The famous North Cape cliff is far above the arctic circle in Norway and it is the goal of many to have visited the Land of the Midnight Sun once in their life. When you stand on the plateau on North Cape you are on the top of the world, only 2000 kilometres from the North Pole.

North Cape NorwayFrom the North Cape looking towards Knivskjellodden

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.

Nordkapp kartWhere is North Cape?

What you need to see when you visit the 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 other attractions you should not miss out on on your way to the North Cape.

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 ReinsdyrReindeer grazing during summer

Hiking to the Church Doorway to see the North Cape Horn

On the side of the North Cape plateau cliff you’ll find the rock formation known as the “North Cape Horn”. You cannot see this rock formation from the plateau, but you get an excellent view if you hike to the Church Doorway (Kirkeporten).

North Cape NorwayFishing 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 doorwayThe Church Doorway – can you see me?

Hiking to KirkeportenThe 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 MagerøyaFishing village Gjesvær with Gjerværstappan in the background

Skarv FinnmarkYou’ll likely see one of these at Gjesværstappan. This cormorant, however, is photographed a bit further east at Hornøya.

Unfortunately there was a massive breakdown of tour boats the day we visited so we weren’t able to make the tour, but we were lucky to see a few puffins in the local harbour.

North Cape MagerøyaIf 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 fairest of them all.

North Cape NorwayView of Kamøyvær from a nearby hill

North Cape NorwayKamøyvær fishing village

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

Reindeer North Cape NorwayOne 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. You entrance ticket is valid for 24 hours so it will not cost you anything extra.

North Cape globeThe globe on North Cape 

Signature Inger