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

Default Image

Vesterålen

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

Vesterålen
Quality Hotel Saga

Quality Hotel Saga

3.5 out of 5
Rich Withs Pl. 2 Tromsø
The price is P15,421 per night from Mar 1 to Mar 2
P15,421
P17,272 total
Mar 1 - Mar 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Tromsø. Enjoy free breakfast, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,015 reviews)
Room clean great buffett

Reviewed on Jan 24, 2026

Quality Hotel Saga
Clarion Hotel The Edge

Clarion Hotel The Edge

4 out of 5
Kaigata 6 Tromsø
The price is P19,321 per night from Mar 2 to Mar 3
P19,321
P21,640 total
Mar 2 - Mar 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! (1,444 reviews)
Clean room and great breakfast. Staff very helpful.

Reviewed on Jan 29, 2026

Clarion Hotel The Edge
Sommarøy Arctic Hotel Tromsø

Sommarøy Arctic Hotel Tromsø

2.5 out of 5
Skipsholmsvegen 22, Sommarøy Tromsø
The price is P15,490 per night from Jan 31 to Feb 1
P15,490
P17,349 total
Jan 31 - Feb 1
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Tromsø. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Haaja and Brensholmen Ferry Terminal ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (186 reviews)
This is a lovely place. A spectacular view, nice sauna, wonderful breakfast and very kind staff. I can offer to anybody.

Reviewed on Jan 21, 2026

Sommarøy Arctic Hotel Tromsø
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! (540 reviews)
Room was clean, staff was very helpful, especially when I had to add a night for a cancelled flight. Easy access to all of Tromso city center.

Reviewed on Jan 26, 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (120 reviews)
Modern studio with good amenities. Bus stop only a short walk away. Supermarkets nearby. A pleasant stay.

Reviewed on Dec 15, 2025

TotalApartments - Stakkevollvegen studio
TotalApartments Vervet Gjøa

TotalApartments Vervet Gjøa

4 out of 5
Nordøstpassasjen 15 Tromsø Troms og Finnmark
Stay at this aparthotel in Tromsø. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Perspektivet museum and Andreas Aagaard House are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (273 reviews)
Better signage will be help, otherwise we would like to go back again and definitely we would like to recommend this property to stay and very cosy. Please can you review the bed because is very squeaky.

Reviewed on Jan 21, 2026

TotalApartments Vervet Gjøa
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do