Northern Norway is a holiday destination with opportunities for a wide range of nature based activities. Comprising the three counties of Finnmark, Troms, Nordland plus Svalbard, the magnificent nature and the towns and villages create a picturesque setting for your chosen activity.

To reach the region, choose flying with Norwegian. They fly to eight destinations in Northern Norway:

• Alta
• Andenes
• Bardufoss
• Bodø
• Harstad/Narvik
• Kirkenes
• Lakselv
• Tromsø

Above the Arctic Circle you can experience the midnight sun - in Spitsbergen as early as mid-April, while at the North Cape on the mainland you can first see the midnight sun from mid-May. Many people find it hard to imagine broad daylight in the middle of the night. It simply has to be experienced.

Whale safaris

Take a trip out to sea and experience close contact with some of the biggest creatures on the planet. The waters off the coast of Vesterålen are important feeding grounds for large numbers of sperm whales. Big boats with experienced skippers and guides make your trip a true adventure. Seeing this enormous animal at a range of only a few metres makes a lasting impression. Safari tours are available daily in summer.

Bird watching and safari

White-tailed eagles, migrating seabirds, arctic ducks, nesting waders and exciting birds of pray. If you are looking for a bird watching experience, then Northern Norway and Spitsbergen is the place for you. Midnight sun and long, bright nights create ideal nesting conditions. Try a boat trip out to the island nesting colonies and get close to the birds on the rocks and steep cliffs. See puffins flying low above the waves with their beaks full of small fry, or gannets that have eaten so much that they have trouble taking off. 

Kayaking

See the world’s most beautiful coast – from out at sea. Get close to Spitsbergen’s mighty glaciers or try the North Norwegian coast, a must for anyone who loves kayaking. You will find it all here: fjords and a rugged shoreline with thousands of islands. During the trip you can see nesting seabird colonies, white sandy beaches, abandoned settlements and vibrant costal communities. Enjoy the serenity and close contact with teeming bird life, or hear Svalbard’s glaciers as they creak and calve.   

Hiking

Hiking in Northern Norway and Spitsbergen offers a wealth of opportunity. The landscape varies from steep mountains in an alpine costal landscape, along rivers, through deep forests and across wide mountain plains in splendid isolation. And best of all, the unforgettable experience is not far away. The countryside is suitable for everyone. There are an increasing number of marked trails in the region and excellent maps are available for purchase at local bookshops, campsites and tourist information centres.

Fishing

The coast of Northern Norway is full of excellent fishing spots. Inlets, fjords, straits, currents and open sea offer a wealth of opportunity. Try your luck from the rocks with your rod and a line or join a boat trip and test your trolling line. Feel the elation as the fish bite. Enjoy the atmosphere as you cook your catch. Several rivers have excellent salmon or arctic char fishing opportunities.

Sami culture

Northern Norway is also home to Norway's indigenous people, the Sami, known for their reindeer herding skills, their music (joik) and their colourful costumes, among other things. Why not learn more about Sami culture during your trip to Northern Norway?