From the coast of Tromsø to the tundra of Kirkenes: discover the diversity of Norway’s far north
Northern Norway may appear as one vast Arctic region on the map, but for travelers and for tour operators it is a mosaic of landscapes, cultures, and light. Each destination has its own rhythm, atmosphere, and storytelling potential.
From the lively coastal city of Tromsø to the quiet tundra of Finnmark, every stop reveals a different facet of life above the Arctic Circle. This diversity makes Northern Norway ideal for multi-stop itineraries and tailor-made experiences that go beyond a single region or season.
Meet the faces of Finnmark at the Digital Sales Event “Arctic Wonders: Hidden Gems of Finnmark” by Northern Norway and connect directly with local suppliers from the different areas.
Tromsø – The urban Arctic
Known as the “Gateway to the Arctic”, Tromsø combines vibrant city life with spectacular nature. It’s one of the world’s best places to experience the Northern Lights in winter and the Midnight Sun in summer. Whale safaris, cable car rides to Mount Storsteinen, Arctic cathedrals, and restaurants celebrating Nordic flavours make Tromsø both accessible and exciting. It’s a perfect entry or exit point for itineraries across the north, connecting urban comfort with wilderness adventure.
© Elena D Cruz / Unsplash
Alta – Between rock art and Arctic silence
Further east, Alta is known as the “City of the Northern Lights.” Here, travelers can explore 7,000-year-old UNESCO-listed rock carvings, meet Sami families, and enjoy stays in cosy wilderness lodges surrounded by snow and silence. Alta also serves as a bridge between coast and plateau. Where nature, culture, and innovation come together in one place.
© Barnabas Davoti / Unsplash
Hammerfest & the coastal route – History and heritage
Along the coast, Hammerfest tells the story of Arctic pioneers and modern industry. As one of the world’s northernmost towns, it combines Hurtigruten heritage, Arctic exploration history, and small-town culture.
Between Hammerfest, Nordkyn, and Mehamn, travelers encounter fishing villages, seabird colonies, and coastal landscapes shaped by the Gulf Stream. This region is ideal for slow travel and cultural discovery.
Read more about Hammerfest »
Explore Nordkyn – Europe’s northernmost mainland point »
© Marthe-Nyvoll
Kirkenes – The Arctic frontier
At Norway’s northeastern edge, Kirkenes feels like a world of its own. Just a few kilometres from the Russian and Finnish borders, it’s a place of encounters and extremes. Travelers can join king crab safaris, visit the Snowhotel, go dog sledding in winter, or boat along the Barents Sea. Kirkenes is also a gateway for cross-border itineraries, combining Norway’s Arctic coast with Finnish or Swedish Lapland.
© Snowhotel Kirkenes
Varanger – Light, creativity and coastal calm
The Varanger Peninsula is one of Northern Europe’s hidden gems. Its open landscapes, birdlife, and cultural mix create an atmosphere found nowhere else. This is the Arctic at its most poetic, where light, weather, and horizon are in constant motion.
Varanger is also a hub of creative tourism: small lodges, restored fishing factories, and artisan experiences that blend culture, design, and storytelling.
© Sven Erik Knoff Visit Norway
North Cape – At the edge of Europe
Standing on the cliff of Nordkapp, travelers see where the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans meet. It’s both a geographic landmark and an emotional experience. A place that captures the vastness of the north. Beyond the famous plateau, the surrounding area offers hiking, coastal culture, and panoramic roads perfect for summer self-drives.
© Arvid Hoidahl Unsplash
The Finnmark Plateau – Vastness and silence
Inland lies the Finnmark Plateau, home to reindeer herders, wide tundra, and endless skies. It’s ideal for nature-based experiences and authentic cultural encounters that reveal the Sami way of life. Here, travelers find true wilderness. Where silence becomes the soundtrack of the journey.
Explore the Finnmark Plateau »
© Roger-Johansen
Designing journeys that flow
For tour operators, Northern Norway offers endless ways to connect regions and themes:
- Multi-stop itineraries: Combine Tromsø, Alta, and Kirkenes in one Arctic route.
- Thematic travel: Design journeys built around light, taste, culture, or wildlife.
- Slow travel: Focus on quality time in fewer places. Ideal for repeat travelers.
- Cross-border connections: Extend itineraries into Swedish or Finnish Lapland for even more variety.
Need inspiration? The Northern Norway Tourist Board’s feature "Stories from the Far North" beautifully illustrates how regional stories can inspire future travel design.
Meet the people behind these places
Join the Digital Sales Event “Arctic Wonders: Hidden Gems of Finnmark” and connect directly with suppliers from across Northern Norway – from Tromsø to Varanger.
🗓️ One-day digital workshop / November 26, 2025 / 09.00-17.00 h CET
📝 Registration opens soon
🎤 Welcome speech: Northern Norway Tourist Board
Meet the experts behind the Arctic’s most unique experiences and uncover the many faces of Northern Norway.
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Arctic wonders: why Northern Norway’s Finnmark belongs in every travel portfolio
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