Northern Norway

Travel Guide

Leknes showing a small town or village and a hotel
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
Stamsund showing tranquil scenes, a small town or village and a bay or harbor

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 P4,253 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
P4,253
P4,764 total
Apr 2 - Apr 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 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 rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,421 reviews)
Staff were very friendly and was great that the reception was open 24/7. Hotel was really clean and in a great location for the centre of Tromso. Very happy and would stay here again.

Reviewed on Mar 2, 2026

Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromso
Clarion Hotel The Edge

Clarion Hotel The Edge

4 out of 5
Kaigata 6 Tromsø
The price is P9,538 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
P9,538
P10,683 total
Apr 2 - Apr 3
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this 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! (1,497 reviews)
Spotless room, amazing staff, best ever breakfast and fabulous location. Free coffee, tea and water in the lobby. Managed to see the northern lights from my room. FABULOUS!

Reviewed on Feb 28, 2026

Clarion Hotel The Edge
Radisson Blu Hotel, Bodo

Radisson Blu Hotel, Bodo

4 out of 5
Storgata 2 Bodo
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P5,266 per night from Mar 8 to Mar 9
P5,266
P5,898 total
Mar 8 - Mar 9
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bodo. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
Staff were super lovely and the room was great size

Reviewed on Feb 21, 2026

Radisson Blu Hotel, Bodo
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 aparthotel in Tromsø. Enjoy rainfall showerheads, an in-room coffeemaker, and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (556 reviews)
Staff was very helpful, especially when my return flight was cancelled. Room was clean and the kitchen was well-equipped and the shower had plenty of hot water.

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2026

Skaret by Vander
TotalApartments - Stakkevollvegen studio

TotalApartments - Stakkevollvegen studio

2 out of 5
303 Stakkevollvegen Tromsø Troms
Stay at this aparthotel in Tromsø. Enjoy free WiFi and housekeeping. Popular attractions Tromso Fjords and Polar-Alpine Botanical Gardens are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (140 reviews)
The property is fine for a base to visit Tromsø - clean and quiet, with a handy supermarket below. The WiFi is sketchy and we had to use mobile data instead, which was fast, and the bed was very soft and not overly comfortable.

Reviewed on Mar 1, 2026

TotalApartments - Stakkevollvegen studio
Lofoten Basecamp

Lofoten Basecamp

3 out of 5
Skreda 37 Vestvågøy Nordland
Stay at this cabin in Vestvågøy. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a sauna. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Offersøykammen ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (309 reviews)
Modern, new room with amazing view and updated amenities

Reviewed on Jan 9, 2026

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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