Have you ever been fascinated with a Norway journey journey? Cease fascinated with it, and go for it! You received’t remorse it as a result of it’s such an unimaginable place. I went by myself journey to northern Norway for 10 days, and it was such an incredible journey that I’ll always remember. I’d even go so far as to name it the journey of a lifetime—and it was definitely the spotlight of my yr. It is a northern Norway journey information for these trying to go to the Lofoten Islands and past. Ideas for the very best hikes in Norway and tips on how to see the Aurora Borealis in Norway, too.

We visited this stunning Scandinavian nation in early September. The principle motive for this was actually to catch a very good evening of northern lights (September is without doubt one of the greatest occasions to go to see the Aurora Borealis in Norway) and we really skilled the magical phenomenon on most of our nights there. It’s a nice time to make a journey to Northern Norway.

We additionally bought to expertise nice climate most days, though it was positively chilly. Though the northern lights have been undoubtedly my favorite a part of this journey to Norway, there have been many spectacular highlights. This contains hikes, boating adventures, and extra. Observe alongside for my Northern Norway journey information!

Lofoten Islands

It took fairly the journey to get to the Lofoten Islands, which was the primary cease on our journey to Northern Norway. First, we flew from Vancouver to Copenhagen, after which to Oslo. From Oslo, we flew on a small aircraft to Tromsø. Sooner or later, I’d like to spend time on this space as there are such a lot of things to do in Tromsø. On this journey although, we have been solely passing by. Lastly, we took the ultimate flight to Leknes.

We then rented a automotive in Leknes and drove about an hour south to Hamnøy. As soon as we arrived there, we stayed at the Eliassen Rorbuer cabins.

I extremely suggest that you lease a ship within the Lofoten Islands, and make the most of exploring the Hamnøy space by water. We had the very best time boating. Within the morning, the water was calm as a result of nobody else was on the market. The boat actually allowed us to discover the Lofoten Islands space from a special perspective. You may see how abruptly the mountains rise out of the water. The panorama was very totally different from my house in western Canada. I stay in a mountainous place, however these mountains have been distinctive even to my eyes!

The Eliassen Rorbuer

I’m certain you acknowledge these cabins—you see this picture of the Eliassen Rorbuer throughout Instagram. Just a little historical past lesson: they used to deal with fisherman from throughout Norway who got here to compete in an annual cod fishing competitors. Though the standard décor stays, they’ve renovated the insides to comfortably accommodate Norway vacationers. There may be nonetheless loads of that authentic character, although!

I’m positively glad that we stayed at the Eliassen Rorbuer on our journey to Northern Norway. It was good holing up in such cozy cabins that are additionally centrally positioned within the Lofoten Islands. That was definitely handy for us. Plus, I can’t overlook to say the cabins’ good waterfront setting which made for wonderful views and an ideal atmosphere. It’s all in regards to the location! You may snap this picture simply over the bridge in your drive in to Hamnøy whenever you take your individual voyage to Northern Norway.

That is one in every of my most favorite movies ever!

A HUGE thanks to Joel Schat for filming all of the content material, taking images for me.

The Aurora Borealis in Northern Norway

When you observe my Instagram, you then possible noticed my Aurora Borealis posts from Norway. This was my first time seeing the northern Lights, and WOW, it was unforgettable. It was such a giant deal for me, seeing the lights for the primary time. It was a spotlight of my journey to Northern Norway.

Right here’s somewhat background on what causes these magical lights to look within the evening sky. Mainly, they seem when electrically charged particles from the solar collide with atoms and molecules inside the earth’s magnetic protect. Fairly geeky stuff, however who doesn’t love science and nature working collectively in concord—particularly when the result is so beautiful? Both method you slice it, this pure course of is tremendous cool and insanely stunning.

Joel took this picture proper exterior our cabin. We merely couldn’t consider how breath-taking all of it was. I’ll actually always remember these nights…though we didn’t get a lot sleep. The shortage of sleep was so price it, although!

Easy methods to Monitor the Northern Lights

With out the right software, you would possibly wrestle to search out the very best spots and occasions to see the Aurora Borealis in Norway. That’s what northern lights trackers are for! Try Soft Serve News to trace the place the Aurora can be, so that you don’t miss a single evening when you don’t need to. I wouldn’t blame you as a result of I felt the identical method.

The lights are unimaginable within the Lofoten Islands as a result of this space boasts a number of the most spectacular Norwegian landscapes! There are many northward going through seashores, which is a vital a part of getting a number of the greatest views. The lights additionally mirror superbly off the water and sand on the outstretched banks of sand. At occasions, I felt like I used to be in a special world. It’s a nice thought to get some tips for seeing the Aurora Borealis with some analysis.

You may see the wonderful Lofoten northern lights in motion on this video under.

Enjoyable Information In regards to the Aurora

Questioning what makes the lights transfer that method, or “dance,” as some folks characterize it? In accordance with Visit Norway, “The aurora seems the place beams of excessive vitality electrons penetrate the higher environment. Because the beams transfer, the aurora strikes.”

Questioning when you may go to Norway to see its northern lights shows? Visit Norway’s site specifies that “statistically, springtime (March/April) and autumn (September/October) has the very best degree of aurora exercise. Nevertheless, you will note it in October, November, December, January and February as effectively.”

You can too see the aurora extra clearly on chilly nights. That’s because of the clearer evening skies within the chilly climate. You’ve simply bought to bear the chilly to expertise the enjoyment and surprise of the northern lights! And truthfully, it’s a no brainer. Bundle up and convey an additional blanket or two, as a result of it would be best to sit and watch them for a while.

There’s additionally some actually attention-grabbing historic significance with the particular ribbons of sunshine that dance within the sky. For instance, the Vikings apparently thought of the northern lights to be the “armour of the Valkyrie warrior virgins which shed a wierd flickering gentle,” in response to Go to Norway.

Quick-forward to right this moment, and also you would possibly hear the locals usually consult with the Norway northern lights as “the inexperienced woman”. When you take a look at our images and movies, it’s not arduous to know why!

Hikes within the Lofoten Islands

We tried to finish no less than a hike every day, however typically we have been overachievers and did two! We needed to see a lot in and across the areas we have been visiting, in spite of everything. A lot of the Norway climbing trails have been pretty straightforward, they usually have been additionally positioned fairly intently to the place we have been staying. This meant that travelling to them fairly handy. Try the under checklist to search out a number of the greatest hikes in Northern Norway that we skilled.

Offersøykammen Hike

That is the view from the Offersøykammen hike. It’s about one 1km to the highest and takes roughly one hour. Sadly, once we did the hike there was no view from the very prime as a result of it was so foggy. Nevertheless, that didn’t cease us—we merely walked somewhat bit downward and have been capable of seize some nice photographs from these factors.

That is additionally at Offersøykammen close to the center of the mountain. It was truthfully such a reasonably little lake! You will get some wonderful views from right here when you don’t need to hike all the way in which to the highest. When you do make it to the highest and it’s a transparent day, you may often see an ideal view of the peninsula to the north. The water will be so blue to it appears like a tropical island! You would possibly be capable to feast your eyes on all of the fjords across the islands when you’re fortunate. It’s actually such a formidable view, so that you would possibly need to attempt occurring a transparent day to get probably the most out of your expertise! Mountain climbing was on the prime of our checklist on this journey to Northern Norway.

This hike can also be solely minutes from Leknes within the Lofoten Islands, so make sure that to incorporate this hike in you Leknes itinerary. It’s additionally apparently an ideal place to view the midnight solar in the summertime. It’s among the finest spots to catch the “dawn and sundown”. That’s as a result of the solar approaches the horizon to the direct north of the mountains within the distance.

You may watch my Northern Norway journey vlog under or on YouTube for higher high quality. Take into account this a Northern Norway journey information in video type!

Mannen Hike

That is the view from the Mannen hike, which takes about an hour. It was positioned somewhat north of Leknes and was my favorite hike for therefore many causes. Firstly, it was a brilliant straightforward hike, which is at all times good whenever you’re doing a hike or two a day! Additionally, the view was unimaginable. Even with such a simple hike, the surroundings doesn’t disappoint one bit.

The water appears tropical blue and it’ll make you utterly overlook that you simply’re nonetheless within the Arctic. Nevertheless, you received’t keep within the fantasy that you simply’re someplace tropical very lengthy as a result of it was actually chilly up there—or no less than it was in September! Regardless, I’ll always remember this wonderful view we skilled right here. I’d say it’s among the finest hikes in Norway.

Journey tip: The mountain is nestled between two of probably the most attractive seashores in Lofoten, the Uttakleiv and Haukland seashores. It wouldn’t be a foul thought to go to the seashores in the identical journey as your hike of Mount Mannen!

Ryten Hike

One other equally wonderful and visually satisfying hike we did in Lofoten was the Ryten Mountain path. It wasn’t too steep and solely took just a few hours. The views on the prime of the mountain utterly took my breath away! Up there, you get views of Kvalvika Seashore, the opposite surrounding peaks, and people beautiful fjords throughout you.

It felt like we have been on prime of the world up there. Discuss dramatic and epic vistas! Take into account that it’s best to carry a lot of layers as a result of it was freezing on the prime.

Reinebringen Hike

We additionally tried to do one other hike, the Reinebringen, however we needed to flip again because the path was not in good condition, and subsequently deemed unsafe for hikers. I hope that on the following journey the path is repaired, so we are able to make it to the highest! For now, that is the view from the place we have been capable of attain.

Northern Norway has so many climbing choices, every with their very own unimaginable views. Climbing these mountains is an excellent option to see the encompassing fjords, seashores, and spectacular mountain peaks. I’d positively suggest including just a few of those to your Norway climbing verify checklist!

Senja

For the second a part of our Norway journey, we drove about six hours north of Hamnøy to get to Senja. It was such a fantastic drive! Alongside the route you may see a lot of stunning shoreline and plenty of spectacular seashores. You’ll move by a lot of quaint and charming fishing villages sporadically. You may anticipate to see stunning views the entire method.

We spent two nights in Senja the place we stayed at the Hamn i Senja resort, which we actually loved. 

Mt. Segla

The primary day we arrived to Senja, we hiked to see Mt. Segla that afternoon. We wasted no time! This hike was additionally a reasonably straightforward and easy two-hour lengthy path. Each trails begin from Fjordgård. You’ll need to hike Mt. Hesten to see Mt. Segla. The view right here was, once more, simply unforgettable! These trails are to not be missed.

I nonetheless can’t recover from this view, it was simply so wonderful. I’d love to return when it’s snowing to see the distinction! Actually, I’d like to re-do this whole journey once more to see it as a winter wonderland, all blanketed in white.

You may additionally like 15 Photos to Inspire a Trip to Norway, Key West Sustainable Boat Adventure with Honest Eco Tours, or My Trip To Kauai.

Boating in Senja

We additionally went out in a ship in Senja and had such a good time. It was so much colder there than it was in Hamnøy, however then once more we have been a lot farther north within the Arctic. After 4 full days and nights in Lofoten, we have been really fairly drained by the point we bought to Senja. 

We solely actually shot dawn and sundown there and it was so good to have time to calm down and relaxation. We did work and napped most days. It was raining sooner or later then cleared up at evening which was precisely what we wanted for capturing the Senja northern lights!

Northern Lights in Senja

Once more, we have been very fortunate to have seen the Northern lights once we have been in Senja. I used to be so blown away by them every time; they truthfully by no means bought previous, and the lights’ vivid colors have been simply as vibrant right here as they have been within the Lofoten Islands.

It was so good to have the ability to watch the lights within the evening sky as they mirrored off the attractive Norwegian fjords, making the northern lights in Senja distinctive. Senja by no means was probably the most identified locations to catch the Aurora Borealis in Norway, but it surely has just lately gained reputation as a vacation spot to identify them.

Bioluminescence

One night we have been blessed to see have seen the bioluminescence within the water whereas catching the aurora within the sky on the identical time. There have been so many magical colors and sparkles that it actually felt like we have been dwelling out a fairy story for an evening. I’ve a sense that it was a as soon as in a lifetime expertise, and I’m so glad we captured all of it.

When you haven’t heard a lot in regards to the pure phenomenon of bioluminescence, you’ve in all probability seen it with out even understanding. Keep in mind making an attempt to catch fireflies as a baby, perhaps? Bioluminescence occurs when a chemical response happens in some organism’s bodily physique.

In accordance with Live Science, these creatures need to comprise a chemical compound that’s referred to as luciferin to have the response, which is what permits them to glow in full darkness! It’s a chemical type of vitality that outcomes from oxygen publicity. The identical factor is what permits fireflies to glow so brightly, together with glow-worms, jellyfish, some sorts of fungi, and extra. I used to be not planning to expertise this on my journey to Northern Norway, so it was a nice shock.

I guess you didn’t anticipate to get two science classes on this weblog, did you?!

Molde

The ultimate a part of our Northern Norway journey took us south. From Senja, we drove to Bardufoss after which we flew to Oslo. From Oslo we flew to Molde. Since we solely had 10 days on our journey, we determined to fly as a substitute of driving. I’m certain it’s a attractive drive although, similar to the remainder of the components of Norway we skilled. Possibly for the following journey, we’ll make a degree to drive that half. We rented a automotive in Molde to get round from there.

Positioned proper alongside the river Molde, this metropolis is also called the City of Roses. The rationale behind this would possibly simply be due to the numerous rose gardens that inhabited the city earlier than a fireplace destroyed a lot of them. “Molde consisted of luxurious motels surrounding an idyllic township with quaint, wood homes, lush gardens and parks, esplanades and pavilions, incomes it the nickname the City of Roses. This was interrupted when one third of town was destroyed in a fireplace on 21 January 1916,” in response to Wikipedia’s historical background of town.

The City of Roses up in Flames

Nevertheless, the city got here again to life once more quickly after. Then, Molde was hit once more in 1940 by German air raids in each April and Might. The Wiki article states that “April 29 turned out to be the worst day within the historical past of Molde, as town was reworked right into a sea of flames by incendiary bombs. Till then the church had escaped undamaged, however within the closing sortie a firebomb turned caught excessive up within the tower, and the attractive wood church was obliterated by fireplace.”

These fires ended up destroying about two-thirds of town as soon as once more. It’s been by so much, that metropolis! Fortunately, it sprang again to life very quickly after World Warfare II lastly ended. It turned a very modernized metropolis round 1964. When you resolve to go to Molde, you’ll have loads of background to find out about. These fires positively modified the course of the city’s historical past perpetually.

Ålesund

We drove to Ålesund which is such a cute little city with a lot of vibrant buildings in all places you look. It’s identified for its stunning artwork nouveau structure—particularly because it, too, was rebuilt after a horrible fireplace. The rebuilding occurred in 1904, simply earlier than Molde’s first fireplace occurred. Ålesund can also be identified for being the cultural hub of the area, because it hosts many festivals yearly.

When you take pleasure in outside actions greater than metropolis ones although, you may simply as simply have an incredible time exploring the fjords, or discover a place to do snow sports activities resembling snowboarding or snowboarding. There’s no scarcity! The assorted our bodies of water on this space even have a lot of fish to go for if fishing is your factor. And naturally, there are at all times nice climbing choices, as you may see from the picture under.

This viewpoint from the highest of Mount Aksla offers a extremely nice view of Ålesund. It’s a simple path with simply over 400 steps (with handrails at some factors all through the path). At this location, you may drive when you favor to do it that method as a substitute. No judgment in anyway—typically, you simply need to get to the highest!

In accordance with Nationwide Geographic, “Ålesund could possibly be the backdrop for a Nordic fairy story – with a contemporary plot twist”. They positively bought that proper! I might have spent an entire day exploring right here, so I must return sooner or later when I’ve somewhat extra time to take action. I’d like to discover all that this metropolis has to supply for Norway travellers. Each Northern Norway journey information ought to have a cease included right here, that’s for certain!

This viewpoint on the prime of Mount Aksla offers a extremely nice view of Ålesund.  It’s a simple path with simply over 400 steps (with handrails in some factors). At this location it’s also possible to drive when you favor. It’s a nice viewpoint to tackle when you make a journey to Northern Norway.

Geirangerfjord

This loopy picture was taken in Geirangerfjord. To get to this viewpoint, drive all the way in which down the highway and up the mountain and you’ll discover the point of view behind the loos. You in all probability didn’t anticipate that as a part of the instructions, did you? Lol.

Particularly, there’s a small path hidden behind these loos. Whenever you stroll down, you’ll see the decrease path the place Joel was standing to take this image; after which the place I’m standing on the sting there, you simply stroll somewhat additional up. Watch out as a result of it’s harmful!! I was actually fearful of heights, consider it or not…however not a lot anymore as you may see. 

There’s a motive that, in response to Go to Norway, “Ålesund and the encompassing areas [including Geirangerfjord] are among the many most visited websites for vacationers in Norway.” Geirangerfjord is full of waterfalls, mountain farms, (principally deserted) and tons of nature.

This metropolis additionally has a famend UNESCO World Heritage Website inside it, and it’s thought of one of many jewels of the Norwegian fjords. It’s within the type of an S form, which makes it stand out from a number of the others. You just about know the way particular it’s with out understanding any of that, although. All it’s a must to do is be there, and also you’ll see it for your self.

Trollstigen

The final location we visited in Northern Norway was Trollstigen, which is the place you could find this loopy switchback highway by the mountains! It’s principally an intensely zig-zagged mountain highway and move, and it’s positioned inside the Rauma Municipality. From there, it connects Åndalsnes to the Valldal village, which lies within the Norddal Municipality. That is positively a cease it’s best to embrace in your Norway journey plans! It’s fairly cool-looking each in particular person and in images. Did you even make a journey to Northern Norway when you didn’t cease right here?!?

That is probably the most visited vacationer highway in Norway in response to Fjord Norway, and straightforward to see why! It’s also called considerably of an engineering stroke of genius. Whenever you couple that with all the encompassing pure magnificence, it makes for an epic vacationer attraction. It’s only a highway, you’d assume, however whenever you get there you see what all of the hype is about. General, it was such a deal with to have the ability to simply stare at it in awe.

You will get an thought for the dimensions of issues on this video by taking a look at how small the automobiles are on the highway.

The well-known highway is named Norway’s Golden Route, and it was inbuilt July of 1936. When you’re considering it ought to take a couple of minutes to an hour tops, it’s really extra like a two-three-hour lengthy drive! It’s actually two hours lengthy, however it’s a must to reserve additional time for stopping to take images, after all. You’ll have many urges to take action, since there are such a lot of nice viewpoints to be admired all through this particular route. It’d even be an thought to try to catch a sundown on this spot!

What an Wonderful Journey to Norway!

On the final full day on this mesmerising nation, we flew from Molde again to Oslo the place we ended our journey to Norway. There may be a lot extra that we might have seen there, so I hope that sooner or later we are able to return.

I suppose that’s usually the case whenever you’re travelling, although. You may by no means actually do or see all of it, however perhaps that’s what makes travelling so engaging. Possibly it’s all within the problem to expertise as a lot as you may of this new, mysterious place…

I truthfully was not anticipating to fall in love with Northern Norway, however I actually did (and I fell arduous). When you ever get an opportunity to go, don’t hesitate…it’s AMAZING! Like I stated earlier than, you completely received’t remorse it. Get to planning a visit to Northern Norway and add it to your bucket checklist.

Northern Norway is a spot that’s stuffed with a lot magnificence and surprise. From the magical northern lights to the hikes with vistas straight from a film scene, this mind-blowing Scandinavian nation actually has all of it.

Probably the most prevalent issues that ought to belong in your Norway bucket checklist, amongst others, are the Lofoten northern lights (though you possibly can chase them in a lot of places in Norway) and the numerous unimaginable climbing trails together with Offersøykammen, Mannen, Ryten, and Mt. Segla. Additionally purpose to see the magical bioluminescent water in Senja—and perhaps even the northern lights in the identical evening, too! Additionally, positively keep within the little crimson, conventional fisherman’s cabins on the Eliassen Rorbuer which have been famously featured so usually on Instagram.

Let me know if there may be anything you wish to see on this Northern Norway journey information. Completely happy Norway travels! Are you planning a visit to Northern Norway?

Bella Bucchiotti

Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated meals, journey, and way of life author, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She based xoxoBella in 2015, the place she shares her love for meals, canines, sustainability, health, crafts, outside adventures, journey, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the additional mile, attempt new recipes, go to unfamiliar locations, and stand for a trigger. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.