UPDATED MAR 2020. If you have been following along for a little while, you probably already know that I love northern Norway. But, I realized that I hadn’t really posted much about what to do if you visit there. Today I’m sharing one of the things that I think is a must-do when you stay at the cabin which is taking a trip to visit Nordkapp, or The North Cape, which is on an island at the far, far, far, north of Norway.
Visit Nordkapp In Norway – How To Plan A Trip To The Top Of The World
Is Nordkapp a good day trip for solo travelers?
I visited once in December of 2016 and once in October of 2018. Neither were solo trips, but I think as far as solo travel is concerned, it would be a good solo trip to take.
The only consideration would be if you are not a confident driver particularly in winter conditions. I wouldn’t recommend this as a solo trip in winter as the conditions can be harsh and there are a couple of steep, windy roads.
At other times of the year, I think it would be fine.
For these visits, I stayed at this cabin in northern Norway, and visited the North Cape as a day trip.
What’s so cool about visiting Nordkapp
It’s just an awesome day trip.
When you stand at the edge of the steep cliffs and look out over the water, it feels like you are at the edge of the world and it reminds you just how small you are.
It’s a pretty cool feeling, and each time I have visited I have stood there for a moment to soak it in.
There’s something special about how harsh the environment is, how isolated the destination is, and just how quiet it is, though I suspect in the peak season of summer it is not as quiet as what I have experienced when I visited.
Being about as close to the North Pole as you can get means you get to experience the extremes of the seasons.
Can you imagine seeing the sun at midnight? In summer you can experience the longest of days and the midnight sun. Winter is a stark contrast with only a couple of hours of light each day, but if the weather is on your side, you might be able to see the Northern Lights.
Early afternoon in October
Early afternoon in December
What to do
Both times that I have visited, I went to Nordkapphallen or North Cape Hall.
At the hall, you can look through their exhibits to learn about the history of the area and the Northern Lights. Make sure you see the panoramic film as well.
The film is only about 15 minutes long, but it’s really well done and documents life in Nordkapp through the seasons, from a range of points of view – fishermen, reindeer herders, truck drivers, and tourists.
There’s a cafe if you want to stop for a snack and a gift shop with lots of unique gifts – have you ever wanted to try reindeer poop candy? Because they have it.
Reindeer poop candy!
There are also a couple of outdoor monuments including the iconic globe and the Children of the World sculpture, and lots of room for photos.
At Nordkapp, there are also many tours you can take including taking a look at the cute Puffins and other birds on a bird watching tour, catching a ginormous King Crab on a King Crab Safari, or seeing the landscape on a Snowmobile Safari.
I haven’t done any of these yet, but the King Crab one looks really cool.
These would need to be booked prior, and it might be best to stay closer to North Cape for at least the night to save you the long drives to and from the cabin on a big adventure day.
Outside the hall – early afternoon in October
How to get there
Though I barely got to see it on the winter trip because it was so dark and everything was under a blanket of snow, it’s actually a beautiful and scenic drive up to Nordkapp.
The drive is about 2 and a half hours from the cabin (add some extra time for stops along the way, I took about 3 hours each time), so it’s a full day trip. You even get to drive through an underwater tunnel to reach the island.
If you have the time, there are lots of nice spots to stop along the way for a photo too.
Stopping on the way there to soak in the views
What to wear in Northern Norway
Make sure you have a windproof/waterproof jacket because those sea winds cut right through you. Even in October, they were still pretty cold.
Here’s my full guide on how to dress for cold climates, but my biggest advice is to make sure you have appropriate layers because the weather is harsh.
For more information:
Visit the North Cape website
Other guides to help you plan a trip to Norway
Where To Stay For Handmade Log Cabins And Husky Sledding In Norway
Finnmark Road Trip Itinerary – How To Plan An Epic Tour Of Northern Norway
How To Do A King Crab Safari In Kirkenes, Norway (And Why You Should)
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