8 Things to Do in Honningsvåg (the Gateway to North Cape)

Are you looking for the best things to do in Honningsvåg, Norway – the gateway to North Cape?

If so, keep reading! I have traveled to Honningsvåg twice (in different seasons) and I will share my favorite things to do, places to eat, and more.

Honningsvåg is technically Norway’s northernmost city, and it’s a small one! With only 2,100 residents, Magerøya island’s main hub is a cute fishing village with just enough to do to stay for a day or two.

Most travelers find themselves in Honningsvåg on their way to North Cape (Nordkapp in Norwegian). And many of them arrive by Hurtigruten, which makes a lengthy stop there to run North Cape excursions from the harbor.

However, this guide is for those who may have a little extra time in Honningsvåg and want to take advantage of the city and the surrounding beauty.

If I missed something in this guide about what to do in Honningsvåg, let me know in the comments. Thanks!

What’s the Difference Between Honningsvåg, Magerøya, and North Cape?

In this guide you will hear me refer to all of these in different places, so here is a quick rundown of what I mean:

Magerøya: This is the island that Honningsvåg and the North Cape attraction are on. It consists of a few other notable fishing villages like Skarsvåg, Gjesvær, Kamøyvær, and Nordvågen. The scenery is dramatic and there are no trees, except for the dead skeleton of one in Gjesvær. In the winter, roads can be bad and some places are hard to reach.

North Cape: North Cape, or Nordkapp in Norwegian, is the attraction at the top of the island of Magerøya that has a visitor’s center, gift shop, and the famous globe to take photos by. This is where the road ends on Magerøya and is considered to be the northernmost place (by road) in Europe. North Cape Museum (discussed below), is actually in Honningsvåg city center, however.

Honningsvåg: This is the main hub and small city where the Hurtigruten and cruise ship terminal is. There are restaurants, a couple of bars, and a few museums.

This guide primarily focuses on what there is to do in Honningsvåg but also discusses a few day trips and other places around Magerøya.

I hope this makes things a bit clear and you can see a map with all of the points of interest on it at the end of this guide!

Best Things to Do in Honningsvåg

1. Take a trip to North Cape (Nordkapp).

The first, and most obvious, thing to do when visiting Honningsvåg is to head up to North Cape, or Nordkapp in Norwegian.

There are two main ways to do this: by car or by a tour/bus. I have only done it by car so I will discuss that first and then recommend a tour that can also take you there if you don’t have your own private vehicle.

North Cape is the furthest place north on mainland Europe that you can drive to. This point has been commercialized a bit and is now a center, museum, and more.

If you’re visiting in winter, there will be very few people there and you will likely need a convoy to get there. If you’re visiting in summer, you will definitely not be the only person there, as it is a pilgrimage for a lot of motorcyclists and cyclists alike.

Nevertheless, it is a unique place that offers gorgeous views over the sea and is a must on any trip to Honningsvåg. I have an entire guide about visiting North Cape that you can check out to get additional details!

Ticket prices in 2025 were 350 NOK for an adult (around $35) and opening hours shift throughout the year, with summer hours being until 1am most nights. You can find out more on their official website.

Keen to take a tour to visit Nordkapp? This option is a bestseller and will also take you to Skarsvåg where you can learn about King Crabs, one of the icons of the region.

2. Peruse the North Cape Museum (Nordkappmuseet).

Right beside the Honningsvåg harbor (and where the cruise ships dock), is the North Cape Museum, or Nordkappmuseet. This spot is a great place to learn more about this iconic attraction without venturing further north to do so.

It has limited opening hours and is open from 11am until 2:30pm (I will update if extended) but can also be opened upon request. Ticket prices are 90 NOK ($8.50) for adults and 80 NOK ($7.60) for seniors.

3. Walk around the idyllic Honningsvåg harbor.

My favorite thing to do in Honningsvåg is simply to take a stroll by the harbor! It is idyllic and because it is a fishing community, there is always a boat going in or out.

If you stay at the Scandic Bryggen (this is where I have stayed on both trips), you will be situated right on the harbor and have epic views from the hotel’s lobby and terrace.

Otherwise, go for a drink at Sjøgata Pub where you can take in the views over a local pint (I mention more about Sjøgata later in this post).

4. Stop in the West of the Moon Gallery.

Local artists showcase their beautiful works at West of the Moon which was established in Honningsvåg in 2000. 

It is decorated with interesting, artistic works and the place is a great stop for those looking to take a souvenir home while supporting the local community and its artists.

West of the Moon is open from 11am until 2pm daily, except on Sundays when it is closed. You will find it located at Storgata 4B in the heart of Honningsvåg.

5. Visit the historic Bamse statue.

Every small town has its interesting stories and the Bamse (Norwegian word for ‘teddy bear’) Statue is Honningsvåg’s. 

This statue is dedicated to the story of a local hero… who just so happens to be a St. Bernard dog! This statue honors his service during WW2 and he was very loyal to his job and helped save the lives of two sailors during the war.

Bamse was a member of the crew and ended up dying in 1944. Over 900 people came to his funeral to say goodbye and thank you to the local canine hero. 

This statue was placed in Honningsvåg by the Scottish in 2006. You can find it right by the harbor and near Corner Spiseri.

6. Learn about King Crab on a half-day excursion.

You can’t go to the north of Norway without learning more about its most famous (and pretty invasive) species – the King Crab!

Besides ordering King Crab at restaurants in Honningsvåg, you can also learn more about it on this combo tour that takes you on an adventure of Magerøya where you’ll visit North Cape and learn more about the King Crab in an adorable fishing village called Skarsvåg.

This is a 3.5-hour trip and most of the people joining will be coming off of a cruise ship, which means it will stick to its schedule. The tour guide will speak both English and German and it is a great introduction to the North Cape and Magerøya island as a whole.

7. Take a day trip to Stabbursdalen National Park.

Missing trees? While Magerøya does not deliver for dendrophiles, Stabbursdalen National Park most certainly does.

Stabbursdalen National Park is about a 2.5-hour drive from Honningsvåg and while it is not a place I recommend visiting in the winter months due to shorter days, it is most definitely a place worthy of stopping by if you’re traveling to Honningsvåg in the summer.

The Norwegian national park is the northernmost pine forest in the world. It is situated just north of Lakselv, a town renowned for its salmon fishing (Laks = salmon; Elv = River) and the national park has a bit of that, a variety of trails, and some cool camping spots.

There is a visitor center on the left side of the E6 as you head south. They have a place to grab coffee, homemade crafts, and even a museum that you can pay a small fee to access.

8. Go on a puffin and bird safari in Gjesvær.

There are plenty of stunning villages on Magerøya and Gjesvær is one of my favorites!

Located about 34 kilometers (21 miles) from Honningsvåg, it is famous for its bird safari and the opportunity to see puffins, gannets, white-tailed eagles, and other birds on an island a short distance away (you will need a boat to reach it).

If you’re visiting North Cape by rental car, I recommend heading to Gjesvær and taking one of Ola’s Bird Safaris. You can book directly on their website and they offer daily departures from May 5 until the end of August.

Please note that these dates are subject to change if the birds decide to move to their next destination sooner. You will need to book your safari in advance on their website.

If you are visiting Honningsvåg by ship or will be there without a rental car, you can book this organized trip that will take you from Honningsvåg to Gjesvær with transportation included in the bird safari package.

The safari is a 3-hour affair and easily one of the most memorable things to do in Honningsvåg!

Where to Eat and Drink in Honningsvåg

While there’s not an overabundance of options, you will find plenty to keep you fueled and fed for a few days. Here are some recommendations:

• Honni Bakes: out-of-this-world crepes, pastries, and coffee
• Corner Spiseri: local eatery with nice views, a spacious terrace, and seafood dishes
• Sjøgata Pub: bar on the harbor that has its own brewed beer and a fun atmosphere
• Soi 9: Thai eatery with delicious food and a colorful setting
• NOR Cafe & Bistro: Haven’t eaten there yet but will next time – has a mix of local fare and popular dishes

Where to Stay in Honningsvåg 

While I normally like to test out different places on different trips, that has not been the case in Honningsvåg! On my first trip, I stayed at two spots, but one of them has since closed down.

On my second, trip I opted to stay at the same place as my first trip because I liked it. Here are a few places to stay in Honningsvåg:

1. Scandic Bryggen (this is the place I stay on my trips now – I LOVE the location and the rooms are pretty good and comfortable)
2. The View (has gorgeous fjord views and great reviews)
3. Scandic Honningsvåg (another Scandic option near the harbor; doesn’t get as good of reviews but Scandics are always pretty decent)

What to Do in Honningsvåg (On a Map!)

Have any questions about taking a trip to Honningsvåg? Let me know in the comments – or add your can’t-miss spots for a Honningsvåg bucket list there!

More Northern Norway Travel Guides

• North Cape travel tips
• Stabbursdalen National Park
• Things to do in Hammerfest
• Things to do in Alta
• Things to do in Kirkenes
• Things to do in Vardø