Northern Norway Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Leknes showing a small town or village and a hotel
Leknes showing a small town or village and a hotel
Kautokeino
Northern Norway featuring 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
Quality Hotel Saga

Quality Hotel Saga

3.5 out of 5
Rich Withs Pl. 2 Tromsø
The price is NZ$449 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
NZ$449
8 Mar - 9 Mar
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 their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
Perfect location. Great breakfast. Clean rooms. Helpful staff.

Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026

Quality Hotel Saga
Clarion Hotel The Edge

Clarion Hotel The Edge

4 out of 5
Kaigata 6 Tromsø
The price is NZ$553 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
NZ$553
8 Mar - 9 Mar
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! (1,465 reviews)
Mia and Katerina at the front desk are very helpful and made the difference in our stay.

Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026

Clarion Hotel The Edge
Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromso

Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromso

3 out of 5
Gronnegata 35 Tromsø
The price is NZ$475 per night from 9 Mar to 10 Mar
NZ$475
9 Mar - 10 Mar
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,403 reviews)
Clean hotel, great locatio and, good size room. Would definitely recommend

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

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! (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 26 Jan 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 Wi-Fi and housekeeping. Popular attractions Tromso Fjords and Polar-Alpine Botanical Gardens are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (125 reviews)
Excelente apto para pasar unos días en tromso limpio y con ubicación buena

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

TotalApartments - Stakkevollvegen studio
Tromsø Lodge & Camping

Tromsø Lodge & Camping

2 out of 5
Arthur Arntzens veg 10 Tromsø
Stay at this campsite in Tromsø. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (420 reviews)
Clean, warm room, staff were excellent, breakfast food choice was adequate.

Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026

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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