Almost half of Norway lies north of the Arctic Circle … wild beauty … icy sub-zero temperatures … darkest winters … golden landscapes of midnight sun …
Soundless, serene … soft shadows glowing deeply … animal tracks in deep snow … relaxed and peaceful.
Where is it
Arctic Circle is a line of latitude circling earth’s surface – approximately 66° 33’north … demarcating southernmost point where sun stays above horizon for full 24 hours for one or more days a year. Also marks point where there is 24 hour darkness for one or more days a year …
This region encompasses parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Alaska, Canada, Denmark and Iceland.
Norwegian Arctic Circle
Running through Nordland County, Norway, including Troms, Finnmark and Svalbard, it includes main cities of Bodo, Tromso and Kirkenes within the Norwegian Arctic.
Weather is usually unpredictable – summer’s day does not guarantee sunshine … you may experience snowfall or sleet … or may have four seasons across single day !
Naturally, winter months are coldest – but if you enjoy dog sledding and skiing in limited daylight, this is for you. At times, see the northern lights at play.
Note – Northern Lights are usually visible when sky is cloudless … very, very cold, because it is cloudless. You will usually see it when least expected, so don’t go out expecting it and you may get lucky …
Transitional spring is milder; still enjoy snow-related activities … longer days … with waterfalls at their best due to snowmelt.
Summer brings the midnight sun with no darkness in between – warm glow over landscape – great for hiking, kayaking and cycling to enjoy wild scenery.
Autumn brings longer nights, maybe northern lights in sky with threatening snow … golden orange foliage throughout as trees and shrubs prepare to shed leaves … real treat for naturists and photographers alike.
Settlements in Arctic Circle
Though not densely populated, towns and cities around Arctic Circle are serviced with good ocean transport – ferrying locals and visitors alike from one port to another on regular basis. Imagine large, exclusive water taxis taking passengers and vehicles everywhere along coastline.
There are also range of accommodation for all budgets and restaurants as well. You will not starve or be left out in the cold at all !
Bodo
Bodo, largest city along coastline lies between snow-capped mountains and rugged shoreline. Was the European Capital of Culture 2024 – first Arctic city to receive accolade. Programme of concerts, exhibitions and festivals, many celebrating indigenous Sami culture. Great destination for nature and adventure lovers, with great hiking trails and kayaking destination.
Tromso
Nicknamed “Paris of the North” by 19th century travellers, Tromso is famed for museums, boutiques, hotels and restaurants to provide for every traveller’s need. Home to unique triangular-shaped Arctic Cathedral and largest historic centre outside of Trondheim.
Positioned within the auroral oval … good destination for seeing the northern lights.
Kirkenes
Northern most township and turning point for coastal journey … only 15 kilometres from Russian border. Home of Icehotel, dog sledding camps and reindeer sanctuary of the Sami people … Magnificent sunsets over isolated lakes and shorelines … almost perpetual snow cover – unsurpassed wild beauty.
Do you know that Longyearbyen, Svalbard – last permanently inhabited settlement before North Pole has more polar bears living there than people? Locals used to walk up street with rifles slung across their back – for self-preservation of course !
How to get there
You can fly to Tromso, connect to domestic airports within region … you can take the train which connects to several destinations within Arctic Circle … public bus transport … drive 1500km around in 4×4 with chains … be adventurous and cycle along Arctic Coast …
Or you can take a coastal cruise on one of 2 Norwegian cruise liners – in comfort of heated cabins … excellent meals sampling local specialties at each region … listen to port talks conducted by experienced locals … go on select excursions along the coast and still take in northern lights.
Conclusion
No matter how you travel … what experience you wish to have … Arctic Circle is a once-in-a lifetime trip not to be missed.
Hard to replicate wild beauty … serene, icy sunsets … snow-capped mountains … colourful cottages dotted along shorelines everywhere; men work amongst wilderness for survival … where you could experience 4 seasons in a day, complete with rain, sleet, snow and blizzard.
