Ever dreamed of embarking on a Norway solo travel journey to the North Cape, standing at the northernmost cliff of mainland Europe, gazing over the vast Arctic Barents Sea with only the North Pole (and Svalbard) in front of you somewhere?
As a native Norwegian, I love being able to introduce you to the magic of Honningsvåg on Magerøya Island, the Gateway to the North Cape, where I’m spending six budget-friendly months this summer.
In this travel guide, I will tell you all about what is magic up here, as well as the best experiences you can have on a solo traveler’s budget. Norway is a pricey destination, but it is possible to travel here without breaking the bank.
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Norway Solo Travel: How To Get To Nordkapp
Quick Facts North Cape In Norway
- Located at 71 Degrees North on Magerøya Island
- Main Town: Honningsvåg (which has a cruise port)
- Population: 2900 people
- Region: Arctic
- Travel by: plane, bus, car, cruise ship
- High season: Summer for the midnight sun
- Iconic season: December through February for the northern lights
- Recommended budget time to travel: shoulder season May/June, or late September/August
Is Norway Safe?
Norway is one of the safest countries in the world, including for travelers, and solo female travelers. Its dramatic landscapes, stretching from the gentle south to the wild Arctic North, perfect for traveling solo, and also traveling slow.
Firstly, because of the high level of safety, and secondly, because there are so many epic adventures to be had – including visiting the North Cape.
The North Cape Plateau, perched at the top of mainland Norway, is also the northernmost point of mainland Europe—a bucket list destination for millions of travelers worldwide.
Though technically on an island called Magerøya, connected by an undersea tunnel, it’s considered part of the mainland. This iconic, rugged spot offers extreme weather, breathtaking views, and incredible wildlife.
📍 TravelToNorway Tip: Control your travel phone bill with an e-SIM for Norway with unlimited data!
How To Travel To North Cape Norway On A Budget
General Quick Facts Norway
- Currency Norwegian Krone
- Language: Norwegian (most people speak English)
- Population of around five million
- Credit cards are generally accepted everywhere
- Public transport is generally easily accessible, booking online or with apps
- Norway is an extremely safe destination, including for solo female travelers
Getting to the North Cape doesn’t have to be ridiculously expensive. However, you need to get a flight or three, as Norway is a LONG country, and so a road trip along the entire coast will be a long one (but it is doable, of course).
You first need to get to Norway (if you are traveling here from abroad) and then all the way up to the North Cape.
You can actually fly to the local airport, Valan, in Honningsvåg Town, but that is not the most budget-friendly option, as the small Wideroe Airline flying up north is more expensive than the international airlines.
Here are the most budget-friendly options for solo travelers:
- Flying: Book a flight from your origin to Norway; you can do this in two ways.
- Either fly to Alta, a town about three hours south of Honningsvåg. From Alta, take the affordable local Snelandia long-haul bus to Honningsvåg, which will take 3,5 hours.
- Or fly the whole way to Valan Airport in Honningsvåg (more expensive and less available in winter as the flights regularly get canceled due to the weather). By the way, we don’t say that there is bad weather up here, we say “a lot of weather!
- Public Transportation: A network of public buses runs across Finnmark, Norway’s northernmost county. Check Northern Norway by Bus for long-haul, and Snelandia from Alta Airport.
- Driving: Rent a car from your last airport and drive up. From Alta, it is three hours northbound across the mountain planes, and from Tromsø Town, further south, it is between 8 and 9 hours. This can be economical, and you need to be comfortable driving in potentially snowy, icy, and windy conditions from September to May.
- Cruise Ships: While not the cheapest, keep an eye out for deals with Hurtigruten and Havila, Norwegian coastal cruise lines that dock almost daily in Honningsvåg. You can choose the port-to-port option with both cruise lines and arrive by boat from Tromsø or Alta in a few hours.
Budget-Friendly Activities in Honningsvåg and the North Cape
Nature and wildlife experiences abound in Arctic Norway, and unless you go to Svalbard, Magerøya Island, the North Cape and Honningsvåg have a lot to offer.
The area offers a lot more than just the North Cape, and I will list all your adventure options below. Here’s how to enjoy them without overspending:
- North Cape Plateau: Rent a car and drive to the plateau or take the local Snelandia bus from Honningsvåg during the summer (64 Norwegian Kroner). The bus is the cheapest way to reach the plateau, but the one bus that departs daily can get crowded and sometimes completely full in the high season from June through August.
- Hiking: Explore the beautiful hiking trails around Honningsvåg. Popular routes include:
- The Sherpa Stairs to Storfjellet
- Hike to Kirkeporten (The Church Gate)
- Hike to Knivskjellodden
- Honningsvåg Town: Explore Honningsvåg Town, home to no more than 2900 people! There is more to this tiny town than meets the eye, and I will list some options in a few paragraphs below.
- Guided North Cape Tours: While more pricey, the most budget-friendly options are around 100 dollars for a guided tour to the North Cape plus other attractions, like meeting the Sami people and seeing reindeer and king crab sites.
- Other Adventures: Enjoy boat birdwatching trips, ATV adventures, and RIB safaris in the Arctic waters of the Barents Sea (read more below).
📍 EpicNomadLife Tip: Consider taking the world’s most beautiful cruise, the Hurtigruten Coastal Ferry, for a few stops port to port (or the entire Norwegian Coast). Hurtigruten docks in Honningsvåg by the North Cape!
Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Honningsvåg
This small town offers some great activities that won’t strain your wallet:
- North Cape Museum: Learn about the region’s history and Norwegian culture for about ten dollars entry (people actually moved here 10.000 years ago!).
- Aurora Show: Experience the northern lights in a captivating 15-minute show.
- West of the Sun Art Gallery: Admire local artwork for free.
- Frozen Summer Jewelry Gallery & Shop: Browse unique, locally made silver jewelry.
- Perleporten Culture Center & Fishermans Pub: Catch an occasional show depicting Arctic life.
- Have a coffee at the charming Honni Bakes Bakery with a sweet treat on the side.
- Hike the stunning Sherpa Stairs to Storfjellet Mountain summit. It is less than an hour on foot from the center of Honningsvåg, about 300 meters above sea level, and you will be rewarded with a spectacular 360-degree view from the top.
- Visit Bruket Fish Factory in Nordvågen, about three kilometers (two miles) from the center of Honningsvåg
- Try the famous King Crab in one of the town’s restaurants (most have at least one King Crab dish on the menu)
Also read: The Best Time To Visit Svalbard – A Season By Season Guide
Tours Of Magerøya And The North Cape
Even on a budget, I recommend booking at least one adventure tour on Magerøya.
Some activities are not accessible without a skilled guide, and the island and its waters are beautiful but a bit difficult to access on your own.
You can choose between ATV trips, boat trips, RIB safaris, and snowmobile tours.
If you can fit one of these into your budget, they will supercharge your adventure, and on the sea, you can even encounter orcas, seals, and whales!
Be aware that not all tours are available all year round.
The summer season runs from late May through August and early September, and most tours are available during this period.
- North Cape and King Crab Tour
- Bird Safari Boat Tour
- Wildlife and King Crab Safari RIB Boat tour
- Hornvika: The Historical Hike to the North Cape
- Destination 71 Adventure Tours
- North Cape Experience Adventure Tours
In the winter, you can also do tours like ATV snowmobile tours and Northern Lights tours.
NB: You can take photos of the northern lights with your phone in the winter; if the lights are strong enough, the footage can still be great!
Car Rental North Cape In Norway
You can also book a rental car and travel around Magerøya (Mageroya) island at your own pace.
In Honningsvåg, the Gateway to the North Cape, you only find one car rental company and the prices are as you would expect when there is only one car rental company.
If you do a longer road trip in northern Norway, you can research car rentals in Tromsø, Alta, and Hammerfest, where you might get a better deal.
📍 DiscoverCars is an award-winning online car rental app that serves all three northern Norway locations.
Credit cards and Norwegian kroner are accepted everywhere, and some places also accept euros, like tax-free shops.
Affordable Accommodation In Honningsvåg
Hotels in Honningsvåg generally have similar price levels, but there is one hotel in town that often offers the lowest prices, called the Arctic Hotel, situated on the main street.
You also have these options:
- Scandic Bryggen Hotel
- Scandic Honningsvåg Hotel
- The View Hotel (with a small spa)
Apart from that, you generally need to go a bit out of town for lower-priced options.
These consist mostly of “hikers’ homes” and small cabins on camping sites with simple standards but also in the middle of nature. Check out:
You can also search for homestays on Airbnb and look for Honningsvåg (you can write Honningsvag in English).
Skarsvåg: A Budget-Friendly Gem Near North Cape
Skarsvåg, a small fishing village between Honningsvåg and the North Cape, is famous for its king crab shows and tours.
With some affordable Airbnb options, it offers a more authentic vibe. Be prepared, though, as there are no shops here, so stock up on essentials.
Packing for North Cape Norway Solo Travel
The necessities on your packing list will depend on the season and your activities.
Regardless of the time of year, I can tell you that foreigners often underestimate the weather, temperature, and elements when traveling to Arctic Norway.
In a way, there is really no “best time” to visit; it will depend on what kind of experience you want, and you need to pack accordingly. As we say, “there is no bad weather, only bad clothing!”
My general advice is to pack more than you think you will need; you don’t want your holiday adventures ruined by dressing too thin, without wind and rain-proof clothing.
Here are my best tips:
Summer:
- Swimwear (yes, it is possible, but it will be very “refreshing”!)
- Warm sweaters
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Jacket for chilly evenings
- Light scarf
- Sunglasses (remember there will be midnight sun!)
- Rain and windproof clothing
- SPF
Shoulder Seasons (Fall and Spring):
- Lightly insulated jacket
- Warm sweaters
- Long thermal underwear
- Woll or thermal socks
- Scarf and hat
- Mittens or gloves
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes with some insulation
Winter:
- Thick insulated jacket (type Michelin Man!)
- Thermal underwear
- Warm sweaters (fleece or wool for layering)
- Warm, thick mittens, scarf, windproof hat
- Insulated boots
- Woolen or thermal socks
- Coldcream for your face
Transport To North Cape Norway On A Budget
As mentioned earlier, you can fly to Valan Airport in Honningsvåg (weather permitting), where the domestic Wideroe Airline flies to the small airport.
The more economical option is to fly to Alta and take the budget-priced Snelandia bus or drive from there. This is also the “safest” option, as the smaller airports like Valan regularly close down in the winter due to snow and winds.
Road trips are an option, but be ready for challenging conditions (and occasionally closed roads), especially between October and April.
Between April and September, it can be a good option to fly to Alta (or Tromsø for a longer road trip) and drive the 3,5 hours (8-9 hours) to Honningsvåg.
Cruises can also be economical if you find the right deal, mainly the port-to-port option (a full cruise is normally not too budget-friendly).
Why Visit Arctic Norway & The North Cape (On A Budget)
If you thrive on urban nightlife for your holiday, visiting Norway above the Arctic Circle might not be for you (except maybe Tromsø).
However, if you love feeling alive, embracing the fierce elements, experiencing stunning nature, and seeking unique adventures, this region will probably captivate you.
Plus, with some savvy planning, a Norway solo trip can be surprisingly affordable.
Is Norway A Safe Destination?
Yes, Norway is a very safe destination in general, including for solo travelers and solo female travelers being one of the safest countries in the world.
This includes walking alone at night and public transport, also in Northern Norway, and the North Cape.
Crime rates are low, and Norway’s culture is one of the most gender-equal in the world. People are generally respectful and helpful, including men toward women.
In some places, leaving your things in public areas is even quite common, and no one will take them!
You will not experience cat-calling in the streets, and strangers (locals) will not speak to you in public areas – in fact, people will generally keep their distance.
Interestingly, this also leads to some visitors interpreting this “distance” as rudeness and a “cold culture,” which is, in fact, not the case.
In Norway, this behavior is a way of showing respect for you and your personal space, and not meant to be rejection or lack of social skills. But you need to know this so as not to misinterpret it, so consider this insight a cultural insider travel tip!
FAQ: Norway Solo Travel to the North Cape
Is the North Cape worth visiting?
Absolutely! The North Cape offers a unique destination with rugged nature, extreme climate, and the majestic North Cape plateau. It’s an adventure worth taking.
What makes the North Cape special?
The North Cape plateau is the highlight of the island, but the area also features the beautiful island of Magerøya.
Experience things like the world’s northernmost supermarket, reindeer roaming the streets in summer, birdwatching, RIB and ATV adventures, and hiking (the Sherpa Stairs in Honningsvåg was built by South American sherpas in 2023).
When to visit the North Cape?
Summer offers the midnight sun, reindeer encounters, and green plains. In winter, you will experience the polar night, northern lights, and a stark, stunning frozen landscape. The shoulder seasons can be simply unpredictable.
On my most recent trip at the end of May, there was sun when I arrived and a snowstorm one hour later when I left! Choose your season based on the experience you seek.
What town is near the North Cape?
Honningsvåg is the nearest town (although more of a village), with Valan Airport for flights (weather permitting). Alta Town, about a three-hour drive further south, is another option for flights and onward travel by car or bus.
Is North Cape Free To Visit?
From the summer of 2024, you need to pay a parking fee to enter the North Cape plateau. The prices are:
- Hikers 17 Norwegian Kroner
- Motorbikes 50 Norwegian Kroner
- Cars 125 Norwegian Kroner
- RVs and motor homes 175 kroner
- Buses 200 Norwegian Kroner
To enter the North Cape Hall center, the price is 330 Norwegian Kroner.
Inside the center, you will find a gift shop, a bar and restaurant, a museum, a movie theater with a short film about the Northern Lights, and The Cave, depicting the changes of the seasons in the Arctic.
Wrap-Up: Norway Solo Travel to the North Cape
Whether or not the North Cape was on your bucket list, I hope this inspires you to visit on your solo journey and provides the info you need to plan your most budget-friendly adventure for your first time in Norway.
Magerøya is quite unique in culture and nature and promises an unforgettable experience, whether in summer or winter.
The island is home to several iconic landmarks, a rich culture, and stunning nature, with the famous blue fjords. Norway, in general, is particularly known to be a safe, trust-based society and regularly tops the list of the best and most beautiful places to live in the world.
If you want some help to do tours, there are several travel curators on the island.
This area of Norway is particularly famous for the King Crab and reindeer, so many restaurants offer meals from fresh, local produce.
Just research, plan your activities, and pack appropriately for the season—and you’ll have the great outdoors and the adventure of a lifetime!
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Is Oslo Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons to Explore Norway’s Capital (and one downside)
