This round trip stretches from the woody fairytale landscape around Alta and all the way up to the Northernmost tip of Europe, through the raw and naked arctic coast. After exploring the Arctic Coast, you will get to know Sapmi.
Along the way you will pass mountains, rivers and waters, adventures islands, a national park, towns, charming fishing villages, museums with cultural inputs and some scenic detours that you will thank us later that you did not miss out on.
The route is not suggesting the shortest cut. It is suggesting that you take your time to stop and explore the region as you go. We have mapped out accommodations, attractions, activities, such as hiking possibilities, and last but not least – where you will find the best culinary experiences.
If you click on the different icons on the map, you can read more information and or/see pictures in some of them. The map is made as a collaboration between Visit Alta, Visit Hammerfest and Visit Northcape and Destination Sapmi.
The gate to the Arctic - Alta
Between the majestic mountains, the beautiful Altafjord and the legendary Finnmarksvidda lies Alta, the city of Northern Lights. Within minutes from the city center you can experience silence like you never did before. Alta is a natural hub and stopping point in the Arctic region. Good infrastructure, high-end accommodation and world-class cuisine are all good reasons why we can call ourselves good hosts. At the city center, you will find the Northern Lights Cathedral, which is a well known landmark. Alta is also well known for the rock art, which can be found at Alta Museum among others.
Hiking and biking is a part of everyday life for the locals in Alta. Smaller hikes like Komsatoppen are easy to reach from the city center and offer a great view of the city and the fjord. Alta Canyon and Orvvos Waterfall are exciting gems worth a visit. You can even rent an e-bike to reach the canyon! Get in touch with locals and ask them for trail tips, they will happily share some options with you.
You will find a lot of restaurants and places to eat, both in the city center and the surrounding areas. Whether you are looking for a quick meal or want a fine dining experience, Alta has something for you. The restaurants offer a large selection of local and international cuisine.
Since the Stone Age, Alta has been a meeting place for several indigenous people groups. The “three tribes meeting” is an expression that conveys that the settlement in an area or place has mainly consisted of Sami, Kven and Norwegians. Get to learn more about the culture in our area, taste reindeer meat or go for a reindeer ride!
Going by car from Alta, passing the beautiful plateau Sennalandet, via Skaidi – where the rivers meet, you will take left and reach the arctic coast again. The Kvalsund bridge will then take you to the island Kvaløya. The word “Kval” means “Whale”, so keep an eye open for whales as you drive by the coast (and during summer, you also need to watch out for gracing reindeers along the roads). After two hours you will reach the Northernmost city in the world – Hammerfest.
Hammerfest is the northernmost city in the world
Well, at least the northernmost city with more than 5000 inhabitants! Hammerfest has a surprisingly urban vibe for such a small “city”, with shopping streets, cafes, bar, restaurants, and a lot of cultural offers.
Here you will find the Museum of Reconstructions that tells the post WWII history of the whole county Finnmark, and that will help you appreciate to boxy and colourful houses from the 50s all around town. They have their own charm! Hammerfest has been multi-cultural for decades, and a lot of nationalities are living here. You will find a wide collection of restaurants with local food mixed with international flavours, as well as bars and a buzzing nightlife in the weekends.
Hammerfest is surrounded by mountains that offers scenic and quite easy hikes, such as the zig-zag path to the viewpoint on Mt. Salen. “The Tyven stairs” is perfect if you want a more challenging hike with an even more regarding view on top! For adventurers, the neighbour island Seiland and Sørøya are also worth mentioning. More than 50% of Seiland is a National Park, and Sørøya is known as “The green island in the North” (at least during summertime). Locals from Hammerfest loves to explore these islands in their spare time, by traveling with the local ferry or speedboat. Hiking and birdwatching are the most popular activities on these islands, and if you like to go fishing you are officially in paradise. For an off-the-beaten-track arctic experience, head to Seiland or Sørøya for at least a daytrip! There are also accommodation to be found.
The Norwegian Scenic Route to Havøysund
After visiting Hammerfest and passing Skaidi once again, on your way to Northcape – you should “swing by” Havøysund first. It’s a detour, but one of those you will be glad you did not miss out on. Because sometimes the road itself is the destination, and in Norway we have 19 spectacular roads just like that. One of them is The Norwegian Scenic Route 889. The starting point is close to the small sea Sami village Kokelv. During summertime you can visit the Sea Sami Museum there, to learn about the old Sami traditions along the arctic coast. Heading back on the road again, you will pass a variety of landscapes. Strange, rocky formations – one of them looking like the Egyptian Sphinx, waterfalls and white sandy beaches to mention some. In the end of the road, the lively fishing village Havøysund awaits. There you will find windmills, the already familiar reconstruction box houses, accommodation, and restaurants. The campervan parking by the lake is also quite nice. Why not spend the night.
Heading to the final destination - the North Cape
Embark on a road trip to North Cape, where the Arctic landscape unfolds in all its raw, untamed beauty. As you make your way north, you’ll pass by charming fishing villages like Gjesvær, Kamøyvær, and Skarsvåg—each with its own unique rhythm and community. In Gjesvær, hop on a boat with BirdSafari and experience one of Norway’s largest seabird colonies up close. In Kamøyvær, take a stroll through the harbor and admire the colorful houses and authentic fishing village charm, nestled peacefully between sea and mountain. And in Skarsvåg, the world’s northernmost fishing village, a short hike takes you to Kirkeporten, a natural rock arch framing the North Cape Plateau—a perfect setting for unforgettable moments.
This journey is more than a drive - it is a transition into a world where nature dominates. Magerøya, the Arctic island, home to the North Cape, is a place of contrasts. With no trees in sight, the landscape feels wide open, wild and majestic. In autumn, the colours set the hills ablaze. In winter, the Northern Lights dance above snow-covered mountains. Local experts, like Destinasjon 71 Nord, North Cape Experience, and Arctic Guide Service offer guided tours, cultural encounters, and ATV adventures that bring you even closer to this raw Arctic beauty.
At the heart of the region lies Honningsvåg, the city by the North Cape. Here, life beats at a slower rhythm. Stroll along the harbor promenade, explore cozy shops, and feel the warmth of the locals in one of the city’s many welcoming restaurants or pubs. Dive into local culture at Perleporten Kulturhus, explore the world of sustainable seafood and climate at the upcoming Ocean Stories visitor center, or take a guided tour of Bruket – The Fish Factory in Norvågen for a hands-on look at Arctic seafood traditions. Find unique souvenirs at Frozen Summer Design, where Arctic flowers are preserved in beautiful handcrafted jewelry. And of course, don’t forget to try the local delicacy—fried cod tongues.
As you reach the legendary North Cape Plateau, standing 307 meters above the Arctic Ocean, take a moment to absorb the feeling of being at the edge of Europe. Visit the North Cape Hall for a panoramic film, historical exhibitions, local food, and a quiet moment in the cliffside chapel.
When the day is done, unwind in the wellness area at the View Hotel, or enjoy harbour views at the Scandic Bryggen. Both are a part of our destination's sustainable hospitality offerings, working year-round to bring you comfort without compromising the environment. Here you will find experiences that bring you closer - to nature, to each other, and to yourself.
Welcome to the North Cape!
Discover the Sami Heartland
On your road trip through the Arctic Norway, take a detour into the heart of Sapmi - and discover the beauty, traditions, and hospitality of Inner and Eastern Finnmark. This route invites you to explore the unique Sami culture, wild landscapes, and local experiences in the municipalities of Karasjohka (Karasjok), Guovdageaindu (Kautokeino), Deatnu (Tana), Porsangu (Porsanger) and Unjarga (Nesseby).
Along the way, you will discover indigenous culture, outdoor adventures, local food, and deep calm.
You can enter this detour from various starting points. Here are some of the highlights you can experience along the way:
Guovdageaindu (Kautokeino) - the southern gateway to Sapmi. Learn about traditional Sami handicrafts (duodji) and the life on the tundra.
Explore cultural highlights such as the Daiddadallu, Juhls Silver Gallery, the Sapmi Film Institute, Riddo Duottar Museat, and Beaivvas Sami Theatre - all celebrating and preserving Sami heritage with a strong focus on sustainability in both environmental and social manners.
Karasjohka (Karasjok) - the political capital of the Sami people, home to the Sami Parliament and several museums, such as Riddo Duottar Museat and Sami Center for Contemporary Art.
Deatnu (Tana) - where the famous Tana River runs through wide valleys and birch forests. A great place to experience Arctic fishing culture and birdwatching in one of Europe's most important wetlands. In addition to this, you can visit Tana Husky which offers unforgettable dog-sledding adventures and sea-Sami storytelling.
Unjarga (Nesseby) - a scenic village by the Varangerfjord, known for its rich birdlife, traditional church, sea Sami culture and the Varjjat Sami Musea. A quiet, beautiful stop on your northern journey. There are several places for accommodation in Nesseby, such as Varanger Lodge, Skakkerud and 8 Seasons Hotel.
Porsangu - Porsanki (Parsanger) - visit the northernmost pine forest in the world in Stabbursdalen National Park. Stay at Stabbursdalen Resort or drop by the Stabbursnes Nature Center and Museum to learn about Sami, Kven and local traditions and natural history of Finnmark. Visit Wild Caribou AS for accommodation, guided tours and nature-based experiences.
