Sunset at Reine Lofoten | Sven Erik Knoff for Visitnorway.com

Sunset At Reine in Lofoten, Norway

Rock Carvings in Alta Museum | Visitnorway.com

The Rock Carvings In Alta The Alta Museum CH Visitnorway.Com

Sommarøy Bridge by Vidar Moløkken / Visit Norway

Sommarøy Bridge in Northern Norway

Arctic Norway

down arrow Scroll to content

Above the imaginary curve of the Arctic Circle lies a raw, untouched wilderness where snow-dusted peaks soar above shimmering fjords and the icy sea is studded with jagged, white-sand islands. Here, beneath skies of swirling auroras and golden sun, polar wildlife thrives in one of earth’s most breathtaking natural frontiers.


Arctic Norway Winter Holidays

Arctic Norway Summer Holidays

Arctic Norway entices travellers year-round with its enchanting contrasts, offering a journey through dramatic beauty and pristine wilderness that captivates in every season.


Tell Me More

Clinging to the top of the European map, about a third of Norway’s landmass lies within the Arctic Circle. The three northern counties - Nordland, Troms and Finnmark - comprise some of the country’s harshest and most spectacular scenery, from the rugged coastline of the Lofoten Islands to the stark plateaus of the Sámi. Not to mention the forbidding ice fields of the Svalbard archipelago.

To live here means embracing friluftsliv (outdoor living), whatever the weather or season, and opportunities for adventure abound. Snowshoe beneath the Northern Lights across the frozen tundra, sea kayak through glacial fjords by the light of the Midnight Sun and sail silently by electric boat in search of sea eagles and orcas.

Whether you’re cosying up in a rustic fisherman’s cabin or staying in a boutique lighthouse, this Arctic realm offers serene moments in life’s purest form, where broad horizons meet the raw power of nature and every experience connects you more deeply with the wild.


Map of Arctic Norway

Arctic Norway Static Maps (400Px X 596Px) Arctic Norway (1)

Regions of Arctic Norway

Lyngenfjord with northern lights | © Jan R Olsen

Lyngenfjord with northern lights | © Jan R Olsen

A view over Lyngenfjord under the northern lights in winter, Norway

Tromsø & the Lyngen Alps

Tromsø is Arctic Norway’s largest hub and launch pad to the polar north. Framed by the icy Norwegian Sea and towering Lyngen Alps, it’s a place where the pulse of city life meets wilderness. In town, you’ll find the Arctic Cathedral, Polar Museum and Fjellheisen cable car (featured on Celebrity Race Across the World), but within minutes you could be racing across snowy landscapes by dog sled, chasing the Northern Lights or snowmobiling under a star-streaked sky. Beyond the city, the glacier-carved Lyngen Peninsula beckons adventurers with its unrivalled backcountry terrain

Take Me To Tromsø

Dogsledding in Alta by Ismaele Tortella / Visit Norway

Dogsledding in Alta by Ismaele Tortella / Visit Norway

Dog Sledding In Alta during winter in Norway

Alta & Finnmark

In the heart of Norwegian Lapland, Alta provides a deep connection with the Arctic’s indigenous Sámi, with ancient petroglyphs telling stories of the land dating back over 6,000 years. The city acts as a gateway for exploring the eerily beautiful Finnmarksvidda plateau, a vast empty region latticed by rivers, lakes and marshes. Here, amidst the stark solitude of the tundra, you can follow authentic traditions like reindeer herding, ice fishing, dog sledding and snowshoeing under wide open skies, staying in an authentic Sámi lavvu or the world’s northernmost igloo hotel.

Mountain hiking in Svolvær by Chris Craggs / www.nordnorge.com

Mountain hiking in Svolvær by Chris Craggs / www.nordnorge.com

Mountain hiking in Svolvær by Chris Craggs / www.nordnorge.com

Lofoten Islands & Vesterålen

Jutting sharply from the sea like some mythical creature, the Lofoten archipelago is truly staggering in its beauty. Linked by roads and tunnels, the jagged white-sand islands are ideal for self-drive exploration. In summer, picturesque fishing villages like Reine and Nusfjord burst into life with outdoor cafes, kayaking and climbing, while in winter the islands stand serene under the ethereal blue glow of twilight. Less busy but no less beautiful is Vesterålen, where once-abandoned Nyksund now thrives as an artists’ haven, and tiny windswept Andenes is a world-renowned whale-watching centre

PSX 20170610 003150

Senja

Senja, Norway’s second largest island, is defined by dramatic contrasts and stunning coastal scenery: knife-ridged peaks plunge into deep fjords, white sandy beaches are backed by emerald-green valleys, and winding roads reveal tiny fishing villages nestled like jewels along the rocky shoreline. Hike to the summit of Segla for panoramic views or kayak across cool, clear waters to explore remote island bays. For a truly magical experience, book a winter stay in Senja’s lonely lighthouse, where you’ll have a front-row seat to the Northern Lights dancing across the night sky.

In the endless light of summer, lush valleys and jagged coastlines beckon explorers to kayak beneath towering cliffs and hike to panoramic mountain views. When winter cloaks the landscape in snow, this same terrain becomes a serene, otherworldly scene, ideal for dog sledding and catching the ethereal northern lights as they ripple across starry skies. 



Highlights of Arctic Norway

Northern Lights in Senja by Steffen Fossbakk / Visit Norway

Northern Lights in Senja by Steffen Fossbakk / Visit Norway

The northern lights in Bergsfjorden, Senja, Northern Norway

Chase the northern lights

Arctic Norway is one of the best places in the world to witness the aurora borealis – and many people come here specifically to do so. For the best experience, we offer the smallest group tours from Tromsø, with a maximum of just eight guests. Navigate the Arctic roads in silence on an eco-friendly Tesla or embark on an Aurora dinner cruise from Tromsø harbour. Many of our guides are photography experts who can show you how to capture incredible images – but also remind you when to put your camera down.

Find out more

Winter Whale Safari by Thomas Barstad Eckhoff Seilnorge

Winter Whale Safari by Thomas Barstad Eckhoff Seilnorge

Winter Sailing Adventure Whale Safari Tin Norway

Whale watching in Arctic silence

Norway’s nutrient-rich waters are teeming with marine life and offer exhilarating whale-watching safaris aboard RIBs and ex-whaling vessels designed to navigate stormy seas. Sperm whales can be spotted along the Vesterålen coast all year round, while around mid-winter, migrating herring attract humpbacks, orcas and fin whales. The hybrid electric boat, Brim Explorer, runs sustainable excursions from Tromsø, journeying silently through the Arctic landscape to reduce engine vibrations and minimise disturbance to the whales. Keep your eyes peeled for sea eagles and white-tailed eagles too.

Deep in the heart of Norway’s Arctic Finnmark, Karasjok stands as the vibrant center of Sámi culture, offering travellers a profound connection to this ancient heritage. Here, visitors can experience traditional reindeer herding, hear the hauntingly beautiful joik songs, and explore intricately crafted Sámi art and design.

P3240187

Experience authentic Sami culture

Once persecuted by the Norwegian state, the indigenous Sami have reclaimed their heritage and still thrive in the Arctic today. Thanks to some modern concessions, like snowmobiles, they are no longer a nomadic people, but their way of life remains deeply rooted in nature. Karasjok is home to the Sami parliament and a cultural centre with displays on indigenous traditions, arts and history. Alternatively, head out into the wilds of Finnmarksvidda plateau to immerse yourself in activities like reindeer herding, traditional storytelling, indigenous cuisine or staying in a lavvu camp.

Hiking Segla on Senja by Nikolas Gogstad Andersen / Visit Norway

Hiking Segla on Senja by Nikolas Gogstad Andersen / Visit Norway

Hiking Segla under the midnight sun, Senja, Northern Norway

Climb majestic Mount Segla

This pin-up peak on the island of Senja might look like a daunting climb – its north face plunges down 300 m of vertical rock into the fjord below – but approached from the small fishing village of Fjordgard, there’s a well-signposted path to the summit. The 3-km trail winds steadily up to a wide plateau (perfect for picnics) before a steep, rocky scramble to the top. Along the route, you’ll be treated to a sweeping panorama of rugged cliffs, verdant valleys and shimmering waters below.


Wonderful Places to Stay in Arctic Norway

Vengsoy Rorber cabins in winter, Northern Norway

Vengsoy Rorbuer

With their rich cultural history tied to the traditional fishing heritage of Norway, the Vengsøy Rorbuer cabins provide not only comfortable accommodations but also a glimpse into the area's maritime past.

Vengsoy, Norway

Read more
Arctic Wilderness Lodge Winter Morning Sorrisniva2

Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge

In the heart of Arctic Norway, where the Alta River meanders through a snowy wilderness, lies Sorrisniva—a sanctuary for those seeking both adventure and tranquility

Alta, Arctic Norway

Read more
View of the Lyngen Experience Lodge over the water at sundown, Norway

Lyngen Experience Lodge

There are just nine rooms at this low lying boutique lodge. Located on Norway's shoreline and set against the stunning backdrop of the Ulsfjord, discover the perfect way to experience the Norwegian wilderness

Nord Lenangen, Norway

Read more
Load All

Arctic Norway In Pictures

The northern lights by Vesterålen Tours / Visit Norway

The northern lights over northern Norway

Hamn Senja / Visitnorway.com

Hamn, Senja Visitnorway.Com
PSX 20170929 175438
Picture of Reindeer in Tromso, Norway
Lyngen Alps in Winter. Northern Norway
Pust Sauna in Tromsø, Northern Norway
Snow cristals On Trees Kvaløya, Northern Norway

We can't wait to help you plan your trip to Arctic Norway