Any time of the year is an excellent time to go sightseeing in Northern Norway. It is entirely up to the traveller’ individual preferences.
Visitors to the country of the midnight sun have the opportunity to go hiking or fishing at any time of day thanks to the fact that there is daylight all day long.
Skiers and those who travel by dog sled during the winter in the far north are known for their toughness.
The bright lights that appear to dance across the night sky are known as the aurora borealis, and this location is famed for them. A rundown of some of the most spectacular places to visit in the Arctic region of Norway
1. Vesteralen
An archipelago known as Vesterlen may be found to the north of the Lofoten Islands. There are a lot of mountains, and the cities are nestled in the valleys between the fjords and the mountains.
Not only is Vesterlen a fantastic site to observe the northern lights, but it is also a good place to watch birds and sperm whales, since they eat near to the coast. Vesterlen is known for its white beaches.
The archipelago, known for its relatively warm winters, extends out into the Atlantic Ocean. It is possible that tourists will wish to climb the Queen’s Route, which is a recognised path that extends for nine miles along the coastline and across a mountain to a fishing community.
The picturesque fishing towns are known for their brightly painted wooden homes.
2. Hammerfest
Even though the Vikings assaulted Great Britain many years before, the British gained their revenge in 1809 when they besieged Hammerfest, which at the time was the northernmost city in the whole globe.
In addition to its role as a German U-boat base during World War II, this town is famous for having installed the very first electric street lights anywhere in Europe.
During the war, it was completely obliterated as a result of the scorched earth strategy implemented by the Germans.
Hammerfest is the oldest city in northern Norway and is home to some of the region’s best fishing and outdoor adventure opportunities.
The museum that is devoted to hunting and fishing in the Arctic is a popular destination and also serves as the location where guests may join the Polar Bear Club.
3. Kirkenes
The city of Kirkenes, which is located in the extreme northeastern part of Norway, was also touched by World War II. It was used as a base by the German army and navy, and later it was taken over by the Russian Red Army.
Because of its proximity to the borders of Russia and Finland, tourists should make a stop to the Border Area Museum while they are in the area.
On the last Thursday of the month, the town square plays host to a market that specialises on Russian goods.
The Andersgrotta is a popular tourist destination because it is an underground bunker that was used to house people living in Kirkenes during World War II. There are three ways to get to Kirkenes: by air, by sea, and by land.
4. Vega Archipelago
The Vega Archipelago is a collection of around 500 islands located in the Norwegian Sea. These islands have been inhabited since the Stone Age.
Around these parts, fisherman have been plying the waters for the last 1,500 years. They also collect the down feathers from eider ducks, which they do so in an environment that is hostile to life and is located within the Arctic Circle.
Despite the difficult conditions, the archipelago is beautiful with its many lighthouses, eider nesting cottages, and tiny fishing communities.
Bird lovers go to the islands to get a glimpse of the more than 230 different kinds of birds that can be seen there. Discovering the islands on foot or by bike are both enjoyable ways to do so.
5 Narvik
Skiers will have a great time in Narvik because it is home to some of the country’s top alpine and extreme skiing.
What could possibly be more thrilling than skiing down a mountain while taking in breathtaking views of the fjord that lies below? The fishing in the fjord is world-class, and even in the dead of winter, the harbour never freezes over.
As a consequence of this, Narvik played a significant role in World War II on both the Allied and Axis sides.
The National War Museum offers further information on this topic for visitors’ perusal. Visitors get the opportunity to learn more about Narvik’s history as well as the city’s day-to-day life at the Museum Nord.
Skulpturlandscap is a public art installation that has sculptures placed strategically across the city, and art enthusiasts won’t want to miss it.
6. Alta
The town of Alta, which is situated in the far north of Norway, has a lot going for it. Because it has a subarctic environment, it is a very popular tourism destination throughout the entire year.
During the winter months, cross-country skiing and dog sledding are popular forms of recreation; during the warmer months, hiking, fishing, and biking are popular forms of recreation.
Not only is this a good location from which to view the aurora borealis, but it is also an excellent location from which to view ancient rock art. Since 1973, more than 6,000 rock carvings have been discovered, and an open air museum showcasing these carvings can be found at Jiepmaluota, which is approximately four kilometres from Alta.
During the winter months, one of the more interesting accommodations here is an igloo hotel.
7. Bodo
Bod is the second largest town in northern Norway, and it is situated just to the north of the Arctic Circle. Because new housing was constructed with assistance from Sweden after the majority of the town was levelled by bombing during World War II, a portion of the central town is sometimes referred to as “Swedish town.”
Bod, which is located on a peninsula, is the last stop on the railroad and serves as a departure point for excursions to the Lofoten Islands.
The Saltstraumen, which are renowned for having the highest tides in the world, can be found just outside of Bod. In addition to that, it is a good location to observe the northern lights as they dance across the night sky.
Fishing, boating and kayaking are popular activities. Because there is such a robust arts community there, it is an excellent location to shop for Norwegian handicrafts.
8. Nordkapp
A little more than 3,000 people call the Nordkapp region home throughout the majority of the year.
During the summer months, however, the population increases by a factor of 200,000 as a result of the influx of tourists who come to see its well-known North Cape, which is the northernmost point in Europe that is connected with the international road network, as well as its lighthouse.
Even though it is so remote, the area that he lives in has some beautiful scenery. In addition to this, the region is well-known for the large bird colonies that can be found there, including puffins.
There are many different kinds of outdoor activities to choose from, such as fishing for king crab (and eating it), riding ATVs over scenic terrain, and watching whales and seals.
It is also an adventure to get here because you have to travel through an underwater tunnel that is 6.9 kilometres long (4.3 miles).
9. Tromso
Troms, which is situated 350 kilometres (217 miles) to the north of the Arctic Circle, is an excellent location for viewing the aurora borealis.
Troms is the largest city in northern Norway and is frequently referred to as the “gateway to the Arctic.” It is home to the botanical garden and golf course that are located the farthest north in the entire world.
In addition to its bustling nightlife scene, the city of Tromso is also home to an annual festival dedicated to the northern lights and an international film festival.
Hiking, whale watching, kayaking, cross-country skiing, and dog sledding across frozen lakes are just some of the wilderness recreation opportunities that outdoor enthusiasts are sure to enjoy during their time in the great outdoors.
Because it has more pubs than any other town in Norway, Tromso is known as a paradise for beer drinkers.
10. Lofoten Islands
In the Norwegian Sea, far north of the Arctic Circle, you’ll find a group of islands known as the Lofoten. Even though they are not on the typical route, tourists who go out of their way to find them will be rewarded with one-of-a-kind opportunities for adventure.
The activities on the list include paddling between the islands in a kayak, fishing, and simply taking in the picturesque scenery, which includes quaint villages with harbours straight out of a postcard.
This outpost in the wilderness is encircled on all sides by breathtaking mountains and fjords, and the landscape is dotted all over with various species of marine birds.
Both the Lofotr Viking Museum and the Borg Living Museum, which is centred around an authentic Viking longhouse, can be found in this region that was settled by the Vikings.