Northern Norway

Travel Guide
Leknes showing a hotel and a small town or village
Kautokeino
Northern Norway which includes a small town or village and mountains
Northern Norway
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 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 €211 per night from 19 Dec to 20 Dec
€211
includes taxes & fees
19 Dec - 20 Dec
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,040 reviews)
"we have just had four days at comfort express we have no complaints it’s perfect for a short stay"

Reviewed on 13 Dec 2024

Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromso
Clarion Hotel The Edge
Clarion Hotel The Edge
4 out of 5
Kaigata 6, Tromsø
The price is €356 per night from 24 Dec to 25 Dec
€356
includes taxes & fees
24 Dec - 25 Dec
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! (1,084 reviews)
"Fabulous modern hotel in the centre of town with fantastic views."

Reviewed on 15 Dec 2024

Clarion Hotel The Edge
Radisson Blu Hotel, Tromso
Radisson Blu Hotel, Tromso
4 out of 5
Sjogata 7, Tromsø
The price is €359 per night from 11 Jan to 12 Jan
€359
includes taxes & fees
11 Jan - 12 Jan 2025
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! (1,006 reviews)
Perfect getaway
"Absolutely fantastic hotel. Perfect location, very comfortable and staff who were so accommodating. This was our first trip to Norway and we were not disappointed. The location of the hotel was amazing and we paid for a sea view room (recommended) which would oversee the Arctic Church and the huge ..."

Reviewed on 13 Dec 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
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! (326 reviews)
"Nice interior and like a cozy house! Quiet and safe place. Bit small for 4 people though (no space to open 4 luggages at one go). Good location, near a supermarket, restaurants and the pier."

Reviewed on 14 Dec 2024

Skaret by Vander
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). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (345 reviews)
"Cabin was neat & tidy with everything you’d need & a good size too, staff were really helpful with us checking in late & explained everything perfectly & also once arrived polite & friendly, buffet breakfast was also really good, loads to choose from & tasty! Views from this location is simply an ..."

Reviewed on 10 Dec 2024

Tromsø Lodge & Camping
Lofoten Basecamp
Lofoten Basecamp
3 out of 5
Skreda 37, Vestvågøy, Nordland
Stay at this 3-star beach cabin in Vestvågøy. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (157 reviews)
"Everything was wonderful except that the sauna was a bit far from our room"

Reviewed on 9 Nov 2024

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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