Without a doubt, northern Norway is one of the most spectacular places we have been. With rugged coastlines, small harbors filled with picture-perfect red fishing cabins, winding roads through the mountains, and beaches that look like they belong in the Caribbean, northern Norway is a delight to explore.
We spent just over one week road tripping through northern Norway. Our journey started in Tromso. From Tromso, we drove south through Senja and the Vesteralen Islands, ending in the Lofoten Islands. Yes, the Lofoten Islands are gorgeous (as you will soon see), but the less popular Vesteralen Islands and Senja are just as beautiful.
So, in no particular order, here are some of our best photos of northern Norway. We hope they inspire you to visit this gorgeous place and explore the less popular but just as beautiful Vesteralen Islands and Senja.
Northern Norway in Photos
This was our introduction to northern Norway…overlooking Tromso from Floya.
Tyler, overlooking the island of Senja during our hike up Segla.
Red fishing cabins, also called rorbuers, in the Lofoten Islands.
Just your typical view while driving through the Lofoten Islands. Nice place for a road trip, don’t you think?
Just down the road from Svolvaer in the Lofoten Islands we found this pretty little lake with a very nice view.
Tim’s view from Reinebringen, one of the most popular hikes to do in the Lofoten Islands.
This is Stave Beach on the Vesteralen Islands (seen from Matind).
Here is another view of Stave Beach, the coastline, and Kara, taken from the top of Matind.
The beaches here are gorgeous!! This is Uttakleiv Beach in the Lofoten Islands.
And this is Ramberg, also on the Lofoten Islands.
Finally, this is the view of Kvalvika Beach, seen from Ryten in the Lofoten Islands.
I love the red fishing cottages. This was taken from the ferry stop in Brensholmen, on the way to Senja.
If you like hiking, put northern Norway on your list! There is no better way to explore Norway than putting one foot in front of the other on a hiking trail. This photo was taken on the island of Senja on the hike to Segla.
When you hike in Norway, you can stand in all kinds of crazy places, like Tim on the top of Segla.
Or Tim on the hike to Ryten.
Or me from the top of Matind.
We also took the opportunity to rock climb Svolvaergeita, one of the coolest things we have done in Norway. Kara and I are sitting on top of the rock and Tyler captured this photo with our drone.
Here is a view of the Fredvang Bridges in the Lofoten Island, taken by drone.
And here is a view of Segla, also taken by drone.
This is a view of Sommaroy, an off-the-beaten-path destination just a short drive from Tromso. The hike to the top of Ornfloya is short and sweet and this view is your reward.
In Svolvaer, you can also hike to a viewpoint for the best view over the city. In the summertime, the sun never sets, so you can hike all night long if you wish. This photo was taken at 9:00 pm!
In Norway, towns are clustered on the shore of the fjords, like Fjordgard on Senja.
More fishing cottages in Reine.
The view over the Lofoten Islands from Ryten.
And finally, one last view…another spectacular beach while driving through the Lofoten Islands.
Are you ready to start planning your trip to northern Norway? In the near future, I will be publishing more articles about our trip through Norway, including our full itinerary.
In the meantime, you can learn more about Norway by checking out our Norway Destinations page.
Or, check out our road trip through southern Norway. Visit Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Geirangerfjord and hike to Trolltunga, Pulpit Rock, and Kjeragbolten.
10 Days in Norway: The Ultimate Road Trip through the Fjord Region
Did we inspire you? Comment below if you have any questions about visiting northern (or southern) Norway!
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- Denmark: One Perfect Day in Copenhagen, Denmark
- Travel Advice: 101 Tips Learned after Traveling Around the World
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- Europe: 10 Days in Europe: 5 Amazing Itineraries
Comments 13
Stunning photos, thanks for sharing!
Fantastic views of another wonder of the world. Did the Besseggen Ridge hike last time there. Awesome hike and also Kjerbolten hike. Norway is unsurpassed in rugged beauty! Thanks for sharing. Keep it up, please. I hope to return next year.
Hello Julie,
I’m going to Alaska this September the 5th time! I just finished my maiden trip, a 9-day cruise, to Norway in June. Because of the limited port time, I didn’t hike to the three epic rocks in the Southwestern Norway. Still I did hike some trails and had a visual feast of those famous fjords. AK surely doesn’t have as many fjords as Norway, but there’s one that can rival with any of the Norway’s : Tracy Arm. And Alaska’s glaciers seem more accessible than those of Norway. At any rate, I’ll definitely return to Norway for the 3 rocks and Lofoten! Yet Alaska occupies such a massive area; hence there is more variety in landscape & flora and fauna. Also, AK is more accessible and less expensive to travel to and within. I wholeheartedly recommend it. 🙂
Paul
Author
Thanks!! Alaska is on our list…one of the spots we are talking about for next summer. However, we are talking about a lot of spots. 🙂 Thanks for the recommendations…we haven’t been yet but I have a hunch that it’s a place we would love! Cheers, Julie
For a visit to Alaska, better early than later.
My first visit to AK was twenty one years ago; and I was there the 4th time last year. The striking difference was the glaciers there were receding at astounding pace; or had simply disappeared! One example: I visited Glacier Bay National Park the first time during my most recent trip. To my dismay, I only saw a few small glaciers there; yet Glacier Bay got its original fame because of its numerous, massive glaciers around that area.
Author
It’s scary how quickly the glaciers and arctic ice are melting. We saw a similar situation in Svalbard. It’s like these spots could be on the list “see them before they’re gone.” 🙁 – Julie
It’s sadly true 🙁
Beautiful pictures !
Hi Jullie,
Absolutely stunning photos!
Questions: 1. What was condition of the trail to Reinebingen when you were there? Someone said it was closed due to its dangerous condition. Anyway, the trail is probably not the right one for me, an acrophobic, after reading many comments online about the trail.
2. Is the trail to Ryten also narrow and airy? It’s maybe ok if I stay away from the edge on the top by using your photo as a reference.
Thank you for much for sharing your experience and love you guys!
Paul
Author
Hi Paul! The trail to Reinebringen was very steep and muddy at the top. It is in rough condition, being slippery and eroded in spots, but it wasn’t as bad as we expected from what we read about it. The trail is fine if you have an issue with heights, but it’s the final viewpoints at the top that have a lot of exposure (and these viewpoints are the only reason why anyone would do this hike…there is nothing fun about the trail, or any good views until you get to the very top). As for Ryten, for the most part, the trail stays away from the edges of cliffs. Towards the top, you have the option to walk out to the edge (but you can skip these spots and still have awesome views) but I think you should be fine on this hike. Cheers, Julie
Thanks a lot for your answers and suggestions!
Just out of curiosity, why you never mention Alaska as a travel destination? AK is actually my favorite; there’s so much to see, and to experience! One way cruise ship plus a drive into the interior would be a perfect trip for me.
Author
Alaska sounds great…we just haven’t been there yet so we don’t have anything to write about (or recommend). – Julie