Discover Nordkapp: Plateau, History and Coast

Nordkapp has been an established travel destination since the 19th century; the North Cape Plateau is its main attraction. The North Cape is in western Finnmark. Alongside the plateau, coastal culture, local history and excursions on foot or by boat shape the travel experience. When planning where to stay, the locations of the activities can help you find your way around.

The North Cape Plateau and the Nordkapphallen

The Nordkapphallen is a visitor centre at the edge of the North Cape Plateau that is open year-round. You can reach the centre by car, bus or cruise ship. This makes it possible to combine a visit to the main attraction with different ways of getting there. The Nordkapphallen’s year-round opening also makes it a point of reference for trips in different seasons.

Coastal Culture and History

The Nordkapp Museum is the local museum of the Nordkapp municipality and documents coastal culture and fishing in Finnmark. Its exhibitions cover the first people in Finnmark and on Magerøya, as well as the destruction of the Second World War and the reconstruction of Honningsvåg. Early history and more recent events are presented side by side, with topics ranging from settlement to the changes in coastal towns.

In Honningsvåg, the West of the Moon Gallery features paper collages, art prints, books and decorative artworks that reflect life in the far north. Also in Honningsvåg, the interactive Ocean Stories exhibition centre explores the ocean, aquaculture and sustainability in the Arctic. The two offerings have different focuses: art and northern life on the one hand, and the sea and Arctic sustainability on the other.

Hikes and Experiences on the Water

From Skarsvåg, the Kirkeporten Trail leads to a view of the North Cape’s horn-shaped rock formation. The round trip takes about two hours; trail and weather conditions should be taken into account. Visibility of the rock formation also depends on the weather. In Honningsvåg, the Storfjellet/Nordkapptrappa hike starts near the centre. The Storfjellet/Nordkapptrappa day-trip cabin is 310 metres above sea level.

The Gjesværstappan Nature Reserve is usually reached by boat from Gjesvær. BirdSafari AS offers guided boat tours there from May to September. A tour takes about two hours; warm clothing is recommended on board, and guides provide information about the birdlife, marine ecosystem and coastal landscape around Gjesvær. Landing on the islands of Gjesværstappan is prohibited during the nesting season, from 15 June to 15 August. A boat tour and a visit to the islands are therefore not the same thing. Check tour dates before booking and local access guidance before your trip.

There are two experiences of around two hours to choose from, with different starting points and ways of getting around: the Kirkeporten Trail on foot from Skarsvåg or boat tours from Gjesvær. Gjesvær Handel also offers small-group experiences exploring history and culture, including guided visits to the privately run Gjesvær Church. Confirm availability before your trip.

Getting There and Choosing Where to Stay

Honningsvåg Airport is served by Widerøe, with daily flights via Tromsø; flight schedules may change. Check the latest times before booking. Your planned activities can help you choose a practical hotel location: Skarsvåg is the starting point for the Kirkeporten Trail, while Gjesvær is the usual departure point for boat trips to the nature reserve. In Honningsvåg, you’ll find the Gallery, Ocean Stories and the Storfjellet/Nordkapptrappa trail, which starts near the centre, among other attractions. Consider which of these locations best suits your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Skarsvåg, Tunes, Nordkapp, Repvåg, Honningsvåg, Gjesvær, Kvalsund, Hammerfest.

For the broader travel overview: Finnmark.