The North Cape is actually located on an island, and was named by an English explorer in the search for a Northeast passage in the 16th century. Though it is not the northernmost point of Europe, it became popular by royal visits from the King of Norway and the King of Thailand more than 100 years ago.
The small town of Honningsvåg ( about 2500 inhabitants) on the island was declared city in 1996. It has a small fishing industry and is port of call for cruise ships and ferries.