ESCURSIONI A TERRA

As you set out from Honningsvag on your one-hour drive to the North Cape, you'll quickly see that a barren landscape is the hallmark of the windswept Arctic Circle where the vegetation appears sparse, indeed. To the botanist, however, it is plentiful, with 200 species of plants growing here. Watch for reindeer during your transfer.

The North Cape itself is an enormous rock with a steep wall climbing over 1,000 feet/304 meters from the Arctic Ocean below. At a latitude of 71º, 10' north, the cape is remarkably civilized, with a post office, chapel, bar and restaurant. You'll even find a shopping area and a cinema. The spectacular 14-minute long film takes you on a journey of a landscape filled with contrasts, light and nature. The people's story and history is told with beautiful pictures and music. Take time for photos, browsing and postcard writing.

The giant king crab was introduced to the Barents Sea by Russian scientists during the 1960s. The crab thrived in these waters and spread rapidly to the west, where it can now be found along the northern coast of Norway. As the number of this species is in the millions, it consumes a great deal and there a concern over the impact to the local ecosystem, so controlled crab fishing is now permitted.

After a short stroll along the pier, you’ll get fitted with your all-in-one warm waterproof outfit and flotation suit and attend a safety briefing, then board your deep-sea raft with a driver/guide and set off towards the Sarnes Fjord to inspect the crab pots. King crab can live to 30 years old, measure up to 6 feet between its claws and weigh as much as 22 pounds. The catch in the crab pots you’ll pull, will most likely weigh between 6 to 15 pounds.

Upon returning from your expedition, you’ll sit inside a lavvu - a Sami tent with an open fire and reindeer skins on the ground. In this tent the crabs will be prepared and cooked for you, to have as a snack with bread and butter and choice of mineral water or coffee.

Gjesvaer has about 250 residents and was the first settlement on Mageroya Island, an important trading place in the north, as early as the Viking era. A small vessel will take you out to the Gjesvaerstappan Nature Reserve, 10 miles west of the North Cape cliff. The boat is fully heated and there is plenty of deck space for everybody.

Landing on the bird islands is not permitted, but from the boat you may observe Norway's largest grouping of puffins, as well as plenty of kittiwakes. The puffins, easily recognizable by their colorful bills, nest in holes in the grassy hills. The nesting period is from April until September. Mighty white-tail eagles can be seen hovering overhead as they hunt for prey. Guillemots, razorbills, cormorants, arctic skua, fulmars and gannets are also part of the flourishing bird life here. At the end of your boat tour, return to your waiting coach for the return to Honningsvag.

Your tour starts with a drive through the town of Honningsvag and continues along the Skips Fjord dotted with weekend cottages, hotels and camping sites. You’ll drive to the village of Kamoyvaer, the smallest fishing village on Mageroya Island with just about 100 residents. It has a fish factory, a small fishing fleet, a little lighthouse and a picturesque harbor. There will be a short stop here for photos before the tour continues.

You’ll also stop at artist Eva Shmutterer’s gallery – East of the Sun. You’ll find exotic pictures made of fish bones, delicate jewelry carved from stones and glass, and the most charming reindeer, all made by hand. Returning to the main road, continue further north to Skarsvagkrysset where you’ll leave the main road and drive to Skarsvag. Stop at a beautiful viewpoint where you may have a glimpse of the Horn – a cliff formation formerly used as a place of heathen worship.

In Skarsvag, you’ll also stop to visit the North Cape Christmas and Winter House. In a homelike atmosphere, the house is decorated for Christmas in the Norwegian tradition. Christmas decorations, glass, pottery, postcards, pictures and knitwear are available for sale. Returning to Honningsvag, you may be able to spot reindeer grazing not far from the road. The reindeer herds are domestic and belong to the Sami people, they are brought to the island every spring to feed here during summer.

After a safety briefing and instructions your tour starts with an approximately 1 1/2 hour drive towards NATO Mountain. During your ATV adventure, you’ll experience Mageroya Island's unique nature. There will be photo opportunities at several stunning viewpoints. From the mountain, you’ll drive back to Honningsvag and return your ATV and driver suit to the garage.