A woman smiling as she is doing yoga on the beach in the midnight sun, Northern Norway.

Summer in
Northern Norway

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Welcome to Northern Norway – where nature
will surprise you, and the culture will amaze you.

The bright time of year in the Arctic is not only an experience –
it's a state of mind.

Girl hiking at Mount Røyken - view of Bleik beach
Two people kayaking in the evening sun in the archipelago in the Herøy Islands, Helgeland, Norway.
A man and a woman just caught a fish at sea
Woman outside the Nusfjord Landhandel shop
Go island hopping on the Helgeland coast. Aerial photograph of Træna in Helgeland, Northern Norway
Aerial photo of Bodø in Northern Norway on a sunny day
Cable car and view over Tromsø and the fjord
View from the Ofoten railway
Salmon on a plate in front of the sea in Lofoten
A Sami couple with a dog
In the dog yard at Trasti and Trine in Alta
The North Cape in Northern Norway
People birdwatching at Hornøya outside of Vardø in Varanger, Northern Norway
Colourful houses in Longyearbyen
Hurtigruten sailing by Stormolla in Nordland
Cabins by the sea and a mountain backdrop.
Lighthouse Værøy in Lofoten, Northern Norway.
Green and purple northern lights over Helgeland

1. The midnight sun

Watch the midnight sun paint the landscape in a golden hue on everlasting summer nights.

Lose track of time above the Arctic Circle where the sun never sets. You can try your first midnight hike through the mysterious Torghatten mountain in Helgeland (pictured), for example.

2. Hiking & biking

Hike majestic mountains and winding coastal paths.

There are also plenty of cycling opportunities...from mountain biking in the Lyngen Alps to tour cycling along some of the region's spectacular scenic roads.

3. Fun activities

Glittering fjords and unspoilt nature await you.

Sunbathe or swim at one of the white beaches with turquoise water. Check out some of Norway's top kayaking spots. You can even go surfing!

4. Fishing

The seafood here is world-class, and you might just get the catch of your life.

Enjoy the fresh salty air on a fishing trip aboard a traditional Norwegian fishing boat, or perhaps a king crab safari is more your style?

5. Cosy fishing villages

You should visit some of the region's small, unique fishing villages like Nusfjord (pictured) in Lofoten, or the ones in Senja or Salten. Learn more about their history and visit their cosy cafés and galleries.

Vesterålen is the perfect place to visit if you would like to go whale watching, or join a puffin or moose safari.

6. Island hopping

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!

7. Bodø

The European Capital of Culture for 2024 is the Northern Norwegian city of Bodø. Enjoy art galleries, niche shops, local food, stunning nature and exciting hiking opportunities.

Visit the idyllic, old trading post atKjerringøy, and witness the power of the world's strongest maelstrom, Saltstraumen.

8. Tromsø

The biggest city in this region is Tromsø – the world's northernmost university town.

In this vibrant city you can show off your best moves on a night out, visit cool art exhibits and admire innovative architecture.

The Tromsø Cable Car leads to a panoramic view at the top of Mount Storsteinen.

9. Narvik and the Arctic railway

The cable car in Narvik offers a quick and easy trip to the top of Mount Narvikfjellet, resulting in spectacular views.

From Narvik you can embark on a short, but incredible train journey along the Ofoten Line. It's Norway's northernmost railway and stretches from Narvik to the Swedish border.

10. Sample Arctic cuisine

Fresh seafood is in abundance in Northern Norway, where you can try everything from Arctic cod (Skrei) to salmon and dried stockfish.

Seafood is not the only culinary treasure of the region. The Arctic kitchen is a feast of flavours, and exclusive reindeer and tender lamb are must tries if you get the chance.

11. Sami culture

Listen to the ethereal sound of the joik.

This part of Norway is where the majority of the country's indigenous people, the Sami live, and their ancient song tradition is simply captivating.

Experience their culture and lifestyle in places like Karasjok and Kautokeino.

12. Alta

Alta is off the beaten path so it's a great place to get close to nature. Combine excellent food and Arctic wilderness by spending a night at Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge, or Trasti & Trine where you can also hike with huskies.

Visit the town's architectural wonder, the Northern Lights Cathedral, or check out Northern Europe's biggest canyon, Alta Canyon.

13. The North Cape

Travel to mainland Europe's northernmost point, the North Cape.

Visit the plateau atop a 307-metre high cliff and take in the panoramic view of the sea. There's a good chance you'll see reindeer and puffins in the area.

14. Varanger and Kirkenes

If you're fascinated by wild and raw nature, then you should definitely visit Varanger. It's a mecca for Arctic birdwatching!

Driving along the rocky, barren landscape of the Varanger Scenic Route feels like you're on the moon.

Continue on to Kirkenes and stay at an ice hotel, even in the summer!

15. Svalbard

The Svalbard Islands lie halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole. The area offers exotic nature-based activities in a landscape that is both rugged and fragile.

Despite it being pretty remote, Longyearbyen is a lively multicultural town with several restaurants to choose from.

16. Unique places to stay

Wherever you go, there are plenty of unique places to stay.

Experience the slow life at a lighthouse like Tranøy in Hamarøy, or at an old fishermen's cabin, known as a rorbu. You could also stay at a cosy cabin in the mountains or by the coast.

17. Travel from port to port

The perfect way to cruise the Northern Norwegian coast is onboard the Coastal Express, operated by Hurtigruten and Havila. You can explore the entire northern coastline or plan your own port to port route.

These ships have upper decks from which you can enjoy the rugged nature from a different perspective. Have your camera ready, and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings.

Hot tip!

Travel outside the high season, in April/May or September/October.

The light can be particularly special at this time of year, and you might get a bit of nature all to yourself. The Nordland region is usually quite busy in July and August, while Troms and Finnmark get fewer crowds.

The northern lights can reappear in early September.

Ready to explore Europe's
northernmost region?

Find a detailed map, hotels, restaurants, transport and more.

Plan your trip to Northern Norway

Winter in Northern Norway

Winter wonderland is ready for you.

Amazing reasons to visit

Summer weather in Northern Norway

Summer temperatures in Northern Norway vary a lot and the weather can be a bit of a gamble.

Sometimes it's sunny and 25 degrees Celsius or more, while other days it can be 5 degrees Celsius and raining.

In Northern Norway, you can experience the midnight sun from the middle of May to the end of July.

You can find weather forecasts for the whole country on Yr.no or by downloading the Yr app for IOS or Android.

Practical tips

Northern Norway stretches from Nordland to Troms and Finnmark, and all the way to Svalbard – the Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. This enormous part of Norway comprises more than a third of the country's mainland, and the weather varies within the region.

Make sure you're well prepared for all sorts of weather when you're packing for your trip to Northern Norway, as it's always better to be safe than sorry. It may seem strange to pack both a bikini and wool clothing, but you can end up experiencing all four seasons in one day.

Thin wool-based layers are great to have all year round in the North. Waterproof clothing is also smart, as it can rain a lot during the summer.

Travel through Northern Norway

  • "Spisshusene" in Longyearbyen, Svalbard
    The Svalbard Islands
    Four persons having a drink at the bar of the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Alta, Northern Norway
    Alta
    Midnight sun in Bodø, Northern Norway
    Bodø
    Northern lights over Elgenes in Harstad, Northern Norway
    Harstad
    A bridge connecting Herøy to another island in Helegeland, Northern Norway. In the background, the mountain range The seven sisters.
    Helgeland
    A couple in a sleigh pulled by a reindeer, held by a Sami man
    Heart of the Sami – Kautokeino and Karasjok
    The fishing village Hamnøy in Lofoten in winter, Northern Norway
    The Lofoten Islands
    Three people summer biking at the Narvikfjellet with midnight sun
    Narvik
    The midnight sun shining over the North Cape
    The North Cape
    Three kids on a beach at Senja, Northern Norway
    Senja and Central Troms
    Two women are hiking up the Sherpa staircase to Mount Storsteinen in Tromsø, Northern Norway
    Tromsø
    Whale safari in Vesterålen, Northern Norway
    Vesterålen
    Tyven i Hammerfest
    Hammerfest
    Vegaøyene in Nordland
    The Vega Islands
    Two people hiking in Nordkyn
    Nordkyn
    People in hammocks in front of the Svartisen glacier in Helgeland, Northern Norway
    Salten
    Woman biking in Lurøy, Aldersund
    Kystriksveien – the coastal route
    Two people walking hand in hand in the scenic mountain landscape of Lyngenfjord, Northern Norway
    The Lyngenfjord region
    Restaurant at Snowhotel Kirkenes in Northern Norway
    Kirkenes
    Seabirds at the Hornøya island in Varanger
    Varanger

Scenic routes

Travel along Northern Norway's amazing scenic routes.

  • People standing at the Stegastein viewpoint along the Norwegian Scenic Route Aurlandsfjellet

    Norwegian Scenic Routes

    Along selected roads in Norway, natural wonders are amplified by art, design, and architecture meant to bring you closer to nature in new and surprising ways. Meet the award-winning Scenic Routes.
    A woman biking along Norwegian Scenic Route Andøya in Vesterålen

    Scenic Route Andøya

    Experience giant whales, wild nature, surprising architecture and plenty of other wow moments on Andøya's scenic route in Northern Norway.
    Reindeer crossing the road in Varanger, Northern Norway

    Scenic Route Varanger

    Join us on Norwegian Scenic Route Varanger, the northernmost drive in Norway. Explore birdwatching sites and unique hides, street art, historical sites, and much more!
    Woman biking in Lurøy, Aldersund

    Kystriksveien – the coastal route

    Kystriksveien is one of the most scenic drives in the world. Climb the Torghatten and De syv søstre mountains, visit the Vega Islands and Svartisen, and experience mesmerising Saltstraumen.

Discover more

A bus in the summer landscape in Lofoten, Northern Norway.
4 stunning round trips in Northern Norway
Young Sami woman with a reindeer in Røros
Experience Sami culture
Hiking in the mountains surrounding Tromsø in Northern Norway
Tips from locals: Things to do in Northern Norway
  • A person watching the midnight sun at Senja in Northern Norway
    Midnight sun
    Bodø centre at dusk, Northern Norway
    Bodø – European Capital of Culture
    The northern lights over the fishing village Reine in Lofoten, Northern Norway
    Northern lights
    People enjoying the floating Soria Moria sauna in Telemark
    Coolcation in Norway

Best holiday offers in Northern Norway

Book your next Arctic summer and midnight sun adventure from our partners.

  • Grand tour of Norway by Authentic Scandinavia
    12+ Days ・ All year

    Grand tour of Norway

    Oslo, Flåm, Bergen & Hurtigruten cruiseAn amazing 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 ScandinaviaPrice From 21 210 NOK
    Book now
    Silent Trollfjord Cruise by Brim Explorer
    3 Hours ・ January - October

    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 ExplorerPrice From 1 490 NOK
    Book now
    Arctic Fjord Cruise by Brim Explorer
    4 Hours ・ February - October

    Arctic fjord cruise

    A half-day tour of the fjords of TromsøCruise the fjords of Tromsø and discover its beautiful nature and importance to life and culture in Arctic Norway. / Brim ExplorerPrice From 1 490 NOK
    Book now
    Far Out in Svalbard by Up Norway
    7 Days ・ June - September

    Far out in Svalbard

    A remote Arctic adventureSvalbard – 1300 km (810 miles) from the North Pole – is an escape from the escape. As one of the last great wildernesses, Svalbard takes the Norwegian experience to a whole new level. / Up NorwayPrice From 42 000 NOK
    Book now
    The Arctic Circle Region by Up Norway
    12 Days ・ April - October

    The Arctic circle region

    Myths and Marvels in HelgelandOn 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 NorwayPrice From 53 100 NOK
    Book now
    Arctic Circle Express by Up Norway
    12 Days ・ May - September

    The Arctic circle express

    Slow Travel is Back in FashionTake 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 NorwayPrice From 59 000 NOK
    Book now
    Arctic Coast Cycling by Discover Norway
    8 Days ・ June - August

    Arctic coast cycling

    Bicycle tour in the Land of the Midnight SunDiscover 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 NorwayPrice From 17 000 NOK
    Book now
    Bike the Lofoten Isles by Discover Norway
    8 Days ・ June - September

    Bike the Lofoten Islands

    Stunning nature and picturesque villagesSelf-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 NorwayPrice From 19 550 NOK
    Book now
    A woman biking along Norwegian Scenic Route Andøya in Vesterålen
    8 Days ・ June - August

    Vesterålen – a hidden gem

    Bicycle tour of the archipelago north of LofotenRelax 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 NorwayPrice From 17 350 NOK
    Book now
    Women in front of lighthouse
    10 Days ・ All year

    Norway's super women

    Can full equality ever be achieved?We have curated an itinerary that invites travellers to explore Norway from a gender equality perspective, and discover why Norway ranks so highly in the UN sustainable development chart. / Up NorwayPrice From 53 000 NOK
    Book now
    Norwegian Coast, Lofoten and Tromso
    11 Days ・ April - September

    Norwegian Havila voyage

    Bergen to Tromsø with an overnight stay in LofotenThis Norwegian Coastal Voyage from Bergen stops in at Ålesund, Geirangerfjord, Trondheim, and Saltstraumen, then disembarks for an overnight stay in Lofoten before continuing to Tromsø. / 50 Degrees North NordicPrice From 26 215 NOK
    Book now
    Lofoten Værøy and Røst
    8 Days ・ June - September

    The best of Lofoten

    The land of the midnight sunWe've selected the best hikes and the most iconic viewpoints, as well as some hidden gems on our tour of Norway's most beautiful archipelago. Dramatic mountains, long white beaches, wild seas, and rich wildlife let you experience Norwegian nature at its very best! / Norrøna AdventurePrice From 33 500 NOK
    Book now
    Beautiful Norway with Havila Voyage
    14 Days ・ May - September

    Norway with Havila voyage

    Fjords and Havila Voyage along the coastVisit Oslo and the Norwegian Fjord region including a ride on the historic Flåm Railway. Set sail on a Havila North voyage to the very north of Norway. 12 departures per summer. / 50 Degrees North NordicPrice From 63 870 NOK
    Book now
    View of Reine, Lofoten
    11 Days ・ May - August

    Exclusive tour of Norway

    An amazing round-trip cruiseThis trip lets you see most of Norway. The tour takes you from Oslo in the east to Fjord Norway and the west coast, followed by a 6-night cruise going north to the Arctic town of Kirkenes. / Fjord Travel NorwayPrice From 90 130 NOK
    Book now
    Trollfjorden moutains in Lofoten
    7 Days ・ May - August

    Fjord and coast adventure

    Cruise and rail round tripFly from Oslo to Tromsø, cruise the coast from Tromsø to Bergen with Havila or Hurtigruten, and continue your journey back to Oslo with the famous Flåm Railway. / Fjord Travel NorwayPrice From 36 220 NOK
    Book now
    A motorhome standing in Northern Norway.
    All year

    See Northern Norway

    Explore Northern Norway with CampcationSee the magical midnight sun in summer and the stunning northern lights in winter. Enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, mountain climbing, and more on an unforgettable adventure in Northern Norway! / CampcationPrise From 150 NOK
    Book now
    Norwegian fishing village on stilts over water with mountains in the background
    8 Days ・ May - July

    Midnight sun tour

    Group experience in Lofoten and SenjaIncludes sea eagle RIB safari, dining at award-winning Kvitnes Gård, visit to the Viking Museum, coastal cruise with Hurtigruten or Havila, tour to Hamn i Senja, and more. / 50 Degrees North NordicPrice From 49 652 NOK
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