Hike to Knivskjelodden - Norway's northernmost point

One of the hardest hikes I've ever done. Rough terrain at its finest.

The actual North Cape can only be reached on foot.

I have to disappoint all of you who have been to the Nord and think you have been to the northernmost point of Europe. The North Cape is located on the island of Magerøya. There are two more islands, Spitsbergen and Franz-Josef-Land, which are further north. The northernmost mainland point of Europe, on the other hand, is located on a promontory east of the North Cape near the small town of Mehamn. This point can only be reached via an arduous 25 km hike. And even the island of Magerøya has a point that is 1.5 km further north than the cape: Knivskjellodden, also only accessible on foot on a hiking trail that is about 8 km long. The trail begins at a parking lot on the road to the North Cape. Cairns and cairns mark the way. Visibility is good today and orientation is not a problem. The path has the character of an alpine climb from the start. Small and large stones do not allow rapid progress. But in return I dive into the subarctic landscape in no time. It is much easier to explore on foot than from the car. And I'm completely fascinated from the start. The flora is much more diverse than expected. Especially the large fields of cotton grass, mostly in or on the edge of ponds or small lakes with dark-looking, but actually crystal-clear water, appeal to me. Halfway there is a step in the terrain with a view down into the valley. I keep stopping to look. In the meantime, the cliff of the North Cape can also be seen to the east. The further way to the north runs on sloping granite slabs smoothed by the glaciers. Then I get to the point where I can't go any further. Because of the cold wind, I only briefly celebrate the northernmost position I have ever reached. And I'm happy to have covered at least the last 9 km of it on foot. On the way back I make a detour down to the water. There some guillemots demonstrate their flying skills to the tourists from the south, cackling loudly. And at the same time try to expel the foreign body drone of a tourist from their airspace. Mostly you know these animals from the films of the BBC or National Geographic. Today I see them live! I still dip my hands in the water. Now I've been washed again with one more water, this time with that of the Barents Sea. The last few kilometers of the way back are relatively easy for me. On the one hand there is the already mentioned and difficult to walk underground with the many stones. And the headwind is now so strong that I sometimes have to lean against it. Even the airfield down in the valley reports an average of 19 knots. Speaking of the airport: in the hour before midnight I'll go there again later. I want to watch the approach of the last plane of the day. Because of the location of the slope across the end of the fjord and the surrounding mountains, it is quite spectacular. Otherwise the atmosphere is pretty much as described by Reinhard Mey in his song "Über den Wolken". I enjoy every second. Where else can you experience something like this? My camera then reports a typing error and one day later I have to realize that all the recordings of the holiday, including today's tour, are no longer available. And there were some really good ones.

Today we hiked the 18 km to the real North Cape (Knivskjellodden). The path led over a barren area and was partly muddy. The last few kilometers before the finish ran over partly slippery skerry rocks. Good shoes are worth it. When we arrived at the destination, we were lucky enough to see a minke whale that appeared in front of us 4 times. It was a great experience to stand at the northernmost point.

Do not believe those who say that the route does not present technical difficulties: rough terrain, a difference in height of 500m, a last part on smooth rocks made humid by the surrounding marshy ground, and 18 km between the A / R, are not exactly a walk. But with the right preparation, the GPS track to follow as well as the piles of stones that indicate the route, it will be an absolutely unforgettable experience. The starting point is located about 7 km before Nordkapp, at a parking lot where you can leave your car. Along the way, there are no opportunities to stock up on water, so don't forget it! Boots and technical clothing are recommended, do not forget a goretex and a fleece, because the weather conditions can be very variable, and the return, if done in the afternoon, could be in the shade with the sun covered by the hills. Do not believe to those who say that the route has not any technical difficulty: rough terrain, a difference in height of 500m, the last part on rocks made slippery by the humid marshy ground, and 18 km total, are not exactly an easy walk . But with the right preparation, the GPS track to follow as well as the piles of stones that mark the route, it will be an absolutely awesome experience. The starting point is located about 7 km before Nordkapp, from a parking lot you find on your left hand side. Along the way, there are no possibilities to refill your water, so don't forget it! Hiking shoes and technical gear are highly recommended, do not forget a Gore-Tex jacket and a fleece, because the weather conditions can be very harsh sometimes, and on the way back, most probably in the afternoon, the path will be on the shade with the sun covered by the hills.

Today I hiked to the northernmost point of Europe.👍🏻 Unfortunately, we didn't always have the best weather😐. Arrived at the destination we saw another dwarf choice that appeared several times...👍🏻

Today we set off from the car park on the access road to the North Cape for a hike to the real North Cape (Knivskjellodden) A difficult path leads in waves down to the sea (500m) through a treeless and shrubless mountain landscape. Then over sloping rock slabs the last 3km to the North Cape Lighthouse. Yes, and this piece of rock is really further north than THE North Cape. This is in full height in front of you, or behind you, and makes a great photo opportunity. Experts take their tent equipment and do not start the tour until 6pm, and spend the night after the midnight sun on one of the narrow strips of grass. A very beautiful but difficult tour. Worth it 👍 North Cape: 71°10'21'' The real thing: 71°11'08''

Rocky path, only recommended when visibility is good, because the path markings are sometimes not clearly visible in a uniform environment.