10. Vesteralen
9. Hammerfest
The Vikings may have attacked Great Britain centuries ago, but the British got even in 1809 when they attacked Hammerfest, the most northern city in the world. The municipality also is known for getting the first electric street lights in Europe and served as a German U-boat base in World War II. It was totally destroyed in the war as part of the Germans’ scorched earth policy. As the oldest city in northern Norway, Hammerfest offers excellent fishing and wilderness adventures. A key attraction is the museum devoted to Arctic fishing and hunting; it’s also where visitors can join the Polar Bear Club.
8. Kirkenes
Located in Norway’s far northeast, Kirkenes was also impacted by World War II, serving as a base for the German army and navy, and then taken over by Russia’s Red Army. It is located not too far from the border with Russia and Finland, so travelers will want to visit the Border Area Museum. The town’s central square is home to a Russian market on the last Thursday of every month. Another top attraction is the Andersgrotta, an underground bunker that houses Kirkenes residents during World War II. Kirkenes is reachable by ship, airport and road.
7. Vega Archipelago
Inhabited since the Stone Age, the Vega Archipelago is a group of 500 islands in the Norwegian Sea. Here, fishermen ply the seas as they have for 1,500 years. They also harvest the down feathers from eider ducks, in an Arctic Circle environment that is inhospitable for life. Though the environment is harsh, the archipelago is scenic with lighthouses, eider nesting houses and quaint fishing villages. The islands are popular with bird watchers who come to see more than 230 species of birds. Hiking and biking are good ways to explore the islands.
6. Narvik
5. Alta
Alta, located in Norway’s far north, has many things going for it. It has a subarctic climate that makes it a popular year ‘round travel destination. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and dog sledding, while warmer weather recreation opportunities include hiking, fishing and biking. It’s not only a good place to view the northern lights but a great place to view ancient rock art. More than 6,000 rock carvings have been discovered since 1973; an open air museum can be found at Jiepmaluota, about three miles from Alta. Staying in an igloo hotel is a good wintertime option here.
4. Bodo
Sitting just north of the Arctic Circle, Bodø is the second largest town in northern Norway. A section of the central town is referred to as “Swedish town” because Sweden helped build new housing after most of the town was destroyed by World War II bombing. Situated on a peninsula, Bodø is where the railroad ends and a jumping-off point for the Lofoten Islands. Saltstraumen, known as the world’s strongest tides, are just outside Bodø. It’s also a good place to see northern lights dancing across the night sky. Fishing, boating and kayaking are popular activities. With a strong arts community, it is a good place to buy Norwegian crafts.
3. Nordkapp
For most of the year, the Nordkapp region has just over 3,000 residents. The population, however, soars by 200,000 in the summer months when travelers come to visit its famous North Cape, the northernmost point in Europe connected with the international road network, and its lighthouse. The scenery in his remote area isn’t too shabby, either. The region also is known for its large colonies of birds, including puffins. Outdoor adventures abound, from fishing for king crab (and eating it) to riding ATVs over scenic terrain and whale and seal watching. Getting here also is an adventure since it involves going through a 6.9-km (4.3-mile) underwater tunnel.
2. Tromso
1. Lofoten Islands
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