North Cape in Nordkapp – Norway

Every year, thousands of people visit North Cape in Nordkapp. For those who have never been to the site, it is an experience that you will not soon forget.

Location

The cape is in Mageroya island to the north of the country. It is in the Nordkapp municipality. You can get to the cape via the North Cape Tunnel. You can also take the buses going from Honningsvag town. You can also take coaches or cruise ships.

What to See

The cape provides stunning vistas of the north end of Europe. Its most distinguishing feature is the 307 m high cliff, referred to as the northernmost point of the continent. The cliff is in Finmark. There is also a nature reserve near the cape where you can go on a bird safari.

During the evening, you can go deep sea rafting. North Cape in Nordkapp is famous for the Northern Lights which you can see during winter. During summer, you can savor the midnight sun. The midnight sun is visible from May 14 to July 31.

History

The cape was given its name by English explorer Richard Chancellor, who passed it in 1553. He came across the cape as he was looking for a northeast passage. Following his discovery, many other explorers came to visit the site.

Many explorers came to challenge the steep cliff and climb it. Some of its most notable visitors were Thailand’s King Chulalongkorn in 1907 and King Oscar II of Sweden and Norway in 1873.

It was in 1956 when a road leading to the cape was opened. The opening of the road made it easier for people to gain access to the site. Today it has become one of the most popular destinations in the country.

Visitors to the cape can also become members of the Royal North Cape Club (RNCC). This club was established in 1984 with the aim of promoting the site.

Cost

To enter the cape, you have to buy a ticket costing 235 NOK. There are several Norway tour packages available. Basic tours will cost a few hundred Euros, while the more extensive ones can be in the thousands.

Other Info

This cape is the point where the Arctic Ocean’s Barents Sea meets the Norwegian Sea of the Atlantic Ocean.

When you visit the North Cape in Nordkapp you can check out the Nordkapphallen, the tourist center. You will find many exhibits detailing the history of the area.