Check at the tourist office about organized tours of the area. In the summer, tours visit the splendid bird colony on the little island of Gjesvaerstappan. All sorts of arctic seabirds, including kittiwakes, skuas, razorbills, gannets, puffins, and cormorants, can be seen on the cliffs, along with seals. The details of each tour will vary according to the molting and breeding seasons of the birds, so for further information about tours that might happen to be available at the time of your visit, contact the local tourist office, and expect to pay around NOK500 ($100/£50) for a 6-hour excursion, by boat and Land Rover, to see the birds. Know in advance that tours are erratic and hastily arranged on an as-needed basis, so it's wise to remain as flexible as possible in your bird-watching aspirations.
Europe's Real Northernmost Point -- It comes as a surprise to some visitors that the continent's actual northernmost point is not the North Cape, but Knivskjelodden, which is west of the cape. Europe's northernmost point is at 71° 11' 08". You can hike the trail, which is not too difficult if you're in good shape. Wear sturdy boots, of course. Figure on about 5 hours there and back. Once here, you'll have a panoramic sweep of the North Cape Plateau. After you've walked the world's northernmost hiking trail, you can sign your name in the hiking association's minute book at Knivskjelodden.
To reach Knivskjelodden, head southwest from the North Cape for 6km (3 3/4 miles) until you reach a car park. Once at the car park, you still have 3km (2 miles) to go to the northernmost point from the beginning of the Knivskjelodden Track. In all, it's a round-trip of 18km (11 miles) from the North Cape.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
