Discover the edge of the world
In Northern Norway, life unfolds beneath dancing auroras, along dramatic fjords and under the glow of the midnight sun. Travel from the rugged fishing villages of the Lofoten Islands north to the lively Arctic hub of Tromsø and finally the remote wilderness of Svalbard to experience a region shaped by the sea and a rich maritime history. This is a place where culture and nature remain deeply intertwined, creating an unforgettable journey through the wild.
Take a look at what waits for you in Northern Norway and let's begin planning your journey!
A church has stood in this location on Vestvagoy Island (near the town of Leknes) since 1324, but this one was built in 1905 in the Dragestil, or Dragon Style. This romantic style of architecture originated in Norway and is characterized by steep roofs and big eaves, often with curving decorations on the pinnacles that resemble dragon’s heads.
Although it might appear as if Norway's Lofoten Islands are perched on the edge of the world, in the Viking era, it was quite the opposite: the islands were knitted into a trade network that spread across northern and western Europe. In fact, Lofoten was home to the biggest Viking house that has ever been found (currently at the Lofotr Viking Museum). In this History Hit podcast, host Dan Snow explores the islands' Viking history.
The Norwegian archipelago has become a favorite destination for extreme surfers who don’t mind freezing water. Along the coast the sea can reach a depth of about 500 meters, creating waves that are several meters high, perfect for adventurous surfers.
Visit the wind-whipped Norwegian coast with some of the UK's top chefs to learn more about skrei, the migrating cod that comes from the Barents Sea to the coast of northern Norway (esp. Lofoten, Senja and Vesterålen) to spawn every year between January and April.
Head to Reine, on Norway's Lofoten Islands, for stunning displays of the Northern Lights.
In this BBC podcast, wildlife sound recordist Chris Watson accompanies Sámi joiker Andé Sombe on a journey up a mountain on the Lofoten islands in Norway to explore the relationship between the sounds of the mountain, the people and the wildlife.
Incredible aerial images of a modernist Tromsø landmark, the Arctic Cathedral (aka Ishavkatedralen), designed by architect Jan Inge Hovig in a long church style in 1965.
Jacques de Vos is an underwater photographer who spends most his time freediving with orcas. Red Bull joins him one of his most beautiful expeditions in Norway to see what it takes to go underwater with whales.
From dogsledding through the mountains to kayaking with whales, join guide Jeff Allen as he explores the gorgeous natural beauty around Tromsø.
Explore the arctic islands and learn about life—and food—in the far north in this podcast featuring one of Condé Nast Traveller’s most-loved travel stories, read by its author.
This video captures five Arctic giants seen around Svalbard: the enormous, endearing Walrus; the island's endemic Reindeer; the small-in-stature, but huge in ah-factor, Arctic Fox; the whale (in this case Beluga); and the Polar Bear, of course.
Imagine experiencing multiple months when the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon. Known as the polar night, this phenomenon happens in the northern and southernmost regions of earth each year, inside the Arctic and Antarctic circles. Learn about this magical time of year, and hear from the people stationed at the northernmost year-round research station (in Norway's Svalbard region) what it is like to live in extended periods of darkness.
High in the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, nature photographer Joshua Holko is on a mission to document polar bears in the wild. See how he does it in this short film, part of National Geographic's Short Film Showcase.
Ready to discover this wild region for yourself?
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