North Cape

The plateau rises steeply 307 meters from the Arctic Ocean and is the region’s most famous landmark. The visitor center, built into the cliffs, offers shelter and comprehensive information even in windy or cold weather. Globe Monument: This landmark, situated right on the cliff, is the most popular photo spot at the North Cape. Facilities: The visitor center houses a panoramic theater, a restaurant, and exhibits on the history of the North Cape expeditions. “Children of the Earth” (Barn av jorden) sculpture group: The figure and the round discs make up the world-famous “Children of the Earth” peace monument. The seven round relief discs: In 1988, Norwegian author Simon Flem Devold invited seven children from different countries around the world (Tanzania, Brazil, Japan, Thailand, the Soviet Union, the U.S., and Norway) to the North Cape. There, the children created plaster reliefs featuring motifs related to peace, friendship, and cooperation. These designs were cast into large, round bronze discs and arranged in a semicircle. The figure: Next to the seven discs stands a life-size bronze sculpture of a mother with her child (created by the Norwegian sculptor Eva Rybakken), who gazes toward the monument and the discs. Significance: The ensemble symbolizes hope, global solidarity, peace, and the overcoming of boundaries between peoples. Every year at the North Cape, the Barn av jorden Award is presented to organizations that work for the welfare of children. The Rock Stele (Obelisk) The stone column or rock stele on the plateau is the King Oscar II Obelisk. Historical Background: This obelisk was erected in 1873 to commemorate the visit of the Swedish-Norwegian King Oscar II to the North Cape. Significance: The royal visit marked the beginning of modern tourism at the North Cape. At that time, the North Cape was still considered an extremely difficult destination to reach, and the monument long served as the official main landmark and photo spot on the rock—many decades before the famous iron globe (1978) or the visitor center were built.