Northern Norway

The Sami are the northernmost indigenous people in Europe, and the attractions on the Norwegian tundra in Finnmark all reflect Sami history, heritage, and life today. Preserving both the region’s nature and its culture and tradition is a priority.

The light will play an essential role in your experience in the north. Summer nights are long and bright, and in high summer north of the Arctic Circle, the sun doesn’t dip below the horizon at all. Winter nights, on the other hand, are long and cold, but far from as dark as you might think. The northern lights will play across the skies, displaying bands and tendrils of red, purple, blue, and green light. Get the latest northern lights forecast on NorwayLights.no.

And by the way: The long and bright summer nights make for juicy and tasty vegetables and fruit, like nowhere else on Earth. The local strawberries, especially, are to die for.

Northern Norway is also the place to go for dishes and ingredients you may not have tried before. Seawolf, halibut, rose fish, and king crab are commonly enjoyed, as are other forms of seafood such as sea urchins, clams, and mussels.

The more common types of fish such as cod, coalfish, herring, and saithe are also eaten here, traditionally prepared salted, dried or steamed. Reindeer are farmed throughout the region as well, an industry that form a cornerstone of Sami culture.

Find more things to do in Northern Norway.