Knivskjellodden is the overlooked longer mate of the North Cape. It lies about 1600 metres farther north, so it actually is the northernmost point of the European mainland.

 

The North Cape is more imposing, with its steep cliffs down to the sea, but Knivskjellodden is at higher latitude. A marked trail starts from the car park at the E69 highway, about 7 km before the North Cape Plateau. The terrain is flat, slightly stony and very damp; mountain boots are recommended. The trail is about 8 km long and well marked. It descends to Knivskjelbukta and then continues over slopes of bare rock to the northernmost point of the European mainland and the millennium cairn.

Starting in the late 18th century, tourists were put ashore at Knivskjelbukta to walk to the North Cape. Among them were French prince Philippe and his retinue, depicted in a painting by Louis-Philippe Crepin dated 1795. From Knivskjelodden there's a splendid view of the North Cape massif.

The round trip takes about five hours.