NordicMarketing Blog - News and trends in tourism marketing and from Northern Europe

Arctic wonders: why Northern Norway’s Finnmark belongs in every travel portfolio

Written by Anja | Oct 8, 2025 7:18:50 AM

From Arctic light to Sami culture: a destination that defines the Arctic

Stretching across Norway’s northern edge, Northern Norway captures the essence of the Arctic like no other place. Vast tundra, dramatic fjords, silent plateaus and vibrant coastal towns create a destination of endless contrast and character.

From Alta and Hammerfest to Kirkenes, travelers encounter a region where Northern Lights meet the Midnight Sun, where reindeer still roam freely, and where Sami culture and coastal life thrive side by side.

For travel professionals, Finnmark represents the authentic Arctic. A destination rich in stories, diversity, and opportunities for year-round experiences.

Nature, culture, and experiences all year round

Finnmark is a region of contrasts that unfolds differently in every season. In winter, the landscape glows under the Northern Lights, and life moves to the quiet rhythm of snow and ice.
In summer, the Midnight Sun keeps the days endlessly bright, inviting travelers to explore from one fjord to the next. Between these extremes, spring and autumn bring their own transformations: melting rivers, golden tundra, migrating birds, and a light that changes by the hour.

Cultural encounters are at the heart of every journey. The living Sami culture offers opportunities to meet reindeer herders, learn about traditional handicrafts, or listen to stories that have been passed down for generations. At the coast, fishing villages reflect Norway’s maritime heritage, combining authenticity with genuine hospitality.

Outdoor activities shift naturally with the seasons. Winter brings husky safaris, snowmobiling, ice fishing and Northern Lights tours; summer and autumn offer hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, whale safaris and scenic drives along the Arctic coast.
What remains constant throughout the year is the sense of space and silence. Finnmark is one of Europe’s least crowded regions. A place where travelers find calm, authenticity and depth in every direction.

This diversity allows tour operators to create itineraries that inspire year-round – from Northern Lights programs to slow-travel journeys under the Midnight Sun.

Easy to reach, yet far from ordinary

Despite its northern location, Finnmark is surprisingly accessible:

  • Daily flights to Tromsø, Alta, and Kirkenes with connections from Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Netherlands, Finland and Denmark.
  • Reliable regional infrastructure and professional suppliers make even remote Arctic adventures smooth and comfortable.
  • Distances between highlights are manageable, enabling flexible combinations for short breaks or extended Nordic tours.

For operators, that means logistical simplicity paired with high product diversity, from wilderness lodges and boutique hotels to coastal expeditions and cultural encounters.

© Rune Fossum

What makes Northern Norway different

Compared to other Nordic regions, Finnmark remains raw, real, and rooted. Here, tourism is driven by people, not by volume. Guests experience:

  • Authentic stories and genuine encounters
  • Sustainable, small-scale operations
  • Deep connection to nature and culture
  • Year-round opportunities for meaningful travel
Finnmark offers distinctive, story-driven products that stand out in the Nordic portfolio and meet the growing demand for responsible, immersive travel.

© Marie-Nystad-Helgesen

Digital Workshop with Northern Norway

Discover the authentic Arctic directly from those who live it.

At the Digital Workshop “Arctic wonders: hidden gems of Finnmark”, tour operators can meet local suppliers from Northern Norway in a compact, one-day online workshop.

🗓️ November 26, 2025, 9 am to 5 pm CET
📩 Registration online
🎟️ Free of charge for tour operators

Organized by NordicMarketing in cooperation with Northern Norway, this event gives you direct access to:

  • Accommodation providers
  • Experience and activity companies
  • Local DMCs and transport partners
  • Regional tourism experts 

Find a list of all the local providers here.

You’ll be able to:

  • Book 1:1 video meetings with suppliers
  • Discover new products
  • Build tailor-made contacts for your programs

 

Header: © Michael-Ulriksen Visit Narvik