Finnmark and the Arctic holidays

What you can find in Finnmark and the Arctic that you won’t find elsewhere:

Within the Arctic Circle at the northern tip of Norway, Finnmark stretches its icy lands into both the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea. Here you’ll find the wildest, most northerly point of the country blessed with splendid fjords, glistening sandy beaches, pristine mountains, far-reaching lakes that mirror the skies and a whole world of exploration just waiting for you. It’s a landscape that invites contemplation and wonder, with many geographical records to tick off your bucket list. Head to Hammerfest, an unexpected urban oasis in the desolate coast, and you can say you’ve visited the northernmost town in the world, while on a visit to the Knivskjellodden peninsula you will have reached the northernmost point of Europe. Standing at the edge of this deserted, untamed region, it’s easy to imagine you’re the only person left in the world.

Who are Finnmark and the Arctic holidays best for?

Intrepid families will delight in the unspoilt natural surroundings, fresher than fresh air and countless marked paths ripe for hiking that zigzag across Finnmark - both inland and on the coast. The nature in Finnmark is truly something else. Bird watchers will be in their element visiting the north-eastern peninsula of Varanger, where birds not seen elsewhere in Europe or Norway - including the Egyptian vulture, greater spotted eagle, stilt sandpiper and white-winged lark - come together. Those who want a different perspective of the landscape can explore the chain of islands that hug the coast via boat, where you’ll be able to dip and dive between the countless beautiful bays and inlets. And for those who dream of the legendary Northern Lights, the clear skies of Alta - the largest town in Finnmark - are one of the best places to experience the ethereal glow of colour as it streaks across the sky.

Experiences in Finnmark and the Arctic

Climb aboard a Hurtigruten cruise to discover the spectacular scenery of the Norwegian coast by sea. Sail through epic fjords - including the deep blue UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord, one of the most stunning in the country - cruise past countless breath-taking geological sites and discover the bold land in person during many stop-offs along the way. Hunt for the otherwordly aurora borealis as you travel, before finishing in Finnmark, where you’ll be greeted by a sensational snowy playground to dive into. For a Scandinavian tour of grand proportions, head to Lapland via Sweden and Norway and pass through the North Cape, a viewing point where you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve reached the end of the world.

Special things to do in Finnmark and the Arctic

- In western Finnmark lies the North Cape, a popular viewing point and one of the most visited tourist spots in the county (but still somewhere you’ll be able to nab a spot of your own). Savour a slice of pure serenity at the viewing cliffs while staring out to sea and dreaming of the frozen Arctic in front of you.

- Marvel at the phenomenon that paints the northern sky; the famous, mythical and mysterious Northern Lights. Best viewed inside the Arctic Circle, many points in Finnmark will give you the opportunity to glimpse this evasive natural light show that infuses the sky with vivid shades of pink, green, yellow, violet and blue.