Nordland takes you above the Arctic Circle to a slither of Norway that’s wild, rugged and remote. Expect shimmering glaciers, snow-capped peaks and cinematic archipelagos. A constellation of lively towns and charm-soaked fishing villages make Nordland an easy destination to explore.
Things to do in Nordland
Nordland offers a genuine taste of life in the Arctic. In summer, the midnight sun keeps Nordland bright for months on end, while the village also attracts visitors in search of the mesmerising Northern Lights in winter.
The Kystriksveien Coastal Road stretches for 630 kilometres along the Norwegian Sea, taking you past sandy beaches, sheltered coves and picturesque fishing villages. It’s consistently ranked one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the world for a reason. Be sure to stop at the Ureddplassen rest area for stunning views over the bay.
Set in the Norwegian Sea, the Lofoten Islands combine beautiful seascapes with stunning mountain scenery. The archipelago is well-connected by bridges that take you to postcard-perfect fishing villages like Henningsvær. Many of the colourful wooden buildings have been reimagined as trendy cafes and galleries. Lace up your boots and explore one of the scenic hiking trails or rent a bike and island-hop on two wheels.
The riverside town of Mosjøen captures the charm and of Nordland. In the lively Sjøgata neighbourhood, you’ll find cafes, boutiques and galleries housed in former boat sheds and fishing warehouses.
Set on a spectacular stretch of coastline, Spaceship Aurora is dedicated to the mysterious Northern Lights. The world-class space centre features exhibits, films and virtual reality experiences inspired by the hypnotising Aurora Borealis.
Nowhere showcases the raw and rugged natural beauty of Nordland like Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park. You can marvel at one of the largest glaciers in Norway and hike along staggeringly beautiful mountain trails. The park is also a great place to spot Norwegian wildlife, including elk, wolverine, lynx and the elusive Arctic fox.
Getting around Nordland
Nordland is well-connected by roads and highways, with rental cars offering the freedom to explore Nordland at your own pace. Bodo is the largest town in the county and is serviced by a domestic airport. Trondheim International Airport is a nine-hour drive south.