Norway - In Search of the Midnight Sun in the North Cape

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North Cape Monument from the Visitor Center in northern Norway

Almost 30 years ago, Scandinavia, and specifically the North Capeat northern norway, a special attraction aroused me, especially for going to most northern place in Europe and in this way know the curious phenomenon of midnight Sun.

Still Spain was not "European" and taking a trip to know the Nordic countries was an aspiration for many young Spaniards.

To the point that when I had the opportunity to make a first great trip through Europe, the destination was the North Cape, almost an initiatory journey.

Gesvaer on the North Cape Island in northern Norway

At that time, a plane ticket was almost prohibitive, so I made the trip in a large van, which allowed to transport all the necessary equipment for it ... and even sleep in it when necessary.

Hetrip to the North Cape by then it was something like a pilgrimage.

For the long lines of the northern norway We were almost in procession, especially vans, motorhomes and motorcycles from all the countries of Europe.

And the truth is that by then coming from Spain, very few.

Midnight Sun in North Cape

On this trip that I made in August 1984, with a rainy and unpleasant weather, I found the North Cape hidden by the fog, which made it difficult to appreciate the amazing phenomenon that is the Midnight Sun.

The Northern Cape of Norway, under fog, in 1984

But still the stars were favorable and I had the opportunity to enjoy the vision of the great cliff in a brief moment in which the fog opened, which allowed me to enjoy this phenomenon.

In May 2013 I had the opportunity to return to the North Cape and the landscapes and the environment that I found remain very similar.

The motto of the tourist office says that Norway is a fairytale country.

And it certainly seems so because of its wide landscapes that combine snowy mountains, fjords and lakes, and in which you hardly find villages.

Rather they are groupings of wooden houses, with colorful facades, by the sea.

They are small fishing ports that under the sunlight have an incredible charm.

How to go to the North Cape

Now in northern Norway it is reached in another way since almost nobody travels all over Europe through road to go to the North Cape, although it is still possible to see some groups of motorcyclists.

Honningsvag on the North Cape Island in northern Norway

The most common is to arrive in a cruise that crosses the Norwegian fjords (more than one hundred stops are usually scheduled during the summer season).

Or arrive by plane at Tromso or to a nearby airport, like the one in Hamerfest, to complete the bus tour.

This is facilitated by the local flight company Wideroe, with its small propeller planes.

And if you go by car or bus, to get to the north cape island (Well, the mythical 30-meter-high cliff is north of an island) You don't have to cross on a ferry, as I did in 1984.

Now you have a seven kilometer long tunnel which runs 212 meters under the sea.

Waiting for the ferry to cross to the North Cape in 1984

It is a long tunnel that was built a few years ago, and that after an initial toll period, since July 2012 it is free to use because at that time the investment necessary for its construction was completed. It's Norway ...

Traveling at the end of May allowed meknow the North Cape and the north of Norway just at the beginning of the season, when there was still no influx of tourists, but at a time when it is already possible to enjoy the Midnight Sun.

And while the weather was exceptionally cold (it's no problem if you're well equipped), the contrast between snowy landscapes and sunny days We enjoyed the incredible beauty of the landscapes and, above all, of the small towns.

Landscapes near the North Cape in northern Norway

Of course, the great variability of the weather throughout the day called attention: snowfall, opening of the sky, sun, and soon, again a great snowfall, to end with sun.

But, without a doubt, I had much better time in northern Norway than in my 1984 trip that was characterized by continuous rains.

How is the Midnight Sun

Regarding the curious phenomenon of Midnight Sun, do not you get used to that during the night hours? Not only would there be a clarity almost like during the day, but even the sunlight can be seen.

In my case, I had no problem sleeping; What's more, I did it with the window curtains open.

The passage of time has been noticed that now in the North Cape you can enjoy certain tourist activities that didn't exist before,

For example, the bird watching tour in Gesvaer, or the possibility ofcatch real crabs.

Landscapes near the North Cape in northern Norway

And even in the small town of Honningsvag, in the North Cape Island, in the port where the cruise ships arrive you find a ice barrun for years by a Spaniard, next to his shop souvenirs.

A pleasant surprise

My conclusion is that the North Cape Maintains the charm and appeal that took me almost 30 years ago to cross Europe in a van to finish off the mythical cliff.

Go to the northern norway It is still an aspirational trip with the final prize of being able to see the Midnight Sun.

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