Is the North Cape really the northernmost point of Europe?
In short: The North Cape is a legendary destination, but geography tells a different story. While it is the northernmost point in Europe accessible by car, it is neither the true northernmost point of the continent nor even the northernmost point on its own island. Here is the reality behind the myth.
The North Cape, a 307-metre cliff on the island of Magerøya, is widely celebrated as the northernmost point of Europe. However, this is technically inaccurate. The neighbouring Knivskjellodden Cape extends 1,450 metres further north. Furthermore, both sites are on an island; the true northernmost point of mainland Europe is Cape Nordkinn, located about 70 kilometres to the east. If one considers the broader European territory, the northernmost reaches are found even further north in the Svalbard archipelago or Russia's Franz Josef Land.
Named by English captain Steven Borough in 1553, the cape became a major tourist draw in the late nineteenth century. King Oscar II’s visit in 1873 sparked a wave of interest, followed by German Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1891. By 1875, Thomas Cook & Son were already organizing tours to the site. Early visitors climbed the cliff via a path from Hornviken, often using wired ropes, to witness the midnight sun—a phenomenon visible there from 14 May to 31 July.
Beyond tourism, the cape holds strategic and historical significance. In 1943, the Battle of the North Cape saw the sinking of the German battleship Scharnhorst by British and Norwegian forces. Today, the site remains a magnet for endurance athletes, serving as the finish line for the 4,485-kilometre Trans Europe Foot Race and the NorthCape4000 bicycle race. It is also the starting point for the 7,114-kilometre E1 European long-distance path.
Recent years have seen legal battles regarding access. While the site has long charged admission, the County Governor of Troms and Finnmark ruled in July 2026 that fees for entering the plateau must cease. Meanwhile, ongoing litigation concerning parking fees has reached the appellate court, reflecting the tension between maintaining the remote, high-traffic facility and ensuring public access to this iconic Arctic landmark.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: North Cape (Norway)
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