Nordland Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Nordland, Norway with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and more.


Introduction to Nordland

Nordland is a beautiful county located in Northern Norway, known for its scenic natural attractions and vibrant cultural scene. With its rugged coastline, glaciers, fjords, and mountains, Nordland offers a wide range of outdoor activities and adventure sports. Visitors can also explore the region’s rich history and culture, with its museums, traditional festivals, and local cuisine.

List of Places to Visit in Nordland

Nordland offers a plethora of attractions and things to do for travelers of all interests. Here’s our list of must-visit places in Nordland:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The North Norwegian Art Museum in Tromsø: A must-visit for art lovers, the museum showcases artworks from local and international artists.
  • The Norwegian Aviation Museum in Bodø: Learn about the history of aviation in Norway and explore their impressive collection of vintage planes.
  • The Lofoten Museum in Vågan: Take a step back in time and visit this living museum to experience the traditional way of life in Lofoten.

Natural Attractions of Nordland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Lofoten Islands: A picturesque archipelago known for its dramatic mountain peaks, colorful fishing villages, and abundant wildlife.
  • Saltstraumen: Witness one of the world’s strongest tidal currents in action as it rushes through a narrow strait near Bodø.
  • The Svartisen Glacier: Hike or take a boat tour to see this magnificent glacier, the second largest in Norway.
  • Rago National Park: Venture into this unspoiled wilderness to hike scenic trails and spot wildlife like lynx and reindeer.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Nordland

Nordland is a hiker’s paradise, with a wide range of trails for all abilities. Some notable routes include:

  • The Queen’s Route in Lofoten: A scenic trail which starts in Å and winds its way along the coast, passing through several charming fishing villages.
  • The Helgelandskysten National Tourist Route: A road trip which offers stunning views of the Helgeland coastline and passes through several charming towns.
  • The Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park: A network of hiking trails which offer breathtaking views of glaciers, mountains, and rivers.

Best Things to Do in Nordland: Activities and Tours

Nordland offers a range of activities and tours to suit all interests. Here are some of the best things to do while visiting:

  • Whale watching: Head out to sea for the chance to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
  • Northern Lights hunts: Visit in winter for the chance to see the aurora borealis dance across the sky.
  • Fishing: Try your hand at fishing like a local and catch your own dinner.
  • Sea kayaking: Explore the coastline from a whole new perspective with a kayaking tour.
  • Midnight sun tours: Visit in summer for the chance to experience the magical phenomenon of the midnight sun.

Week-Long Itinerary for Nordland

Here’s our suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Nordland:

Day Activities
1 Visit the North Norwegian Art Museum and take a stroll through Tromsø’s charming Old Town
2 Explore the Lofoten Islands and hike to the top of Reinebringen for panoramic views
3 Take a ferry to the charming island of Vega and visit the Vega World Heritage Area
4 Hike in the rugged terrain of Rago National Park and spend the night in a traditional Sami lavvu
5 Take a scenic drive along the Helgelandskysten National Tourist Route, stopping at charming villages along the way
6 Explore the Svartisen Glacier and take a boat tour to see it up close
7 Take a leisurely stroll around Bodø and visit the Norwegian Aviation Museum before departing

Food and Drink Scene of Nordland

Nordland has a thriving food and drink scene, with a strong focus on locally-sourced ingredients and traditional recipes. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bacalao: A traditional dish made with salted cod, potatoes, onions, and tomatoes.
  • Reindeer meat: A delicacy in the region, reindeer meat can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes.
  • Rømmegrøt: A traditional sour cream porridge served with bacon, sugar, and cinnamon

Local Beverages

  • Aquavit: Norway’s national spirit, made with potatoes or grain and flavored with herbs and spices.
  • Mack beer: The oldest brewery in Norway, Mack beer is a popular local brew.
  • Cloudberry liqueur: Made from the sweet and tart cloudberry, this liqueur is a unique and delicious local treat.

Where to Stay in Nordland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Nordland offers plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are some recommended options:

  • Scandic Havet in Bodø: A stylish hotel with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and sea.
  • The Lofoten Suitehotel in Svolvær: A luxurious hotel with spacious suites and an excellent restaurant.
  • The Lofoten Hostel in Kabelvåg: A budget-friendly option with a friendly atmosphere and great location.

What to Buy in Nordland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Nordland is famous for its high-quality handcrafts and local products. Some popular souvenirs and products to bring home include:

  • Lofoten fish products: Stock up on dried or smoked cod, homemade sausages, and other locally-made delicacies.
  • Handmade Sami crafts: From jewelry and clothing to carved wooden spoons, these traditional crafts make beautiful and unique souvenirs.
  • Northern Lights souvenirs: Take home a piece of the magic with a souvenir reflecting the northern lights.

Local Culture and Customs of Nordland

Nordland is a region with a proud cultural heritage, and visitors can get a glimpse into this by attending local festivals or exploring traditional arts and crafts. Some notable customs and traditions include:

  • The Sami people: Get to know the traditional ways of the indigenous Sami people, including their unique language and reindeer-herding culture.
  • Coastal culture: Experience the seafaring traditions and lifestyle of the region, including the importance of fishing and boat-building.

Best Time to Visit Nordland

The best time to visit Nordland depends on what you want to experience. In general, the summer months (June-August) offer long days, mild temperatures, and plenty of outdoor activities. In winter, visitors can witness the magical northern lights and enjoy winter sports like skiing and snowmobiling.

Do’s and Don’ts of Nordland

Do:

  • Practice Leave No Trace principles while hiking and exploring the natural areas.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, including those of the indigenous Sami people.
  • Try local cuisine and support small businesses.

Don’t:

  • Approach wildlife, especially reindeer and moose.
  • Ignore weather warnings or underestimate the power of nature.
  • Use single-use plastics or litter.

Safety and Health

Safety in Nordland

Nordland is a relatively safe destination for travelers, but it’s always a good idea to take common sense precautions. Be aware of your surroundings, lock up your belongings, and avoid walking alone at night.

Health in Nordland

Norway has a high standard of healthcare, but it’s always a good idea to have travel insurance while visiting. Visitors should also be aware of the risks of tick-borne diseases in rural areas and should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Getting to Nordland: Transportation Options and Logistics

Nordland is easily accessible by plane, train, car, or ferry. Here are some options for getting there:

Airports Near Nordland

  • Bodø Airport: The largest airport in the region, with flights to Oslo and other major cities in Norway.
  • Tromsø Airport: Located further north, Tromsø airport offers flights to several Norwegian and international cities.

Bus Stations Near Nordland

  • Bodø bus station: Serves the surrounding region and offers connections to other major cities in Norway.
  • Narvik bus station: A gateway to the Lofoten Islands and other scenic destinations in the north.

Other Options

  • Train: The Nordland line offers scenic train travel through the region, with connections to Bergen and Trondheim.
  • Ferry: Several ferry companies offer service to the Lofoten Islands and other remote destinations.

How to Get Around in Nordland

Getting around Nordland is relatively easy, thanks to a well-developed transport network. Rental cars, buses, ferries, and boats offer easy access to most attractions and destinations.

Where to Go Next from Nordland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’ve covered Nordland, here are some nearby destinations to consider:

  • Tromsø: Northern Norway’s largest city, known for its vibrant cultural scene and excellent seafood.
  • Trondheim: A historic city known for its stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife, and delicious cuisine.
  • Stockholm: If you’re feeling adventurous, why not take a trip to Sweden’s beautiful capital city?

Conclusion

Nordland is a hidden gem in Norway, with a diverse array of attractions and experiences on offer. Whether you’re looking to hike rugged mountain trails, experience local culture, or simply relax and take in the stunning scenery, Nordland has something to offer every traveler. Plan your trip today!

Træna island, Helgeland (Southern Nordland coast) Træna island, Helgeland (Southern Nordland coast) Stockfish production Stockfish production Lofoten at Svolvær Lofoten at Svolvær Narvik-Kiruna train on the Iron Ore Railway, near the border Narvik-Kiruna train on the Iron Ore Railway, near the border Hurtigruten detour to Trollfjorden Hurtigruten detour to Trollfjorden Several smaller airports served by small aircraft offers many accesspoints to Nordland. Several smaller airports served by small aircraft offers many accesspoints to Nordland. Nordlandsbanen railway crossing Saltfjellet plateau in March Nordlandsbanen railway crossing Saltfjellet plateau in March Road E6 north of Bodø Road E6 north of Bodø New tunnel through the great Junkerdalen valley and gorge; the old road is left as an alternative for pedestrians and bicycles. New tunnel through the great Junkerdalen valley and gorge; the old road is left as an alternative for pedestrians and bicycles. Bridge across Saltstraumen, the world's strongest tidal current Bridge across Saltstraumen, the world's strongest tidal current Backcountry skiing is popular in the winter and spring. Be aware of avalanche hazard. Backcountry skiing is popular in the winter and spring. Be aware of avalanche hazard.


    Helgeland
    Lofoten
    Stokmarknes