41-84-10-30 , [email protected] . 10:30–16:00 daily for Hurtigruten in the winter . This gallery situated in the centre of Honningsvåg displays the work of Eva Schmutterer, an artist established in nearby Kamoyvaer. Her pictures of the North Cape island under every angle and every seasonal light make for a perfect souvenir of a trip to the North Cape. Many other decoratives available. ( updated Jul 2018 )

Eat [ edit ]

• Corner Café , ☏ +47 78476340 , fax : +47 78476349 , [email protected] .  

Drink [ edit ]

• 70.979706 25.976904 1 Sjøgata pub ( Perleporten Kulturhus ), Sjøgata 20 ( in walking distance to the hotels in Honningsvåg. ). In order to access the pub you have to use a stair leading up from street, or slightly less inclined stairs from the street above. This could pose accessibility issues. ( updated Oct 2021 )

Sleep [ edit ]

Budget [ edit ]

• Nordkapp Camping , Skipsfjorden ( 24 km from Nordkapp ), ☏ +47 78-47-33-77 , [email protected] . Tent: kr 150, Double: kr 650, Cabin: kr 595-635, Bed linen: kr 90 .  
• Nordkapp Caravan & Camping , Skarsvåg ( 14 km from Nordkapp ), ☏ +47 45-22-19-42 , [email protected] .  

Mid-range [ edit ]

• Nordkapp Arran Hotel , Kamøyvær ( 27 km from Nordkapp ), ☏ +47 75-40-20-85 , [email protected] .  
• Rica Hotel Honningsvåg , Nordkappgata 4 ( 34 km from Nordkapp ), ☏ +47 78-47-72-20 , fax : +47 78477221 , [email protected] .  
• Rica Hotel Nordkapp , Skipsfjorden ( 26 km from Nordkapp ), ☏ +47 78-47-72-60 , [email protected] .  
• Northcape Lodge , Skarsvåg ( 14 km from Nordkapp ), ☏ +47 90-74-21-22 . House with five beds in two rooms. Access to the sea and the possibility to fish, or hiking in the mountain from the house. €163 . ( updated Jun 2018 )

Connect [ edit ]

Go next [ edit ].

You can get out the same way you got in; by road, boat or plane. If you've arrived by car you can continue with the Hurtigruten ship if you want some break from the driving. This allows you to visit another peninsula or island without driving the long way around the fjords.

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North Cape and Honningsvåg

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Honningsvåg the gateway to the North Cape

The north cape - allegedly europe's northernmost point, the discovery of the north cape, north cape tourism, north cape - how to get there, nordkaphallen - the adventure center, barn av jorden, gjesværstappan bird colony and kirkeporten rock gate, useful & worth knowing.

Visitors to the 2.800-strong community of Honningsvåg certainly do not come because of the pleasant climate. Nor do you travel to the far north of Norway because of the treeless landscape or the remarkable fishing port. They come because they want to see Europe's officially northernmost point: the North Cape. Only 34 kilometers of road separate Honningsvåg from the Cape.

Honningsvåg ahead

There is no way around Honningsvåg. It is the gateway to the North Cape. The municipality on the island of Magerøya is primarily a fishing port. The inhabitants live from fishing, fish processing, trading in fish products and tourism. The town has piers for the Hurtigruten mail ships and for the 50 or so cruise ships that call at the port mainly in the summer months. A large bus parking lot has been set up for the North Cape bus tours next to the pier for the cruise ships. There is a tourist information office, a church and a few shops and pubs. The journey to the cape leads from the port over a well-developed road through barren landscape up to an altitude of 307 meters.

Honningsvåg fishing port

There, at position 71'10'21 north latitude, lies the North Cape. The expanse of the Barents Sea extends in front of the cape. In terms of symbolism, the travel destination, located 2.093 kilometers south of the North Pole, is comparable to Africa  Cape of Good Hope  and South America  Cape Horn . More than 200.000 people visit the North Cape every year, mainly in the summer months.

The coordinate position 71'10'21 was determined to be Europe's northernmost point, although the location is definitely not Europe's northernmost point. Because next to the North Cape rises the headland The knife blade even further into the Barents Sea. And the islands of Svalbard, which belong to Norway, are a good 800 kilometers further north as the crow flies.

View from the North Cape

Apart from that, the North Cape, marked with the characteristic globe, is one of Norway's top travel destinations. However, visitors cannot be certain of seeing the sun in this inhospitable area. Because on most days, bad weather dominates.

The North Cape Globo in the rain

The North Cape was discovered by the British navigator Richard Chancellor. In search of a northeast passage leading him to China, he first circled the rock plateau in 1553. He gave the striking rock protruding from the sea its name North Cape . Incidentally, his journey did not end in northern Asia, but in Arkhangelsk, Russia. He found out that there is no northeast passage to Asia. Later, in 1664, the Italian explorer and clergyman Francesco Negri toured and described the North Cape.

The North Cape - As sailors see it

Towards the end of the 19th century, well-off travelers from Great Britain, France and Germany visited the Northern Cape region. There were no road connections, but the “gentlemen” were helped: They first traveled in 1875 with passenger ships. The anchored in the Hornvika Bay below the rock. There the passengers were disembarked; then they climbed the way to the top of the cape. It was the responsibility of the ships' kitchen staff to haul certain staple foods such as lobster and champagne to a height of 300 meters. After all, the guests should have an authentic experience and feel comfortable with it.

To protect these “discoverers”, a pavilion was built in 1892, but it did not withstand the weather conditions. It was not until 1959 that a permanent shelter was created with a stone shelter. Over the years she learned North Cape Hall named plant, multiple changes and extensions. A road to the North Cape was not built until 1965.

The North Cape Halls

The European route 69 connects the North Cape to Europe's road network. A stone waymark points to the 7.000 kilometer long European long-distance hiking trail E1, which begins at the cape. Honningsvåg Valan Airport is approximately 30 kilometers away. Cruise ships and Hurtigruten ships call at the port of Honningsvåg. The ship's passengers are transported to the North Cape by charter or regular buses. Rental cars are available and helicopter flights to the North Cape are also on offer.

North Cape - the sights

There are only a few steps from the spacious parking lot to the modern one North Cape Hall . Visitors feel at home in the spacious above and below ground experience center. The "Kompasset-Restaurant", a coffee bar and a large shop with North Cape souvenirs are located on the upper floor of the hall. In the lower area there is a tunnel to which the "grottos" adjoin. The Grotten is an underground event room with 350 seats. A simple, interdenominational chapel as well as historical and scientific exhibitions border the tunnel. A panorama film is shown in a cinema. He takes the guests on a journey through time through the four seasons of the Cape region.

A steel globe called a “globo” stands on a pedestal near the cape. The construction presents the longitude and latitude and shows the natural inclination of the earth's axis. The globe dates from 1978.

The Globo in the midnight sun

The “Barn av Jorden” (“Children of the Earth”) monument is a little bit offset from the hall. In June 1988, seven children from different parts of the world worked together to design a memorial. It shows seven large, circular reliefs arranged in a semicircle and a mother with a boy. The child points to the reliefs with one hand. The memorial symbolizes the terms friendship, hope, cooperation and joy.

Hundreds of thousands of birds live on small islands off Gjesvær in the west of the island of Magerøya in the nature reserve Gjesværstappan: including puffins, gannets, razorbills and guillemots. Bird safaris to the bird cliffs are offered. In Kirkeporten near the fishing village of Skarsvåg there is a natural rock gate through which you can see the North Cape.

 Access to the North Cape is free. There are no parking fees and access to the outdoor plateau and the famous globe is free. There is only a fee to visit the North Cape Hall. Adults pay NOK 2024 for entry to the North Cape Hall in 330. When booking flat-rate North Cape tours, the entrance fee is usually included in the ticket price.

The North Cape can also be reached by local buses. In front of the tourist information office in Honningsvåg, the number 330 buses leave for several trips to the Cape every day. It should be noted that the bus timetables may not harmonize with the lay times of the cruise ships.

Tourist information in Honningsvåg

Next to Honningsvåg Tourist Information is the life-size monument of the St. Bernard dog Bamse. He grew up in Honningsvåg. Its owner was captain of an in Tromsø stationed naval vessel. The dog served there as an official crew member during World War II. It is said that he earned much merit among his human comrades.

Monument to the ship's dog Bamse

About 15 kilometers from the North Cape is Skarsvåg, the northernmost fishing port in the world.

A weather forecast for the North Cape region offers: https://www.yr.no/nb/v%C3%A6rvarsel/daglig-tabell/1-2403657/Norge/Troms%20og%20Finnmark/Nordkapp/Nordkapp

Update January 2024

My shore excursions North Cape and Honningsvåg

Further articles.

• Map of North Cape / Honningsvåg

In her you will find a tourist map of the Alta region. Keep it easily accessible on your mobile phone or print it out before you come to Alta.

Here you can find the map.

The North Cape, Reindeer and Sami Families Tour

• All Entrance fees
• Return Transport
• 1 hr 20 mins stay at the North Cape Hall
• A visit at a Sami family with traditional Sami outfits and reindeer
• Tour of local fishing village
• Entry/Admission - Nordkapphallen
• Food and Drinks
• Fiskeriveien 4, 9750 Honningsvåg, Norway Meet next to the tourist office.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 35 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Nordkapphallen
• You'll start at Fiskeriveien 4 Fiskeriveien 4, 9750 Honningsvåg, Norway Meet next to the tourist office. See address & details
• 1 Nordkapphallen Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included To match all cruise ships this tour is a must to see the North Cape and the amazing views of the arctic. Discover reindeer, fishing villages and the northernmost part of Europe. Join us on a journey through stunning scenery with view stops along the way. All entrance tickets included. This tour corresponds with all cruise ships and you are guaranteed to be back in time. Join the North Cape Tour to the northernmost of Europe. The journey goes through spectacular scenery with fjords, endless ocean and cliff coast. We make view stops along the way with great photo opportunities. You get to visit a fishing village, a Sami family and to see reindeer up close. There will also be a sightseeing through the arctic town of Honningsvåg with optional stops to the church and galleries. At the end of the journey we bring you back to your ship in good time before its departure. Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• anitadbrown 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Shocking customer service! Terrible customer service and no easy way to contact No response to 3 messages sent about a booking and 3 complaints sent into Trip Advisor - therefore cancelled Trip to North Cape - Read more Written April 24, 2024

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The North Cape, Reindeer and Sami Families Tour provided by My Holidays Online