North Cape and Longyearbyen, Norway

The northernmost point in Europe that can be reached by car is North Cape in Norway. Located in Finnmark county, it is a popular tourist location offering stunning views from an expansive plateau. Situated on top of a steep, rocky cliff, it is the meeting point of the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.

Before the highway to North Cape was built in 1956, visitors came to the cape by boat, and hiked up the steep cliffs to reach the plateau 1007 feet (307 meters) above the ocean below. Now, it’s an easy drive to the cape, and you’ll see lots of reindeer and lovely views along the way.

The visitor’s center was constructed in 1988 and has a restaurant, shop, post office, and a chapel, so you could get married there if you’re so inclined. Although, I’m not sure it’s in high demand as a wedding venue.

In June 1988, seven children from different countries came together at North Cape and created this monument called Children of the Earth – a symbol of cooperation, friendship, hope and joy. It is a main focal point as you reach the cape.

We enjoyed strolling around the plateau taking in the views, and the interesting rock formations.

If you want to go even farther north in Norway, head to Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost settlement and administrative center of Svalbard. Founded in 1906 by American John Munro Longyear as a coal mining area, this harsh environment attracts nature buffs, miners, and environmental researchers.

Longyearbyen has some strange laws; it is illegal to give birth or to die in the area; how these are enforced however, could become quite convoluted. It is also illegal to leave town without protection from polar bears. We didn’t see any during our visit, but it would have been amazing to see some – from a safe distance.

Polar bears are endangered and protected; however, they are quite aggressive and will attack humans. There are strict penalties for killing one, except in self-defense. On the rare occasion that one is shot, a thorough review of the situation is completed. If it is determined that the killing was not in self-defense, the perpetrator will spend twenty-one years in prison.

Svalbard is also home to the Global Seed Vault which opened in 2008 and provides secure storage for seeds from over 100 countries around the globe. The photo below is not great, because we were not allowed to get any closer; this is indeed a secure facility! The grey building tucked deep into the permafrost provides an ideal environment for seed storage, the other building is for administrative purposes.

Longyearbyen wasn’t the most aesthetic pleasing place we have visited in our travels, but it was certainly interesting. We visited in June, and brought our winter coats, gloves, and hats in order to stay warm.

What do you think of North Cape and Longyearbyen? Are these places you would visit someday? As always, I would love to hear from you so please leave a comment.

Wishing you grand adventures,

Tricia