The most beautiful natural sites to discover Laponie

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.

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 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.

This park dedicated to Sami culture opens with a 25-minute film on the history of the Sami people, followed by a tour of several buildings that recreate the Sami way of life during the summer (traditional tents or lavvu, food shelters, a reindeer pen). The premises aren't very big, and you quickly get the hang of it, unlike the store, which is huge. All the staff are dressed in traditional costume. An opportunity to discover a little more about Saami culture, the original people of these northern lands.

Off the coast of Andøya stands this bird rock, one of the most famous in the country. A local fishing boat goes to this island every day, where a large number of species can be seen. Between 70,000 and 80,000 pairs of puffins, over 4,000 pairs of kittiwakes and hundreds of cormorants, guillemots, petrels and other seabirds nest here. Remember to take your binoculars and why not a sketchbook for yourself or to draw your own postcards. A very beautiful place.

For fishing enthusiasts and wild nature, follow the 60 km trail to Pulmankijärvi near the Norwegian border. Canoe enthusiasts (experienced) will embark on the loop of Sevettijärvi.

The 142 km2 Pyhä-Luosto National Park^offers magnificent hiking trails through rugged mountains and deep gorges. The park's mountains are reputed to be the oldest in the world, dating back 2 million years! A 5 km loop trail begins at the Naava Visitor Center. There are several other trails ranging from 10 km to 30 km. There are also 150 km of cross-country ski trails.

Like the Polar Explorer, the icebreaker Sampo offers an incredible and memorable adventure in the Arctic wilderness with the unique experience of swimming in ice. Sampo is like a moving museum that has faithfully preserved its original 1960s structure. You will feel the past glory of the ship on board! Restaurant and coffee shop on site. Possibility to opt for a luxury cruise with private room and guide with arctic food and snowmobile safari.

Although Møysalen National Park is not directly located in Stokmarknes, it is nearby and worth a visit if you love nature and hiking. The park is dominated by the majestic Møysalen mountain and offers beautiful scenery, well-marked hiking trails for motivated walkers and a rich birdlife. You don't have to walk far to experience the majesty and solitude of the mountain and lakes!

This reserve covers the southern part of the island of Spitsbergen. The arctic landscape is composed of 65% glaciers and eternal snow. There are several colonies of seabirds but also colonies of geese and eiders. It is a privileged breeding area. This national park is also the largest in Norway with its area of 5 300 km ². It was created in 1973 by the government. In summer, there are many small lakes and areas covered with short grass.

The landscape of this large island, which stretches along the west coast, consists of beaches, high mountains and glaciers. Located at the northern end of the Gulf Stream passage, Forlandet enjoys a relatively mild Arctic climate. Due to the warming effect of the Gulf Stream, the most northerly nesting colonies in the world can be observed here. The National Park has an area of 640 km² for the land part and 4,647 km² when including the sea part. Why not go with a guide?