Northern Norway

Travel Guide
Kautokeino
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 Park 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 Tromsø, 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 Museum for an insight into the region’s history. The Polar Museum 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 Gallery.

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 Alta.

The region comprises Norway’s northernmost counties of Nordland, 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.

Where to stay in Northern Norway

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Vesterålen

If you're spending some time in Vesterålen, Sortland Museum is a top sight worth visiting.

Vesterålen
Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromso
Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromso
3 out of 5
Gronnegata 35, Tromsø
The price is €60 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
€60
per night
16 Jun - 17 Jun
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Tromsø. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"A very good central city location and a well appointed and comfortable hotel with helpful staff."

Reviewed on 1 May 2024

Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromso
Clarion Hotel The Edge
Clarion Hotel The Edge
4 out of 5
Kaigata 6, Tromsø
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €137 per night from 25 May to 26 May
€137
per night
25 May - 26 May
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Tromsø. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
Great centrally-located hotel
"a centrally-located hotel; clean, quiet, and modern. The front desk staff was stellar. The breakfast was amazing."

Reviewed on 24 Apr 2024

Clarion Hotel The Edge
Radisson Blu Hotel, Tromso
Radisson Blu Hotel, Tromso
4 out of 5
Sjogata 7, Tromsø
The price is €95 per night from 26 May to 27 May
€95
per night
26 May - 27 May
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Tromsø. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"I didnt find anything unique, but it sufficed after a long international flight. Parking is a bit of an expensive joke. Maybe a more experienced Tromso native could figure it out, not me."

Reviewed on 16 May 2024

Radisson Blu Hotel, Tromso
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.
Skaret by Vander
Skaret by Vander
2 out of 5
25 Storgata, Tromsø, Troms og Finnmark
Stay at this aparthotel in Tromsø. Enjoy rainfall showerheads, an in-room coffeemaker, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Mack Brewery and Tromso Center for ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (200 reviews)
"Great location. Lovely flat with everything that we needed. Clean, quiet and comfortable."

Reviewed on 5 Apr 2024

Skaret by Vander
Lofoten Basecamp
Lofoten Basecamp
4.5 out of 5
Skreda 37, Vestvågøy, Nordland
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury cabin in Vestvågøy. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Offersøykammen Trailhead and Hauklandstranda ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (64 reviews)
"This place was amazing!!! Ralf the owner was excellent, kept in touch with me leading up to our stay as I had a lot of questions about the location and what there is around. The cabins are clean and beautiful, and the scenery is top notch. There is an awesome hike right off the road. Would absolutely ..."

Reviewed on 17 Apr 2024

Lofoten Basecamp
Tromsø Lodge & Camping
Tromsø Lodge & Camping
2 out of 5
Arthur Arntzens veg 10, Tromsø
Stay at this campground in Tromsø. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Arctic Cathedral and Skansen are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (284 reviews)
"No shampoo, conditioner, shower gel or lotion, facial tissue."

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2024

Tromsø Lodge & Camping
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.

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