Welcome to Honningsvag cruise port! Honningsvag is the northernmost city in mainland Norway located in the southeastern part of the island of Magerøya, known as the “barren island”.
Honningsvag’s geographical position offers visitors an insight into the remote world of Norway’s Lapland region, defined by barren coastlines, icy cold winters, and the extraordinary phenomena of the midnight sun and northern lights.
This remote corner of the world is home to a small community of only 2,500 inhabitants. The North Cape, the northernmost point of Europe, lies only 33 km/20 miles (a 40-minute drive) northwest of the cruise port, making Honningsvag the perfect gateway to this unique location.
Honningsvag is also where you will experience the raw beauty of nature at its most extreme. In this article, we’ll dive into practical information about the Honningsvag cruise terminal and share the 7 best things to do in Honningsvag port.
Visit also our cruise port guides to Bergen, Oslo, Tromso, Alesund, Geirangerfjord, Haugesund, Flam, Olden, Kristiansand
Honningsvåg Cruise Port
Honningsvag cruise terminal consists of several docks, all located within a short walk from the town’s main street. Despite its small size, Honningsvag offers excellent facilities for cruise guests, with most tourism-related activities managed by the Tourist Information Office.
The Tourist Information Office (aka Visitors Center) is located only 60 m from the main dock and housed in the same building as Nordkappmuseet (The North Cape Museum). The main parking lot, taxis, car, and tour rentals are available here. You can also purchase bus tickets to the North Cape in the Tourist Information Office.
For those looking for more flexibility in exploring Honningsvag and its surroundings, taxis and car rentals are available options. Taxis are usually only available in the morning and can be found in front of the dock in the main parking lot.
Renting a car allows you to drive all over the island of Mageroya and you can a few companies within the cruise terminal area.
A selection of shops, cafes and restaurants is available near the cruise port, and within the Tourist Information Office building.
7 Best Things To Do In Honninsvag Cruise Port
1. The North Cape
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the North Cape, the northernmost point of mainland Europe, located on the rugged coastline of Magerøya less than a 40-minute drive from the port of Honningsvag.
The North Cape plateau offers stunning panoramic views of the Arctic Ocean from a 307-meter-high cliff (1,007 ft), especially during the midnight sun in summer and the Northern Lights in winter.
You can explore the North Cape Hall (a visitor center) and learn about the North Cape’s history, culture, and natural beauty through interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations, as well as the unique wildlife that lives in this remote corner of the world.
The North Cape Hall offers a range of amenities including a café, restaurant, post office, souvenir shop, a small museum, and a video cinema for a complete experience.
Transportation to the North Cape can be arranged independently by car or bus which regularly runs between Honningsvag and the North Cape. Guided tours are also offered by both cruise ships and independent tour operators.
Explore the North Cape tours and activities
2. Explore Sami Culture
Learn about the traditional way of life of the indigenous Sami people, who have lived in this region for generations, by participating in immersive experiences that provide insight into their customs.
These tours often include visits to traditional Sami villages where visitors can interact with locals, learn about their rich heritage, and witness cultural performances such as “joik singing” (Sami singing) and traditional folk dances.
You can also participate in activities like reindeer sledding, where you are pulled through the Arctic wilderness by reindeer, or reindeer herding demonstrations to learn about the importance of reindeer in Sami culture.
Take part in workshops where you can learn traditional Sami handicrafts such as duodji (Sami handicrafts), knife making, or traditional clothing (gákti) embroidery.
The best way to experience this is on an organized tour from Honningsvag cruise port.
Check out the Sami culture tours and activities
3. Chase the Northern Lights
Honningsvag is the perfect place to admire the stunning Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, as this natural wonder is typically visible in the far northern regions of the country.
The highest chances of witnessing the Northern Lights are during the winter months, from late September to early April when the Arctic skies are dark and clear. This period offers long nights with minimal light pollution, providing ideal conditions for observing this natural phenomenon.
If your cruise itinerary includes a stop in Honningsvag during the winter months, guided tours may be offered to locations where the Northern Lights can be spotted.
Be prepared to spend several hours outdoors as the Northern Lights display can vary in duration from a few minutes to several hours. Warm clothes are a must, as it can be very cold at this time of year!
Explore Northern Lights tours and activities
4. Scenic Drive on Mageroya Island
Take a scenic trip around Mageroya Island, where you’ll be treated to stunning scenery, lovely fishing towns, and amazing coastal views featuring breathtaking fjords and dramatic cliffs.
Keep an eye out for seabirds soaring above and possibly catch glimpses of Arctic foxes in their natural habitat. Reindeers can also be spotted roaming freely along the roads!
Car rental services are accessible within the port area.
5. Knivskjellodden Trail
Near Honningsvag, several popular hiking trails offer stunning viewpoints and opportunities to explore the Arctic landscape.
One such trail is the Nordkapphallen (North Cape Hall) to Knivskjellodden Trail, which leads hikers from the Nordkapphallen visitor center to Knivskjellodden, the true northernmost point of mainland Europe.
The trail itself is approximately 9 km (about 5.6 miles) long, making it a moderate to challenging hike depending on your fitness level and hiking experience.
Hikers can expect beautiful panoramic views of the Arctic Ocean, dramatic coastal cliffs, and expansive vistas of the surrounding wilderness. Along the way, you may encounter Arctic flora and fauna, including seabirds and possibly glimpses of reindeer or Arctic foxes.
To get there from the port, simply follow the designated trail markers or ask local guides for directions. Guided tours are sometimes offered.
6. Sample Local Cuisine
Just a short walking distance from the port, there are several local restaurants and cafés where you can sample the region’s delicacies.
Whether it’s freshly caught seafood like salmon or cod prepared in traditional Norwegian styles, hearty stews such as fårikål (lamb and cabbage stew) or lapskaus (meat and vegetable stew), or traditional delicacies like reindeer meatballs or cloudberries served in decadent desserts, there’s something for everyone’s taste.
These dishes are popular among both locals and visitors because of their rich tastes and connection to Norway’s cultural heritage.
7. Honningsvag Church
The iconic Honningsvag Church (Honningsvåg Kirke), a white, Neo-Gothic wooden church dating back to the 19th century, is conveniently located just 800 meters from the Honningsvag port. The current building was reconstructed after being destroyed during World War II.
Visitors are welcome to explore the exterior of the church, admire its architecture, and take photographs. However, it’s advisable to check the church’s schedule for any special events or services before planning a visit.
The church is surrounded by scenic landscapes, including views of the harbor, fishing boats, and Arctic scenery, making it a picturesque spot for photography.
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