5 must-see places above the Arctic Circle

In recent years, The Lofoten islands have been attracting plenty of attention on social media. Pictures of steep mountains, deep fjords and the midnight sun have made many want to drop everything and book a ticket to the archipelago located far north of the Arctic Circle.

In addition to world-famous Lofoten, Northern Norway is home to several other photogenic destinations – with fewer visitors and more space.

Norwegian nature photographer Steffen Fossbakk has travelled all over Northern Norway, capturing many of these scenic destinations on film. Today, Fossbakk has more than seven hundred thousand followers on Instagram. Every week, he shares new photos of the region’s wild and pristine nature.

But where is the best place to go in Northern Norway? Luckily, Fossbakk is happy to share some of his favourite destinations, where you can engage your inner explorer and enjoy photogenic nature and a feeling of exclusivity.

Although Northern Norway is the biggest region in mainland Norway, Fossbakk does not need to travel far from his home in Finnsnes to find stunning locations for his photography. Some of his favourite spots are located just a stone's throw away, at Senja island - midway between Lofoten and Tromsø.

“Nicknamed 'the fairy tale island', this corner of paradise has become a new favourite among visitors from all around the globe. Dramatic mountains, beautiful fjords, wildlife and a fascinating history make Senja one of Norway’s hottest spots to visit,” says Fossbakk.

Even though Senja is an up-and-coming destination among travellers, you are guaranteed more space for yourself here than many other popular destinations in Norway. Senja is in fact Norway's second largest island (after Hinnøya) and covers more than 1,500 square kilometres.

The photo below was not taken in Hawaii. This tropical beach is located far above the Arctic Circle, on the island of Andøya in Vesterålen.

“The island is an incredible destination for those who like easy hikes with amazing views,” says Fossbakk.

During summer, you can choose from a wealth of trails for hiking and biking or spend the day sunbathing on one of the white beaches along the coast.

Its intense colour makes Blåisvatnet on of Norway’s most picturesque lakes, but some say it doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves.

“The lake is one of the hidden gems of Northern Norway. A combination of clay and fresh glacier water creates a blue colour you’ve never seen before,” says Fossbakk.

Blåisvatnet is located in the Lyngenfjord region, close to the Finnish border. The region’s epicentre is the 90-kilometre-long Arctic mountain range, Lyngsalpene. The region boasts striking contrasts and attractions at both high and low altitudes.

The area is often referred to as 'Lofoten’s little brother', but that doesn’t mean Vesterålen is a pushover. Let us introduce you to the kingdom of whales.

The archipelago of Vesterålen is the only place where you are almost certain to see whales on even short trips. During summer, you can also catch a glimpse of the mighty sperm whales in the middle of the night thanks to the midnight sun.

Vesterålen offers everything from white beaches and idyllic farmlands to craggy mountain peaks rising up from the sea. In other words, the landscape gives you an ideal opportunity for an active holiday.

Attentive readers may have noticed that Fossbakk already recommended Andøya island, which is actually located in Vesterålen. However, Vesterålen is made up of several islands, all of which are well worth visiting.

If you are looking for summer vibes, you should plan a trip to the small island of Sommarøy (literally 'summer island') with numerous beaches, crystal clear water and untouched nature.

Enjoy paddling around in a kayak exploring the fjord and picturesque surroundings, or take an easy hike to the viewpoint overlooking the island.

The island is just a one-hour drive from Tromsø, and you can either stay in a Rorbu – a traditional fishermen's cabin – or book a room at the comfy Sommarøy Arctic Hotel.