Top Things to do in Northern Norway
Top 10 Free Things to do in Northern Norway, Northern Norway
Home to both the midnight sun (with constant daylight from April to July) and the northern lights, North Norway is a rugged land of steep mountains, deep fjords and scenic coastline, making it a great place for outdoor adventures like dog sledding, snowmobiling and wildlife safaris. It's also the ancient home of the Sami people, 3,000 of whom live (along with 100,000 reindeer) at Kautokeino, Norway's largest municipality at over 3,700 square miles.
Restaurants in Northern Norway
1. Lofoten Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 358 reviews
Reviewed By goingwalkabout - Tonsberg, Norway
Lofoten is my dream destination. After 3 visits over the last 18 years, I still want to go back. Hiking, fishing, biking, kayak, restaurants and great location to stay the night either in a rorbu or a tent. Very diverse and great nature experiences all around. We had 8 days this time, that was not enough. You must account for some bad weather here so you need a few more days to do all you want.
2. Mount Ronvik
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 36 reviews
Mount Ronvik. From the top of Mount Ronvik, there is a fine view of the mountainous Lofoten islands and the island of Landegode to the north, the Borvasstindene mountains to the south, as well as the town of Bodo. 164 m above sea level. Midnight sun: 2 June – 10 July. 3 km from Bodo. Driveable road. Bus no. 14 and 17 take you halfway to Mount Ronvik. Top 13. The bar of Radisson Blu Hotel Bodo offers a fine view of the Bodo peninsula, Landegode and the Borvasstindene mountains. The Tower at the Norwegian Aviation Museum. From the top of the old control tower at the Norwegian Aviation Museum you have a panorama view of much of the Bodo peninsula.
Reviewed By TheNorwegianExplorer - Oslo, Norway
In my visits to Bodø I always run up to Keiservarden. Excellent view of city and nature around. Can choose to access by gravel or forrest/sherpa Trail. Easy access to further mountaina from here. Highly recommended.
3. The Lyngen Alps
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By kripayoga - Thailand, null
Went by bus to Lyngen and was surprise that the boat ferry was free, luckily that day got a few hours of cream sky, and the pictures although portray the landscape the real view is better
4. Festvagtind Hike
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 54 reviews
The hike starts with the parkinglot in Festvag. Walk 100 m in direction Henningsvaer, take a turn to the right and follow the trail. It`s steep, but the view is amazing.
Reviewed By watchviking
Hiking up is definitely worth the effort. If you dont dare to go all the way up: there is incredible views to be seen in the midsection of the trail in ”heiavannet viewpoint” as well. If you are climbing all the way you should still visit this midsection viewpoint and possibly swim in the lake located up there. Locals said that I could also drink the water from the lake beside ”hieavannet” and I did top my bottles there! :) All the way to the top awaits a view that is really worth the trouble of getting up there. To me it took about 2h to climb all the way up. Would probably reserve 3-4h total so you can rest and take in the view as well. There is paid parking at the starting point. From the midsection up the trail is more tricky. If it is raining be extra careful.
5. Segla
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By 856christophert - Eustis, United States
We snowshoed up Hesten Trail with Sans Senja Guides and had an amazing hike. We lucked out with the weather clearing just as we arrived, and only closing back in about half-way down on the return. It took us about three hours, but this was the first time we've ever snowshoed and the snow was a bit heavy considering the mild temperatures. But wow! What a hike. Norwegians are rightfully confident in their abilities to hike and snowshoe in alpine environments, so a lot of information you find online makes these things sound much easier than they are for the rest of us. We are from Florida where there are no hills or mountains. If you decide to do this hike in winter like we did, and you are 100% confident, I would highly advise you hire a guide. Sans Senja Guides were awesome.
6. Tromso Botaniske Hage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 326 reviews
Reviewed By Traveller1035
What a lovely surprise as only 500 metres from where our ship docked and free to enter. The Gardens are very colourful even on a dull, damp day. The flowers were amazing for a garden that suffers such extreme conditions, mid night sun, seven months under snow but still a vast variety of flowers. Made up for the miserable weather! Not to be missed when in Tromso.
7. Alta Canyon and the Alta Dam
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
8. The Polar Bear Society
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 264 reviews
The Polar Bear Society is located on the coastal steamer pier, together with Hammerfest’s Tourist Information. Join the world famous and exclusive society, and receive the Polar Bear Pin as proof that you visited the World’s Northernmost Town – Hammerfest! Our museum showcases our proud traditions with fishing and hunting in arctic conditions. There is also a gift shop. You can only become a member in the Polar Bear Society when you visit Hammerfest in person. A membership costs NOK 220,00 as a one time fee. The money supports the exhibition and pays the components of the membership: the Polar Bear pin in silver and enamel, a sticker with our logo on, a diploma with your name on signed by the mayor of Hammerfest, a membership card with your own membership number.
Reviewed By G6426FManthonys - Brisbane, Australia
Located at the tourist office this is a great little museum. There are plenty of stuffed birds if you are into birds as well as some of the mammals of the area. Info boards with the history makes this a good place to stop.
9. Saltstraumen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 656 reviews
Reviewed By NinalittleLo - Tel Aviv, Israel
It was worth all the money! I was extremely lucky with weather this day, since sun was shining and it was very refreshing to speed drive the catamaran who took us to the largest underwater current in the whole World! We saw sea eagles and some stone and rock formation that I have nevwr seen elsewhere. If I should describe it, it look like Mother earth's blood viens! It is possible to do this in winter to, but with bus, but Im pretth sure is coolest with a boat like me and my colleagues did..
10. Trondenes Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 132 reviews
The world`s northernmost stone church, dating back to the late Middle Ages (1250). The church is set in scenic surroundings and boasts several treasures and a beautiful interior. Guided tours by appointment available year-round.
Reviewed By lobstaluva - Springfield, United States
This sweet little church does not look like much from the outside, but it is a real treasure. From a historical perspective it is the northernmost medieval stone church in Norway and the world’s oldest northernmost surviving building. It was built over the remains of two previous stave churches (from the Vikings) around 1250. It was designed to serve as a sort of fort or safe place as the walls are thick stone and the windows up high. It is one of the largest of the medieval churches, is well preserved, and the exterior is believed to be close to the original. Despite a simple exterior, the inside is quite ornate. Of particular interest are the three Gothic triptychs.....stunning! The pulpit is interesting in Baroque style, and remains of frescoes can be seen. A very interesting, historic church.
