Experience the southwest Northern Norway by car
Northern Norway is the least populated but geographically biggest part of our country. We therefore recommend allowing plenty of time on this route, as from the idyllic Brønnøysund in the south to the urban city of Tromsø in the north, you will cover about 1,400 kilometres – and probably want to stop at every turn.
See our hotels: Brønnøysund - Bodø - Lofoten - Andenes - Harstad - Narvik - Tromsø
The proposed route covers the south-western parts of Northern Norway, winding from Brønnøysund in the south to Tromsø in the north. Prepare for raw nature experiences in a varied climate and breathtaking views. The area you want to travel through is particularly known for its high mountains combined with urban environments, stunning panoramic views and rugged coastal landscape. The activities along the way can be adapted to both the season and climate, so the possibilities for exciting experiences are endless.
Brønnøysund
- the coastal town in the middle of Norway
We recommend that you start or end your trip in Brønnøysund. The town is located on the Helgeland coast in Nordland, and you can fly here directly by Widerøe or drive via Kystriksveien. You can also take advantage of the fact that the city is one of Hurtigruten’s stops. Visit Torghatten, the island of Ylvingen where they filmed the TV programme 'Himmelblå' and the island municipality of Vega, home to the earliest proven settlement in Northern Norway.
A taste of Kystriksveien and the Helgeland coast
From Brønnøysund it is about seven hours by car to Bodø - a stretch that offers a lot of beautiful nature and exciting experiences for young and old. We therefore recommend that you book one or two overnight stays on this route.
Mountain and glacier hiking
Hiking in the 'Seven Sisters' mountain range at Sandnessjøen is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Helgeland coast and an absolute must if you are driving along the coast. If you don't suffer from altitude fear, you should also make the trip around Dønnamannen, a mountain on the island of Dønna, easily available from Sandnessjøen by ferry. Furthermore, glacier hiking and rappelling on Norway’s second largest glacier, Svartisen, is one of the major attractions along Kystriksveien. At Glomfjellet, on your way north, you can also stop by the Fykantrappen - 1,129 steps and Europe’s best preserved outdoor wooden staircase - right up the mountainside.
Psst! Staying at a hotel after a night or two in a tent will feel like pure luxury. The 'freedom to roam' law means that you can set up a tent or sleep under the stars just about anywhere in the wilderness, as long as you are at least 150 metres from the nearest inhabited house or cabin.
Bodø
- more than just a stop bar
Bodø is a city that offers everything from spectacular nature experiences to urban life and a variety of cultural experiences. Here you can put on your mountain shoes and enjoy a stunning view from the mountain, or dress your shoes and watch the mountain from a shielded skybar.
Thon Hotel Nordlys is located right by the marina and pier in Bodø. The hotel offers fantastic views of both the Lofoten Wall and Hurtigruta, which sails right past the hotel.
Just outside of Bodø, you will find the world-famous Saltstraumen, the world’s strongest tidal current. If you are spending time in Bodø, we recommend experiencing one of the world’s greatest wonders up close, either as a spectator on shore or with a local boat guide. If you’re curious about the best place to see the midnight sun between 4 June and 8 July, the amazing phenomenon that lets you walk barefoot over pure white sand and warm rocks all night long, the locals recommend driving along the north coast from Bodø and visiting one of the numerous white sand beaches found along the coast. Here, white sandy beaches are like pearls on a string.
Lofoten
- The Norwegian pearl on everyone’s lips
The island area in Nordland is both stunningly beautiful, dramatic and unique, and nature experiences stand in line here. Tourists from around the world come here to enjoy the spectacular nature that changes with the season. The weather changes continuously and the nature experiences are numerous, with the northern lights in winter, midnight sun in summer, steep mountains and beautiful sea views.
Lofoten offers such activities as mountain hiking, fishing, cycling, climbing, boat trips, RIB boat tours and kayaking. The hotel is idyllicly located at the harbour in Svolvær, in the heart of Lofoten. You can walk directly from Hurtigruten to the hotel without getting your feet wet and all attractions in Svolvær are within walking distance.
See our hotel in Svolvær in Lofoten, or find more great examples of activities you can do in the area.
Andenes
- the whale safari site
Andenes is located on Andøya in northernmost Vesterålen. The island offers fantastic nature, unforgettable whaling experiences, sea fishing and kayaking, mountain and cycling hikes as well as crisp white sandy beaches. Thanks to the nutrient-rich sea outside the island, there is a 95% chance of skimming the whale all year round. Andøya is the only place on mainland Norway where coal and dinosaur fossils have been found. Or that Forfjorddalen in Andøy Municipality has some of the oldest pine trees in Scandinavia?
See our hotel, Thon Hotel Andrikken in Andenes.
Harstad
- the gourmet town in the north
Harstad is located in the middle of northern Norway and is strategically located to experience nearby regions such as Senja, Lofoten, Tromsø and Vesterålen. The region offers an available and powerful mountain landscape on all sides, magnificent views and a rich archipelago. This enables both demanding mountain hiking and cycling along the archipelago, as well as birdwatching, kayaking, fishing and swimming in both sea and mountain water under a sun that warms around the clock.
The midnight sun gives long, bright days and nights. Harstad is therefore perfectly located for those who want to get the most out of their summer activities. If you are looking for cultural experiences, you can visit the majestic archipelago, the Adolf Canon or the Church of Trondenes. On Aunfjellet lies a small peak called Keipen, which is a popular hiking destination both in summer and winter. The best place to start a trip to Keipen is at the large car park on top of Aunfjellet. Getting to the top requires a relatively easy hike and offers fantastic views of the top.
See our Thon Hotel Harstad for overnight stays when you are in the area.
Narvik
- the mighty mountain kingdom
Narvik is known for its modern development and the beautiful nature that surrounds the cityscape. Be thrilled by mountain peaks up to 1,900 metres high, in great contrast to the peaceful Ofotfjord. In Narvik, you can stay at Thon Hotel Narvik, which is the closest neighbour to Narvik Mountain - the city’s best view. To get to Narvikfjellet, take the Gondolbanen. Here you will be transported to 656 moh. - an experience in itself. After only 4 minutes in the Gondola you are there. Feel the silence and enjoy the view of high mountains, deep fjords and vibrant city life.
Tromsø
- in the world’s top of adventure travel
TripAdvisor is behind this designation. This popular travel website is based on reviews and recommendations by travellers who have visited the various destinations and Tromsø holds its own. The beautiful city ranks as the world’s third best destination for experiences. When it comes to adventure trips in Europe, Tromsø is at the top.
If you are in Tromsø in winter, you can experience the northern lights and Arctic Cathedral, go on a snowmobile tour or mountain hike and enjoy a night on the town at one of Tromsø’s numerous nightlife spots. In summer, Tromsø is so beautiful, with a shining midnight sun in the sky from day to night, surrounded by mountains and fjords.
Both of our hotels in Tromsø are located on Grønnegata in the centre of Tromsø. This provides immediate proximity to the Arctic Cathedral, Polaria and other sights, along with restaurants and the city’s well-known nightlife offerings. The airport bus to Tromsø Airport Langnes stops close to the hotels.
Want to extend your trip?
If you have plenty of time, we strongly recommend adding cities such as Hammerfest, Alta, Kautokeino and Kirkenes to your itinerary. These are unique destinations that offer beautiful Arctic surroundings, hunting and fishing opportunities on Finnmarksvidda, the Barents Sea in the midnight sun, insights into Sami culture and a raw coastal landscape. Nor does it need to be winter in these areas for the Northern Lights to make their entrance into the sky, so if you are here in late summer/autumn, we recommend an evening hike away from the city, village and artificial light.