The feeling of standing on the North Cape cliff and scanning out across the Arctic Ocean´s endlessness is, as in Signor Negris´ time, unchangeably fascinating and enchanting. Regardless of the time of year
you visit - with the mystical midnight sun, a spectacular thunderstorm
or the magical Northern Lights.
In the summer, however,
the area is full of reindeer. Each spring in April, six Sami families
from Karasjok lead their reindeer approximately 6.000 animals for summer grazing on Magerøya. Some of the reindeer swim across the one kilometre Magerøy sound, or are transported across with the help of the military´s landing barges.
The plateau on the North Cape cliff, 307 metres above the sea, is Europe´s northernmost corner, at 71°10°21° latitude and 25°47°40° longitude. The impressive and dramatic cliff has long been a navigational marker for seamen.
In 1875, the travel agency Cook in London organised the first group trip - for 24 participants. A new era had begun! In a travel handbook from 1867, a stay in Gjesvær is recommended .... "Accommodation and service at the local shopkeeper is good and cheap - and his governess even entertains by playing the
piano!".
It was strenusous to climb up the cliff, and many visitors had to turn back before they reached their final destination because of the weather. One usually had to row from Skarsvåg or Gjesvær to Hornvika a little east of the North Cape and then climb the 307 metres high cliff. In 1892, the first precursor to the current North Cape Hall was built on the plateau, "Stoppenbrinks Champagne Pavillion", a small octagonal wooden building.
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