Northern Norway: our ultimate tips and highlights
- Richard
- Oct 17
- 5 min read
Northern Norway is known for its rugged landscapes, vast fjords, and endless roads. During our trip with Globus 2 , we discovered that this part of Scandinavia is full of surprises, often still relatively unknown to tourists. This blog post features the most beautiful spots and many useful practical tips.
Varanger – the silent northeast
Anyone who thinks the far northeast of Norway is dull and barren is mistaken. Varanger is rugged, empty, and pure, and at least as beautiful as the Lofoten Islands, but with far fewer tourists. You'll find vast plains, unique bird species, and small fishing villages where time seems to stand still. The long, dead-end road to Hamningberg is truly fantastic. Be sure to visit the Witches' Monument in Vardø , an impressive memorial to the victims of the witch hunt of the 17th century.
The North Cape – the very tip of Europe
The North Cape is one of those places you simply must visit, even though it's not as special as you might expect. You're no longer allowed to stay overnight, and you have to pay a parking fee as well as an entrance fee to the souvenir shop. But hey, you've been there! The road there does make you feel like you're driving to the end of the world, a beautiful experience. Much more enjoyable is the walk to the true northernmost point of mainland Europe. Or a short hike to Kirkeporten , a natural rock archway overlooking the North Cape.
Not far from here lie the Trolls in Trollholmsund : impressive rock formations in the water that take you back to the trolls of Norse mythology. A photogenic and mysterious highlight not to be missed.
A little further south, you'll also find Silfar Canyon : an impressive gorge with turquoise water that has carved deep through the rock. A hidden gem where almost no one stops.
Watch our video about Vasterålen
Senja is often called "Norway in miniature," and rightly so. Here you'll find it all: high mountains, narrow fjords, white beaches, and charming fishing villages. The route along the west coast is spectacular and among the most beautiful drives in the country. Be sure to stop at Tungeneset and Bergsbotn for breathtaking views and drive the Bergsveien for a cinematic stretch of coastal road. On Senja , you'll feel the power of nature and the tranquility of simplicity—precisely what makes traveling in the far north so special.
"In the north, the light and the silence teach you to see the world differently."
Vesterålen – quieter than Lofoten
The Vesterålen archipelago lies just north of the Lofoten Islands and is just as beautiful, but much quieter. Here you can hike endlessly, go on whale watching safaris, or simply enjoy the silence. The nature is vast and open, with rolling mountains and bays where the light constantly changes. In Andenes , with a bit of luck, you can see whales and dolphins, and you'll hardly encounter anyone along the way. We even saw moose here.
Lofoten – dramatically beautiful
The Lofoten Islands are famous for their dramatic mountain peaks and photogenic fishing villages like Reine , Hamnøy , and Nusfjord . Explore the islands at your leisure, with time for spontaneous stops and hikes. If you have a drone, you definitely have to visit the football pitch in Henningsvær . Finally, a few mountain hikes are a must.
If you're in Bodø , be sure to take a drive to Kjerringøy , a beautiful stretch of coast full of atmosphere and history, absolutely worth it.
Deepening and natural phenomena
While you're in Lapland , learn about the Sámi people , Europe's last indigenous people, who still herd reindeer and keep their traditions alive. And would you like to experience the Northern Lights ? From late August onward, the chances of seeing this magical spectacle increase. Especially on clear, cold nights outside the villages, the Northern Lights are a sight you'll never forget.
Advertisement:
Click on this banner and then buy something at bol.com
A small percentage of your purchase goes towards funding this website.
Practical travel tips
Gasoline and coffee
A small but handy tip: buy a special thermal mug for about €60 at a gas station, and you can get a fresh cup of coffee from that brand at any gas station for a year. Be aware of fuel prices: they can vary significantly from station to station and even change by the day or hour. Fuel up strategically, especially in remote areas.
Crossings to the Lofoten Islands
You can cross from Bodø to Moskenes for free when traveling via the island of Værøy. This way, you can enjoy an extra bit of nature while still enjoying a free crossing. This is because all crossings with fewer than 100,000 passengers per year are free in Norway. The entire coastal route (Route 17) has also become considerably more affordable as a result.
Mosquitoes and insects
In Scandinavia, mosquitoes can be a real nuisance. Their bites are incredibly itchy. We discovered Bite Away : a small device that makes the itch disappear almost instantly. A real lifesaver, especially during hikes or at campervan sites near stagnant water.
Blueberry picker
A handy tip for the summer months: a blueberry picker makes picking berries incredibly easy. Often readily available in supermarkets, they're ideal if you want to enjoy fresh blueberries along the way.
Overnight stays and wild camping
Norway is known for its Right of Public Access, which allows you to camp freely in many places off private property. Choose remote spots near fjords or lakes for a peaceful night. We used the P4N app extensively, but it's also fun to discover places on your own.
Food and treats
Don't forget to try Smash . It's too good to pass up! Also definitely try brunost , a sweet Norwegian goat cheese, delicious on crackers, for example. Tip: groceries in Sweden are often much cheaper than in Norway. So if you're in the area, pop across the border to stock up on some bargains.
Experience the far north
I've been to Northern Norway several times, and it never gets old. This time we had the time to truly enjoy the far north, pausing everywhere to absorb the landscape. I was able to take photos to my heart's content, and we went on countless hikes through mountains, fjords, and tranquil valleys. The sense of space, tranquility, and untouched nature makes every trip here a new adventure, no matter how many times you've been.
Enter your email address at the bottom of this page and you'll receive an email no more than once a week when we post a new blog post. If you'd like to support us financially so we can keep this website online, please donate via this link .
Comments