Kirkeporten

Kirkeporten, the church door, is a hole worn through a rib of rock on the hillside above Skarsvag, and it has become a fixture of the Nordkapp visit because of what can be seen through it: the North Cape plateau itself, framed by the arch, with the sea beyond. The walk from the village takes about twenty minutes over rocky tundra on a marked path with some steep steps near the top. Skarsvag below claims to be the world's northernmost fishing village, a small settlement of houses and boats on a sheltered inlet. In summer the midnight sun shines through the arch at the right hour, which is when photographers gather.

The landscape

• The rock arch - a natural hole worn through the ridge.
• The framed Nordkapp - the cape plateau seen through the opening.
• Skarsvag - a small fishing village claiming the northernmost title.
• The midnight sun - low light through the arch in the small hours.

When to go

June to September for a snow-free path; the midnight sun runs mid-May to late July and is the reason to come late in the evening. Fog rolls in frequently and can hide both the arch and the view.

Before you go

The path is short but rocky and steep near the arch, and slippery when wet. There are no facilities on the walk. Wind on the ridge is strong, and the view through the arch depends entirely on visibility, which is unreliable here.

Nearby

Nordkapp is a short drive west; Gjesvaer and the bird islands lie on the other side of Mageroya.

Key facts