Honningsvåg

The Gateway to Nordkapp - Europe’s Northern Edge

Nordkapp’s cliff marks the end of mainland Europe; a favorite start or endpoint for cyclists from all over the world.

Situated on the island of Magerøya, though Knivskjellodden is technically Europe’s northernmost point, most visitors aim for the iconic Nordkapp plateau. Many long-distance cyclists proudly photograph themselves with the globe monument.

Honningsvåg, the island’s town, is a stop for cruise ships and the Hurtigruten ferry. It offers shops, cafes, and hiking trails, including the new Nordkapp stairs with 1,000 steps leading to stunning views.

Magerøya is an adventure of nature and wildlife, with orca safaris from Skarsvåg and boat tours to Gjesvær’s bird cliffs. Large reindeer herds graze here in summer, and they swim back to the mainland for winter pastures. Despite its northern location, Magerøya remains ice-free year-round due to the Gulf Stream. Archaeological finds reveal that people lived here 10,000 years ago.

Cyclists should be cautious of the long tunnels leading to Magerøya. The Nordkapp Tunnel is nearly 7 km long, descending 212 meters under the sea, which can be challenging to cycle through. The 4.5 km Honningsvåg Tunnel is also not ideal for cycling. A good tip for long-distance cyclists is to avoid the tunnels by taking the Hurtigruten to/from Honningsvåg. Alternatively, from Olderfjord, you can follow the stunning National Tourist Route to Havøysund, with less traffic than the E69. From Havøysund, take a boat to Honningsvåg and then cycle to Nordkapp.