This is Arctic Winter
All About the Northern Lights?
If the northern lights are what first brought you here, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about them on this page. Still, there’s so much more to winter season in the varied region of Northern Norway.
It’s a season that invites you to slow down, where light, colour, and darkness shape and surround you. And through it all, the snow and nature call for a world of outdoor adventures.
If you’re considering where to begin your Arctic story, keep reading.
Let’s start in the far north.
Alta – The city of the northern lights
Alta is perfect for northern lights watching and big winter adventures, due to its stable Arctic climate.
Visit the glowing cathedral and UNESCO-listed rock carvings, and feel the connection with culture and ancient humanity.
Sleep in an Ice hotel, enjoy tasty food and watch the northern lights.
Spend your daytime on snowy activities – ski expeditions, snowmobile trips, or husky rides across the Finnmark plateau.
From Alta, you are close to the edge of the world, where you can embark on an adventure through the Western Finnmark Triangle.
Follow the road to Hammerfest and North Cape – where Europe ends and the northern horizon opens.
Kirkenes – The King Crab City.
In the far east of Norway, you can fly into Kirkenes.
Kirkenes is the city of the King Crab, offering many opportunities to join a guided fishing trip. There you can pull giant king crabs from the Barents Sea yourself.
Spend your nights on reindeer skins in the Snowhotel, witness the starry sky and northern lights, and get to know the unique mix of cultures.
Here Norwegian, Sámi, Finnish, Kvens and Russian culture has met for centuries. Kirkenes is a great starting point for traveling around the entire eastern part of Norway.
Tromsø – The Capital of the Arctic
A lively city, buzzing with life yet close to vast nature and complete silence.
Days can offer fjord cruises, reindeer encounters and shopping in the lively city, while the polar night makes for long meals in the city’s many restaurants and bars.
Or, of course, head out chasing the Northern Lights.
Beyond the city of Tromsø, there are two must-sees.
The Lyngen Alps and Senja – are a playground for skiers, photographers and anyone who appreciates beauty.
Islands, snow-covered peaks, fjords and open landscapes await.
Evenes (Harstad/Narvik), for coastal experiences and alpine
Evenes is the ideal hub between Lofoten, Vesterålen, Harstad and the Narvik region.
Look west, and you’re facing Lofoten. Famous for its coastal culture and beauty, rugged peaks, and cozy fishing villages.
North of Lofoten, you’ll find Vesterålen – similar in its steep mountains and wild ocean, with plenty of islands, whales and endless coastline.
Head east from Evenes and you’ll reach Narvik – known for its fjords, northern lights tours, and excellent skiing, as well as its WWII history.
With ski slopes that run right into the city centre, and stunning views of the fjords, Narvik guarantees unforgettable impressions..
Narvik will host the Alpine World Championship 2029, giving you the chance to hit the slopes before the world’s best skiiers do.
Bodø – A cultural city on the edge of nature
A coastal city surrounded by nature and filled with culture.
Being located just north of the Arctic Circle, Bodø is spoiled with ever-changing light and true Northern Norwegian weather.
The city is great for a time-out and relaxation, with plenty of cultural experiences and lovely bars and restaurants.
If you want to combine your Arctic journey with wild nature, delicious food, art and music – Bodø is for you.
Just south of Bodø, you’ll find the region of Helgeland.
Glaciers, 20 000 islands, great mountains for skiing and cozy communities.
No matter where you visit or which airport you choose, you’ll have great chances for amazing northern lights experiences, wildlife spotting, local encounters, cultural experiences and new dishes to try.
Experiencing the polar night in Arctic Norway is next-level travel.
