Top Things to do in Northern Norway
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10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Northern Norway That You Shouldn't Miss
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. 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.
2. 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.
3. Narvik Krigsmuseum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 355 reviews
The museum has a large collection from WWII. The museum tells the stories of WWII in North Norway and the dramatic fight for Narvik i 1940. The museum has a section devoted to universal questions related to war and human rights. The quality and design of the exhibition is exquisite and must be experienced!
Reviewed By toomasjoamets - Tallinn, Estonia
In this museum you find out the significance of Narvik and northern Norway in the second world war. It's less technical war museum and brings more the humanity aspect to it. It's actually more about the futility and waste of human lives that comes with wars.
4. Norwegian Aviation Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 343 reviews
Experience the thrilling history of aviation up close. Did you know that aviation played a major role in shaping Norway as a nation; it has influenced our people, our landscape and our way of life. See famous and even some infamous planes, including the Spitfire, Starfighter or faithful work horses and passenger aircraft, including the Ju52 and the Twin Otter. The Norwegian Aviation Museum is among the largest aviation museums in Europe. Our collections include more than 40 aircraft and helicopters.
Reviewed By PLJoergensen - Taarnby, Denmark
Great views from the air tower and an excellent review of aviation - especially if you have knowledge of the air force yourself
5. Varanger Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
Our exhibitions reflects life and culture in the borderland between Norway, Russia and Finland, with a special emphasis on World War II.
Reviewed By chrispZ6983NO - Oslo, Norway
Super-interesting exhibits on Kirkenes's ordeal during WW2. One of the world's few Shturmovik Soviet ground attack planes in perfect condition. Also exhibits on the local mining industry and a wonderful photo exhibit by a local woman in the early 20th Century. Worth at least two hours here.
6. Lofoten Krigsminne Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 337 reviews
Lofoten Krigsminnemuseum
Reviewed By bcsadventures - Oslo, Norway
If you have any interest about World War II, I would definitely recommend coming here. Very interesting and unique to the area. Significance of the war effort and finding the enigma machine locally was crucial to the allies winning the war. Very interesting!
7. Tirpitz Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
Tirpitz Museum is a war museum that is located in Kåfjord outside the city of Alta in Finnmark county, Norway. Tirpitz Museum is open from 1 June to 1 September. Out of season we open on request for groups or other special occasions.
Reviewed By Laurence1952 - Burgess Hill, United Kingdom
When researching Alta, I heard of the Tirpitz Museum and was particularly keen to visit it as my father had been on the Arctic Convoy during the war. Although normally closed during the winter months, I managed to arrange for them to open for me and I am so glad that they did. Although the museum is quite small, the number of artefacts they have on display is amazing ranging from uniforms to musical instruments and even a typewriter salvaged from the wreck. If you are in the area and have an interest in WW2 history, do try to visit the museum. Highly recommended.
8. Alta Museum - World Heritage Rock Art Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 560 reviews
WORLD HERITAGE ROCK ART CENTRE - ALTA MUSEUM Experience one of Northern Europe's largest rock carving sites, inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage list. The carvings were made by hunters and gatherers, the oldest carvings are over 7000 years. The rock art park is available in the snow free period. The museum is open all year and features exhibitions on rock art in Alta and other cultural history exhibitions. Temporary exhibitions on themes such as the Northern Lights, angling and art exhibitions. Cafe with a panoramic view over the Altafjord and souvenir shop. Guided tours for groups by prior arrangement. Audioguides available in Norwegian, English, German and French.
Reviewed By mberlin2015 - Berlin, Germany
I passed through Alta on my way to the Nordkapp. This is one of the few UNESCO world heritage sites in Norway and absolutely not to be missed. Take an hour or two and walk down the path from the museum towards the more than 5000 years old stone carvings -- the artistry is really astonishing - and there are lots of carvings ... lots , and lots ! Spend a few quid extra for the Audio guide the audio descriptions are phenomenal and make for the best experience.
9. Fjellheisen Tromso
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,511 reviews
The Cable Car is Tromsø’s most popular tourist destination. It runs from Solliveien in Tromsdalen up to the mountain ledge Storsteinen. The lower station is located on Tromsø’s mainland, 50 m above sea level, while the upper station, Fjellstua, is situated at an altitude of 421 m above sea level. The trip up takes just four minutes. From the large outdoor terrace, you can enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of Tromsø and the virtually endless sight of islands, fjords, mountains and the open sea. Fjellheisen was built in 1961 by Brødrene Jakobsens Rederi, a local shipping company that was a major player in arctic hunting/trapping, fishing and expeditions to the arctic and Antarctic. The gondolas proudly convey this tradition by bearing the shipping company’s symbols: the polar bear and the seal.
Reviewed By GKTravellers - Harrogate, United Kingdom
We walked for 40 minutes from our Hurtigruten ship to the cable car. The adult return price was 230NOK and the cars go on the hour and half hour throughout the day. From the hilltop viewing platform we enjoyed panoramic views across the city of Tromso and the surrounding fjords and snow-capped mountains. We chose not to take any of the open hiking trails to higher spots due to the cold wind.
10. 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.
