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.
![North Cape Norway](https://i0.wp.com/adventure69degreesnorth.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/dsc5128.jpg?resize=616%2C411&ssl=1)
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.
![Nordkapp kart](https://i0.wp.com/adventure69degreesnorth.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/north-cape-map-jpeg.jpg?resize=616%2C309&ssl=1)
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.
![North Cape globe](https://i0.wp.com/adventure69degreesnorth.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/dsc5142.jpg?resize=616%2C411&ssl=1)
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!
![Arctic Reindeer Reinsdyr](https://i0.wp.com/adventure69degreesnorth.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/dsc5250.jpg?resize=616%2C411&ssl=1)
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”.
![North Cape Norway](https://i0.wp.com/adventure69degreesnorth.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/dsc5069.jpg?resize=616%2C411&ssl=1)
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.
![the church doorway](https://i0.wp.com/adventure69degreesnorth.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/dsc5086.jpg?resize=616%2C411&ssl=1)
Kirkeporten rock formation – can you see me?
![Hiking to Kirkeporten](https://i0.wp.com/adventure69degreesnorth.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/dsc5098.jpg?resize=616%2C411&ssl=1)
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.
![North Cape Magerøya](https://i0.wp.com/adventure69degreesnorth.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/dsc4990.jpg?resize=616%2C411&ssl=1)
Fishing village Gjesvær with Gjerværstappan in the background
![Skarv Finnmark](https://i0.wp.com/adventure69degreesnorth.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/dsc5973-1.jpg?resize=616%2C411&ssl=1)
You’ll likely see one of these cormorants at Gjesværstappan.
![North Cape Magerøya](https://i0.wp.com/adventure69degreesnorth.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/dsc4924.jpg?resize=616%2C411&ssl=1)
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.
![North Cape Norway](https://i0.wp.com/adventure69degreesnorth.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/dsc5027.jpg?resize=616%2C411&ssl=1)
View of Kamøyvær from a nearby hill
![North Cape Norway](https://i0.wp.com/adventure69degreesnorth.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/dsc5019.jpg?resize=616%2C411&ssl=1)
Kamøyvær fishing village
In addition to an unknown number of reindeer…around 70 people call this charming location home.
![Reindeer North Cape Norway](https://i0.wp.com/adventure69degreesnorth.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/dsc4995.jpg?resize=616%2C411&ssl=1)
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.
![Signature Inger](https://i0.wp.com/adventure69degreesnorth.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/signature-inger.png?resize=188%2C71&ssl=1)
Amazing! thank you for this post and the photos. This is a location I have never seen before and now I know something about it.
North Cape is on our list of must sees in Europe too. Thanks for the post and your awesome pictures
I never thought that the end of the world is sooo beautiful. Great pictures Inger, thanks for sharing!
How beautiful, Inger! North Cape reminds me of Meat Cove on the north end of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. Thank you for posting. 😃
They are beautiful your pictures of the North Cape,
You make us discover wonderful landscapes.
Thank you for sharing.
I wish you a great week.
That looks like a very nice place to visit. I love those pastel colors of the fishing village. The last picture of you sitting there is just so peaceful.
Superb photos and good information.This is a trip you will never forget fast
The reindeer’s horns are amazingly high! Can’t imagine what it would be like to walk around with two things like that on your head. I love the colors of the houses and boats. I imagine that color is especially appreciated in those dark winter months. Lovely shots!
janet
Wonderful writing (as always!). And great images!
Looks beautiful even with a little fog. I love the colorful houses and boats and of course the reindeer.
Så vackert och fantastiska bilder!
Another amazing location, Inger and the photos are stunning as always. I had never heard of this place, but I have been to the most southern point of the South Island in New Zealand. 🙂 One day, we will get up there!
Your North Cape shots are awesome…..
Thanks for sharing these magnificent views!
Great photos and looks like a wonderful place to visit. Thanks for sharing, Jim
Stunning photos — and my favorite is The North Cape Horn — love that rock!
Utterly beguiling! Beautiful words and images from the end of the world!
Beautiful photos and such a fun and interesting read. I’ve still got Norway on my list, so I’m glad to have this info. I’d love to visit this place!
Inger what an extraordinary spot. Love the reindeer photos especially.
So interesting to learn about this! Great post
How beautiful, I love the first reindeer photo.
Thamk you for showing, Inger! When I saw the globe I remember me, that I was there. I have to look for this in my old photo albums. 😉
I love the shot at The North Cape Horn! Natural art.
These North Cape Horn rocks are marvellous. Look like drawings. And I could sit on the North cape – like you – for ages 😀
An excellent visit to this unique place in the world. I enjoyed hearing about the northernmost features, the reindeer and fishing culture, what tourists like to do. Your photos are wonderful, capturing the isolation, beauty, and brightly-painted colors. Then a funny ending. Delightful post!
Such as special place isn’t it. As a “good” Norwegian I should of course have visited the North Cape long ago, but so far haven’t gotten around to do so. All the more I can enjoy your lovely photos. 🙂
Dear friend
I was in Hamerfest and Northcap as well. It is really a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing these nice photos 🙂
All the best
Didi
What incredible photos! One day I would like to go there!
Amazing landscape.
Awesome place! superb images!
Wonderful scenes! The colours are amazing.
Vi har tänkt besöka norra Norge någon gång snart… med bil från Finland. Det ser så vackert ut i dina bilder! 🙂
Gorgeous information and amazing photos
How beautiful to see the pictures and read about your adventures in Norway
Thanks for sharing
Now that’s excellent 🙂
What a beautiful and interesting post, Inger. I love your images especially the reindeer and the colorful fishing boats. We loved our trip to Norway last year but didn’t get that far north. Gorgeous country!
Simply – amazing virtual tour! Thanks for taking me there 🙂 Bye. Kamila
Excellent post, Inger! You showcased the beauty just perfectly <3
Inger, I won’t tell anyone about Knivskjellodden if you don’t! Oops! Too late:-)) This place looks amazing, like being at the end of the world. I’m very impressed with everyone standing at the cliff edges and you (I assume) sitting with your legs over the sea. I’d only dare crawl a bit towards the edge! A glorious post many thanks for sharing with us!!
Really great photos and also the good story! You guys are great photographers with a sense of adventure … nice that you want to share with us … Thank you!
Best regards, Heidi
Interesting patterns on the North Cape Horn outcrop. And as always, beautiful captures.
A beautiful part of the world I did not know existed until I came across this post.