Alta, Hammerfest, the coast and the North Cape
West Finnmark offers great contrasts over short distances: World Heritage and plateau in Alta, a coastal town and reconstruction history in Hammerfest, and the dramatic meeting of land and sea at the North Cape. A week gives time to experience the highlights at a calm pace.
Days 1–2: Alta
Start in Alta. Spend a day on the World Heritage at Hjemmeluft and the Northern Lights Cathedral, and a day on activity — dog sledding or snowmobiling in winter, the river and hiking in summer. Alta has an airport and plenty of accommodation.
Days 3–4: Hammerfest and the coast
Drive on to Hammerfest, one of the world’s northernmost towns, known for the Polar Bear Society and the reconstruction history after the war. From here you can follow the Havøysund National Tourist Route out towards the Barents Sea — one of the country’s most dramatic coastal landscapes.
Days 5–7: the North Cape
Finish on Magerøya. Use Honningsvåg as a base, take a bird safari from Gjesvær to Gjesværstappan and a king crab safari, before driving out to the North Cape plateau itself. With time to spare you get both the sights and the calm of the coastal landscape.
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Alta–Hammerfest
approx. 140 km / 2 h
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To Honningsvåg
approx. 3–4 h from Hammerfest
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Havøysund
National Tourist Route
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Flights
Alta, Hammerfest and Honningsvåg
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Distances and winter driving
Distances are large and settlement sparse. In winter expect winter road conditions and convoy driving to the North Cape. A hire car gives the most freedom — fill up in the towns, check weather and road status, and allow a good margin on driving times.
Tips
- 🚗A hire car is recommended — public transport is limited.
- 🛣️Check ferry/road status and the National Tourist Route in advance.
- 🛏️Book accommodation well ahead in high season.
- ⏱️Allow a good margin — distances take longer than the map suggests.
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