Situated in the far north of Norway, pretty little Honningsvåg is the gateway port for cruise passengers visiting the almost legendary Nordkapp (North Cape), second most northerly point in Europe.

Home to just 2,500 permanent inhabitants, Honningsvåg is primarily a fishing community, characterised by brightly painted wooden buildings, but the summer months draw cruise ships aplenty, and the local population grows by 500 to help cater for these.

It is further from Norwegian capital Oslo than it is from the North Pole itself, which lies a little over 2,100km (1304 miles) away. 

Honningsvåg is the most northerly point in Europe and the gateway to the famous North Cape. It is surrounded by breathtaking fjords and waterfalls, and areas of dense forest, all bathed in the mysterious summertime light of the Midnight Sun.

The North Cape's Midnight Sun is rightly famous - the sun never rises in winter, nor sets in midsummer. From Honningsvag, the North Cape is just 34km (21 miles) away.

Highlights
• Fjords and waterfalls
• Duken Mountain
• North Cape Visitor Centre
• North Cape Museum

Fiskeriveien  4D, 9750 Honningsvåg
Tel: +47 7847 2599.
ebsite (Nordkapp Kommune): nordkapp.custompublish.com

Silversmiths and potteries are numerous and worth visiting. Traditional items include furs, printed textiles, woven articles, knitwear, woodcarving, silver, enamel, pewter, glass and porcelain. Tax-free cheques can be obtained from any of the shops carrying the sticker ‘Tax free for tourists'. These shops save visitors 11-18% of the price paid by residents. Refunds are paid on return to the cruise ship.

Honningsvåg is small, but in summer there are cafes, shops, and hotel restaurants offering various fare including the superb seafood, and for those in search of a light snack, Koldtbord (cold table buffet) or pølser (sausages).

Without doubt, the summer months are the best time to visit, due to the Midnight Sun (it's conversely permanently dark in winter). It can be chilly, though, even in July and August, so go prepared with waterproofs and warm clothing. 

Norway

GMT + 1.

Norwegian Krone (NOK) = 100 øre.

Norwegian.

Far northern Norway.

2,500.

Constitutional monarchy.

Protestant Christian.

Normal courtesies should be observed. Casual dress is normal. Lunch, generally a light open sandwich snack known as a matpakke, takes place between 1130 and 1200, and dinner usually takes place at 1700. Smoking is prohibited in all public places.

Tipping: Waiters expect a tip of no more than 5% of the bill.