North cape – visit Nordkapp and explore the amazing view

Imagine taking a journey north, passing through rough waters or snow covered terrain, when suddenly a mountain cliff comes into view, rising 307 meters above the Arctic Ocean. While travellers once had to climb up the cliff, now it is accessible by bus from Honningsvåg. Once you've experienced the North Cape, you will know why it is one of the absolute highlights on a trip to Norway. 

 

Discovered North Cape in 1553 

Still, the feeling of walking up to the cliff is extraordinary and gives you a feeling of being at the end of the world as you know it. This is the same feeling the first explorers must have had when they reached this majestic cliff in 1553, in search of the Northeast Passage. Two of the three British ships never returned home, while the third survived to name it the North Cape or Nordkapp as they call it in Norway.  

More than a hundred years later, Italian priest Francesco Negri arrived at the same place, on what is described as purely a tourist trip. But it wasn't until 1873, when King Oscar climbed these steep cliffs, that North Cape really became a tourist attraction, as the King's effort sparked great interest all over the world.  

Visit Nordkapp 

The unpredictable Arctic weather and climate have shaped the flora and culture of Nordkapp and local habitants. Encounter magnificent landscapes as you cross the 71st parallel on a hike to visit Nordkapp. On this trip you can enjoy breath taking scenery and take a picture or a selfie at the cliffs and the iconic globe sculpture rising on top.  

On the monumental mountain cliff you can visit a souvenir shop immersed into the mountain cliffs and a modern visitor centre. Today there is a combined museum and restaurant at the plateau. There, you can learn more about the early expeditions to North Cape and watch a panoramic film that takes you through four seasons, in a landscape full of contrasts, light and breath taking scenery. The mountain cliff is a spectacular place for experiencing both the Northern Lights in the winter and the summer Midnight Sun. During summer, the sun doesn’t set between May and July, therefore you can enjoy watching the sunset over the Barents sea. 

At the top level of the visitor centre you find a restaurant with amazing views of the mountain plateau and endless blue Barents sea. You can also find a coffee shop and Aurora Borealis bar inside the visitor centre.   

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Photo: Oscar Farrera and Andrea Klaussner

North Cape Norway 

Today you can enjoy the view on the top of Europe at North Cape. When standing at the plateau, there is no dry land between you and the North pole, other than the Svalbard archipelago. At this magical  plateau above the Arctic Ocean you can eat a tasty breakfast at the North Cape while enjoying the endless view to the horizon.  

If you prefer the sea view you can  board a RIB in Havøysund and see the North Cape from the sea level. At sea level you get an unique view from underneath the mountain raising 307 meters above the sea level.  

Birdwatching near the North Cape 

Meet the different bird species up close, enjoy a fascinating excursions to see one of Norway’s largest bird cliffs at this birdwatching safari. On this cliff, called Steppan Nature Reserve, you can see thousands of Puffins, Gannets and Cormorants.  

North Cape has drawn adventurous souls from around the world for centuries. Come along and see why. Build your own special memory of this incredibly special place!