There was not an exact match for the language you toggled to. You have been redirected to the nearest matching page within this section.
Northern Norway is by far the largest and most sparsely populated part of mainland Norway, and covers more than a third of the country. It stretches from the idyllic Helgeland region in the south to mainland Europe’s northernmost point near the North Cape.
In the old days, large parts of Northern Norway was inaccessible, but today there is an extensive network of both roads and small airports with regular flights between many of the small towns and villages. The coastal steamer Hurtigruten calls at ports all along the coast at least once per day, both northbound and southbound.
But the region is not only one of wild and untouched nature and quaint old villages. Tromsø, for instance, is Northern Norway’s largest city and lies far north of the Arctic Circle. A vibrant university town, it has a lively student scene with concerts and shows, and sports an international film festival as well as a multi-cultural community of more than 100 different nationalities.
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.
Opportunities abound in Northern Norway, whether you want action or relaxation, fun in the snow or lounging under the midnight sun, seeing the sights or doing the deeds, kayaking or skiing, hiking or fishing. The choice is yours.
Even though Northern Norway hosts the prestigious World Championship in cod fishing, the pace is quite laid back most of the time. Here, you can relax with a round of golf at the world’s northernmost golf course, watch the whales cavort in the sea, and hike the mountains or fish in the sea at your own pace.
If you travel to the coast of Nordland, you can dive in the world’s strongest tidal current Saltstraumen, and explore the Lofoten and Vega islands. When winter sets in, so does the skiing season. Leisurely cross-country skiing is just as common as adrenaline raising alpine, off-piste and ski touring.
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.
Like a prolonged sunset and sunrise all at once, this natural phenomenon colours heaven and earth in a reddish yellow light. Welcome to the land of the midnight sun.
Experiencing the unbelievable colours flashing across the Arctic sky is on many travellers’ bucket list. Few places on earth offer more ways to witness the aurora borealis than Norway.
See gems like Vesterålen or the North Cape in a new light by going hiking under the midnight sun.
If you dream of giant fish, choose your holiday location wisely. In Northern Norway, record catches of cod and other species are the rule rather than the exception.
In Northern Norway, the fish bite best in winter. Get an easy catch when skrei (migrating cod) appear by the coast, go ice fishing or try king crab fishing.
Try road cycling by the coast in breathtaking scenery or go mountain biking in the wilderness.
Some of the top ranked activities in Northern Norway according to TripAdvisor.
On this snowmobile trip, we will enjoy the surreal Midnight sun from the back of a snowmobile. Driving in the…
Go to: Catching the light - Midnight sun - Better MomentsOn this snowmobile trip, we will enjoy the surreal Midnight sun from the back of a snowmobile. Driving in the…
Young Sami artists are currently bringing new life to one of Europe’s oldest song traditions. Ancient sounds meet modern genres – and the result? A brave, new wave of internationally acclaimed and prize-winning musicians.
Hungry for a taste of Arctic Norway? Here’s a serving of the region’s deliciously diverse culinary culture.
Thousands of miles from home, an A-list American producer found music in the quiet, Arctic night under the northern lights. Here is his music for Norway.
Looking for an Arctic adventure? You’ll find it in Northern Norway. Here’s a glimpse into the Arctic north in winter.
How do you sleep when the nights are lit? For the farmer Ivar Andersen from Northern Norway, it’s easy: he doesn’t.
A cool visualisation of the strange coastline region of Nordland. The mountains in this area are known for their mystical shapes, allowing a story of drama, passion and jealousy amongst trolls to develop.
Experience the northern coastline in the footsteps of the early arctic explorers.
North of the Arctic Circle you can golf in the middle of the night with the sun in your eyes. All you have to do is stay awake – the hole night.
Almost immediately after it tosses and turns in the water, it’s ready to be served on your platter. In Northern Norway, they are totally hooked on the fresh delicacies of the sea.
Looking for an Arctic adventure? You’ll find it in Northern Norway. Here’s a glimpse into the Arctic north in winter.
Thousands of miles from home, an A-list American producer found music in the quiet, Arctic night under the northern lights. Here is his music for Norway.
Young Sami artists are currently bringing new life to one of Europe’s oldest song traditions. Ancient sounds meet modern genres – and the result? A brave, new wave of internationally acclaimed and prize-winning musicians.
Experience the northern coastline in the footsteps of the early arctic explorers.
Hungry for a taste of Arctic Norway? Here’s a serving of the region’s deliciously diverse culinary culture.
A cool visualisation of the strange coastline region of Nordland. The mountains in this area are known for their mystical shapes, allowing a story of drama, passion and jealousy amongst trolls to develop.
Almost immediately after it tosses and turns in the water, it’s ready to be served on your platter. In Northern Norway, they are totally hooked on the fresh delicacies of the sea.
How do you sleep when the nights are lit? For the farmer Ivar Andersen from Northern Norway, it’s easy: he doesn’t.
Paddling on the still waters of the north by midnight is probably the closest you’ll ever get to bathing in gold.
Not sure where to go or what to do when you get there? We have collected some trips and tips to help you plan your holiday in Northern Norway.