Nowhere epitomises the great outdoors quite like Northern Norway, with its jagged mountains, gleaming fjords and vast swathes of lush woodlands. The air is so crisp and clean you feel as if you’ve been transported to another time. It almost makes you believe that Middle Earth was real.
Our journey through Northern Norway took us to the mountainous region of Vesteralen and the archipelago of Lofoten, known primarily for its scenic islands.
Vesteralen
1.Observe sperm whales in the wild in Andenes
If you have watched the mesmerising Blue Planet II on the BBC, you may already be aware that Northern Norway is home to several species of whale. Some, such as killer whales and humpback whales, only spend certain parts of the year on the coast of Norway. However sperm whales can be spotted in Andenes throughout the year thanks to deep sea levels (over 1000m) only a short distance from the coastline.
We recommend booking the Hvalsafari (from 975 NOK per adult) as they are so confident of their tracking skills they boast a 97-98% chance of seeing a sperm whale – we saw them on eight separate occasions. Witnessing these colossal creatures in the wild, particularly when they exhibit their characteristic tail flukes as they dive into the deep sea, is a magical experience.
- Try your hand as an astronaut at Spaceship Aurora
Andoya Space Center in Vesteralen has launched over 1,000 scientific rockets into space. It is also the site of Spaceship Aurora, a fantastic educational centre where you can learn all about the Northern Lights. Scientists based at the centre will share a wealth of information on the science behind the Aurora (also known as “space weather”) and how the Northern Lights have influenced Norwegian history and culture.
Kids and adults can take part in a huge range of activities including conducting a scientific mission to space. Groups are split into different roles, kitted up and strapped into a mock spaceship for a virtual space mission, where they’ll have to work together to conduct research and land the spaceship safely back on earth. It really is great fun!
3 Explore the beautiful village of Nyksund
Nyksund is a small coastal village on the northern part of the island of Langoya. Multi-coloured houses on stilts provide an impressive backdrop to the vast Norwegian Sea. The 27 residents have transformed this once abandoned ghost town into a close-knit community. There’s a charming café complete with eccentric décor (including a chair made of whale bone) and some impressive artworks. There’s also a church, antiques shop and the Holmvik Brygge restaurant that serves delicious bowls of bacalhau – salted cod in a tomato-based stew.
While very popular in the summer months (there’s a spot on the bridge that provides a near-perfect view of the midnight sun), few people visit Nyksund come October. This is the best time to meet the friendly locals and experience all the village has to offer.