Frequently Asked Questions
When can you see the midnight sun?
The midnight sun is visible from May 14 to July 31.
When can you experience the polar night?
The polar night lasts from November 20 to January 22.
When can you see the Northern Lights?
In theory, you can see the Northern Lights every day from early September until mid-April, as long as the weather allows.
From our experience, the best time to see the Northern Lights is during the autumn months, as the weather is usually more stable from September through late November.
From mid-April onwards, it becomes too bright at night to see the Northern Lights.
Are you open all year round?
Yes—we are open every day of the year. During public holidays, our reception opening hours may be reduced, but 24/7 phone support is still available.
When is the best season to visit?
Tricky question—each season has its perks!
Summer (June 1 – August 31)
Summer has the most stable weather, and you can experience the midnight sun. However, the island is very busy during this period, and we can have up to 20,000 visitors per day.
Autumn (September 1 – October 31)
Autumn is our personal favourite. The weather is usually stable, and the island is quieter. You won’t see the midnight sun, but you have a great chance of seeing beautiful Northern Lights—and you may feel like you have the island to yourself.
You can also explore the island easily by hiking one of the many trails, as we still have plenty of daylight until the end of October.
Winter (November 1 – March 31)
In winter, the landscape turns into a magical winter wonderland. The island is peaceful and quiet, with few tourists around.
You can experience the polar night from mid-November to mid-January and see beautiful Northern Lights.
Weather can change rapidly, and forecasts are often unreliable. However, this makes the clear winter days feel even more special and rewarding.
Adventurers may also experience Arctic storms with wind speeds reaching up to 40 m/s (144 km/h)—a true High North experience for the brave.
Reaching North Cape during the winter months is rare but rewarding, as you will likely have the place almost entirely to yourself.
Spring (April 1 – May 31)
We don’t have a traditional spring here. However, April is considered the best winter month in the North Cape area by locals: you get almost 24/7 daylight, and the weather is usually stable, with plenty of snow for skiing, ice fishing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling.
In May, you can experience the first midnight sun, and the snow slowly starts to melt, revealing the rugged landscape that has been covered for the past 6–8 months.
April and May are also the quietest months in North Cape, meaning you can enjoy the island before the summer season begins.
What is the best way to reach North Cape?
There are several ways to reach the North Cape area:
By plane
We have a small domestic airport with daily flights year-round. However, during winter we recommend staying flexible, as flight cancellations can be common.
By car
Driving is the most common way to reach the island. In winter, we highly recommend using studded tyres or bringing snow chains, as there are steep hills, icy roads, and occasionally strong winds.
By boat
Coastal cruise ships arrive in Honningsvåg every day. There are two companies: Havila and Hurtigruten. Ships are less affected by weather than other options, as they are not dependent on road conditions and can sail in most weather.
If you want to book tickets, you can choose a multi-day cruise from one of Norway’s larger cities, or a shorter port-to-port trip. For port-to-port tickets, see routes here:
https://www.hurtigruten.com/en/port-to-port
By bus
Buses arrive several times a day from various locations. You can find timetables and destinations here:
https://snelandia.no/?sprak=3
How long should I stay?
We highly recommend staying at least two days. The island is quite large and offers much more than just North Cape.
On Magerøya, we have five fishing villages, all unique and worth visiting. There are also beautiful hikes with amazing views that most visitors never see, as many tourists only go to North Cape.
Even during peak summer (up to 20,000 visitors per day), if you visit one of the fishing villages or nearby hiking trails, you may still find yourself completely alone—an incredibly special feeling.
Our staff has explored every nook and cranny of the island and will be happy to share tips on hidden gems and great hikes during your stay.
What activities do you recommend?
We recommend visiting North Cape at least once during your stay. Although it’s touristic, it’s a beautiful place overlooking the vast ocean.
Besides North Cape, we work with a great local partner offering king crab safaris, ATV safaris, and other activities. More information here:
https://www.destinasjon71-nord.no/en/
We also highly recommend Gjesvær Bird Safari during the summer months. It takes you to one of Europe’s largest Arctic bird nesting sites, just a short boat ride from Gjesvær. More information here:
https://birdsafari.no/fuglesafari/?lang=en
Hiking is also underrated here and largely unknown to many visitors. You can often have the trails to yourself and experience stunning scenery with only birds around you—and occasionally whales offshore.
Do you have an elevator?
Unfortunately, we do not have an elevator. However, we are happy to help you with your luggage if your room is not on the ground floor.
How do we reach North Cape from the hotel?
The most common way is by car. There is currently no public bus to North Cape, but you can book a tour or safari through the tourist information office or Visit Nordkapp:
https://www.nordkapp.no/
For now, taxis do not take tourists up to North Cape.During summer, some guests also choose to walk or bike to North Cape.
Do you offer a free shuttle service?
We do offer a shuttle service (subject to availability). If you need a shuttle, please contact us with your arrival time and details.
How long is the spa area open?
The spa area is open from 10:00 to 21:00. Changing rooms are separated, but the sauna is mixed.