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
Clarion Hotel The Edge

Clarion Hotel The Edge

4 out of 5
Kaigata 6 Tromsø
The price is NZ$576 per night from 18 Jan to 19 Jan
NZ$576
18 Jan - 19 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Tromsø. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,392 reviews)
The hotel was actually faultless. Special praise must be heaped upon Norah on reception and Tara in the restaurant for their excellent beautiful service. We really enjoyed ourselves and will certainly be back in the future!

Reviewed on 14 Dec 2025

Clarion Hotel The Edge
Smarthotel Tromso

Smarthotel Tromso

3 out of 5
Vestregata 6 Tromsø
The price is NZ$426 per night from 18 Jan to 19 Jan
NZ$426
18 Jan - 19 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Tromsø. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and free bicycles on-site. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
Great location and quiet

Reviewed on 13 Dec 2025

Smarthotel Tromso
Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromso

Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromso

3 out of 5
Gronnegata 35 Tromsø
The price is NZ$491 per night from 10 Jan to 11 Jan
NZ$491
10 Jan - 11 Jan 2026
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! (1,364 reviews)
Good location to everything

Reviewed on 17 Dec 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.
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 coffee maker and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (516 reviews)
One night stay. Room was clean, beds comfortable. Easy to access. Central location.

Reviewed on 14 Dec 2025

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 Wi-Fi and housekeeping. Popular attractions Tromso Fjords and Polar-Alpine Botanical Gardens are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (109 reviews)
Modern studio with good amenities. Bus stop only a short walk away. Supermarkets nearby. A pleasant stay.

Reviewed on 15 Dec 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 Wi-Fi, a garden and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Perspektivet museum and Andreas Aagaard House are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (245 reviews)
Good location. Clean. Easy to contact someone when we needed to sort out storage for our luggage.

Reviewed on 17 Dec 2025

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.

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