Dynamic Variation:
Offers
x

There was not an exact match for the language you toggled to. You have been redirected to the nearest matching page within this section.

Choose Language
Toggling to another language will take you to the matching page or nearest matching page within that selection.
Search & Book Sponsored Links
Search
or search all of Norway
A man standing on the tip of a mountain in the midnight sun at Senja
A man standing on the tip of a mountain in the midnight sun at Senja
Midnight sun at Senja.
Photo: Steffen Fossbakk
Midnight sun at Senja.
Photo: Steffen Fossbakk
Highlights of the north

5 must-see places above the Arctic Circle

Take a hike around the clock at Senja, dive into Blåisvatnet lake, or simply kick back and enjoy the majestic scenery at Andøya. Here are some of Northern Norway’s hot spots.

In recent years, The Lofoten Islands have attracted great attention on social media. Pictures of steep mountains, deep fjords and the midnight sun have made people want to drop everything and book a ticket to the archipelago located far above the Arctic Circle.

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

Dynamic Variation:
Dynamic Variation:

1. Senja island

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

Dynamic Variation:

2. Andøya island

This might surprise you – the picture below is actually not captured at Hawaii. This tropical beach is located far above the Arctic Circle, at the island of Andøya in Vesterålen.

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

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

 

Sunny days in Andenes🌿

Et innlegg delt av Steffen Fossbakk (@seffis)

3. Blåisvatnet lake in the Lyngenfjord region

Dynamic Variation:

4. Vesterålen

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 get a glimpse of the mighty sperm whales in the middle of the night because of the midnight sun.

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

Some attentive readers may have noticed that Fossbakk previously in this article recommended Andøya island, which is actually located in Vesterålen. However, Vesterålen is made up by several islands which are all worth visiting.

 

Endless roads of Vesterålen🌿

Et innlegg delt av Steffen Fossbakk (@seffis)

5. Sommarøy island

If you are looking for summer vibes, you should plan a trip to the small island of Sommarøy (which literally means “summer island”). Here, you are surrounded by beaches, crystal clear water and untouched nature.

Enjoy your day in a kayak exploring the fjord and picturesque surroundings, or take an easy hike to the viewpoint overlooking Sommarøy.

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

Sommarøy
Sommarøy.
Photo: C.H. / Visitnorway.com

Find your Arctic summer destination 

Hot spots in Northern Norway
Andøy is the northernmost municipality in Nordland county, Norway. It is part of the Vesterålen archipelago. The main island in the municipality is… Read more
Andøya
Perhaps Norway’s most picturesque lake. The bright blue colour is a wonderful sight, both in reality and on Instagram. Do you dare to jump into the… Read more about the Lyngenfjord region
Lake Blåisvatnet
Go hiking and kayaking under the midnight sun, or skiing and dog sledding under the northern lights. Or simply kick back and enjoy some of the most… Read more
Senja and Central Troms
If you are looking for simple ways to bring the summer vibes, you should plan a trip to the small island of Sommarøy (which literally means “summer… Read more
Sommarøy
Get ready for an Arctic adventure with whale watching, cool museums, hiking and snowshoeing. In Vesterålen, you can combine wow experiences with… Read more
Vesterålen
Select
    Show Details
    Statens Kartverk, Geovekst og kommuner - Geodata AS

    See it for yourself

    Flying high over Senja

    Kayaking in Vesterålen

    Find your own space

    Find alternative paths away from the crowds.

    Take advantage of top offers

    See our selection of companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

    Discover more

    Your Recently Viewed Pages

    Back to top