🌄 Which route to choose for a trip to the northernmost point of Europe — North Cape

Nordkapp is a cult site above the Barents Sea on the island of Magerøya, accessible via the E69 motorway. The classic route: from Alta or Tromsø along the E6 to the fork at Olderdal, then along the E69 through the Nordkapp underwater tunnel (~6.9 km) to Magereøya and the Nordkapp plateau. Along the way, you will see tundra, fjord shores, herds of reindeer and fishing villages. The route is logical by car, and during the season there are buses/tours, as well as day trips from Honningsvåg (the nearest town).

ℹ️ Nuance: marketing-wise, Nordkapp is ‘the northernmost point of Europe’. Further north lies the trail to Knivskjellodden (on foot) and ‘the northernmost mainland point’ — Kinnaroden. But it is North Cape that is the most accessible and iconic point for travellers on wheels.

🧭 Where is it and how to get there (briefly)

• Alta → North Cape: ≈ 230–260 km, 3.5–5 hours one way (via E6 → E69).
• Tromsø → North Cape: ≈ 500–600 km, 8–10 hours (it makes sense to break up the journey with an overnight stay).
• Roads: E6 (Arctic ‘highway’) and E69 to the plateau; the section between Skarsvåg and North Cape may be traveled in convoy with an escort in winter.
• Underwater tunnel: depth up to ~200+ m below sea level; it is cool and damp inside in winter — keep your distance.

🗺️ Step-by-step route plan (what to see along the way)

• E6 to Olderdal: tundra, smooth fjords, ‘waves’ of stone plateaus; keep your camera handy — deer are often spotted here.
• E69 to Mageroe: the Nordkapp underwater tunnel → rocky shores and low tundra hills.
• Villages of Magereøy: Honningsvag (café and excursion base), Kåmyver (galleries), Skarsvag (Kirke Porten arch, trail along the sea), Gjesvær (boats to the Gjesværstappan bird markets in season).
• Finish — North Cape plateau: platform with a globe, Nordkapphallen (panorama, exhibition, cinema, café). The ticket is often valid for 24 hours — convenient for sunset and sunrise.

🌤️ When to go: polar day and polar night

• Polar day: approximately from mid-May to the end of July — the sun does not set, soft ‘golden’ light on the plateau.
• Polar night: late November to late January — darkness, twilight hours and a chance to see the northern lights (when the sky is clear).
• Autumn/spring: cinematic fog, rapidly changing weather; short daylight hours.

🎯 What to add to your trip (top ideas around Nordkapp)

• Knivskjellodden: trail to the point north of Nordkapp (5–7 hours round trip; start from the car park on the E69).
• Kirkeporten: a natural stone arch overlooking the plateau.
• Gjesværstappan bird markets: boat tours (in summer) to see puffins, cormorants and eagles.
• Honningsvåg: museum, fishing port, cosy cafés and local craft shops.

🧳 What to bring (all year round)

• Layers: thermal underwear/fleece/membrane, hat/gloves even in summer; windproof glasses.
• Footwear: warm and non-slip; the edge of the plateau can be icy.
• Fuel/charge supply: between Alta/Olderfjord and Honningsvåg, refuelling points are few and far between; for EVs, check the charging map and range.
• Food/water/thermos: the wind ‘eats away’ at the heat.
• Photo kit: microfibre cloth (splashes), power bank.
• Tundra traffic rules: deer on the road — slow down in advance.

🛡️ Safety: Arctic road and winter convoys

• The weather can change in a matter of minutes. Wind, fog and wet snow are the norm. Keep an eye on the forecast and the information boards along the route.
• In winter, there may be escorted convoys on the final stretch to the plateau: arrive at the start of the convoy in advance and bring warm clothes and a thermos.
• The wind at the edge of the plateau is stronger than it seems. Keep your distance from the edge and take photos from safe areas.
• Deer and rocks on the road. Slow down in advance; low beams and distance are mandatory.
• Drones: wind and birds are a bad combination; there are many people at the site — respect the space and the rules.

💵 Budget and logistics (guidelines)

• Fuel/charging: long distances between petrol stations/charging stations — plan ahead.
• Parking/entrance to the plateau: a ticket to Nordkapphallen usually includes the plateau and museum, valid for 24 hours (seasonal prices).
• Accommodation: Alta/Honningsvåg — convenient bases; book in advance during peak season.
• Excursions: boats to Gjesværstappan, tours to Nordkapp in winter (in convoys).

🧭 Ready-made itineraries (for any season)

• ⏳ 1 day (from Alta): early departure → Olderdal (coffee/petrol station) → North Cape (plateau + Nordkapphallen) → sunset/night light → return trip.
• 🧭 2 days (from Tromsø): Day 1 — Tromsø → Alta/Olderdal (overnight). Day 2 — North Cape → overnight in Honningsvåg/Alta.
• 🌌 Winter/aurora (2–3 days): base yourself in Alta/Honningsvåg; catch weather windows and traffic jams, drive to the plateau during ‘light hours’, evening — hunt for the aurora.

⚠️ Common mistakes

• Travelling ‘in summer’ in winter. Columns, wind and darkness require extra time, warm clothing and a plan B.
• No fuel/charge ‘to the limit’. Keep a supply: distances are long, services are rare.
• Standing at the edge of the plateau in the wind. Gusts are dangerous — keep your distance, keep your tripod low.
• Planning ‘tight’ for a single shot. Allow for fog/storms and queues at Nordkapphallen.
• Ignoring reindeer. They are unpredictable; slow down in advance.

Conclusion: choose Alta for a short trip or Tromsø for a longer journey, travel along the E6 → E69 route through the tunnel to Magereøya, add Kirkeporten, Knivskjellodden and, depending on the season, Gjesværstappan. Take layers, fuel/charge reserves and a time buffer — and North Cape will reward you with shots and emotions from the ‘edge of Europe’.