Honningsvåg Port is the most northernmost city in the world. Honningsvåg is located at 70° 58' North in the Nordkapp municipality, specifically the southern side of the Magerøya Island. Because of its location, Honningsvåg is the gateway port for cruise passengers visiting the Nordkapp or North Cape. Honningsvåg is so far up north that it is in fact farther away from the Norwegian capital of Oslo than the North Pole itself, which is only about 2,100 kilometers away.
Honningsvåg is primarily a fishing community and home to over 2,500 inhabitants. Brightly painted wooden buildings characterize its charming town center. In the summer months, the population swells by about 500 more to help accommodate and cater to guests from the many cruise ships that flock to Honningsvåg. Honningsvåg is a convenient jump-off point to other destinations in the Nordkapp area.
Things to see
Much of Honningsvåg’s attractions lie in the surrounding areas where many sightseeing opportunities await. Honningsvåg is surrounded by a stunning landscape of fjords, waterfalls, and dense Sub-arctic forests. Off the beaten track is the Geiranger fjord, one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway. Shore excursions into Honningsvåg may allow you to hike up the Dalsnippa Mountain where you can enjoy a spectacular 360-degree view of the surrounding terrain. When in Honningsvåg, you should not miss a visit to The North Cape Visitor’s Center. Standing on top one of the cliffs could very well be the closest you can get to the North Pole.
The visitor’s center has a hall, chapel, souvenir shops, the Children of the World monument and the Globe monument. There’s also a museum and a restaurant at the center. The North Cape Museum showcases the local culture of the Finnmark region. History buffs will surely love the exhibits concerning the culture of Honningsvåg and surrounding areas.
There are also exhibitions on WWII and the reconstruction of Honningsvåg. At the entrance to the museum, the monument to Bamse the sea dog stands. This St. Bernard from Honningsvåg became famous in Scotland when he was stationed along with his owner in the Thorodd, a WWII minesweeper.
Honningsvåg is also the best place to experience the midnight sun. During the summer months, the sun never sets in Northern Norway. Some activities that can be experienced during the midnight sun include a midnight sun cruise, safari and a game of golf played in the middle of the night.
Shopping
The North Cape Visitor’s Centre houses a souvenir shop. Around Honningsvåg, there are numerous silversmiths and potteries that you can visit. Traditional souvenir items from Honningsvåg include furs, knitwear, silver, pewter, enamel, glass, porcelain, woodcarving and woven articles. Check for shops that feature tax free purchases with stickers saying ‘Tax free for tourist’ to take advantage of the discount that can be as much as 11-18% discounts.
Restaurants and Bars
Despite Honningsvåg’s small size, there are numerous restaurants, cafes, and bistros offering local cuisines such as fresh seafood. For a light snack, you can sample pølser (a local sausage) or indulge in a Koldtbord, or cold table buffet. Because of the midnight sun, Honningsvåg has one of the most unique nightlife experiences in the world.