At the awesome Nordkapp, it feels like you are on top of the world at Europe’s most northernmost point. I enjoyed a summer day in Honnigsvag Town, taking an excursion to Nordkapp for a landscape dream. Afterwards, I enjoyed the town and its local Ice Bar for drinks and reindeer soup. Read on to learn more about Nordkapp and Honningsvag highlights and why it’s a must-see destination.
Nordkapp encompasses North Cape and nearby Knivskjellodden (Cape) on the island, Mageroya. The island is reachable via bridge from mainland. The North Cape is the point where the Atlantic Ocean’s Norwegian Sea meet the Barents Sea. North Cape looms from a 307-metre high cliff, with a massive plateau on top. Visitors look like ants on this humbling plateau. The view is epic, seeing the Barents Sea to the north. Weather here is precarious, however, I was blessed to experience a warm day with slight overcast in July.
The nearby Knivskyellodden Cape is actually the northernmost point of Europe, extending 1450 m north of North Cape. From the plateau is a stunning view of the Knivskyellodden Cape.
The North Cape Hall – Nordkapp and Honningsvag Highlights
The North Cape Hall includes a small museum, café and restaurant, souvenir shop, post office and video cinema. I enjoyed the cinema and museum for extra insights about this region. Also, there is the wonderful “Children of the World” sculptures near the cliffside. In 1988, seven children from seven countries visited the North Cape to dream of “Peace on Earth.” During this time, they each created a clay relief symbolizing hope, joy, peace and friendship. Later, the reliefs were enlarged and bronzed to display in a semi-circle outside the North Cape Hall. Also, outside the hall is the symbolic monument, of the Globe that is great for photo ops and contemplation.
The Sami People of Norway – Nordkapp and Honningsvag Highlights
After visiting Nordkapp, we stopped to observe a setting with a Sami man (traditionally dressed) and his reindeer. Also known as the Lapps or Laplanders, the Sami people are the indigenous people of this region. Traditionally, their culture sustained themselves with semi-nomadic reindeer herding, coastal fishing, sheep herding and fur trapping. It was fascinating to see the white reindeer upclose and personal here with the Sami man.
Honningsvag Town
This town is the northernmost town in mainland Norway, with approx. 5,000 locals. I enjoyed a half day her as a port-of-call. Its ice-free harbor makes for a great hub for tourism and fishing. Even though its above the treeline, gardens have small trees less than 3-4 metres high. My highlights were reindeer soup, the Nordkappmuseet and the Artico Ice Bar.
I followed no plan here except to go to the Artico Ice Bar. However, first I just wandered and enjoyed my one and only Reindeer soup. Reindeer meat is almost neutral, taking on whatever seasoning you bring to it. The meat is not gamey or stringy like venison. So, it was a mild addition to a piping hot soup with thyme, pepper and turnips. Nordkappmuseet is a small museum near the Hurtigruten Quay. The museum showcases 5 different exhibits each year. So, it’s nice to see and doesn’t take much time.
Artico Ice Bar
Finally, a great way to end the day at this ice bar open in the summer. Every spring this bar takes 55 blocks of ice from the lakes of Lapland to build the bar anew. Thus, the close in Autumn and waiting for the winter to generate the ice for the following summer.
A ticket here includes thermal clothing and 2 alcohol-free drinks. Yes, no alcohol here, so it is very family friendly. It is an Ice Wonderland with the tables, bar and even glasses made of crystalline ice. There is a great photo op on a slay with a big sign, Nordkapp to commemorate your visit here. I really enjoyed my time here with friends in this unique and friendly atmosphere.
Overall, Nordkapp and Honningsvag Highights
This northernmost point of Europe made me feel like I was on top of the world. It truly is epic to walk along those precipitous cliffs at Nordkapp looking out into the blue sea. Summer is a great time for hiking, biking and even an Ice Bar. Another world awaits in the winter for Northern Lights, which I hope to one day experience at the top of the world.
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