Aurora borealis over Tromso at 69 degrees north, green bands across a dark Arctic sky

Destination Guide

Northern Norway

3,500 km of Arctic coastline. The world's densest aurora zone. Midnight sun from May to July. This is where serious Norway travel begins.

−15°C to +20°C Best: Oct-Apr (aurora) / Jun-Aug (midnight sun) 2-3 weeks recommended

Explore Northern Norway

Five regions across the Arctic. Each one distinct. Pick your basecamp.

Aurora borealis over Kvaløya island near Tromsø, green bands reflected in calm Arctic water

Aurora Capital: Tromsø

Tromsø sits at 69°N inside the auroral oval. On a G2+ storm night, the sky turns green from horizon to horizon.

Explore Tromsø

Senja island coastline with jagged mountain peaks above a sheltered fishing harbour

Senja & Vesterålen

The same peaks-into-sea scenery as Lofoten without the cruise-ship traffic. Senja for the jagged coast. Vesterålen for sperm whales year-round off Andenes.

Explore Senja & Vesterålen

Lyngen Alps

The most serious alpine terrain in Nord-Norge. Ski-touring peaks rising 1,800 m straight from the fjord. Under two hours from Tromsø airport.

Explore Lyngen

Northern Lights over Alta, Finnmark with green aurora above the Sami cultural heartland

Alta & Sápmi

UNESCO rock carvings 7,000 years old. Sami heartland around Kautokeino and Karasjok. World-class dog sledding. Gateway to Finnmarksvidda.

Explore Alta & Sápmi

North Cape

71°N. The northernmost point in mainland Europe. Midnight sun from mid-May to late July. 300,000 visitors per year reach this cliff.

Explore North Cape

When to go

Oct – Mar

Northern Lights

Polar night + clear skies = aurora hunting season

Jun – Aug

Midnight Sun

Hiking, kayaking, fishing in endless daylight

Mar – Apr

Dog sledding & snowmobile

Snow cover reliable, temps manageable

Sep

Photography

First auroras return + autumn foliage

Getting there

Fly to Tromsø (TOS), Bodø (BOO), or Alta (ALF)

SAS and Norwegian fly multiple times daily from Oslo. Tromsø: 2 hours. Bodø: 1h 30m. Widerøe connects smaller airports across Nordland and Troms.

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Hurtigruten coastal express

The Bergen-Kirkenes route stops at 34 ports along the Northern Norwegian coast. Tromsø, Svolvær, Stamsund, Bodø, and Hammerfest are all on the line.

Browse sailings

Drive the E6 northbound

The E6 runs the length of Norway. Trondheim to Bodø: 10 hours. Bodø to Tromsø: 8 hours. Winter driving requires studded tyres by law north of Trondheim from November 1.

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