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 Tromsø. From Tromsø, 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.
For more travel inspiration, at the end of this article, we also have a 4K video of aerial clips shot by drone of northern Norway.
Northern Norway Photos
This was our introduction to northern Norway…overlooking Tromsø from Fløya.
Tromsø | Northern Norway Photos
Tyler, overlooking the island of Senja during our hike up Segla.
Red fishing cabins, also called rorbuers, in the Lofoten Islands.
The Lofoten Islands | Northern Norway Photos
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.
Reinebringen | Northern Norway Photos
This is Høyvika Beach on the Vesteralen Islands (seen from Måtind).
Høyvika Beach | Northern Norway Photos
Here is another view of Høyvika Beach, the coastline, and Kara, taken from the top of Måtind.
The beaches here are gorgeous!! This is Uttakleiv Beach in the Lofoten Islands.
Uttakleiv Beach | Northern Norway Photos
And this is Ramberg, also on the Lofoten Islands.
Ramberg Beach | Northern Norway Photos
Finally, this is the view of Kvalvika Beach, seen from Ryten in the Lofoten Islands.
View from Ryten | Northern Norway Photos
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.
Hiking Segla | Northern Norway Photos
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 Måtind.
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.
Svolvaergeita | Northern Norway Photos
Here is a view of the Fredvang Bridges in the Lofoten Island, taken by drone.
Fredvang Bridges | Northern Norway Photos
And here is a view of Segla, also taken by drone.
This is a view of Sommarøy, an off-the-beaten-path destination just a short drive from Tromsø. The hike to the top of Ørnfløya is short and sweet and this view is your reward.
Sommarøy | Northern Norway Photos
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!
Svolvaer | Northern Norway Photos
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.
Northern Norway Drone Video
For more travel inspiration, here is a short compilation of drone clips taken from Northern Norway and the Lofoten Islands.
Did we inspire you? Comment below if you have any questions about visiting northern (or southern) Norway!
More Information for Your Trip to Norway:
NORTHERN NORWAY ITINERARY: On this 10 day Norway itinerary, road trip through Senja and the Vesteralen Islands, two beautiful off the beaten path destinations, and visit the Lofoten Islands.
BEST OF THE LOFOTEN ISLANDS: For an overview of the best things to do, read our Lofoten Islands Top Ten List. Great hikes in the Lofoten Islands include Ryten, Reinebringen, Festvagtind, and Svolvaer Floya. For a big adventure, climb Svolvaergeita for one of the most unique experiences in the Lofoten Islands.
PLACES TO GO IN NORWAY: For a list of top experiences in Norway, don’t miss our Norway Bucket List. If you are a hiker, we also have a hiking guide with 14 epic day hikes to do in Norway.
EUROPE TRAVEL INSPIRATION: For more great ideas on where to go in Europe, check out our article 30 Beautiful Places to Visit in Europe and the 20 Best Hikes in Europe.
TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY: For more information about the camera gear we carry, check out our Travel Photography Gear Guide. And tips and tricks for taking great photos in our article How to Take Better Photos while Traveling.
Planning a trip to Norway? Read all of our articles in our Norway Travel Guide.
All rights reserved © Earth Trekkers. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc.), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.
Comments 15
It is kind of weird that we live in Norway and get inspired for our next summer vacation in Norway (because of Covid-19) from an American family’s blog.
Just to mention it, if you want to come back – there is plenty of stuff you haven’t seen yet!
Happy travelling!
19topper.blog
Author
I’m glad we inspired you! And yes, we absolutely would love to come back to Norway. You live in a beautiful country and we hope to plan another visit soon in the near future, depending on what happens with COVID-19. Cheers, Julie
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