Where to go in Norway

Norway's coastline spans hundreds of kilometres and provides beautiful scenery throughout, as well as offering fun and adventurous activities to really make the most of your surroundings. From the tranquil fjords of the west and north of the Norwegian mainland, to the harsh Arctic coast of the Spitsbergen archipelago, Norway is a delight for photographers and wildlife lovers alike. Choose a safari focused on the mainland for outdoor adventures, gastronomic feasts and luxurious lodges, or combine your Norway exploration with a Svalbard expedition in search of polar bears to get off-the-beaten-track and discover the true wilds of the Arctic.

Lofoten Islands

The Lofoten Islands are a collection of islands lying in the Nordland county of Norway. This region is known for its dramatic scenery; towering ice-capped mountains and sprawling open sea, contrasting with stunning sheltered bays and pristine sandy beaches. The Lofoten Islands are quite an anomaly when it comes to climate, as they experience relatively warm temperatures for their high Arctic latitude. This warmth makes them an ideal place for exploring in summer as you can make the most of the midnight sun while enjoying outdoor activities and birdwatching.Thanks to its varied topography, the Lofoten Islands are home to a huge variety of wildlife both on land and out to sea. The southern islands actually lie on the Røst Reef which boasts the world’s largest deep water coral reef. Other water-based wildlife that can be seen during boat trips or coastal walks includes birdlife such as sea eagles, cormorants and puffins and otters which are common throughout the fjords. On land, look out for moose and other bird species that nest in the mountains and cliffs.

Longyearbyen

The starting point for any trip to see polar bears in Svalbard, Longyearbyen is located more or less in the middle of the main island. Originally called Longyear City, the town was founded by John Longyear in 1906, and renamed Longyearbyen in 1926. With around 2300 inhabitants, the population of Longyearbyen is steadily growing as tourism to Svalbard gains popularity. When Spitsbergen was first discovered by the Dutch explorer William Barents, it was named so for its jagged peaks. Whilst the other islands of Svalbard are nature reserves and therefore inaccessible without gaining special permission, Spitsbergen, which broadly includes its group of surrounding islands Barentsøya, Edgeøya, Nordaustlandet and Prins Karls Forland, is where the modest population of the area go about their daily lives, and also is the starting and finishing point for your voyages of exploration into this Arctic wilderness.

Lyngen Alps

Lying east of the northern city of Tromso, the Lyngen Alps region of Norway is a stunning area perfect for enjoying outdoor activities in both summer and winter alike. In winter, enjoy snow-shoeing, dog sledding and, of course, looking up to the night sky in search of the Aurora Borealis. In summer however, the area is great for hiking, kayaking, cycling and heading out onto the fjords to seek out whales. Thanks to the huge differences in light and climate between the seasons, it is worth visiting the Lyngen region more than once to discover all the highlights this area has to offer.

Spitsbergen and around

The Svalbard archipelago is Europe’s largest wilderness, a fascinating collection of islands within Norway that are closer to the North Pole than they are to the capital city of Oslo. The northernmost human settlements on earth are found here, specifically on the largest island of Spitsbergen, where the ‘cold edge’ of Svalbard (its literal meaning) is tempered by the moderating Gulf Stream, making it a more habitable environment. When Spitsbergen was first discovered by the Dutch explorer William Barents, it was named so for its jagged peaks. Whilst the other islands of Svalbard are nature reserves and therefore inaccessible without gaining special permission, Spitsbergen, which broadly includes its group of surrounding islands Barentsøya, Edgeøya, Nordaustlandet and Prins Karls Forland, is where the modest population of the area – approximately 3,000 - go about their daily lives, and also is the starting and finishing point for your voyages of exploration into this arctic wilderness.

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