Drive it Yourself: Honningsvåg to Hammerfest
Here’s a practical guide for the drive from Honningsvåg to Hammerfest in the far-north of Norway.
The Hidden North
North European travel guide
Population 2,237 / 70.5 degrees north
Honningsvåg, Norway
Honningsvåg is one of the most popular places to visit. After all, it is the home to North Cape, the northernmost point in mainland Europe.
Honningsvåg is a small town on the island of Magerøya in the county of Finnmark. The town was established due to its proximity to rich fishing grounds and ice-free harbour.
About Honningsvåg
Latitude: 70.5 degrees north
Population: 2,237
Sami Name:Áváhki
Hottest Month: August
Coldest Month: February
Wettest Month: October
Windiest Month: January
Annual Precipitation: 499mm
Nordkapp Municipality
In this Travel Guide...
Map of Honningsvåg
Uniquely Honningsvåg
Here are some things that you must do and try in Honningsvåg
Monument
North Cape
Of course, North Cape is one of the most special places in Northern Norway. The centre can feel touristy, but it is worth visiting.
Gallery
West of the Moon
The gallery has artwork by people from the area, and the pictures reflect the seasons and life on the island Magerøya.
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Honningsvåg
Ice Bar
Artico Ice Bar
Artico Ice Bar is made up of frozen water from the island. It’s not like the Magic Ice Bar – in many ways, the bar is a lot more basic. However, it is an interesting place to visit.
Museum
North Cape Museum
The North Cape Museum is about the history of the island with a focus on the culture and fisheries.
Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are my recommendations!
Experience
North Cape Winter Tour
The North Cape Museum is about the history of the island with a focus on the culture and fisheries.
Experience
North Cape & King Crab Safari
Honningsvåg is one of the best places in Northern Norway to catch king crab, so why not combine a visit to North Cape with a king crab safari?
Road-Trips
Follow my road-trip guides for scenic trips around Honningsvåg
Olderfjord to North Cape on the E69
Take the road to the end of the world! Follow this rugged but scenic drive from Honningsvåg to North Cape on the E69 highway.
Self-Guided Walks
Honningsvåg from the Coastal Ferry Self-Guided Walk
Honningsvåg is the northernmost city in the world. While not an old city, there are a number of interesting buildings here. This walk takes you around the city centre, providing insight into life far above the Arctic Circle.
Honningsvåg on YouTube
Watch my YouTube videos featuring Honningsvåg
Honningsvåg Walk During the Polar Night
Join me for a walk around Honningsvåg in December 2023 during the polar night season.
History of Honningsvåg
The area around Honningsvåg has been inhabited for thousands of years. However, the town of Honningsvåg was only properly settled in the second half of the 19th century. The port was better for the new motorised fishing vessels that were being used.
Honningsvåg was razed and burnt in 1944 during the retreat of the Nazi forces. Only the church was left undamaged. Honningsvåg is a good example of the prevailing architecture and town planning in the years from 1945 to 1960.
Honningsvåg Today
Today Honningsvåg is one of the big tourist towns of Norway due to its proximity to North Cape. It is also one of Norway’s largest cruise ports. Only approximately 40% of visitors arrive by sea; the majority travel by car.
Fishing is still a crucial industry to Honningsvåg. The town is one of Northern Norway’s largest fishing ports.
Honningsvåg is known for its rich cultural life. The culture centre Perleporten is worth visiting.
Travel Information
Getting Here
Fly: Honningsvåg Airport has daily flights to Hammerfest, Tromsø, Mehamn, Vadsø and Kirkenes.
Drive: Honningsvåg is connected to the mainland via the North Cape tunnel. The E69 runnings past Honningsvåg is a major road connecting to the E6.
Train: No train access
Ferry: Honningsvåg is a port of call for the coastal ferry. The southbound stops early in the morning, while the northbound stops in the middle of the day, giving enough time for passengers to visit North Cape.
Getting Around
Honningsvåg town centre is walkable.
Shops
I recommend checking out the West of the Moon Gallery as well as the local jewellery maker Frozen Summer Design.
Honningsvåg has a grocery store (Coop) and pharmacy.
Places to Eat
Cafes & Bakeries
Honni Bakes is a little bakery down by the pier. I definitely recommend this place!!
Quick Bites
Reasonable Restaurants
Corner Spiseri is an excellent restaurant and specialises in local dishes.
High End & Unique Eats
Places to Stay
All my hotel recommendations are based on research and experience. I don’t recommend somewhere unless I think it is wonderful! The Hidden North focuses on accommodation that provides good quality for price or offer local or unique experiences.
Camping
Kirkeporten Camping is located out of Honningsvåg in the neighbouring village of Skarsvåg, but is closer to North Cape and the wonderful hikes around the island.
Click here to view rates & book
Nordkapp Camping is another campground but this one is located closer to Honningsvåg.
Cabins & B&Bs
Chains & Mid-Range
Scandic Bryggen is one of the better hotels in Honningsvåg.
Click here to view rates & book
Scandic Nordkapp is located out of Honningsvåg on the road to North Cape and is only open in the summer.
High End & Unique Properties
Hotel the View is my favourite hotel in the town!
Sunrise/Sunset & Weather Averages
January
Polar night until 21 January
Average Temperature: -2.5C (27F)
February
Sunrise: 8am
Sunset: 3:01pm
Average Temperature: -3.3C (26F)
March
Sunrise: 5:41am
Sunset: 5:11pm
Average Temperature: -1.7C (29F)
April
Sunrise: 4:06am
Sunset: 8:29pm
Average Temperature: 0.7C (33F)
May
Midnight sun from 13 May
Average Temperature: 4.2C (40F)
June
Midnight sun
Average Temperature: 6.9C (44F)
July
Midnight sun until 22 July
Average Temperature: 10.2C (50.4F)
August
Sunrise: 2:56am
Sunset: 9:40pm
Average Temperature: 10.2C (50.4F)
September
Sunrise: 5:24am
Sunset: 6:55pm
Average Temperature: 8C (46F)
October
Sunrise: 7:32am
Sunset: 4:29pm
Average Temperature: 3.8C (39F)
November
Sunrise: 9:28am
Sunset: 12:31pm
Average Temperature: 0.7C (33F)
December
Polar night
Average Temperature: -0.8C (31F)
All Posts About Honningsvåg
Drive it Yourself: Honningsvåg to North Cape via the Fishing Villages
Here’s a practical guide for the drive from Honningsvåg to North Cape.