Northern Norway

Travel Guide

Leknes showing a small town or village and a hotel
Kautokeino showing a statue or sculpture and snow
Northern Norway showing mountains and a small town or village
Northern Norway
Kautokeino featuring snow
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.

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 P3,371 per night from 6 May to 7 May
P3,371
P3,776 total
includes taxes & fees
May 6 - May 7
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Tromsø. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk, and a snack bar/deli. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,192 reviews)
"Beautiful"

Reviewed on Mar 30, 2025

Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromso
Clarion Hotel The Edge
Clarion Hotel The Edge
4 out of 5
Kaigata 6, Tromsø
The price is P7,847 per night from 1 May to 2 May
P7,847
P8,788 total
includes taxes & fees
May 1 - May 2
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,182 reviews)
"The hotel might be in the single best location in Tromso. In addition the staff were great and the room was nice as well"

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2025

Clarion Hotel The Edge
Radisson Blu Hotel, Tromso
Radisson Blu Hotel, Tromso
4 out of 5
Sjogata 7, Tromsø
The price is P6,387 per night from 1 May to 2 May
P6,387
P7,153 total
includes taxes & fees
May 1 - May 2
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. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Staff were excellent"

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2025

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
4 out of 5
25 Storgata, Tromsø, Troms og Finnmark
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Tromsø. Enjoy rainfall showerheads, an in-room coffeemaker, and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (409 reviews)
"The apartment was nice and spacious. It was well equipped."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2025

Skaret by Vander
TotalApartments Vervet Gjøa
TotalApartments Vervet Gjøa
4 out of 5
Gjøastredet 41, Tromsø, Troms og Finnmark
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Tromsø. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Tromso Catholic Church Var Frue Kirke and Andreas ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (121 reviews)
"A great apartment. I would stay here again."

Reviewed on Mar 30, 2025

TotalApartments Vervet Gjøa
Lofoten Basecamp
Lofoten Basecamp
3 out of 5
Skreda 37, Vestvågøy, Nordland
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Vestvågøy. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a sauna. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Offersøykammen ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (181 reviews)
"Beautiful location and friendly staff. They have electric car charging, very convenient. Beds very comfortable. Everything very clean. Enjoy our stay very much"

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2025

Lofoten Basecamp
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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