Driving a campervan from Tromsø to the North Cape (Nordkapp) is the best way to see the northernmost parts of Norway in the summer. With 24-hour daylight from late May to late July, you don't have to worry about reaching your destination before dark. You can drive, hike, and eat whenever it suits you.
Here is a practical 10-stop itinerary for your trip in a Wecamp van.
Itinerary at a glance
- The Tromsø to North Cape itinerary: To the Top of Europe
- Total Distance: Approx. 540 (One way) km
- Recommended Time: 7-10 days
- Highlights: Tromsø's arctic museums, The Lyngen Alps, outdoor sauna and a dip in the fjord, Kvænnangsfjellet Mountain Pass, UNESCO Rock Carvings in Alta, Selvika, The North Cape
1. Tromsø: The Arctic Capital
Tromsø is a busy city with a mix of modern culture and outdoor access. Since it stays light all night, the city remains active well into the early hours. This is the starting point of our itinerary - from Tromsø to the North Cape - and also one of our pick up and drop off locations.
To Do: Ride the Fjellheisen cable car up to Mount Storsteinen. From the top, you can see the entire city island and the mountain peaks of Kvaløya. Visit Polaria, the world’s northernmost aquarium, to see bearded seals and learn about the Arctic ecosystem. The Polar Museum is also worth a visit for its history on early Arctic trapping and polar expeditions.
Camper Life: There are dedicated parking spots for campervans near the city center, but for an overnight stay, Tromsø Lodge & Camping is just across the bridge and offers full facilities.
You can choose Tromsø as pick up location when you book your campervan.
2. The Lyngen Alps
Cross the fjord by ferry from Breivikeidet to Svensby. These mountains are steep and rugged, often still holding snow in the high gullies during mid-summer.
To Do: Hike to the Blue Lake (Blåvatnet). The 4km trail is relatively flat but rocky. The water gets its color from glacial silt, which reflects light in a bright turquoise hue. If you want a more elevated view, hike up to the Steindalsbreen glacier.
Wecamp Tip: The ferries are a great place to take a break. Most have a small cafeteria where you can buy a svele (a traditional thick Norwegian pancake).
3. Olderdalen
This is a quiet village located on the eastern side of the Lyngenford. It is a good place to slow down.
To Do: Visit the local sauna for a public session. It’s common for locals to jump directly into the cold fjord to cool off. The area is also known for its coastal fishing — you can try your luck right from the shore near the harbor.
Wecamp Tip: Check the Entur app for ferry times to make sure you don't have to wait long at the dock.
4. Storslett
Storslett sits at the mouth of the Reisa River and serves as a gateway to the wilderness.
To Do: Book a riverboat trip into Reisa National Park. These long, slim wooden boats are the only way to reach the interior of the canyon easily. The highlight is Mollisfossen, a waterfall with a 269-meter drop. The boatmen usually stop to brew coffee over an open fire by the river.
Camper Life: Storslett has a couple of supermarkets, making it a good place to restock your van's pantry before entering the more remote parts of Finnmark.
5. Kvænangsfjellet
This mountain pass is the only road connecting northern Troms to Finnmark. In winter it is often closed, but in summer it offers some of the best views on the E6.
To Do: Stop at the Gildetun viewpoint. On a clear day, you can see across the Kvænangen fjord to the islands of Skjervøy and Loppa. It is a very common place to see reindeer grazing right next to the road.
Campervan Tip: Use the large pull-offs at the top of the pass for a coffee break. The elevation makes it one of the best spots to watch the Midnight Sun stay high above the sea.
6. Alta
Alta is the largest town in Finnmark and has a very dry, stable climate.
To Do: The Alta Museum features the UNESCO Rock Carvings. There are over 6,000 carvings here, some dating back 7,000 years. A 3km wooden walkway takes you through the outdoor site. You can also visit the Northern Lights Cathedral, known for its spiraling titanium exterior.
Camper Life: Alta is a "service hub." Look for the Tømmestasjon (drainage station) signs to empty your waste water and refill fresh water for free or a small fee.
7. Selvika (National Scenic Route)
Instead of staying on the main E6, take the detour toward Havøysund. This road (Fv889) is officially one of Norway's most beautiful drives.
To Do: Stop at Selvika. The rest area features a winding concrete path that leads down to a secluded white sand beach. It’s a great spot for a midnight walk on the sand.
Campervan Tip: The road is narrow with many turns. Use the "passing pockets" (marked with an 'M') to let faster traffic or trucks go by.
8. Gjesvær
A fishing village on the island of Magerøya, situated west of the North Cape.
To Do: Join a Bird Safari boat tour to the Gjesværstappan nature reserve. You will see tens of thousands of puffins, along with gannets and sea eagles. It is one of the most accessible bird colonies in Europe.
Wecamp Tip: Gjesvær is a quieter alternative to the busier North Cape. There is a small, local feel here that is hard to find elsewhere on the island.
9. Honningsvåg
This is the northernmost town in Norway. It is a colorful place that serves as the main port for the Hurtigruten and cruise ships.
To Do: Hike the Nordkapptrappa, a Sherpa-built stone staircase that leads up to the Storfjellet mountain. From the top, you get a view of the town and the fjords. You can also visit the Honningsvåg Church, one of the few buildings left standing after WWII.
Campervan Tip: There are several campsites nearby, such as Nordkapp Camping, which is located halfway between Honningsvåg and the Cape.
10. The North Cape (Nordkapp)
The final destination. You are standing on a cliff 307 meters above the Barents Sea. The North Cape (or Nordkapp in Norwegian) is one of the most iconic travel destinations in the world. Located on the island of Magerøya, it is widely celebrated as the northernmost point of Europe.
To Do: Take your photo at the Globe Monument. Inside the North Cape Hall, you can watch a wide-screen film about the four seasons at the Cape and visit the "Cave of Lights" exhibition.
For those who want to reach the actual northernmost point, there is an 8 km hike (each way - approximately 17 km in total) to Knivskjellodden starting from the parking lot you pass 7 km before you get to the cape. From Knivskjellsodden, The view to the North Cape is magnificent! Note: The hike is not particularly demanding, but beware of slippery stones on certain parts of the route.
Camper Life: The entry fee for the North Cape includes parking for 24 hours. Many campervan travelers choose to stay overnight here to see the sun at its lowest point at midnight.
Planning Your Trip
The drive from Tromsø to the North Cape is roughly 600 km. While you could do it in two days, taking at least 5–7 days allows you to enjoy the hikes and the long summer nights. Remember to bring an eye mask if you are sensitive to light when sleeping!
