Arctic landscape at the top of the world, North Cape Norway
🇳🇴Norway

Nordkapp

9/10

Bucket-list travellers wanting to stand at the tip of mainland Europe under the aurora or midnight sun

Aurora Score
9/10 ✦
Daily Budget
$160/day
Access
⛺ Expedition
Dark Hours (Winter)
Polar night (24h)

About Nordkapp

Nordkapp — the North Cape — is one of the most famous points on Earth: a 307-metre cliff at 71.17°N marking the northernmost accessible point of mainland Europe. The iconic globe sculpture at the cliff's edge, with nothing but open Arctic Ocean between you and the North Pole, is one of travel's most symbolic moments. The North Cape Hall visitor centre is built into the clifftop and stays open year-round, with a cinema, exhibition, and restaurant. In summer, the midnight sun shines at this cliff without setting from mid-May to late July. In winter, the polar night is equally extraordinary — the aurora frequently blazes overhead from October through March, with no light pollution in any direction across the tundra plateau. The nearby fishing village of Honningsvåg (just south) is the practical base with hotels and services. King crabs, reindeer, and arctic foxes inhabit the surrounding Finnmark plateau. The E69 highway, which ends at North Cape, passes through dramatic Sami reindeer country.

Best Time to Visit

Monthly Weather & Aurora

MonthAvg TempDark HoursAurora Chance
Jan★ Best-8°CPolar nightHigh
Feb★ Best-8°C18hHigh
Mar★ Best-6°C12hHigh
Apr-2°C4hLow
May+1°CMidnight sun
Jun+6°CMidnight sun
Jul+10°CMidnight sun
Aug+9°CMidnight sun
Sep★ Best+5°C6hMed
Oct★ Best0°C14hHigh
Nov★ Best-4°C22hHigh
Dec★ Best-7°CPolar nightHigh

Activities

Getting There

Fly to Honningsvåg (HVG) via Oslo, then bus or taxi 35km to North Cape. Road access via E69 from Olderfjord (3h from Alta). Road closed in winter storms — check conditions. Hurtigruten stops at Honningsvåg.

Accommodation Highlights

  • Nordkapp visitor centre hotel
  • Honningsvåg guesthouses
  • Wilderness camps

Location

Budget Estimator

3 nights21 nights
Budget
$840
Typical
$1,120
Comfort
$1,568

Based on avg $160/day in Nordkapp. Includes accommodation, food, local transport & one guided tour. Flights not included.

Quick Info

LanguageNorwegian (English widely spoken at visitor centre)
Regionarctic
Coordinates71.17°N, 25.79°E

Compare Destinations

See how Nordkapp stacks up against other top aurora destinations.

Compare Now →

🏨Where to Stay(10)

View all on Google Maps →

🍽️Where to Eat(10)

View all on Google Maps →

🎯Things to Do(10)

View all on Google Maps →

Nearby Destinations

Related Destinations

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to see the northern lights in Nordkapp?+
The best months for aurora viewing in Nordkapp are 9, 10, 11, 12, 1, 2, 3. Nordkapp has an aurora score of 9/10.
How much does a trip to Nordkapp cost?+
The average daily budget in Nordkapp is around $160 USD, covering accommodation, meals, and activities.
How do I get to Nordkapp?+
Fly to Honningsvåg (HVG) via Oslo, then bus or taxi 35km to North Cape. Road access via E69 from Olderfjord (3h from Alta). Road closed in winter storms — check conditions. Hurtigruten stops at Honningsvåg.
What activities are available in Nordkapp?+
Popular activities in Nordkapp include Northern Lights Tours, Northern Lights Photography, Wildlife Watching, Snowmobile Safari, Snowshoeing, Hiking, Photography Tours, Aurora Camp, Midnight Sun Viewing, Kayaking, Seal Watching.