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.
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!
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.
Take your seat on an epic rail journey through tranquil landscapes peppered with majestic mountains, fjords and waterfalls – on foot, by boat or even in a kayak. | Up Norway.
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Arctic Coast Cycling by Discover Norway
Photo: Steffen Fossbakk / Visit Norway
Arctic Coast Cycling
Bicycle tour in the Land of the Midnight Sun
Discover the dramatic Arctic coast, sandy beaches, and traditional fishing villages. A self-guided bicycle tour from Tromsø to Svolvær in Northern Norway - a paradise for those who want a real bicycle adventure. | Discover Norway
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Tromsø Whale Watching Tour by Go Fjords
Photo: Ismaele Tortella / Visit Norway
Tromsø Whale Watching Tour
Visit the habitat of whales and orcas
This tour is a whale watcher's dream. See humpback whales and Orcas as they feed in the stunning, herring-rich fjords outside Tromsø. | Go Fjords
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Finding Kos - Slow Travel by Up Norway
Photo: Fjord Norway / Storfjord Hotel
Finding Kos - slow travel
A four week journey in the land of 'Kos'
Slow travel means personal awareness: tuning into your own feelings, redefining and setting new goals, feeling peace, clearing brain fog, invigorating the mind and establishing what matters. | Up Norway.
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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. | Authentic Scandinavia
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Man standing on cruiseship - northern lights
Photo: Visit Norway
Short Winter Cruise
Experience Tromsø and a Hurtigruten Cruise
4-day tour including a cruise with Hurtigruten. Choose from a wide selection of winter activities, including dog sledding and northern lights excursions. | Authentic Scandinavia
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Northern Lights Safari by Fjord Travel
Photo: Sven-Erik Knoff
Northern Lights Safari
Dog sledding and Aurora safari
Join us on a 6-day northern lights round trip to Tromsø
from Oslo. Fly to Tromsø where you will experience all the highlights of the region, including several opportunities to chase the northern lights. | Fjord Travel
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Tromsø
Photo: Truls Tiller
Tromsø Winter Break
Tromsø, Northern Lights and Dog Sledding
4-day winter break to Tromsø in Northern Norway, including dog sledding and a northern lights chase by minibus. Additional winter activities can be added. | Authentic Scandinavia
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The Northernmost Roadtrip by Up Norway
Photo: Ørjan Marakatt Bertelsen
The Northernmost Roadtrip
Another one for the bucket list!
A once-in-a-lifetime road trip above the Arctic Circle which includes spectacular stops on your way through beautiful nature. Up here everything is an adventure. | Up Norway.
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The Arctic Circle Region by Up Norway
Photo: Brim Explorer
The Arctic Circle Region
Myths and Marvels in Helgeland
On this journey, you will immerse yourself in the mythical fairy tales of Norway, and become a part of the story of the eternally immortalised trolls in the peculiar mountains around you. | Up Norway.
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White beaches, Sea & Manshausen Island by 50 Degrees North
Photo: Manshausen.no
White beaches, Sea & Manshausen Island
Stay in designer style on Norway's coast
With its unique location between small islands, sandy beaches and high mountains, Manshausen is one of Norway’s best adventure playgrounds. This 4-day tour includes sea kayaking, guided hikes and caving. The Nordskot Traverse can be included! | 50 Degrees North
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Silent Whale Watching by Brim Explorer
Photo: Daniel Benton
Silent Whale Watching
Whale watching with minimal disturbance
Experience Humpback Whales and Orcas as they come to feed in the Norwegian Arctic. Join us from Tromsø aboard panoramic boats with hybrid-electric engines to minimise disturbance to nature and whales. | Brim Explorer
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Winter ready campervans by Cabin Campers
Photo: Cabin Campers
Winter ready campervan
See the mountains with a warm campervan
Heaters and insulation keep the campervan warm all night long. Perfect for your round trip of the mountains. The perfect plance to dry your clothes and stor your skis. | Cabin Campers
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Northern Lights Stay at Lyngen Lodge by 50 Degrees North
Photo: Graham Austick / Lyngen Lodge
Northern Lights Stay at Lyngen Lodge
Mountain Lodge and winter adventures under the Northern Lights
5-day stay in boutique lodge with transfers, dog sledding, all meals, snowmobiling, and sea safari. | 50 Degrees North
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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. | Book Nordics
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Norwegian Fjords & Northern Lights by Authentic Scandinavia
Photo: Grim Berge
Norwegian Fjords & Northern Lights
Oslo, Bergen, Flåm and Tromsø
6-day winter adventure. See the fjords and the Arctic city Tromsø. Amazing winter activities like dog sledding, northern lights safari, and much more can be added. | Authentic Scandinavia
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Northern Lights Dinner Cruise outside Tromsø by Go Fjords
Photo: Fredrik Ahlsen / Visit Norway
Northern Lights Dinner Cruise outside Tromsø
Dinner, boat tour, northern lights hunt
On board an hybrid-electric boat outfitted with panoramic windows, you will glide silently into the darkness of the Tromsø fjords while savouring a delicious dinner and keeping an eye out for the magical northern lights. | Go Fjords
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Arctic Circle Traverse by 50 Degrees North
Photo: Shutterstock
Arctic Circle Traverse
Tour Northern Norway in our premium mini-coach
9 days of independent touring from Trondheim to Bodø and Narvik before taking an overnight train to Stockholm. Stay in a remote lighthouse, touring in our premium 50 Degrees North mini-coach. | 50 Degrees North
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Lofoten Islands in a nutshell by Fjord Tours
Photo: Tomasz Furmanek
Lofoten Islands in a nutshell™
The world's most beautiful islands
Cross the Arctic Circle and experience Norway’s best-kept secret - without the hassle of driving on Lofoten's narrow roads yourself. Experience the midnight sun, charming villages, and incredible nature.
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Kirkenes Snowhotel from the outside at nighttime
Photo: Visit Norway
Arctic Winter Adventure
Snowhotel Kirkenes, Hurtigruten & Tromsø.
6-day winter adventure tour including an overnight stay at Kirkenes Snow Hotel, a cruise with Hurtigruten to Tromsø, and a wide selection of optional winter activities. | Authentic Scandinavia
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Silent Trollfjord Cruise by Brim Explorer
Photo: Albert Bjørnerem
Silent Trollfjord Cruise
Enjoy Lofoten's most stunning fjord!
A classic Lofoten adventure with a modern twist, experience Lofoten’s majestic Trollfjord and its white-tailed eagles in silence and comfort on board a panoramic & hybrid-electric boat | Brim Explorer
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Lofoten & Northern Lights by 50 Degrees North
Photo: Piotr Krzeslak / Shutterstock
Lofoten & Northern Lights by 50 Degrees North
Authentic experience in the Lofoten Archipelago
4-day tour with Aurora Chase Guided tour, RIB boat tour, and accommodation in a traditional fisherman's cabin. | 50 Degrees North
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Tromsø Wildlife & Northern Lights by Authentic Scandinavia
Photo: Brim Explorer
Tromsø Wildlife & Northern Lights
Tromsø City Break with a Wildlife Cruise
4-day break to Tromsø including a wildlife cruise and hunt for the northern lights. With one day free, you will have the opportunity to add additional winter activities like dog sledding, a reindeer safari, and more. | Authentic Scandinavia
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Arctic Fjord Cruise by Brim Explorer
Photo: Kristoffer Lorentzen
Arctic Fjord Cruise
A half-day tour of the fjords of Tromsø
Cruise the fjords of Tromsø and discover its beautiful nature and importance to life and culture in Arctic Norway. | Brim Explorer
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A snowhotel room in Alta
Photo: Visit Norway
Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel
Experience Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Alta
3-day winter break to Alta in Northern Norway, including an overnight stay at the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel and a reindeer sledding experience. Additional winter activities can be added. | Authentic Scandinavia
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Bike the Lofoten Isles by Discover Norway
Photo: Discover Norway
Bike the Lofoten Isles
Stunning nature and picturesque villages
8-day self-guided tour from Svolvær to Reine. Includes accommodation, meals, luggage transfer, a boat transfer, and more. A cycling vacation in Lofoten is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! | Discover Norway
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Vesterålen – a hidden gem by Discover Norway
Photo: Christian Roth Christensen / VisitNorway.com
Vesterålen – a hidden gem
Bicycle tour of the archipelago north of Lofoten
Relax and enjoy quiet nature as you bike through varied, beautiful and exciting landscapes. A self-guided tour along stunning fjords and sea, impressive mountain peaks, colourful wetland, and lush cultural landscapes. | Discover Norway
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Senja, Wildlife & Auroras by 50 Degrees North
Photo: Steffen Fossbakk / Visit Norway
Senja, Wildlife & Auroras
Wildlife safari, northern lights, and Tromsø
Experience steep, majestic mountains, and islands with pearly white beaches and clear turquoise water. This 6-day winter tour includes Tromsø, Finnsnes, and Hamn in Senja. See the northern lights from a hot tub, if you're lucky! | 50 Degrees North
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Fjords and Northern lights by Widerøe
Photo: Widerøe
Fjords and Northern lights
Visiting the Fjords? Add a trip to the North!
Combine two of Norway's most spectacular regions. When you visit Fjord Norway, you can add a flight to Bodø or Tromsø and experience the magic north as well as the stunning Fjords. | Widerøe
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Norwegian Coastal Highlights by 50 Degrees North
Photo: Jonatan Pie / 50 Degrees North
Norwegian Coastal Highlights
Fully Escorted Tour with Coastal Voyage from Tromsø to Bergen
Southbound voyage on the Norwegian Coastal Voyage (Kystruten) from Tromsø with Scandinavian Escort then Bergen to Oslo on our Scenic Train Journey. | 50 Degrees North
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Discover Lofoten and Tromsø by 50 Degrees North
Photo: Aurora Stenersen / Visit Norway
Discover Lofoten and Tromsø
Cruise from Bergen to Lofoten and Tromsø
Cruise the coast from Bergen to Lofoten and experience nature on land, too. This 11-day tour includes a drive in Lofoten and a chance to explore Tromsø. 3 nights in a Rorbu, 3 nights on a coastal voyage, transfers, RIB boating, and much more. | 50 Degrees North
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Ice Hotel, Northern Lights and Tromsø by Fjord Travel
Photo: Terje Rakke / VisitNorway.com
Ice Hotel, Northern Lights and Tromsø
Dog sledding, King crabs, Reindeer sleigh
Experience Norway’s best northern lights destinations, Kirkenes & Tromsø, on this amazing 7-day round trip from Oslo. | Fjord Travel
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A large bed in a snowhotel
Photo: Visit Norway
Kirkenes Snow Hotel
Experience a snow hotel & winter fun
3-day Norway winter break including an overnight stay at the Kirkenes Snow Hotel. Go on a dog sledding excursion, sample giant king crab, and more. | Authentic Scandinavia
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Tromsø Fjord and Wildlife Cruise by Go Fjords
Photo: Ismaele Tortella / Visit Norway
Tromsø Fjord and Wildlife Cruise
Experience Arctic wildlife up close
Quiet cruise from Tromsø in the Arctic fjords in which you can experience wildlife and epic coastal scenery. | Go Fjords
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Harstad Igloo Island Dome Stay - Campanyon - Offer
Photo: Campanyon
Dome at Harstad Igloo Island
Glass igloo under the midnight sun
Experience the ultimate Arctic adventure by staying in a luxurious igloo with 360-degree views on your own private island. Swim, freedive, and stargaze while surrounded by stunning nature. Bespoke services available upon request.
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Lofoten Culinary Food Week by 50 Degrees North
Photo: Frithjof Fure
Lofoten Culinary Food Week
Cooking classes and Lofoten adventure
An exclusive culinary week in unique seaside and farm accommodation in the magical Lofoten archipelago. Local chefs guide you through a Nordic food extravaganza. Catch fresh seafood and pick salad for dinner in small organic gardens. | 50 Degrees North
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Hurtigruten and the northern lights
Photo: Visit Norway
Northern Lights Cruise
Visit Tromsø, the North Cape and Kirkenes
6-day tour, including a return cruise from Tromsø to Kirkenes with Hurtigruten. Visit the North Cape and try winter activities including dog sledding and snowmobiling. | Authentic Scandinavia