Norway trip | Self-drive enchanting northern Norway

You’ll leave Narvik and drive to the very tip of the Lofoten Islands, Nusfjord. You will be staying at the Nusfjord Arctic Resort for the next few nights. Nusfjord is a picturesque fishing village in Norway’s Lofoten Islands, famous for its well-preserved traditional wooden buildings and breathtaking natural scenery. The village has a rich history of fishing and is considered one of the best-preserved and oldest fishing villages in Scandinavia, where you can enjoy culture, history and the Norwegian landscape.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy in and around Nusfjord, with a focus on nature and culture. Explore the rugged landscape of the Lofoten Islands via picturesque walking trails offering views of mountains, fjords and the coastline. Hop on a boat for a cod fishing trip, or discover the village itself, which feels like an open-air museum with its authentic fishermen’s huts (rorbu), now converted into accommodation and shops. At the Nusfjord Museum, you can delve into the region’s rich fishing history. You can also explore the fjords at your own pace by canoe or kayak, or draw inspiration from the breathtaking landscape and charming village for stunning photos, especially at sunrise or sunset.
During your stay, you’ll have a boat trip planned through the Lofoten. As you sail across the clear waters, steep mountain peaks, deep fjords and picturesque fishing villages loom on the horizon. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to spot seabirds such as white-tailed eagles, and with a bit of luck, you might also see seals or even orcas.

You’ll leave Nusfjord and head for Harstad. On the journey from Nusfjord to Harstad, you’ll travel through one of the most breathtaking and picturesque parts of Norway. Along the way, you’ll pass places that are definitely worth stopping at. For example, the village of Reine offers an iconic view with its colourful cottages and steep mountains – a dream for walkers and photographers. At the far end of the Lofoten Islands lies Å, a charming fishing village with an open-air museum where you can learn more about traditional fishing culture.
A little further on lies Svolvær, the largest town in the Lofoten Islands, with a lively harbour, cosy restaurants and the chance to hike up to the Svolværgeita mountain peak for spectacular views. Henningsvær, known for its art galleries, local crafts and traditional atmosphere, is also well worth a visit; it is beautifully situated on an island connected to the rest of the archipelago by bridges.
Finally, Andenes on Andøya is a fantastic destination for nature lovers, offering the chance to spot whales, admire the Northern Lights and visit the Andøya Space Centre. This route not only offers a beautiful journey, but also countless special experiences along the way. Near Harstad, take the Tjeldsund Bridge, which connects Harstad to the mainland and offers a stunning view across the fjord. It’s an ideal spot to stop for a while and enjoy the view of the water and the mountains. Harstad itself has plenty to offer, including historical sights and beautiful natural surroundings. Take a stroll through the town, explore the local museums or enjoy the charming harbour.

Your next stop is Malangen Resort. This is a beautiful resort situated in the Malangenfjord. The resort offers a unique and relaxing experience in the heart of nature, with views of the fjords and mountains. During your stay, you may wish to go kayaking through the fjords, allowing you to explore the unspoilt nature and clear waters of the Malangenfjord. The resort also offers boat trips and other excursions, such as a guided tour of the fjords or a whale-watching safari in the region. The resort has a restaurant where you can enjoy local Norwegian dishes, often featuring fresh fish and other seafood. There is also a cosy bar where you can relax after a day full of activities.
During your stay, you can hire bikes from the resort, allowing you to explore the rugged fjord landscape with ease. Thanks to the pedal assistance, even longer distances and hilly terrain are easily manageable, and you’re free to cycle along the coastal roads at your own pace, stopping at picturesque viewpoints or discovering local attractions.
Your stay also includes a traditional sauna ritual at Malangen. This is the perfect way to unwind. The saunas are situated right by the fjord and offer panoramic views of the water and the mountains. The ritual consists of a warm sauna session, followed by a refreshing dip in the ice-cold fjord water – a typical Scandinavian experience that stimulates the circulation and promotes deep relaxation. Afterwards, you can relax in an outdoor hot tub or enjoy the tranquillity of the cosy lounge with its stunning views.

Your tour continues towards Lyngen, a stunning 175km drive along the coast! The Lyngen Experience Lodge offers luxury accommodation in comfortable, modern cabins and lodges. These feature large windows, allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking views of the fjord and the mountains, even from the comfort of your room. The lodge focuses on sustainability and eco-friendly tourism, making it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious travellers. The lodge’s location in the Lyngen Alps, overlooking the fjord, makes it a spectacular place to stay. It offers access to both mountains and water, making it an ideal destination for a variety of activities.
A kayaking excursion is planned during your stay. This excursion offers a wonderful way to experience the impressive natural grandeur of the Lyngen Alps and the surrounding fjord landscape. From the lodge, you can kayak in crystal-clear waters, amongst mountains that slope straight down into the fjords. You can discover the tranquil, secluded bays and small islands, or even explore the spectacular, glacier-like waters. The natural scenery here is breathtaking, with imposing mountains rising out of the water, colourful villages along the coast and frequent sightings of wildlife such as seabirds, seals or even orcas.

Your penultimate stop takes you to the area around beautiful Alta, a stunning drive along Norway’s rugged northern coast. Alta, situated in the province of Finnmark, is known as the ‘City of the Northern Lights’ and is famous for its rich cultural history and impressive landscapes. The town is home to the world-famous Hjemmeluft rock carvings, which are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These prehistoric works of art, dating back as far as 7,000 years, offer a fascinating insight into the lives of the early inhabitants of this Arctic region. As well as its cultural heritage, Alta also offers access to the vast wilderness of Finnmark, with spectacular fjords, mountain plateaus and a unique Sámi culture that is still very much alive.
For the next few nights, you’ll be staying at the Trasti & Trine Guest House. This is a charming and welcoming house run by a local family. The surrounding area offers wonderful walking opportunities, both in summer and winter, where you can enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings and the Northern Lights. From Trasti & Trine, you can also take part in husky tours. The guest house has its own pack of enthusiastic sled dogs, with which they take part in various races every year. You’ll have the unique opportunity to get to know these friendly animals up close: cuddle them, help harness them and then go on a trek yourself through the beautiful, unspoilt countryside surrounding the lodge.

Your final destination on this stunning nature tour is Tromsø. Tromsø is a city in northern Norway, famous for its spectacular location above the Arctic Circle and as an excellent base from which to view the Northern Lights (during the winter months). The city offers a unique blend of nature, culture and history, with attractions such as the Polar Museum and the impressive Arctic Cathedral.
In summer, Tromsø offers the unique experience of the midnight sun, when the sun shines 24 hours a day, which is perfect for long walks and boat trips. You can explore the impressive Tromsø Wilderness Centre, where you can go kayaking, fishing and enjoy Norwegian nature. There are also plenty of cultural activities, such as visiting the Museum of Tromsø and enjoying local cuisine in cosy restaurants overlooking the fjords.
During your stay, you’ll have an excursion planned with Alaskan huskies at a husky farm. You’ll be given a fascinating introduction to the centre, which is home to no fewer than 300 Alaskan huskies and their offspring. Discover how much time and dedication is required throughout the year to train the dogs, with the aim of competing in dog sled races. During a guided tour of the grounds, you’ll meet some of the youngest sled dogs, ranging in age from four weeks to six months.
After a brief explanation, you’ll join the carers and the puppies on a 1 to 1.5-hour walk through the beautiful countryside surrounding the farm. You’ll be actively involved in the exercises, which are tailored to the dogs’ ages. Watch as the puppies undergo their first training sessions, learn to work together, and lend a hand where needed. It’s a unique opportunity to bond with these energetic young dogs. After this adventure in the countryside, you’ll return to the farm, where you’ll say goodbye to the puppies. You’ll then enjoy a hearty lunch at the Wilderness Centre, featuring traditional Norwegian dishes.