Tourist Attractions & Monuments en Laponie

Visit Bodø is the official guide for the city and its region. It contains all information about the city and useful for the realization of a stay: accommodation, catering, advice and recommendations. The site is updated every day by a team of professionals passionate about the city and what it has to offer! Very useful.

You can't miss it during a stay in Lofoten. Located on the road that leads to Reine from Leknes, Ramberg beach is one of the most beautiful of the islands but also one of the most popular. Very popular for a stroll during the midnight sun. White sand, cove surrounded by mountains, turquoise water..., you would think you are in the Caribbean islands (without the palm trees and the heat!) or in New Zealand (without the giant ferns!). A superb place where it is good to stay several hours. Think of your hiking shoes to explore the area!

Less known than its big sisters, Haukland or Uttakleiv, the beach of Storsandes is a real little paradise. The place is ideal to admire the aurora borealis because there is no light pollution. If you are lucky enough to have a good goose down sleeping bag and a mattress, don't hesitate to settle down and fall asleep to the sound of nature and the stars. The beach is very large and you can see the mountains in the distance. Don't forget the thermos of hot water, it can be useful, even on a beautiful summer night!

A very beautiful gallery that pays tribute to one of the masters of the history of art in Norway, Kaare Espolin Johnson (1907-1994) and a great lover of the Lofoten Islands. A nice way to learn more about the maritime culture in the country. Exhibition and sale of some works. Located 10 minutes from Svolvaer and just outside Kabelvåg, the Espolin Gallery is connected to two other museums, the Lofoten Museum and the Lofoten Aquarium. So you can buy a combined ticket for all 3 museums, simple and convenient!

The hike takes about an hour, starting from Vinstad. Bunes is one of the most beautiful coves in all of Lofoten, with its white sandy beach and completely turquoise water and welcoming cliffs on both sides. The place is rather well kept from the crowds as it is a bit more difficult to get to (you can't get there by road). Be sure to check the ferry schedule before you leave so you don't get caught. It is possible to camp there with a good sleeping bag.

Allow 2 to 4 hours for the hike. Beautiful views from the summit. We recommend dry weather, however, as some sections can be quite slippery. Don't hesitate to stop by the tourist office to pick up hiking maps and let them know when you'll be leaving. Do as the locals do, and take a bar of Kvikk Lunsj with you - it's available everywhere! Check the weather forecast before you set off. Birch forest, small lakes, a few streams here and there. You can also go with a guide.

Count on two to three hours of hiking to get to the two summits. It is best to hike on a clear day, as the 360° view will be all the more impressive. It is the most accessible hike from Svoalver. It is also a good warm-up before the southern hikes. All public. And remember, in the mountains, (even if it is an easy hike) take a windbreaker and warm clothes, warn of your departure, check the weather, take a small snack, and above all, do not be ashamed to turn back if necessary!

The Aquarium will teach you more about the Atlantic Skrei cod which migrates every year from the Barents Sea to the Lofoten. Cod has been the foundation of the Lofoten fishery for centuries. We will of course know more about the arctic fauna (crustaceans and other marine animals of the Lofoten). Don't miss the feeding of seals and otters, as well as the exhibition on the art of coexistence, highlighting the importance of aquaculture, fishing and oil activities in Norway, on marine animals. Souvenir shop and coffee shop.

Only 15 minutes from the centre, the climb to the Salen mountain, which overlooks the town, is a must during a visit to Hammerfest. At the top, a viewpoint has been set up. From there, the view of the islands of Håja, Hjelmen and Saroya opposite is extraordinary. Electric bikes can be rented at the office for NOK 360 per hour. Ideal to ensure the climb and continue the walk to the next summit. Very easy walk if you are used to walking. Remember to take binoculars to observe the islands in the distance!

Rønvikfjellet offers the best view of the city and its surroundings and the best place to watch the midnight sun. There is a daily bus service from the city centre (information at the Tourist Office). An easy and accessible walk for everyone. Small paths start here and there and it is quite difficult to get lost because you can easily find your way by looking up. Small streams, pretty stones and a breathtaking view! We really enjoyed this little hike for the whole family.

Albmi Adventures is the story of a human project. An ecological, responsible and unique project set up by a young couple of Sami culture, André and Outi. They will take you to the untouched lands of northern Norway. They have chosen Bodø as their base camp; Bodø, ideally located above the Arctic Circle, between sea and mountains, guarantees a dive in the heart of this still well preserved Lapland nature. On the program: northern lights, sunset hikes, multi-day treks, kayaks, climbing...

Polar Tours offers tours all year round, departing from the Hurtigruten pier. Guided tours to the Saulstraumen Strait; the tour is done by bus and then by zodiac boat on the current. Also offers excursions to discover the Northern Lights in winter, it's the hunt for the Northern Lights. A hot drink will be offered to warm you up during the observation of the sky. Think of taking a blanket and why not a small mattress like an insulated camping mattress, it could be useful!

Brim is based on a simple and revolutionary concept: the hybrid boat. On the company's vessels, you can explore the fjords around Tromsø in complete peace and quiet, an extraordinary way to discover what nature has to offer, while respecting it. Brim offers year-round excursions, in line with the seasons. In winter, travel through breathtaking landscapes in search of birds and whales, or try to spot the Northern Lights. In summer, expeditions are made to the Lofoten Islands from Svolvaer.

Qualified, friendly guides offer a wide range of activities in all seasons, with packages to suit all levels: from simple hiking to sporting excursions (climbing, caving, safari, bungee jumping). Here are just a few examples: a day trip in a canoe, a day climbing excursion on the Hamarøyskaftet, a 6-hour hike to Hovdsundet, a sublime beach, a day glacier hike on the Svartisen, or a ride with sled dogs, either as a passenger or with your own sled.

It stretches along the water's edge like a long ship of stretched canvas and steel. The Vardø memorial was inaugurated in 2011 in memory of the victims of the witch hunt. One enters a long dark corridor. On the walls, the names and history of each of the victims are inscribed, lit by a small flame. Next door, the second part of Louise Bourgeois' Flammehuset"burns" silently: a flaming chair symbolizing the witch hunt is placed in a rounded hall designed by Peter Zumthor. A gripping visit. Not to be missed.

This bakery is a real institution in Å. It is not only a place that serves good cinnamon buns, it is also part of the history of the village. It serves paint baked in a stone oven dating from 1878. Built in 1844, it was rebuilt after the fire of 1888. At the time, guest workers for the fishing season were housed here. Today, the listed building opens its doors every summer for demonstrations!

The majestic Finnkirka cliff comes into view as you enter the Kjøllefjord. It's often compared to a cathedral, because it certainly looks like one. This imposing work of nature has withstood the test of time, cold and waves. For many years, it served as a sacred site for the Sami people. The lucky ones can discover it at night, when it is illuminated. Others can try their hand at climbing. One thing's for sure: from up there, the view is breathtaking. Don't forget your equipment.

This 3,560 km² national park was established in 1973 and covers the north-western part of the island of Spitsbergen. It is home to Svalbard reindeer (a smaller species than in Norway), walrus and numerous colonies of pelagic birds. The park also includes the island of Magdalenfjord. Virgohamna, on Danes Island, was the starting point for engineer S. A. Andrée's (failed) 1897 expedition to reach the North Pole in a hydrogen balloon.

In November 2008, the North Pole Expedition Museum opened its doors. It highlights the heroic efforts made by the men, pioneers of aviation, to reach the North Pole. A museum rich in documentation (films, photos, voice recordings and aviation equipment). You will also find a small souvenir shop with many items related to the Far North. A café welcomes you with hot drinks, so try the chai latte!

A small museum explaining the history of the Russian town, its geological appeal and, more generally, the discovery of Svalbard. Please note that the visit is in Russian only! Although the museum is located on Norwegian territory, it belongs to Russia, which built it in 1963. In fact, the place was sold to the Soviet Union by the Dutch in 1932, which is why it is still run by Russia today. The museum was founded to trace the history of the Pomors, the original Russian settlers who lived here and explored the area.

Mount Wallenberg (or Wallenbergfjellet) is a 375 metre summit. He owes his name to Knut Agathon Wallenberg, a Swedish politician who contributed to the expeditions in Svalbard.

This is a very serious agency, on a human scale, where you'll be greeted with a smile! In winter, snow activities are the order of the day, with snowmobile tours of all kinds, including night-time northern lights, husky sleigh rides, reindeer farm visits, ice-fishing sessions and more. In summer, you can enjoy rafting, jet-skiing or paintball. And to round things off, there's also a bar, restaurant and accommodation.

This little ice village is a must when visiting Santa Claus! Some attractions to entertain young and old like a descent in a tyre on an icy slide, an Ice Bar to taste a cocktail, a restaurant to feast... All this in an igloo atmosphere, and the possibility to sleep in the igloo, without risk of catching cold, wrapped up in a blanket... In short, there's plenty here to enjoy in Santa's country. Ideal to make the children dream!

Visiting this museum is a good idea to learn more about the habits and customs of the region, especially through a collection of objects and costumes. There are permanent exhibitions, as well as several temporary exhibitions that change every 2 to 4 years. Located in the heart of the city, it is a must-see for visitors to the city who are curious to learn more about the past and the values of the region, on which today's communities are based.

This agency organizes tours in the Far North, highlighting the Lappish culture. Many activities are offered: snowshoeing, snowmobile safaris, sledding with huskies or reindeer, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, Nordic walking, berry and mushroom picking, bird watching, or boat cruises on Lake Inari. The safaris are carried out in a spirit of ecotourism, with the emphasis on family-run facilities, such as the Husky GuestHouse in Ivalo, the Kultahovi Hotel in Inari and the Holiday Village Vallee in Utsjoki.

Tom and Lotta Svensson are reindeer herders. They will show you how to herd the herd, help you get acquainted with the bear huts and talk about shamanism over a good fire and coffee. An interesting, enriching and authentic way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Several tours are available, ask the establishment directly. In the summer, it is possible to spend one or more nights in a kåta, a traditional shelter. All this in a relaxing natural setting.

In Hamsund, you can see the small peat-roofed farmhouse where the future great writer spent his childhood. In the family photo album, you can follow Knut Hamsun's life from cradle to grave. All his works are on display, along with numerous personal objects. The barn also houses an exhibition of images taken from the films inspired by his books. A must-see is the Hamsun Museum, a superb modern-architecture building in the midst of nature and rich in content. There's also a small café.

Approaching the pink church of Arjeplog, it almost looks like it is made of sugar. Once inside, the red and green pews put us in the Christmas atmosphere. In 1634, the discovery of silver in the region led to the establishment of four parishes, including Arjeplog. This church is peculiar in that the altar is turned abnormally to the west. The inhabitants explain this eccentricity by aesthetic issues; the view from the church was much nicer for the ships arriving at Arjeplog.

This beautiful cultural center, clad in wood and glass, is home to the Saami Parliament. Created in 1996, its mission is to provide for and implement the autonomy of the Sami as an aboriginal people in matters of culture and language. It is composed of 21 members elected every 4 years. Norway and Sweden have had their own Saami parliaments since 1989 and 1993 respectively. A council with the 3 parliaments has been in operation since 2000. There's a nice cafeteria on site for a gourmet break, as well as a pretty craft store and regularly organized photo exhibitions and concerts.

A modern, interactive site where you can learn all about sustainable forestry. The exhibits are well designed for children, who will quickly understand the process of photosynthesis and the principle of eco-responsibility. You can also get lost in a reconstituted birch forest, to feel the life of the forest at night. National park information desk for hiking and fishing sites (maps available). Extended opening hours in high season; see website.

Built in a former postal depot dating from 1933, the space offers a large number of cultural events, mainly musical, but it also has a solid collection of contemporary art. It is also the home of the Lapland Chamber Orchestra. Temporary exhibitions change four times a year. It is an important cultural venue for the city, but it is also a place where you can meet to admire the beauty of the premises, in perfect harmony with the spirit of the place, and enjoy a coffee or a quiet moment in the complex's library.

Petteri, a reindeer breeder for 5 generations, will give you a warm welcome at his farm and explain all the characteristics of this animal. In winter, he offers reindeer sled safaris and in summer, one or more day trips with reindeer carrying your bag. If you are lucky, you will be able to attend the traditional reindeer count: all the reindeer herders in the region gather in autumn and mid-March to count and mark their herds.

Opened in December 2011, this small Samiland museum is an opportunity to discover the traditional way of life of the Sami people, through indoor exhibitions (500^m2) and also outdoors with its 10,000^m2. An interesting visit to better understand the past of this people, so important in Finland and in the region. On the spot, we travel thanks to the old costumes presented, to the numerous photos and objects but also thanks to the diffused videos. It is possible to book a guided tour. There is a café and restaurant on site.

This small information centre does not belong to Abisko Turiststation although it is located right next door. It is an information centre of the national park, which focuses its services on discovering nature. It organises free guided tours all summer long and gives information about nature trails. It also has books to help you recognize the fauna and flora of the surrounding area. Playful and very interesting, you will spend a good hour and a half there.

In 1940, as a strategic air base, Bardufoss was the scene of a major battle between Norwegian and German forces. Operation Narvik was launched by the Norwegians in an attempt to regain control of the region. The Narvik 1940 Memorial Park was created to honor the Norwegian soldiers who took part in this conflict. It is located near the former Bardufoss airport airstrip, close to the Andselva River.

Departure from the Tourist Information Centre. This excursion by river boat (a beautiful piece of wood) to the Russian border near Boris Gleb focuses on discovering (in German and English) the history and culture of the region. Other excursions are also offered throughout the region, as far as Finland, along the Russian border, for example by snowmobile. Beautiful adventures that allow you to discover the fascinating landscapes of the Far North in all seasons while having fun.

This small local museum provides information on the culture of a fishing civilization, its evolution and the special construction techniques used to build the breakwaters of the Svartoksmoloen harbor jetty. Numerous attempts to secure the harbour had all ended in failure, until a French solution involving the use of concrete tetrapods finally proved reliable. To be combined with the other museums on the coast.

The museum is housed in the former stockfish warehouse of the whaling station Brotkorbbruket. Through several exhibits, the museum presents Gamvik and its surroundings from every angle. From prehistory to the history of the coastal fishing villages, through the Second World War. A visit that is good for the family and that allows you to learn a lot about the history of local fishing and in general. A rich and well documented museum.

This archipelago of about 100 islands and rocky islets is home to huge colonies of breeding birds, including one of the largest colonies of Atlantic Puffins in Northern Norway. These birds coexist with other species such as gannets, white-tailed eagles, razorbills, eiders, great cormorants, fulmars and parasitic jaegers. The breeding bird population on these islands is estimated at some 3 million individuals.

It is the northernmost point in Europe (71º 11' 08"), the true North Cape. But it is true that this point has a much less dramatic appearance! With its marked path of 18 km round trip starting from the E69 road, it is an excellent point of view to admire the cliffs of the North Cape, and avoid the crowd! However, Magerøya remains an island connected to the mainland by a road. The Nordkinn Cape near Mehamn is actually the northernmost point of the European continent.

At the entrance to the town, this modern museum has a permanent exhibition on the history of World War II and the mining company A/S Sydvaranger. The staging is impressive and very clear. There are many documents. The part dedicated to Lappish history is fascinating to understand this different history, ignoring borders. The network of museums in Norwegian Lapland provides a better understanding of the northern communities.

Hamningberg(Hámmanbirgi in Saami) is a small fishing hamlet exposed to the fury of the icy Arctic Ocean. It still had 250 inhabitants in 1900, was spared during the Second World War and was finally abandoned by its inhabitants in the 1960s. This village is located at the eastern end of Norway, at the very end of the Varanger Peninsula, on the edge of the Barents Sea. The fauna and flora are nevertheless quite rich and you can see birds, red foxes, and other species typical of these latitudes.

The city has several museums that trace the significant events in the history of the region. The different exhibitions are spread out over the buildings of the city. We find for example: the museum of the Russian Pomors, the memorial of Steilneset or the monument to the witches burned during the XVIIth century, the fortress of the city which dates from the beginning of the XVIIIth century, Tuomainengården a traditional kvène dwelling, and many others! For the more curious, there are many monuments to visit to learn about the rich and little-known history of the region.

Inaugurated in 1988, this museum of Northern Norwegian art is dedicated to exhibiting works related to the culture of the Far North. These include romantic landscapes by Dahl, Tidemand and Gude and, of course, seascapes by Peder Balke. It also exhibits international artists on a variety of themes, from the political to the purely artistic, from social to ideological. The museum has a café and a store dedicated to Saami art.

This museum traces the history of this place which, during the Second World War, was the main maritime base for German soldiers, where the warships Tirpitz and Scharnhorst were stationed. Exhibition dedicated to these ships, many of which are illustrated with photographs. A museum in a beautiful location, rich in exhibits. It is an almost obligatory stop for lovers of local history and for the curious who wish to know more about the significant events that took place in the region during the Second World War.

According to Unesco's description, the Struve Arc stretches from Hammerfest to the Black Sea, crossing 10 countries over a distance of 2,820 km. The project was originally carried out by Friedrich Georg Wilhelm, and represents the first accurate measurement of a long meridian segment, helping to define and measure the exact size and shape of the Earth, and playing a key role in the development of Earth sciences and accurate topographical maps.

For more information, see the UNESCO website.

Isbjørnklubben, or literally the polar bear club, is dedicated to the preservation of history and culture at Hammerfest, including Arctic fishing, hunting and polar expeditions. You will learn how the people of the region have adapted to the changes the town has faced over the course of its history. You can also become a member of this world-famous club and receive the polar bear badge as a souvenir!

Exhibition devoted to post-war reconstruction, a time when everything had to be rebuilt after the almost total destruction of cities. We learn about the evacuation and living conditions in the region during the Second World War. This museum gives an idea of what life was like for refugees and people who had to rebuild their homes after the dramatic and forced evacuation of the population during the Second World War. Authentic rooms are displayed.

It is a building that houses the only state-sponsored Sami theater. The research center of the Sami Nordic Institute is also located here. The building is to be admired for its original architecture, which was awarded the Northern Norway Prize in 1987. It is one of the first buildings to be designed to fit in with Saami culture and climate conditions. There is also a library, a café and a cinema.