North Cape Road (E69)

The E69 runs from Olderfjord through Finnmark to the island of Magerøya and ends at the North Cape plateau. Five tunnels, including a subsea tunnel, shape the drive.

Region: Finnmark, Norway
Length: about 110–130 km
Best season: Summer; convoys in winter
Start / end: Olderfjord – North Cape
Open: Year-round, weather-dependent in winter

What should you know before visiting North Cape Road (E69)?

Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €18 (Norway).

In winter, convoy driving applies between Skarsvågkrysset and the North Cape plateau, at set times. The plateau is closed completely in bad weather. Check current times with Statens vegvesen.
After a motorhome fire in July 2025, the municipality reportedly set a temporary five-hour parking limit on the plateau. Rules can change, so check with Nordkapp municipality and the signs on site.
The right to roam applies to hikers and tents, not to vehicles. Sleep in a motorhome only where parking is allowed, otherwise at campsites or motorhome parking areas.
A travel guide says Norway uses AGA and Linde propane cylinders. Bring enough gas or a suitable adapter, and check refill options before the trip.

The drive

The E69 leaves the E6 at Olderfjord and heads north via Honningsvåg and Skarsvåg to the plateau. About 15.5 km of the route lies in five tunnels. The North Cape Tunnel is 6.9 km long and reaches 212 m below sea level. It opened in 1999 and replaced the ferry to the island. A new tunnel replaced the old Skarvberg bottleneck in March 2023. Tolls on the island tunnels ended in 2012.

Planning

In winter, convoy driving starts once there is enough snow for drifts and lasts until spring. Convoys run in both directions at set times, which can change. Statens vegvesen publishes information through its traffic app and website. Summer visitors should allow for time on the plateau and check the municipality's current parking rules.

Camping

The right to roam applies to hikers and tents, not to vehicles. For tents, the Norwegian Environment Agency says to stay at least 150 m from inhabited houses and cabins and to keep off cultivated land. A travel guide says overnighting in a motorhome is tolerated only where parking is allowed. Rest areas on main roads are meant for short breaks, so chairs and awnings do not belong there. A campsite in Skarsvåg is named as an alternative. Respect local bans at tourist sites.

FAQs

Is the road to the North Cape open in winter?

Usually yes, but in winter the last stretch from Skarsvågkrysset is driven in convoys. When the weather is too bad, the plateau is closed completely. Statens vegvesen publishes the current status.

Does the North Cape Tunnel charge a toll?

According to Wikipedia, tolls for the North Cape Tunnel and the adjacent tunnels ended in June 2012. Other roads in Norway have their own toll systems, which you should check with Statens vegvesen before driving.

Can I stay overnight on the North Cape plateau?

A temporary five-hour parking limit was introduced on the plateau in summer 2025 after a motorhome fire, reportedly until 1 September 2025. What applies now is set by the municipality of Nordkapp and the signs. A campsite, for example in Skarsvåg, is a safer choice.