Northern Norway Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Leknes showing a small town or village and a hotel
Kautokeino
Northern Norway featuring mountains and a small town or village
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
Radisson Blu Hotel, Tromso

Radisson Blu Hotel, Tromso

4 out of 5
Sjogata 7, Tromsø
The price is AU$155 per night from 30 July to 31 July
AU$155
30 July - 31 July
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,015 reviews)
"Lovely hotel, room was excellent, good cleanliness. View was amazing. Very happy with our three night stay. Definitely would book this again when we come back to Tromsø, which is a must."

Reviewed on 13 Jul. 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel, Tromso
Clarion Hotel The Edge

Clarion Hotel The Edge

4 out of 5
Kaigata 6, Tromsø
The price is AU$211 per night from 25 July to 26 July
AU$211
25 July - 26 July
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,259 reviews)
"Comfortable bed. World class breakfast amazing view of the water and city. Sky bar is great"

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025

Clarion Hotel The Edge
Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromso

Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromso

3 out of 5
Gronnegata 35, Tromsø
The price is AU$86 per night from 29 July to 30 July
AU$86
29 July - 30 July
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,284 reviews)
"Convenient location, walkable, near city centre, easy paid parking nearby. A bit small bed and not the clearest messages from the reception person. We had to go back and ask how to get the extra cover snd towels to the second person."

Reviewed on 16 Jul. 2025

Comfort Hotel Xpress 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.
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (228 reviews)
"Convenient quiet location, very hospitable and informative hosts, sauna."

Reviewed on 17 Jul. 2025

Lofoten Basecamp
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 Lapland and Tromso Catholic Church Var ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (177 reviews)
Excellent
"Fabulous location, spacious two bedroom."

Reviewed on 27 Jun. 2025

TotalApartments Vervet Gjøa
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! (378 reviews)
"Great holiday park.Stuff very friendly and helpful. Definitely would stay here again"

Reviewed on 18 Apr. 2025

Tromsø Lodge & Camping
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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