Record-number of tourists visit Nordkapp

The famous coastal cruise liners Hurtigruten, a cruise along the Norwegian coast, reports that their trips to Nordkapp have never been more popular. In 2011 a total of almost 57,000 passengers signed up to visit Nordkapp, a point located only 2,100 kilometers from the North Pole.

"To stand on the plateau and let the eyes wander across the horizon gives you the feeling of having reached the end of the world," says Hurtigruten's Kari Uglem. Between May 13 and July 29 the same horizon is lit up by the midnight sun, she explains.

The increase in the number of travelers to Nordkapp, especially in the winter, is mostly due to Hurtigruten's visits, explains Head of Communication Hans Paul Hansen at the Nordkapp Hall. The ship arranges one visit to the plateau while heading north bound, and one its way back south.

Last year, 46,509 passengers signed up for the northbound trip, an increase of 2,201 visitors compared to 2010. Other trips are also gaining more attention, mostly due to a better selection and a higher level of knowledge and professionalism, Hurtigruten reports.

Julie Ryland