6 reasons to visit Honningsvåg at least once

Dotted with quaint colorful houses that overlook the peaceful bay of the Barents Sea, Honningsvåg boasts a postcard-perfect scenery.

Due to its location at the southeastern side of the large island of Magerøya, the traditional fishing village is well-known as the gateway to the iconic North Cape. Spend some time in Europe’s northernmost town and discover a wide range of outdoor activities in the Arctic landscape. 

Here are 6 reasons you must visit Honningsvåg at least once:

Honningsvåg is located VERY close to North Cape

Honningsvåg serves as the ideal base for those eager to reach the North Cape because it offers an abundance of hotels and it is less than an hour away by car.

Known as the northernmost point on the European mainland, the North Cape has been a pilgrimage for travelers for over 3 centuries. Here visitors can stand at 307 m (1007 ft) above sea level, watching the Atlantic Ocean colliding with the Arctic Ocean.

Learn about local culture at the North Cape museum

Welcoming visitors from all over the world since 1982,  the North Cape Museum (Nordkappmuseet in Norwegian) is a gem in the center of Honningsvåg. 

Rummage the 2-story center and learn about the history and culture of the local community from the Stone Age to modern times. The museum hosts a minimum of 5 annual exhibitions and displays a rich collection of over 300,000 historical photos introducing visitors to the fishing industry of the area.

Taste the local cuisine – especially king crab

Honningsvåg’s cuisine reflects the community’s strong fishing traditions. The menu often mainly consists of seafood dishes made from cod, saithe, salmon and of course, the Norwegian king crab. 

The impressive sea creature is renowned worldwide, and Honningsvåg is the ideal place to taste it cooked in the traditional way. You also have the chance to learn the history, life and anatomy of king grabs and even catch your own.

Explore Magerøya island

Aside from the North Cape, Magerøya island features a dramatic landscape that is definitely worth your while. 

The tundra-covered island boasts an otherworldly scenery that leaves astonished even the most demanding travellers. In between magical mountainscapes and steep cliffs, you find small picturesque villages offering activities such as hiking excursions and bird watching. 

Plus, along the way, chances are you’ll encounter wildlife, including the much-beloved reindeer.

See the Northern Lights

Catching a glimpse of the northern lights is on top of many Norway traveler’s wish lists. In Honningsvåg the chances are high to watch this spectacular natural wonder. 

The aurora borealis make their appearance in the winter months, so make sure to plan your trip sometime between November to March to see them.

Witness the Arctic landscape

Whether you’re visiting Honningsvåg in the summer or in the winter, the Arctic landscape is bound to captivate you. 

Experience the raw, imposing arctic nature either through activities such as ATV safaris and snowshoeing, or on a road trip at your own pace. 

It is an experience of a lifetime that will give you a real taste and sense of life way up north.