Nordkapp—known in English as the North Cape—has lured explorers since the 1500s to a solemn cliff where the Barents Sea meets the sky. Today, a metallic globe marks Europe’s northernmost drive-to viewpoint, while the North Cape Hall blends history, cinema, and windswept drama. In summer the sun refuses to set; in winter, the aurora writes in green across a black horizon.

This 7-day Northern Norway itinerary anchors you in two ideal bases: Alta (the Arctic “aurora capital”), and Honningsvåg, gateway to Nordkapp. Expect UNESCO-listed rock carvings, modern Arctic architecture, and Sámi traditions, then continue along the storied E69 to seabird islands, fishing villages, and the monumental North Cape Plateau.

Pack for fast-changing weather, even in July. In winter, convoy times govern final access to Nordkapp; in summer, long days invite hikes and boat safaris. Local cuisine is wonderfully honest: reindeer, king crab, skrei (winter cod), cloudberries—served in humble harbor diners and refined lodges alike.

Alta

Alta sits on a broad fjord rimmed by birch and tundra, long favored by aurora chasers for its dry microclimate and big skies. The sinuous Northern Lights Cathedral anchors the town center, while out on Hjemmeluft the Alta Museum showcases thousands of prehistoric rock carvings—UNESCO-protected and paired with a gorgeous boardwalk.

Outdoor days pivot between dogsledding, snowmobiling, or fat-biking in winter, and river valley hikes and coastal viewpoints in summer. Food skews local and seasonal: think reindeer with lingonberries, Arctic char, and warm pastries from small bakeries.

• Getting there: Fly into Alta (ALF). Compare flights within Europe on Omio. Northern Finnmark has no rail service; long-distance buses are findable on Omio (buses).
• Where to stay: Browse fjord-view hotels and cabins on Hotels.com (Alta) or find a secluded lodge or rorbu-style rental on VRBO (Alta). Popular picks include central business-class hotels, eco-cabins for aurora viewing, and wilderness lodges with tasting menus.

Day 1: Arrive Alta, Arctic architecture, and a cozy first taste

Morning: Travel day. If you’re flying within Europe, check Omio for flight options to Alta (ALF). Aim to arrive early afternoon.

Afternoon: Check in and stretch your legs along the Alta riverfront. Visit the Northern Lights Cathedral (Nordlyskatedralen)—a titanium spiral designed to echo auroral ribbons. Pop into its exhibition for context on Alta’s pioneering aurora science.

Evening: Dinner at Du Verden in town: Arctic char with lemon-butter, or reindeer steak with juniper. For something even more local-food focused, book a table at Trasti & Trine (set menus spotlighting Finnmark produce; pre-book). Nightcap at your hotel bar—watch the sky; from late Aug–April, the aurora can make an early cameo.

Day 2: UNESCO rock art, river valleys, and an aurora or golden-hour chase

Morning: Coffee and cardamom buns at your hotel or a town café. Head to Alta Museum (Hjemmeluft). Walk the boardwalks among 4,200–500 BCE rock carvings—elk, boats, hunters—etched into glacier-smoothed stone. The museum café has light lunches and fjord views.

Afternoon: Choose your flavor: (Winter) dogsledding with Holmen Husky or a snowmobile safari into the plateau; (Summer) hike Komsafjellet for an easy summit and sweeping fjord panorama, or drive to the Tirpitz Museum in Kåfjord (seasonal) to learn how the German battleship shadowed this coast in WWII.

Evening: Early dinner at Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge’s restaurant (known for king crab and reindeer done with finesse—reserve). Then join an aurora chase (Sept–April) with an operator like GLØD Explorer; expect 4–6 hours, ~1,300–1,800 NOK, with thermal suits and photography help. In summer, plan a late “golden-hour” stroll by the Altaelva river.

Honningsvåg (Nordkapp)

Honningsvåg is one of the world’s northernmost towns, spread around a snug harbor on Magerøya Island. Colorful houses, fishing boats, and seabirds set the tone; beyond town the road climbs towards the North Cape Plateau and its wind-battered globe.

Days here orbit the cape: Nordkapphallen’s exhibits and panoramic cinema, cliffside hikes, and boat trips past guano-white bird cliffs where puffins and gannets cloud the air in summer. In winter, a police-escorted convoy often controls the last stretch to the plateau, adding adventure—and safety—to the drive.

• Where to stay: Compare harborside hotels in Honningsvåg on Hotels.com (Honningsvåg) or look for rorbu-style cabins in nearby Skarsvåg or Gjesvær on VRBO (Honningsvåg region).

Day 3: Scenic transfer to Honningsvåg via the E69

Morning: Travel from Alta to Honningsvåg. Self-drive the E6/E69 (3.5–4.5 hours depending on weather; Nordkapp Tunnel connects the mainland to Magerøya). Watch for reindeer on the shoulder. If you prefer public transport, the regional Snelandia bus network connects Alta–Honningsvåg in roughly 4–5 hours; check schedules and tickets on Omio (buses) (~$45–70). In summer, Hurtigruten/Havila coastal ships also call at Honningsvåg (book direct).

Afternoon: Settle into your hotel, then wander the harborfront. Drop by Nordkapp Museum for a compact look at fisheries, wartime history, and coastal life (hours vary by season). Coffee and waffles by the water to warm up.

Evening: Dinner at Corner Spiseri & Bar—a local standby for fish soup, bacalao, and burgers. Try a dessert with cloudberries if on the menu. Summer visitors can toast at the seasonal Artico Ice Bar (built of ice; usually open during cruise season).

Day 4: The North Cape Plateau—Europe’s edge

Morning: Head to Nordkapp. In summer, drive or take the seasonal bus from Honningsvåg (often called route 406; ~35–45 minutes). In winter (roughly Nov–April), the final stretch from Skarsvåg runs in an escorted convoy at set times; your hotel will confirm that day’s schedule. Purchase your Nordkapphallen ticket on site; budget ~320–420 NOK per adult as of 2025.

Afternoon: Explore Nordkapphallen: the panoramic film spanning four seasons, historical exhibits on early visitors, the Children of the World monument, gift shop, and café. Step outside to the iconic Globe for wind-whipped photos—layers and traction are essential.

Evening: In summer (mid-May–late July), stay for the midnight sun: the sea glowing copper beneath a sleepless sky. In winter, return to Honningsvåg for an aurora watch along the coast if the forecast’s promising. Dinner back in town—order oven-baked cod or reindeer stew; expect mains ~250–400 NOK.

Day 5: Seabird safari and fishing villages

Morning: Light breakfast, then drive or transfer to Gjesvær (45–60 minutes). Join a Gjesværstappan bird safari (typically May–Aug; 1.5–2 hours, ~800–1,000 NOK). You’ll glide past cliffs erupting with puffins, kittiwakes, razorbills, and Europe’s northernmost gannet colony. Bring a buff and waterproofs.

Afternoon: Back on Magerøya, detour to Kamøyvær to browse Gallery East of the Sun, where an artist documents island life in vivid collage (seasonal hours). Lunch back in Honningsvåg: try fish soup or bacalao at Corner Spiseri, or a hearty pizza/pasta if you need a warm-up.

Evening: If you’re here in summer, check Perleporten Kulturhus for the “Our Northernmost Life” variety show—locals singing, storytelling, and humor about life above 71°N. Winter option: a king crab experience departing Honningsvåg or Skarsvåg (2–3 hours, ~1,600–2,200 NOK) with a feast at the end.

Day 6: Hike the true north or arch to the cape

Morning: Two superb options: - Knivskjellodden hike (summer/early autumn): 18 km round trip (5–8 hours) from a trailhead just before Nordkapphallen. This rocky, sometimes boggy track reaches a point slightly farther north than the Globe itself. Pack lunch, water, and windproof layers. - Kirkeporten arch (most seasons): A gentler 2–3 km round trip from Skarsvåg to a rock arch framing the North Cape horn—perfect for photos.

Afternoon: Picnic with view if you’re hiking; otherwise, return to town for coffee and cakes and a stop at the small souvenir shops (look for knitwear and reindeer handicrafts). If seas are calm, consider an afternoon RIB tour for coastal scenery (seasonal).

Evening: Celebrate with a seafood dinner—pan-fried cod, king crab, or Arctic char. If the sky is clear in winter, one last aurora stakeout along a dark coastal lay-by. In summer, drive up to a quiet overlook for a balm of late light and seabird calls.

Day 7: Farewell to the far north

Morning: Easy start, harbor stroll, and souvenir stop. If time allows, visit the small Royal Thai Pavilion in town—commemorating King Chulalongkorn’s 1907 visit to the North Cape.

Afternoon: Return to Alta: drive the E69/E6 (3.5–4.5 hours) or take the regional bus (check Omio for schedules). Depending on your onward plans, compare flights out of Alta on Omio. If you have a late departure, grab a final bowl of fish soup in Alta and a walk by the fjord.

Practical Tips and Food Notes

• Seasonality: Midnight sun runs roughly mid-May to late July; prime seabird season is May–August. Northern lights are best late August to mid-April.
• Weather and roads: Wind is the boss at Nordkapp. In winter the last leg runs by convoy; in summer fog can roll in quickly. Always carry layers, hat, and gloves year-round.
• Driving: Keep speeds moderate and watch for reindeer. Fuel up before Magerøya if driving late; services thin out.
• Costs (2025 ballpark): Dogsledding 1,800–2,600 NOK; aurora chase 1,300–1,800 NOK; Nordkapphallen 320–420 NOK; bird safari 800–1,000 NOK; dinner mains 250–400 NOK.

How to Book

• Flights (Europe): Compare options to/from Alta or Honningsvåg region on Omio.
• Buses and local transfers (Europe): Check schedules and tickets on Omio (buses). There is no rail to Alta or Nordkapp; Norway’s far north is bus/flight/road based.
• Ferries (Europe): For regional ferries elsewhere on your trip, see Omio (ferries).
• Alta stays: Hotels.com | VRBO
• Honningsvåg/Nordkapp stays: Hotels.com | VRBO

In one week, you’ll trace a line from Alta’s aurora-lit cathedral to the stark cliffs of Nordkapp, where the sea feels infinite. Whether under glowing midnight sun or dancing northern lights, this journey distills the Arctic’s raw beauty into seven unforgettable days.