8 Best Sights in Northern Norway, Norway

Cathedral of the Northern Lights

Fodor's choice

This ribbonlike church, more formally referred to as the Alta Kirke, embraces modern design while still being a majestic place of worship. There is a small museum at the site along with a café selling coffee and freshly made waffles.

Gjenreisningsmuseet

Fodor's choice

Hammerfest was completely demolished by the Germans during World War II, and the Museum of Reconstruction documents how the city was painstakingly rebuilt. The museum is a place of pride for Norwegians, who flock here from all across the country. The two floors of exhibits let you compare the historic city from 1943 with the one you see today.

Isbjørnklubben

Fodor's choice

Founded by two business leaders whose goal was to share the town's history as a center of hunting and commerce, the Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society depicts the skill and daring required to hunt polar bears, seals, lynx, puffins, and wolves. Admission to the exhibition is free, and you can become a member during your visit. Members get a document signed by the mayor and a sought-after silver-and-enamel polar bear pin.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Ishavskatedralen

Fodor's choice

Tromsø's signature structure was designed by Jan Inge Hovig to evoke the shape of a Sámi tent as well as the iciness of a glacier. Opened in 1965, it represents northern Norwegian nature, culture, and faith. Also called the Arctic Cathedral (although not a cathedral at all, but rather a parish church), the building is globally recognized for its interesting structure and how different it is from the Tromsø Cathedral, a wooden church in the center of the city.

The immense stained-glass window depicts the Second Coming. The cathedral itself seats around 600 people. The glass mosaic on the eastern side was created by Victor Sparre, a Norwegian painter, in 1972. In 2005, the church received an organ from Grönlunds Orgelbyggeri.

There are midnight sun concerts in summer, starting at 11:30 pm.

Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum

Fodor's choice
The Northern Norway Art Museum is a visual and interactive art museum in the far north of Norway. It is one of the youngest museums in all of Norway and has exhibitions that cater to visitors and locals of all ages and interests. They also present a lot of local artwork from the last 100 years.

Tromsø Botaniske Hage

Fodor's choice
With plants from the Antarctic and Arctic as well as mountainous regions all over the world, the 4-acre Tromsø Botanical Garden has a natural landscape that includes terraces, a stream, and a pond. It is open all year and has no set hours, so you can visit it by the glow of the northern lights or while basking in the midnight sun. Guides are available with advance arrangement.

Tromsø Ice Domes

Fodor's choice
Located in Tamok Valley, the one-of-a-kind Tromsø Ice Domes are constructed entirely with ice and snow. You can enjoy a bar, restaurant, and even a cinema carved out of ice, and if you're taken with the place you can even arrange an overnight stay. Skilled guides explain the building's history and other interesting facts about this remarkable place. Dress warmly, because the temperature inside is always just below freezing.

Tungeneset

Fodor's choice

Easily reachable from the road that runs along the coast, this scenic overlook offers the best views of the rugged and dramatic peaks that locals call the Devil's Teeth. It's accessible to everyone, with a boardwalk that accommodates strollers and wheelchairs. Nearby is a small beach where you can explore tidal pools and watch waves crash over the rocks. It can get crowded in summer but is worth a stop for the small picnic area and public toilets.