Northern Norway

Travel Guide

A red wooden house by a calm stream with mountains in the background.
A snow-covered landscape with a deer statue in the foreground and leafless trees in the background.
A coastal village with red houses, a fjord, and steep mountains.
A coastal village with wooden houses, a dock with boats, and a mountain in the background.
An ice hotel with snow-covered walls and arched doorways.

Learn about the residents’ indigenous roots, explore snowy terrain and gaze up at the aurora borealis in the Kingdom of Light.

Northern Norway is a vast expanse with historical sites decorating the wilderness. Snowy peaks and islands make up the exceptional scenery of this cultural home of the Sami people. Drive through sparsely populated valleys and hills at the northern end of the world.

Learn about the Sami community, the northernmost indigenous people in Europe, with a visit to Sápmi ParkOpens in a new window in Karasjok. Taste reindeer meat, learn glass-blowing and watch a revealing film in the Magical Theater. The town has various intriguing sights, including the Sami Parliament of Norway and the Kárášjohka River.

Among the largest towns is TromsøOpens in a new window, which is known as the Gateway to the Arctic and has many cultural sights. Visit the Northern Norway Art Museum, the Mack Brewery and the Tromsø University MuseumOpens in a new window for an insight into the region’s history. The Polar MuseumOpens in a new window contains interesting exhibits about seal hunting and Arctic expeditions.

Summers are bright and relatively warm, with midnight sun in June and July. Lay down a blanket for a picnic next to Lillevardhaug Lake or As Lake. Explore the dense forests in the North Cape of Norway. Visit Kautokeino for the Kautokeino Church, the Kautokeino Museum and the charming Juhls’ Silver GalleryOpens in a new window.

The dark, freezing winter is the best time to see the northern lights, since parts of the region are totally deprived of sunlight in December and January. Gaze up at the green and pink rays of the aurora borealis from most parts of Northern Norway. Among the best place to see them is the Northern Lights Cathedral in AltaOpens in a new window.

The region comprises Norway’s northernmost counties of NordlandOpens in a new window, Troms and Finnmark. Take cruises to get to the various islands and drive around this picturesque terrain in the northern extremes of Europe. You can also fly from Oslo Airport to Tromsø and other towns. Cross the borders to see the northern parts of Sweden and Finland.

Visit Northern Norway for its serenity, picturesque terrain and intriguing indigenous culture.

Lofoten Basecamp

Lofoten Basecamp

3 out of 5
Skreda 37 Vestvågøy Nordland
Stay at this cabin in Vestvågøy. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a sauna. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions Offersøykammen ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (354 reviews)
"What an incredible place to stay! The cabins are modern and clean. We received a warm welcome from Olaf. There’s a beautiful sauna and a BBQ gazebo where you can make dinner on fire. The location is also great - very close to some incredible beaches and hikes. Highly recommend staying here!"

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2026

Lofoten Basecamp
Tromsø Lodge & Camping

Tromsø Lodge & Camping

2 out of 5
Arthur Arntzens veg 10 Tromsø
Stay at this campsite in Tromsø. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (449 reviews)
"Great location, quiet and forested. Walking distance to the Arctic cathedral, the cable car and across the foot bridge to central Tromso! Good breakfasts and a wonderful place overall. Very kind and friendly staff. No complaints at all!"

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2026

Tromsø Lodge & Camping
First Hotel Backpack

First Hotel Backpack

2.5 out of 5
Parkgata 4 Tromsø
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Tromsø. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Tromso Fjords and Art ...
7.6/10 Good! (438 reviews)
"Parfaite auberge pour rester à Tromso à petit prix! Je recommande."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2026

First Hotel Backpack
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Northern Norway attractions

Things to do