Northern Norway Travel Guide (Norway/Nordic countries/Europe)

Introduction to Northern Norway
List of Places to Visit in Northern Norway
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Northern Norway: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Northern Norway
Best Things to Do in Northern Norway: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Northern Norway
Food and Drink Scene of Northern Norway
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Northern Norway: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Northern Norway: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Northern Norway
Best Time to Visit Northern Norway
Do’s and Don’ts of Northern Norway
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Northern Norway
- Health in Northern Norway
Getting to Northern Norway: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Northern Norway
Where to Go Next from Northern Norway: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Northern Norway

Northern Norway is one of Norway’s most beautiful and underrated regions. With its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and abundance of outdoor activities, it’s a dream destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Situated above the Arctic Circle, Northern Norway is known for its “midnight sun” in the summer and the “northern lights” in the winter.

List of Places to Visit in Northern Norway

There are numerous places to visit in Northern Norway, but the following are some of the region’s most iconic and popular destinations:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø: a modernist masterpiece known for its stunning stained glass window
Sami Parliament in Karasjok: the hub of the Sami political and cultural life
Polar Museum in Tromsø: an interactive museum dedicated to Northern Norway’s Arctic expeditions
Hurtigruten Museum in Stokmarknes: a museum dedicated to one of Norway’s most beloved cultural icons, the hurtigruten coastal voyage
Alta Museum in Alta: the world’s first museum dedicated to prehistoric rock carvings

Natural Attractions of Northern Norway: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Lofoten Islands: a picturesque archipelago known for its rugged coastline and colorful fishermen’s houses
North Cape: the northernmost point of mainland Europe
Kjeragbolten: a popular boulder wedged between two cliffs, famous for its spectacular views
Jotunheimen National Park: Norway’s largest national park known for its glaciers, rivers, and high mountain peaks
Svalbard: an archipelago only 650 miles from the North Pole, known for its polar bears, arctic foxes, and glaciers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Northern Norway

Northern Norway is a hiker’s and biker’s paradise, with trails ranging from easy to challenging. Some popular routes include:

Tromsø’s Island Trails: A network of interconnected trails that link several small islands around Tromsø
Rallarvegen: a 60-mile stretch in Finse known for its stunning mountain and glacier views
Lofoten Islands: a picturesque archipelago with numerous trails offering panoramic views of the ocean and fjords
Senja Island: a hidden gem known for its rugged, mountainous terrain and stunning coastal landscapes

Best Things to Do in Northern Norway: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of things to do in Northern Norway for all interests and ages. Some of the most popular activities and tours include:

Northern Lights tours
Whale watching tours
Midnight Sun kayaking tours
Dog sledding tours
Ice climbing tours
Fishing expeditions
Snowmobiling tours
Skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing

Week-Long Itinerary for Northern Norway

If you’re planning to spend a week in Northern Norway, here’s a sample itinerary that covers some of the region’s most beautiful and iconic destinations:

Day	Destination	Activity
1	Tromsø	Explore the city, visit the Arctic Cathedral
2	Senja	Hike in the national park, visit the fishing villages
3	Lofoten	Drive through the archipelago, visit the museums and art galleries
4	Svolvær	Go on a whale watching tour, visit the Lofotr Viking Museum
5	Narvik	Take the cable car to the top of Narvikfjellet mountain, go skiing or snowboarding
6	Alta	Visit the Alta Museum, go ice fishing
7	North Cape	Take a scenic drive to the northernmost point of mainland Europe, see the midnight sun or northern lights

Food and Drink Scene of Northern Norway

Northern Norway has a unique and diverse culinary scene that reflects the region’s geography and heritage. Some must-try dishes and local beverages include:

Must-Try Dishes

Bacalao: a hearty fish stew made with salted cod, potatoes, and vegetables
Gravlaks: raw salmon cured in salt, sugar, and dill
Reindeer meat: a staple of the Sami cuisine, often served as a steak or in a soup
Kjøttkaker: Norwegian meatballs made with beef or pork, served with gravy and mashed potatoes
Fårikål: a traditional Norwegian lamb stew made with cabbage and potatoes

Local Beverages

Aquavit: a Norwegian alcohol distilled from potatoes, caraway seeds, and herbs
Mack beer: a popular beer brewery in Tromsø and northern Norway
Cloudberry liqueur: a berry-flavored liquor that is often served as an aperitif

Where to Stay in Northern Norway: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Northern Norway offers a wide variety of accommodations for all budgets and travel styles. Some popular choices include:

Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø: a cozy hotel with stunning views of the sea and mountains
Thon Hotel Lofoten: a modern hotel in the heart of Lofoten with comfortable rooms and excellent facilities
Alta Igloo Hotel: a unique hotel made entirely of ice and snow, open from December to April
Tromsø Lodge & Camping: a budget-friendly option for camping, cabins, and apartments
Karasjok Camping: a campsite with traditional Sami tents and cabins

What to Buy in Northern Norway: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Northern Norway is known for its handicrafts, textiles, and local products that make excellent gifts and souvenirs. Some popular items include:

Sami handcrafts: traditional Sami clothing, jewelry, and handicrafts made with reindeer skin and antlers
Lofoten stockfish: a local delicacy made with dried cod, often used in traditional Norwegian dishes
Wool products: such as blankets, sweaters, and hats, made from sheep wool from the region
Cloudberry jam: a sweet and tart spread made from the local cloudberry fruit

Local Culture and Customs of Northern Norway

Northern Norway has a rich cultural heritage that reflects its Sami, Viking, and coastal influences. Some unique customs and traditions include:

The Sami culture and language, which are still preserved and celebrated in Northern Norway
The coastal culture and history of Norway’s fishing villages and traditional wooden boats
The northern lights and the midnight sun, which hold special meaning and significance for the region’s inhabitants

Best Time to Visit Northern Norway

The best time to visit Northern Norway depends on what you want to do and see. Summer (June to August) is the peak season, with long daylight hours, mild temperatures, and plenty of outdoor activities. Winter (December to February) is the best time to see the northern lights and participate in winter sports. Spring and fall offer milder weather, fewer crowds, and great hiking and biking opportunities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Northern Norway

Do:

Respect the local culture and customs, especially those of the Sami people
Dress warmly and in layers, regardless of the season
Get out into nature and try outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, fishing, or kayaking
Try local cuisine and products, and support local businesses

Don’t:

Litter or disturb the local flora and fauna
Ignore safety guidelines when participating in outdoor activities
Take trespass in private land or property without permission
Be offended if locals seem reserved or reserved at first. They are a private people and respect for their space and manners is expected.

Safety and Health

Safety in Northern Norway

Northern Norway is a safe and secure destination, with low crime rates and well-developed infrastructure. Nonetheless, visitors should take standard safety precautions when traveling, such as:

Always wear a life jacket when boating or kayaking
Follow safety guidelines when participating in outdoor activities
Use common sense when interacting with strangers
Always carry a map and stay on designated trails

Health in Northern Norway

Northern Norway has a high-quality healthcare system, and medical services are widely available. Visitors from the EU/EEA can get medical treatment with their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). However, it’s advisable to get comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and repatriation in the event of a serious illness or accident.

Getting to Northern Norway: Transportation Options and Logistics

Northern Norway is well-connected to the rest of Norway, Scandinavia, and Europe, with several transportation options available.

Airports Near Northern Norway

The following airports serve Northern Norway:

Tromsø Airport
Harstad/Narvik Airport
Bodø Airport
Alta Airport
Kirkenes Airport

Bus Stations Near Northern Norway

Bus travel is a comfortable and scenic way to reach Northern Norway. Some major bus operators include:

GoNorth
Bussring
Wideroe

Other Options

You can also reach Northern Norway by train, with the northern terminus of the national railway network in Bodø. Ferries are also a popular way to get around, with Hurtigruten, the Norwegian coastal express, making several stops in Northern Norway.

How to Get Around in Northern Norway

Car rental is the most convenient way to get around Northern Norway, especially if you’re planning to explore the region’s more remote areas. There are also several public transportation options, including buses, trains, and ferries. Hitchhiking is also common in Norway, although it’s not necessarily recommended. Cycling is an excellent option for exploring the region’s cities and scenic routes.

Where to Go Next from Northern Norway: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have more time to explore Norway and Scandinavia, Northern Norway serves as an excellent gateway to the following destinations:

Tromsø and Finnmark regions of Norway
The Luleå and Kiruna regions of Sweden
The Lapland region of Finland
The Kola Peninsula and Murmansk region of Russia
The Svalbard archipelago

Conclusion

Northern Norway is a unique and unforgettable travel destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re into outdoor activities, cultural attractions, or delicious cuisine, Northern Norway should be on your must-visit list. Plan your trip carefully, respect the local customs and environment, and you’ll have an experience of a lifetime.