Driving to Nordkapp: An Unforgettable Shared Adventure Through Lapland
Fotografering av Lappland
This gallery documents the epic road journey from Jokkmokk, Sweden, through Abisko National Park, across the Norwegian border, and north through Arctic Lapland to Nordkapp — the northernmost point accessible by car in mainland Europe — captured by Simon Bayliss.
As a travel photographer and a lover of epic adventures, the allure of Nordkapp, the northernmost point accessible by car in mainland Europe, has always held a special place in my heart. While the true geographic crown belongs to Knivskjellodden, the thought of reaching Nordkapp by car, sharing the experience with fellow adventurers, and capturing its breathtaking beauty through my lens, was simply irresistible.
Route Map — Jokkmokk to Nordkapp
Show map: Drive to Nordkapp route map — Jokkmokk to the North Cape, Lapland, NorwayLoads Google Maps
From Jokkmokk into the Arctic
My journey began in Jokkmokk, Sweden, a town steeped in Sami traditions. As I embarked on this shared adventure, the air crackled with anticipation, eager to connect with fellow travellers and swap stories.
From Jokkmokk, the route snaked towards Abisko National Park, a hiker's paradise where dramatic landscapes and diverse wildlife unfolded before our eyes. The shared gasps of awe and excited chatter amongst fellow travellers cemented the sense of camaraderie that blossomed on this unique journey.
The road climbed westward towards Riksgränsen, a popular ski resort nestled amidst the majestic Scandinavian Mountains. As we descended the mountain range, crossing into Narvik, Norway, a port city pulsating with industrial heritage, the shared experience of navigating challenging roads and diverse landscapes strengthened the bonds within our group.
North Along the Fjords to Nordkapp
The journey then took a northerly turn, following the stunning Fjordland towards Alta, a vibrant town known for its rock carvings and vibrant Sami culture. The shared experience of immersing ourselves in the local culture, learning about their traditions, and capturing it all through my lens, added another layer of richness to this unforgettable adventure.
Prepare to be mesmerised by the remote beauty of the Stokkedalsveien between Skiadi and Russenes. This scenic route unfolded along the shores of the Porsangerfjorden, offering breathtaking vistas of the fjord's turquoise waters and snow-capped peaks. The shared moments of silence, punctuated by the occasional click of camera shutters, allowed us to truly appreciate the raw beauty of the landscape.
The spectacular coastal road continued north along the Porsangerfjord peninsula, eventually leading us to the 6.9 km Nordkapptunnelen (North Cape Tunnel). This underwater passage transported us to the island of Måkkajávrra. The anticipation within the group grew as we emerged from the tunnel, knowing we were just a short distance from our final destination.
A short drive from the mainland brought us to the charming town of Honningsvåg, the gateway to Nordkapp. The shared excitement was palpable as we embarked on the final 30-kilometre journey to reach the iconic Nordkapp plateau.
Standing at the World's Edge
Standing at the world's edge, with the seemingly endless expanse of the Arctic Ocean stretching before us, the feeling of accomplishment and shared experience was truly profound. The journey to Nordkapp wasn't just about reaching a geographical milestone but about the connections forged, the stories shared, and the memories created along the way. It was a testament to the power of shared experiences in making any adventure even more remarkable.
Drive to Nordkapp Gallery
The beautiful Servejaure between Umea and Soresele, Sweden
Kvikkjokk, Sweden
Kvikkjokk, Sweden
Kvikkjokk, Sweden
Kvikkjokk, Sweden
Kvikkjokk, Sweden
Kvikkjokk, Sweden
Kvikkjokk, Sweden
Beautiful colors around Porjus, Lapland, Sweden
Beautiful colors around Porjus, Lapland, Sweden
Beautiful colors around Porjus, Lapland, Sweden
Beautiful colors around Porjus, Lapland, Sweden
Torneträsk Lake on the way to Abisko, Lapland, Sweden
Torneträsk Lake on the way to Abisko, Lapland, Sweden
The road beside Torneträsk on the way to Abisko National Park, Lapland, Sweden
The road beside Torneträsk on the way to Abisko National Park, Lapland, Sweden
The road beside Torneträsk on the way to Abisko National Park
The Abiskojokka river that flows through Abisko National Park, Lapland, Sweden
Stone Pile on the Abiskojokka river, just down from the STF Abisko Turiststation, that flows through Abisko National Park, Lapland, Sweden
Looking upstream towards the STF Turiststation. The Abiskojokka river that flows through Abisko National Park, Lapland, Sweden
Hikers starting the Kungsleden (Kings Trail) at Abisko National Park
The Abiskojokka river that flows through Abisko National Park, Lapland, Sweden
The Abiskojokka river that flows through Abisko National Park, Lapland, Sweden
The Abiskojokka river that flows through Abisko National Park, Lapland, Sweden
The Abiskojokka river that flows through Abisko National Park, Lapland, Sweden
The Abiskojokka river that flows through Abisko National Park, Lapland, Sweden
The Abiskojokka river that flows through Abisko National Park, Lapland, Sweden
Silhouette of a tree with Lapporten (U shaped mountain pass) in the background at Abisko National Park, Lapland, Sweden
Silhouette of a tree with Lapporten (U shaped mountain pass) in the background at Abisko National Park, Lapland, Sweden
Kårsafallen Trail that leads to the Karsa Falls, Abisko NP, Lapland
Colorful mushroom (Fly Amanita) found along the trail at Abisko National Park, Sweden, Lapland, Sweden
The STF Vandrahem at Abisko NP, Lapland
Autumn colors with Lapporten (U shaped mountain pass) in the background at Abisko National Park, Lapland, Sweden
A boardwalk trail leading towards Lapporten at Abisko National Park
The Ofotfjord near Narvick. Norway, Lappland
Noklan Island near Badderen, Norway - Lappland
Stokkedalsveien between Alta and Skiadi, Lappland, Norway
Stokkedalsveien between Alta and Skiadi, Lappland, Norway
Stokkedalsveien on the southern side of Skiadi, Lappland, Norway
Skarvbergtunnelen which runs along the Porsangerfjorden, near Russenes Norway
Fishing hut along the Skarvbergtunnelen beside Porsangerfjorden, near Russenes Norway
Heading North along Skarvbergtunnelen beside Porsangerfjorden, Norway
Heading North along Skarvbergtunnelen beside Porsangerfjorden, Norway
Heading North to Honningsvåg along Skarvbergtunnelen beside Porsangerfjorden, Norway
The real furthest north point, Knivskjellodden, viewed from Nordkapp, Norway
Cruise Ship moored at Honningsvåg, Norway
Rainbow after a Sunshower lights up Nordvågen, Honningsvåg, Norway
Vindeln forest between Umea and Soresele, Sweden
The very pretty town Talvik, Norway. Near Alta.
Waterfont shed near Honningsvåg, Norway
Waterfont shed near Honningsvåg, Norway
Nordkapp successfully reached. Nordkapp Monument - Finnmark - Norway
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nordkapp and where is it?
Nordkapp (North Cape) is a headland on the island of Magerøya in Finnmark county, northern Norway, widely regarded as the northernmost point in mainland Europe accessible by road. The journey there passes through Swedish and Norwegian Lapland, including Abisko National Park and the Porsangerfjorden coastline.
Where did this Nordkapp road trip begin?
This journey began in Jokkmokk, a town in Swedish Lapland steeped in Sami traditions, before heading north through Abisko National Park, crossing into Norway at Riksgränsen, continuing through Narvik, Alta, and along the Porsangerfjord to Nordkapp.
What will I see in the Drive to Nordkapp photography gallery?
The gallery documents the landscapes along the Lapland route — arctic highways beside glacial lakes like Torneträsk, the Scandinavian mountain crossing, Norwegian fjord scenery, Sami culture, and the dramatic Nordkapp plateau at the Arctic Ocean's edge.
Can I buy prints of these Nordkapp / Lapland photographs?
Yes — fine art prints and wall art from this Lapland and Sweden series are available at the Red Dust Snow wall art store.
Explore More Sweden & Lapland Photography
The drive to Nordkapp passes through some of Sweden's most spectacular landscapes. Explore Swedish nature and the wider Jämtland adventure series.