Travel guide to North Cape in Arctic Norway (with photos)

North Cape is often referred to as the northernmost point of Europe accessible by road. The outermost reach of Europe ends up in a dramatic cliff and geographical landmark where you are standing at the edge of the continent. From this point you are only 2000 kilometres from the North Pole.

From the North Cape looking towards Knivskjellodden

In this post we will cover the following:

Where is the North Cape in Norway

Let´s start with the basics. North Cape (Nordkapp) is located on the island of Magerøya in Finnmark county, Norway. It is located at a latitude if 71 degrees north, which means that North Cape is located above the arctic circle.

North Cape Map

How to get to North Cape

To reach North Cape, visitors typically travel by road on the European route E69, which connects the mainland with the island of Magerøya via an underwater tunnel. The closest airport with direct connections to Oslo is located in Alta, about a 3 hour drive from North Cape.

What is the best time to visit the North Cape?

The best time to visit North Cape is when the midnight sun is visible from mid-May until end of July. We all hope for the perfect photo of the midnight sun lighting up the globe on the North Cape plateau. But even without the midnight sun I still find it a spectacular spot to visit. This is a wild, barren land – not a single tree is able to grow in this harsh landscape. You truly feel like you are at the world’s end.

What is the weather like at North Cape?

The average temperatures in North Cape during summer (June to August) range between 8°C (46°F) and 12°C (54°F). Occasional warmer days can see temperatures reach up to 20°C (68°F). Due to its location it is a naturally windy spot and fog can occasionally roll in from the sea reducing visibility. There is nothing standing between North Cape and the Barents Sea so weather can be unpredictable and change rapidly. Check the local weather forecast and do as the Norwegians – dress in layers and bring waterproof and wind-resistant clothing. Hopefully you’ll have a perfect day like we did and won’t need it, but better safe than sorry.

Things to do in North Cape

When you have travelled this far north the North Cape plateau is not the only thing worth visiting – you need to experience the nature and people of Magerøya. Below follows a few recommendations on what to when you visit North Cape,  including a few bonus activities you should not miss on your way to the North Cape.

North Cape visitor center and facilities

Standing under famous globe at the edge of the cliff is the main reason most visitors want to go to the North Cape. The location offers breathtaking panoramic views. The visitor center offers comprehensive information about the region’s natural and cultural attractions.

Access to the Nordkapp plateau is free of charge. If you want to enter the vision center there is an entrance fee. The visitor center is open until 01:00 during peak summer months.

The globe on North Cape 

Experience the midnight sun

North Cape is located above the Arctic Circle, which means that during the summer months (approximately mid-May to July), you can witness the Midnight Sun phenomenon. The phenomenon can obviously be witnessed anywhere above the arctic circle, but it is really something special seeing it from the North Cape cliff which is why many visitors aim to stay at North Cape until midnight.

Reindeer sightseeing

The road from Honningvåg to North Cape has stunning views to offer.  It is also one of the best place to see reindeer in Norway. Reindeer migrate to the island every spring and graze all summer. Drive carefully!

Reindeer grazing during summer

Go on a king crab safari

From Skarsvåg you can join in on a king crab and wildlife safari. Some of the arctic wildlife you might get to see if you are lucky includes seals, eagles, puffins, dolphins and whales. Trip includes checking the catch in the king crab pods, and if you catch some you will be allowed to hold on of these massive ocean monsters.

Hiking to Kirkeporten and the North Cape Horn

Once you are in Skarsvåg I’d recommend hiking to Kirkeporten. On this hike you’ll get an excellent view of the “North Cape Horn”.

Fishing village Skarsvåg

The hike starts from the small fishing village Skarsvåg and is 2.5 kilometres. You will find a sign on your left hand side driving into Skarsvåg. Through the rock arch you see ‘the Horn’ and the North Cape plateau. If you hike at night you can see the midnight sun through the arch in summer.

Kirkeporten rock formation – can you see me?

The North Cape Horn

Visit the bird mekka Gjesværstappan

The fishing village Gjesvær is a starting point for tours to the large colony of sea birds in the nature reserve Gjerværstappan. The nature reserve consists of a group of steep islands where about 1 million puffins live and breed during the summer.

Fishing village Gjesvær with Gjerværstappan in the background

You’ll likely see one of these cormorants at Gjesværstappan.

If you like fishing many locals also offer fishing tours from Gjesvær

Stop by the charming fishing village Kamøyvær

By now you probably have an idea that fishing is an important industry on this island. There are many fishing villages on Magerøya, but in my opinion Kamøyvær is the prettiest of them all.

View of Kamøyvær from a nearby hill

Kamøyvær fishing village

In addition to an unknown number of reindeer…around 70 people call this charming location home.

One of the local reindeer is forging from the gardens in the village

Visit the North Cape plateau … again

And before you leave Magerøya you can do as many other visitors – you can go back up to the North Cape plateau again the next day to see the plateau during daylight.