Home to the Sami people, in summer Northern Norway is the land of the Midnight Sun – and in winter, the northern lights set the sky alight. All year round, it’s an incredible destination with wildlife safaris, remote wilderness lodges such as Malangen Resort and the incredible vantage point at North Cape. Tromso is the gateway to the region.
Norwegian Lapland, or Finnmark as it is also known, is the northernmost point in Europe. It is a land of huge contrasts with a diverse and breathtaking landscape, from a rugged, fjord-indented coastline to miles upon miles of peaceful plains. It is thanks to the Gulf Stream that Finnmark has ice-free harbours year round. And, as many parts of the region are mountainous and sheltered from icy winds, winters although snowy, are often milder than you would expect this far north.
The county is so large and the population so widely dispersed, that visitors experience a true sense of the wilderness around them – there are 73,000 inhabitants and around 170,000 reindeer.
It’s not just about where you go, but how you experience it. I’m here to turn that trip into an adventure you’ll cherish.
An Epic Adventure in Northern Norway
Follow travel writer and photographer, Will Gray, on this journey around the captivating islands of Senja and Vesteralen in Northern Norway. Discover epic landscapes, passionate locals, stunning accommodation and immersive experiences.
Trip ideas
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Tromso Northern Lights City Break
Norway Short BreakDiscover this lively northern city in its beautiful setting of fjords and mountains.
From £699 Excluding Flights
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Tromso and Malangen Resort
Norway Short BreakA great combination of historic city and stylish resort offering winter activities.
From £905 Excluding Flights
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Havila Norwegian Coastal Voyage
Norway IndependentJoin a classic voyage on one of the most environmentally friendly ships sailing the Norwegian coast from Bergen to Kirkenes and back again.
From £2201 Excluding Flights
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Havila Norwegian Coastal Voyage: Bergen to Kirkenes
Norway IndependentVoyage north from Bergen to Kirkenes on one of the most environmentally friendly ships sailing the Norwegian coast.
From £1624 Excluding Flights
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Havila Norwegian Coastal Voyage: Kirkenes to Bergen
Norway IndependentVoyage south from Kirkenes to Bergen on one of the most environmentally friendly ships sailing the Norwegian coast.
From £1413 Excluding Flights
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Tromso and Sommaroy Winter Adventure
Nordic Europe Short BreakVisit Tromsø, the Paris of the North, explore the Arctic on a dog sledding adventure and admire the untouched landscapes on the island of Sommarøy
From £1075 Excluding Flights
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Magical Winter at Hamn i Senja
Norway Short BreakCombine the Arctic city of Tromso and the dramatic scenery of Senja Island on this inclusive winter break
From £1925 Excluding Flights
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Aurora Adventure on Senja Island
Norway Short BreakCombine the Arctic city of Tromso and the dramatic scenery of Senja Island on this inclusive winter break
From £1921 Excluding Flights
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Tromso and Svalbard
Norway IndependentImmerse yourself in beautiful Arctic scenery in two wonderful locations, often bathed in the northern lights.
From £817 Excluding Flights
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Tromso, Abisko and the Icehotel
Nordic Europe IndependentThis independent holiday combines three of the very best places for aurora sightings.
From £1395 Excluding Flights
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Arctic Rail Odyssey
Nordic Europe RailThis incredible three-week odyssey takes you beyond the Arctic Circle – and because it’s available March to October, you can choose summer for the midnight sun or winter for the northern lights.
From £5327 Excluding Flights
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Hurtigruten Classic Round Cruise
Norway IndependentExperience classic coastal cruising in Norway from Bergen to the very top of Europe aboard the world-famous Hurtigruten vessels.
From £1632 Excluding Flights
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Above the Arctic Circle
Nordic Europe Self DriveThis self drive journey crosses borders in the northern reaches of Finland, Norway and Sweden
From £1805 Excluding Flights
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Voyage Beyond the Fjords
Norway IndependentExplore vibrant Bergen, cruise fjords, cross the Arctic Circle and enjoy Tromsø’s culture.
From £1521 Excluding Flights
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Oslo to the Arctic
Norway Independent RailExplore Norway by rail to Oslo, Flam and Bergen and journey aboard a Havila ship northbound across the Arctic Circle
From £2771 Excluding Flights
Trip experiences
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The North Cape
Tromso and Northern NorwayAt 71 degrees north, the North Cape forms the northern extremity of Europe. The 307 metre high cliff, diving directly down into the Arctic Ocean, has for centuries been a point of reference for seafarers. The iconic globe has become the symbol of the North Cape and is also a popular photo stop.
Accommodation ideas
Other Norway regions
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Bergen and the Fjords
Norway’s iconic fjords are an international benchmark for natural beauty. Jumping off from the historic Hanseatic town of Bergen, explore the fjords of this tremendously tortuous coastline by Hurtigruten cruise or local ferry, by car, train – or a combination of all three!
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East and Central Norway
Home to the highest mountains in Northern Europe, deep forests bordering Sweden, salmon rivers, rocky coastline and the historic former capital city Trondheim, Norway’s East and Central regions are as well known for their fascinating history and heritage as for the landscape.
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Lofoten and Vesteralen
Visiting the Lofoten and Vesteralen islands is a real escape. Warmed by the Gulf Stream, these Arctic islands – perhaps the most famous in mainland Norway – have huge contrasts, but are equals for wildlife and scenery. This is island-hopping with a difference.
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Oslo
The oldest of the Scandinavian capital cities, Norway’s capital is a blend of modern style and traditional charm. Appealing architecture, spacious streets, picturesque squares and numerous cafes and restaurants give Oslo a very pleasant atmosphere.
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Southern Norway
Norway’s fairytale southern region provides a microcosm of the country’s natural wonders.
