Nordkapp (Northern Cape) was the most northerly point in Europe. The circuitous route to the Cape took us around fjords, through a series of tunnels and over bridges. It was like driving around a piece of a jigsaw puzzle. A town we drove past nearly an hour previously now appeared just behind us – although on the other side of the fjord.
The narrow road that took us on to Nordkapp was open all year round. In winter during severe weather, convoy travel was advised. We were there in early October the road was fine.
We arrived in a large snow covered parking area; there were eight or so tourist coaches parked, disgorging their passengers into the Visitor Centre. You could stay overnight in the car park for a fee of £12. It cost another £45 for us both to access the Visitor Centre which offered a souvenir shop and a café, as well as a cinema and a chapel. The centre closed at 3 pm, soon after we arrived.
During the night the temperature dropped to -1°. We did see the Northern Lights but they did not appear as spectacular as we had seen on TV. There were numerous artificial light sources in the parking area – had they imposed total darkness from, say, midnight, the view of the phenomenon may have been enhanced.
A denizen of the Arctic north was once asked what people did all day in such frozen latitudes.
“In the summer we fish and make love.”
And in the winter?
“We don’t fish.”
Ah – the old ones are the best!
