Day 159 – Honningsvåg, Norway

This morning, we reached Honningsvåg, the northernmost city in mainland Norway. Although this small enclave owes its existence to the bountiful fishing industry that has thrived for ages in the ice-free waters, tourism has also become increasingly important to the town. People are drawn to the area for its dramatic landscape.

One of the most stunning natural sights is Nordkapp, or North Cape, and that’s where Tim and I headed today. Our included excursion, “Drive to North Cape,” was described as follows:

Take in glorious vistas along Europe’s far northern shores and enjoy an independent visit at Nordkapp (North Cape). You will meet your motor coach at our berth and transfer approximately one hour to one of Europe’s most stunning natural sights. Located on the reaches of Magerøya Island where the Norwegian and Barents Seas meet, the cliffs of Nordkapp rise more than 1,000 feet from the sea waters and are topped by a large, flat plateau. Upon arrival, you will have time to take in its spectacular vista of barren tundra. You will have a chance to visit the North Cape Hall, which chronicles the history of the region. Spend time on your own, perhaps visiting the small ecumenical St. John’s Chapel. An excellent film at the visitors’ center depicts the region through the seasons. If you prefer, simply find yourself the perfect overlook and ponder your journey.

I panicked as I boarded the motorcoach when I suddenly realized that I had left my phone charging on the bedside table. Luckily, I was traveling with Tim, who graciously let me use his phone to photograph the day.

On our scenic drive to North Cape, the landscape was dominated by high alpine tundra with its scant vegetation, bare rock, and snowfields. Rugged mountains, icy lakes, and expansive views towards the Barents Sea added to the dramatic scenery.

Gorgeous Scenery on a Gorgeous Day

We soon reached North Cape, a mountain cliff that juts out into the Barents Sea and stands more than 1,000 feet above it. Although North Cape is often said to be the northernmost point on the European mainland, that honor actually goes to the nearby Cape Nordkinn. One can say, however, that North Cape is the northernmost point that can be reached by road.

As soon as we got off the bus, Tim and I and almost everyone on our bus made our way to the end of the cliff where we took our turn posing with the globe monument. Erected in 1978, it has become the symbol for the North Cape. We walked around the cliff and admired the panoramic view. It was breathtaking.

The Globe and Views from North Cape

Sarah and Tim at the (Almost) Northernmost Point

The captain and navigator of an English ship mapped the location of this cliff and named it North Cape in 1553. For the last 300 years, people of all walks of life, including kings and princes, have traveled to North Cape from all over the world. Everyone made the strenuous climb up a steep path, the only way to reach the top of the cliff until the current road opened in 1956. A monument on the site marks the visit of the King of Norway in 1873.

Marking the Northernmost Point

The North Cape Hall offers exhibitions, a film, and restaurants, as well as the lovely ecumenical St. John’s Chapel, designed for contemplation and meditation. There was also an interesting exhibit on the Murmansk Convoys, which was designed to honor the memory of those who took part on land and sea, thereby contributing to the vital continuation of the transport of Allied supplies to the Soviet Union during World War II.

St. John's Chapel

Commemorating the Battle of North Cape

On the drive back to the ship, our guide gave us an insight into the Sami culture. The Sami are the indigenous people of Northern Norway, with a long history and culture rooted in the Arctic region. Traditionally, the Sami relied on reindeer herding, fishing, hunting, and farming. Reindeer herding remains a significant part of their culture and economy, with some families still practicing semi-nomadic herding, as we could observe. We also saw several traditional Sami dwellings, including a goahti, a type of round hut or tent designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. While traditionally used as temporary shelters, goahtis are still used by the Sami people for camping, cultural events, and as a unique form of accommodation.

Evidence of Sami Culture - Goahtis, a Sami on a 4x4, and Reindeer

As we made our way down the mountain toward sea level, we passed more beautiful scenery, as well as a small beach, nicknamed Copacabana by the locals, and a private island that can be reached by foot at low tide. When we reached Honningsvåg, we saw a small example of a traditional drying rack, a device that is still used for drying fish.

Fish Drying Rack, Two Scenic Views, Private Island, and Copacabana

Although I never made it into Honningsvåg, I enjoyed our visit to this port. The scenery was magnificent, and I love the Midnight Sun (a sleep mask is helpful, however).

As we set sail this afternoon, we soon passed by North Cape, and we had panoramic views of the cliff where we had stood earlier today. We could even see the globe!

Sail-Away from Honningsvåg

Sailing Past North Cape - Can You See the Globe on Top of the Cliff?