You see, this part of Norway is where the majority of the country's indigenous people live – the Sami – and their ancient song tradition is simply captivating.
Sami in Northern Norway
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Photo:
Marie Louise Somby
Sami in Northern Norway
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Photo:
Marie Louise Somby
The seafood here is world-class, and you might get the catch of your life at any time of the year.
However, if you visit between January and April, you can try to reel in a big skrei – the migrating Atlantic cod arriving from the Barents Sea.
Or perhaps a king crab safari is more your style?
Sea fishing outside of Bodø
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Photo:
Ernst Furuhatt / www.nordnorge.com
Sea fishing outside of Bodø
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Photo:
Ernst Furuhatt / www.nordnorge.com
Seafood is not the only culinary treasure from the region. The Arctic kitchen is a feast of flavours, and exclusive reindeer meat is a must try if you get the chance.
Reindeer meal at Mathallen
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Photo:
Fredrik Ahlsen / Visitnorway.com
Reindeer meal at Mathallen
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Photo:
Fredrik Ahlsen / Visitnorway.com
An important thing to remember before you start planning your trip is that Northern Norway is a vast area.
It stretches from the Helgeland region in the south to mainland Europe's northernmost point near the North Cape (pictured) and east towards the Russian border.
The North Cape plateau
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Photo:
Beate Juliussen / www.nordnorge.com
The North Cape plateau
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Photo:
Beate Juliussen / www.nordnorge.com
Glittering fjords, staggering peaks and unspoilt nature await.
Have fun at one of the white beaches, check out some of Norway's top kayaking spots, go hiking and even surfing (!) …
Paradisbukta in Bodø
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Photo:
Terje Rakke / Nordic life / www.nordnorge.com
Paradisbukta in Bodø
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Photo:
Terje Rakke / Nordic life / www.nordnorge.com
… or embrace the snow and go ski touring or dog sledding in winter.
Ski touring in the Lyngen Alps
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Photo:
Visit Lyngenfjord
Ski touring in the Lyngen Alps
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Photo:
Visit Lyngenfjord
You can also go on a guided whale safari …
Whale safari in Vesterålen
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Photo:
Marten Bril / www.visitvesteralen.com
Whale safari in Vesterålen
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Photo:
Marten Bril / www.visitvesteralen.com
... and join a rib tour or a boat trip to one of the world's strongest maelstroms, Saltstraumen outside the lively and cultural city Bodø.
Saltstraumen in Bodø
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Photo:
Tommy Andreassen / www.nordnorge.com
Saltstraumen in Bodø
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Photo:
Tommy Andreassen / www.nordnorge.com
Other bucket list activities in the region include island hopping along the Helgeland coast and travelling along one of the world's most beautiful roads, Kystriksveien.
Scenic spots like Træna (pictured) and the UNESCO-listed Vega islands are waiting for you!
Træna island
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Photo:
Hans Petter Sørensen
Træna island
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Photo:
Hans Petter Sørensen
You should visit small, cosy fishing villages as well, like Henningsvær (pictured) in Lofoten, Vesterålen and Senja.
Henningsvær in Lofoten
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Photo:
Kristin Folsland Olsen / Visitnorway.com
The biggest city in this region is Tromsø – the world's northernmost university town.
Here, you can show off your best moves on a night out, check out cool art exhibitions and enjoy the urban vibes.
Tromsø
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Photo:
Vegard Stien / Visit Tromsø
Tromsø
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Photo:
Vegard Stien / Visit Tromsø
The Tromsø Cable Car takes you to the top of Mount Storsteinen …
Cable car up mount Storsteinen in Tromsø
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Photo:
True Stories / Bleed / Visitnorway
Cable car up mount Storsteinen in Tromsø
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Photo:
True Stories / Bleed / Visitnorway
… while the cable car in Narvik ensures a quick and easy trip to the top of Mount Narvikfjellet.
From Narvik, you can also embark on a short, but incredible train journey along the Ofoten Railway.
Hiking under the midnight sun in Narvik
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Photo:
Rune Dahl
Hiking under the midnight sun in Narvik
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Photo:
Rune Dahl
Halfway between Norway and the North Pole, is where you'll find the Svalbard Islands. Here, you can participate in exotic nature-based activities all year round in a landscape that is both rugged and fragile.
Svalbard
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Photo:
Roy Mangersnes / wildphoto.no / www.nordnorge.com
Svalbard
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Photo:
Roy Mangersnes / wildphoto.no / www.nordnorge.com
There's a lot of unique adventures waiting for you in Northern Norway, but remember to find a cosy place to recharge as well.
Appreciate the slow life and enjoy the silence in a lighthouse or an old fishermen's cabin.
Situated above the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten archipelago offers dramatic, imposing beauty everywhere you look. This tour combines breathtaking scenery and idyllic fishing villages. Relax and enjoy the vibrant costal culture, or add activities of your choice. Travel comfortably by local bus and ferry.
Credits
2-Day Photo Tour of the Lofoten by Book Nordics
Photo: Lofoten Lights AS
2-Day Photo Tour of Lofoten
Explore Lofoten with a pro photographer
Visit Gimsøya, Torvdalshalsen, Haukland, Eggum, Unstad, Henningsvær, the Lofoten Cathedral, Napp, Nusfjord, Flakstad Beach, Hamnøy, Reine, Sakrisøya, and more. Accommodation not included.
Credits
Oslo Essentials Long Weekend by 50 Degrees North
Photo: 50 Degrees North
Best of Norway small group tour
All the highlights of Norway this summer
Join our exclusive 14-day summer tour from Oslo via Bergen to the very top of Norway. Take the Norway in a nutshell® train journey from Flåm and catch a boat along the Norwegian fjords to Bergen. Feast on fresh seafood in Bergen before taking the Hurtigruten along the coast to your final stop, Kirkenes.
Credits
Grand tour of Norway by Authentic Scandinavia
Photo: Harald Sandal Bohn
Grand tour of Norway
Oslo, Flåm, Bergen & Hurtigruten cruise
An amazing 12-day rail tour from Oslo via the Norwegian fjords to Bergen. From Bergen you will continue on a 7-day cruise through incredible scenery along the Norwegian coast to Kirkenes.
Credits
Active days in spectacular Lofoten by Expa Travel
Photo: Expa Travel
Active days in spectacular Lofoten
Experience fishing, mountains, and cycling trips!
Lofoten offers stunning nature, mountain hikes, world-class fishing, and cycling trips in spectacular scenery. Sample delicious food served by lovely hosts.
Join us for an exclusive culinary week staying in three unique seaside and farm properties in the magical Lofoten Archipelago. Driving around Lofoten lets you stop by small country roads, explore quaint seaside villages, and travel at your own pace. Book early as tables in these small, remote lodges are very popular!