In Northern Norway, pure magic awaits in the form of spectacular scenery, culture and natural wonders like the midnight sun and the northern lights. Get ready for a trip to the kingdom of light!
As the largest part of the mainland, Northern Norway stretches from the Helgeland coast in the south to Europe’s northernmost point near the North Cape. It also includes the Svalbard Islands, located halfway between Norway and the North Pole. The region boasts wild and untouched nature, Arctic animals, whales, and world-class seafood.
You’ll find several fishing villages here too, with colourful fishermen’s cabins called “rorbuer.” Experience the coastal culture on a fishing trip, by driving along the scenic route Kystriksveien or on a cruise with the coastal express Hurtigruten. Maybe go island hopping? You can even explore the most remote areas of Northern Norway with public transportation!
Another important part of the history and the culture in the region is the Sami – the country’s indigenous people. The attractions on the Norwegian tundra in Finnmark reflect their history, heritage and life today.
Northern Norway is also the place to go to witness the Arctic lights. In winter, people travel far to chase the northern lights, while the midnight sun offers everlasting summer nights.
Get in-depth travel information on Northern Norway’s official website.
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Where to stay
Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.
Food and drink
Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.
Popular hikes
Check out some of the best and most scenic hikes in Northern Norway.
Getting here and around
Get in-depth travel information on Northern Norway’s official website.
Plan your trip to Northern Norway with Entur or with My Nordic Travel.
By plane
There are airports in Bodø, Harstad/Narvik, Tromsø, Alta, Kirkenes and Longyearbyen, plus 20 short runway airports. Travel time from Oslo to Tromsø is around one hour and 45 minutes.
Ad: Norwegian – cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European airports
By boat
The Norwegian Coastal Voyage Hurtigruten calls at 25 ports in Northern Norway, with stops varying from 5 minutes to 4 hours depending on the size of the port. You are free to go ashore if you wish.
Several express and local boats will take you around Northern Norway.
By train
Norway has a railway network stretching from Kristiansand in the south to Bodø above the Arctic Circle. The Nordlandsbanen railway line, which takes you deep inside the polar regions, is ranked among the most beautiful railways in the world.
By car
Driving is a scenic way of getting around in Northern Norway, but be aware that distances between the bigger cities can be larger than you think. It is possible to rent a car at all of the airports in Northern Norway.
By bus
Most overland passenger traffic in Northern Norway is by bus. Buses go to almost all inhabited places in Northern Norway.
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