Any serious voyager has an obligation to go to Nordkapp (the North Cape) at least once in his life!
Today, a trip to Nordkapp is much easier than it was centuries ago. The transportation modes changed but the excitement is the same.
When you step on the famous cliff, and your eyes catch the spectacular panorama ahead of you, you can feel it in your bones...
Yes, you can understand the first explorers. Like them, you too are very excited and proud that you reached the “end of the world”.
It is a unique sensation.
But the accomplishment is incomplete without the discovery of the famous Arctic region and a proper riding trip through beautiful Finland, Sweden and Norway.
Summertime being the most suitable time for a motorcycling tour to Nordkapp, it is wise to be prepared for the lifetime adventure.
Starting a motorcycle trip from Helsinki up to the legendary North Cape, your journey will happen in the land of the Midnight Sun.
Peaceful roads, cultural stops, traditional rituals, untouched wilderness… Don’t miss the opportunity to fully enjoy your exceptional adventure.
Here are 9 interesting things to know before you travel to Nordkapp and Arctic Circle.
1 The Midnight Sun phenomena
Midsummer Sun or the Summer Solstice, is when magic happens… It is also a fabulous time to travel to Nordkapp.
Midnight Sun, also known as Polar Day or Nightless Night, is an astonishing phenomena to see more than once in a lifetime. In the North of the Arctic Circle, the sun does not set at all from May to August, while further South the sun is visible for nearly 24 hours during June and July.
To bikers, it is the BEST and the right time to go on a motorcycle tour to the Nordkapp!
Different and exciting, the ride up north is always an epic adventure and an unforgettable experience for visitors.
In Finland, on Midsummer's Eve night, people love embracing their mystical traditions. Like in the past, Midsummer is still a popular time for weddings in all the country. Lighting bonfires near the sea at midnight and bathing in a lake after sauna are the usual Midsummer rituals Finns love to keep.
If you have the chance to be in Finland at Midsummer’s Eve, don’t miss the opportunity to be with Finns on an island. Even better, if you are invited by them at their summer house. It will be an unforgettable experience!
2 Legendary Nordkapp
The famous Nordkapp, also known as North Cape, is situated in the extreme northern part of Norway, on a large island in Finnmark county called Magerøya. It is at the point where the Norwegian Sea, part of the Atlantic Ocean, meets the Barents Sea, part of the Arctic Ocean.
The legendary site has a fascinating story you need to know…
In the 14th century, Sámi culture nomads and small fishermen communities were living on the island. At that time, Europeans had very little idea about anything concerning the far North.
In 1553, a British expedition was searching for the North East passage to the Far East and passed the unavoidable island. Its navigator, Richard Chancellor, gave it the name of North Cape.
The legend of the North Cape was created and the mysterious name was mentioned on all the sea charts and possible world maps. Whale hunters, traders, sailors... Everyone navigating heard about it.
In 1664, its first visitor was an Italian priest, Francesco Negri. By FOOT! He reached the famous island… He named the stunning Nordkapp, the “end of the world”!
It was only in 1875 that the first and exclusive cruise ship arrived, two years after the climb to the impressive plateau by young King Oscar II of Sweden-Norway.
But it was only in 1956, that a road was extended all the way to the cape to ease the access and improve the number of its visitors.
In 1978, the symbol representing Nordkapp was introduced, the famous Globe. The large sculpture is made of steel with rings representing the latitude and longitude of our planet, with the axis of the globe aligned parallel to the earth’s axis.
Today, it is a global meeting point on the North Cape site and the number one destination in Norway.
3 Lapland, the last wilderness
Located within the Arctic Circle, Lapland is known as a breathtaking Nordic paradise.
It is the largest wilderness in Europe and a rare retreat for Nature’s lovers paradise.
Lapland covers northern Sweden, Finland, Norway, and part of Russia’s Kola Peninsula.
To the west, the region embraces the northern part of the Kolen Mountains in Norway.
It is a spectacular area not to be missed. The range slops abruptly and is deeply eroded into fjords and headlands, fractured into archipelagos in the Norwegian Sea.
The southern and central Lapland, in Sweden and Finland, occupies the zone of the Taiga. Very large areas of coniferous forest with layers of old and young woods, green soft layers of moss covering the stones and small trees.
Further north in Lapland, the pine trees eventually vanish and are replaced by small birch trees and lichens, it is the Tundra.
Usually seen wandering in the Tundra, the reindeers are the most famous animals associated with Lapland. They are well-suited to the cold with their thick fur and wide feet. About 200 000 reindeers are living in Finnish Lapland only!
Clean air and fewer inhabitants, large and wild landscapes, unspoiled and extraordinary, Lapland is a hidden haven of Mother Nature. A rare place to visit in Europe when you want to escape the rush of modern civilisation.
4 On the Roads
From Finland, in the Midsummer season, riding up to Lapland on a motorcycle is the perfect time to visit the northern part of Europe.
With 24 hours of light in the summer, very little traffic, and lots of empty space and empty roads to ride, driving conditions are particularly enjoyable for motorcycling adventure.
The few motorways in Finland are free, smaller roads are in good condition and the summer landscapes are lovely. Especially in remote regions, the peaceful green forests and the enchanting blue sceneries are hyper relaxing.
The only sensitive issue on the roads are… the wild reindeers! When arriving in Lapland the risk is real for drivers as few thousands collisions occur every year in Finland only! These animals like to eat grass along the road's shoulders, and they are a serious danger for all types of vehicles. Be careful, and stay vigilant when you see reindeers near the roads.
The temperature gets normally colder when you are closer to Nordkapp. Be ready to have warmer clothing when you are motorcycling or biking. Usually, no ice or snow on the roads in Summer as the last remains of snow have usually melted in May.
The landscapes change a lot when entering Norway compared to Finland and Sweden.Two thirds of the country is covered with impressive mountains, and snow still covers the top. The view is fascinating while riding along the Fjörds and crossing the small fishing towns.
Special notice to remember when you are driving between long distances in the northern part of Norway… There are way less gas stations in this area compared to when driving in Finnish and Swedish Lapland. Don’t drive your car or your motorcycle with a quarter of the fuel tank!
5 Travel Outfits
Nordic Summer weather can vary, and summer in the Arctic region is as unpredictable as the northern lights are in winter. The temperature can be above 20 degrees without any wind and clouds, and in the same week it can be freezing in the nights and very foggy during the day.
It is impossible to guarantee a clear and warm day when planning a trip to the North Cape.
In the South of Finland and Sweden, extreme conditions are rare during Summertime, but rain, wind and cold are possible… Closer you get to Nordkapp, the colder it will get. Remember a warm cap or beanie when you arrive at Nordkapp, as it is often windy.
When traveling in a car, the rain and the cold are challenging. But it is another story if you are cycling or riding a motorcycle… Always be cautious on the roads.
The best way to know what to pack is to be prepared for all types of weather and an important rule when you travel up north, bring many layers of clothing. You can regulate your temperature by adding or removing clothing items. Lightweight and warm is good to have.
As a biker, you know already that your motorcycle jacket is your first line of defense to protect you against the cold. To ride to the North Cape, think of the multiple layers, including one for insulation, another for waterproofing and an outer windbreaker layer.
Good boots, comfortable driving trousers with good insulation and waterproofing textile, warm gloves, warm socks… All are essential to enjoy a good riding day in the cold north.
And don’t forget a mosquito spray or cream to use when you are in Lapland! It is a must when you are outside. Helpfully, local shops have these but it is good to be prepared beforehand.
6 The Sámi, Lapland native people
Traveling up North, you will enter the wonderful landscapes of Lapland. Pay attention to the way some people are dressed… With distinctive clothing, hats, jewelry and even footwear, they are the Sámi, Europe’s indigenous people of the Arctic.
The Sámi are traditionally known in English as Lapps or Laplanders. Archeological findings indicate their presence in the region for over 5,000 years.
Living in four different countries, Finland, Norway, Sweden and Russia, they have their own language and customs and a profound affinity with nature.
Reindeer herding is important to their cultural identity, not only providing their livelihoods but also dictating their social structure and seasonal rhythms.
Sami art incorporates unique handicrafts as the “Duodji” objects like knives, jewelry, clothing, hats, belts, bags… It is a tradition dating back to a time when the Sami were far more isolated from the outside world than they are today.
Their beautiful traditional Sami’s clothing,the gákti, is different in colour and design patterns depending on the familial and geographical associations. It is both a functional costume and a symbol of cultural history.
Music is also very important in Sami culture. In particular the “Joik”, a different type of music that describes private experiences, feelings, and special interactions with nature.
Nowadays, the Sami people remain the guardians of Lapland’s rich cultural heritage.
7 Authentic Sauna Experience
On your journey to Nordkapp, riding through the beautiful land of a thousand lakes, you will probably have the opportunity to relax in a traditional Finnish sauna. An authentic sauna. Don’t miss it!
The Finnish sauna has been inscribed in 2020 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Sauna culture in Finland is an integral part of the lives of the majority of the Finnish population. It is estimated that there are 3 million saunas in Finland, for a population of 5.5 millions!
The traditional sauna can be found at the country cottages and is heated by wood, burned in a stove with a chimney. In cities, apartments or facilities, the saunas are heated by an electric stove with no chimney.
In all saunas, the stove heats a basket of grey rocks, and when the room is quite warm heated, you throw water on the stones to increase the humidity. The steam, called Löyly in Finnish, increases the feeling of heat and makes you sweat.
In a summer cottage, it is located very often near a lake and even nicer… near the sea. It is part of the ritual when you are enjoying your sauna to go for a swim or a dive in the freshwater, and then return to the sauna. Such an amazing experience! Try it and you will love it!
8 The Pearl of the Baltic, Helsinki
Finland is a wonderful country to visit, and its capital Helsinki is a hidden pearl to discover especially in summertime.
Here are my top 3 places to visit that are close to the seaside and not far from the main railway station.
In number 3, take a walk through the beautiful Esplanadi park and have a stop at the iconic café in the capital, the gorgeous Kappeli! Opened in 1867, known as the “Jewel of Esplanadi”, the historic building is one of the most famous café and restaurants in Helsinki. Elegant interior with stunning glass-sided windows, it offers a very lovely and romantic view of Esplanadi park and the Market Square. Don’t miss it!
The number 2, the Senate Square. Helsinki’s most important square is located in the heart of the city’s historic center. Dominated by four Neoclassical architecture buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel between 1822 and 1852, the Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki and the National Library of Finland. The very large stairs up to the Helsinki Cathedral are usually crowded with people on a sunny day, lovely spot for a break in the city.
My number 1, Oodi, Helsinki Central Library. Opened since 2018, the whole building is absolutely outstanding! Located opposite the Finnish Parliament, the undulating wooden, glass and steel architecture is an inviting modern library for everyone. Designed by Finnish architects, it is named the Library of the Future. An incredible building to visit more than once when you are in Helsinki.
9 Scandinavians speak English
It is true. People in the Nordic countries, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Iceland, are known for ranking among the most skilled speakers of English in the world.
On your trip to the Nordkapp, English speaking is a great help to communicate in various places. In the restaurants, in the hotels, in the shops, in the streets, easily you find a person who can understand you in english. Their command of the language is very impressive.
Today, all Scandinavian and Nordics Kids are using daily English on their phones with games or on social media platforms. The language is everywhere.
Let's also remember the importance of the English language in international business in Scandinavia. Other languages like German, French, Spanish and Italian are also known but less important than English. Fascinating.
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People who want to go to Nordkapp seldom consider a larger understanding of the Arctic region and culture.
Knowing these 9 interesting things will help you enjoy your trip, plan better, become an expert, find more interesting facts and experience a great riding adventure to the North Cape.
Be smart and be curious, and have the best travel experience Up North!
Interested to learn more about our PeterPanPlanet motorcycle tour to Nordkapp and our other adventure tours? Contact us now , we will be more than happy to reply to your questions :)
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Martine - PeterPanPlanet
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