Northern Norway - an exciting journey that’s a little out of the ordinary
Magnificent landscapes, the sea, mountains and, not least of all, the Midnight Sun are the words that spring to mind. The journey goes past sheer mountains, through narrow gullies and along white sandy beaches and past crystal clear seas. Don't forget a trip to North Cape, Europe’s most northerly point, on your journey.
Travel route: Mosjøen – Bodø – Lofoten – Tromsø - Alta
Highlights along the route: Svartisen glacier – Svartisen National Park – the Saltfjellet mountain – the world's strongest maelstrom Saltstraumen – the Vestfjord – Lofoten – dried fish and fishing boats in Svolvær – fishing in Stamsund - the Arctic Cathedral – the North Cape
Recommended accommodation along the route:
Majavatn – Mosjøen – Bodø – Kjøpsvik - Narvik - Evenskjer - Stamsund – Svolvær – Nordkjosbotn - Tromsø – Sørkjosen - Skjervøy - Alta
ALONG THE ROUTE:
This route takes you through Norway’s three northernmost counties. Magnificent landscapes, the sea, mountains and, not least of all, the Midnight Sun are the words that spring to mind. The journey starts from Mosjøen and heads north past Svartisen, Norway’s second-largest glacier, and on towards Saltstraumen and Bodø. Saltstraumen is the world's strongest maelstrom in the world and every angler's paradise! Visit when the tide is at its highest and marvel at the forces of nature. In the period from June 3rd to July 14th you can also see the Midnight Sun from here.
From Bodø the ferry takes you to the Lofoten archipelago with its picturesque fishing villages and impressive scenery. The journey goes past sheer mountains, through narrow gullies and along white sandy beaches and past crystal clear seas to Stamsund and Svolvær. The ferry then continues from Lofoten to the beautiful Vesterålen. Alternatively you can head nortwards to the charming city of Harstad or take the ferry to Skutvik and travel north to Narvik. When reaching Tromsø – “The Paris of the North” due to the pulsating city life during the summerperiod – visit the Arctic Cathedral (Tromsdalen church), which symbolises the dark days of winter and northern lights. Do not forget a trip to North Cape, Europe’s most northerly point, on your journey.
Alternative routes and detours:
The recommended travel routes are suggestions only and both shorter and longer detours from this route is both possible and recommendable.
From Mosjøen we recommend a detour south to the small byt charming family park of Namsskogan, a zoo with nordic species such as moose, bear, deer and wood grouses. Børgefjell National Park is also worth a detour for those wanting to combine the driving with hiking in the mountains. The area is known for the wild and untouched nature and you may wander for days without running into other hikers.
From Mosjøen you can visit the summits "the Seven Sisters", a majestic mountain range bt the Vefsnfjord. The summits reaches 1000 meters above sea level and the trails are numerous!
From Alta we recommend a trip north to the plateau of North Cape, Europe's most northernly point. On your way you can visit Hammerfest where you get the most wonderful view of the northernmost town in the world and the Arctic Ocean by mounting the city mountain Salen. You can alternatively travel east from Alta and discover the enourmous mile-long plains of Finnmarksvidda. Most of the names here have Sami origin and don't be surprised if you are invited to a Sami wedding. You can also choose a southgoing route and discover the charming town Kautokeino, not far from the Finnish border.
