The municipality encompasses mainly the island of Mageroya, but also parts of the mainland east and west of the fjord of Porsangen.
Most of the inhabitants live in the fishing village of Honningsvag, but Nordvagen, Kamoyvar, Skarsvag and Gjesvar are also important places.
The municipality's most famous point, after which it is named, is Nordkapp (North Cape). This 307 m high cliff is usually referred to as the northernmost point of Europe. Some 200,000 tourists visit annually, during the two to three months of summer. The neighbouring point of Knivskjellodden is, however, some 1,500 m further north.
Knivskjellodden is quite flat and unremarkable so Nordkapp has been promoted to appeal to average tourists because it is a spectacular bluff. A well appointed visitors' centre caters to them. But they are both on the island of Mageroya connected to mainland Europe by a long road tunnel.
The adventurous travellers should make their way east to Mehamn and walk or boat to Nordkyn, which is the northernmost point of mainland Europe.
When arriving by bicycle, be aware of the tunnel from the mainland. This is a 7km tube going 212m under the sea level. Good fun the first 3km, and remember the speed limit.
When doing a small hike on Mageroya you will see some of the over 3000 reindeer inhabiting the island, and you will also see why it is called the meagre island.