Norwegian fishing village of Hamnoy in the Lofoten Islands. Dramatic sunset clouds above steep mountain peaks.

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Nordland

For those with a love of all things Arctic, this is where Norway really starts to get interesting. Heading northwards through long, slim Nordland, lush fields give way to lakes and forests, vistas open up, summits sharpen and the treeline descends ever lower on the mountainsides. Above the imaginary curve of the Arctic Circle, travellers get their first taste of the midnight sun in summer, while in winter, the Northern Lights dance across the night sky.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Saltfjellet Svartisen National Park

    Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park

    Arctic Highway

    This 2102-sq-km national park is one of mainland Norway's most dramatic landforms. In the west it embraces the rugged peaks of the Svartisen icecap,…

  • Torghatten Mountain, Norway

    Torghatten

    Nordland

    A dramatic local landmark rears up from Torget island, some 15km south of Brønnøysund. The peak, pierced by a hole 160m long, 35m high and 20m wide, is…

  • The fishermen's houses close to river Vefsna, in Sjogata, Mosjoen, Norway.

    Sjøgata

    Arctic Highway

    A stroll around the Sjøgata area, with over 100 listed buildings, takes you past galleries, coffee shops, restaurants and private homes in attractively…

  • Lofotr Viking Museum

    Lofotr Viking Museum

    Lofoten

    In 1981 at Borg, in the heart of Vestvågøy, a farmer's plough hit the ruins of the 83m-long dwelling of a powerful Viking chieftain, the largest building…

  • Hamsunsenteret

    Hamsunsenteret

    Arctic Highway

    Around halfway between the E6 and the ferry crossing to/from the Lofoten Islands at Skutvik, along the Rv81, the Hamsunsenteret is a must for anyone with…

  • Glasshytta

    Glasshytta

    Lofoten

    A 4km side trip signposted from the E10 at Vareid, north of Flakstad, brings you to Vikten and the showpiece gallery of the glass-blowing Tangrand family…

  • Norsk Fiskeværsmuseum

    Norsk Fiskeværsmuseum

    Lofoten

    This museum takes in 14 of Å's 19th-century boathouses, storehouses, fishing cottages, farmhouses and commercial buildings. Highlights (pick up a pamphlet…

  • Petter Dass Museum

    Petter Dass Museum

    Nordland

    Even if you've never heard of the medieval Norwegian poet Petter Dass (1647–1707), don't miss this stunning museum at Alstahaug south of Sandnessjøen…

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Go Beyond

Nordland and beyond

Beyond Nordland
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