Honningsvag, Norway
Stand at the top of the world, on the remote and beautiful northern frontier of Europe. Watch as the sun dips gently, before seemingly changing its mind and hovering, sticking around to cast a glorious nocturnal golden light across cliffs that drop to churning waves. There's an ethereal, other-worldly atmosphere in mainland Europe's most northerly location - feel it in the troll folklore that swirls, and the barren tundra landscapes that unravel. View less In winter, the Northern Cape bathes in seemingly eternal darkness, while summer's months bring the Midnight Sun's ceaseless light. Set so far to the north that trees are unable to grow here, the visitor centre tells this remote, barren landscape's tales, and of its World War involvements. Nearby, encounter Norway's Sami indigenous people - learning of the methods they use to herd reindeer, before visiting authentic fishing villages - where locals have hauled spindly king crabs from the icy waters for generations. Head to the tip of Magerøya Island, for the obligatory photo with the skeletal globe sculpture, which stands looking out over the waters that stretch up towards the Arctic. It marks Europe's northernmost point, a full 71 degrees to the north. There are few more majestic places to witness the Northern Lights dancing across the sky than here, should you be so lucky. Back in your jumping-off point, Honningsvåg, indulge in a well-earned drink to toast your cape adventures or explore further afield with a visit to the millions of puffins that occupy the Gjesværstappan cliff.summer days. The village serves as the gateway to Arctic exploration and the beautiful Nordkapp Plateau, a destination that calls to all visitors of this region. Most of those who journey to Nordkapp (North Cape), the northernmost tip of Europe, are in it for a taste of this unique, otherworldly, rugged yet delicate landscape. You'll see an incredible treeless tundra, with crumbling mountains and sparse dwarf plants. The subarctic environment is very vulnerable, so don't disturb the plants. Walk only on marked trails and don't remove stones, leave car marks, or make campfires. Because the roads are closed in winter, the only access is from the tiny fishing village of Skarsvåg via Sno-Cat, a thump-and-bump ride that's as unforgettable as the desolate view.
