Norway Solo Travel: Discover The Epic North Cape Norway Solo On A Budget (2024)
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.
You’ll learn why the North Cape is a solo traveler’s paradise, how to get there on a budget, where to stay, and all the things you can do while keeping the cost down!
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Norway Solo Travel: Visiting the North Cape
Norway, with its safe society and dramatic landscapes stretching from the gentle south to the wild Arctic North, is perfect for solo travel.
Firstly, because Norway is a really safe country for solo travelers (including for solo female travelers), and also because there are so many epic adventures to be had!
The North Cape plateau, perched at the top of mainland Norway, is 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 will show you extreme weather, breathtaking views, and incredible wildlife.
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Quick Facts Norway
- Currency Norwegian Krone
- Language: Norwegian (most people speak English)
- A 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
How to Travel to the North Cape on a Budget
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 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 airlines flying up north are 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.
Also read: The Best Time To Visit Svalbard – A Season By Season Guide
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 rive yourself 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 2500 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.
Even on a budget, I would still recommend you consider fitting in one adventure tour up here. Some activities are not accessible without a skilled guide.
These are ATV trips, boat trips, and snowmobile tours. This will supercharge your adventure if you can fit it into your budget!
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.
- Try the famous King Crab in one of the town’s restaurants (most have at least one King Crab dish on the menu)
Tours Of Magerøya and the North Cape
Be aware that not all tours are available all year round.
The summer season runs from May through August and early September, and in this period, most tours are available.
You can also book a rental car and travel the island at your own pace. Credit cards and Norwegian kroner are accepted everywhere, and some places also accept euros.
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, if the lights are strong enough the footage can still be great!
- North Cape and King Crab Tour
- Bird Safari Boat Tour
- Wildlife and King Crab Safari Boat tour
- Hornvika: The Historical Hike to the North Cape
- Destination 71 Adventure Tours
- North Cape Experience Adventure Tours
Affordable Accommodation in Honningsvåg
There is one hotel in town that often offers the lowest prices, called the Arctic Hotel, situated on the main street. Apart from that, you generally need to go a bit out of town for the 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 Budget Norway Solo Travel
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!”
So my general advice is to pack more than you think; 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
- 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 and woolen or thermal socks
- Coldcream for your face
Traveling to the North Cape 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, 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 normally is not too budgety).
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 the culture in Norway is one of the most gender-equal in the world. People will generally be respectful and helpful, including men toward women.
In some places, it is even quite common to leave your things in public areas, 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 in order to not misinterprete it, so consider this insight a cultural travel hack 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!
Related blog posts:
Is Oslo Safe For Solo Female Travelers: Advice From A Local!
Solo Female Travel: Where To Stay In Lofoten Islands Solo From A Native
Is Oslo Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons to Explore Norway’s Capital (and one downside)
