Why you have to Visit the Lapland in Norway

It’s a picturesque sea of white mountainous terrain and winding fjords that some of the scenes in the movie “Frozen” were based on it.

The Norwegian Lapland – also known as Finnmark – is a land of frosted woodlands, iced lakes, and pure magical wonder.

At the edge of both Russia and Finland and found at the northeast tip of Norway, Finnmark presents a paradox as sweeping as its land mass – it’s a barren county filled with action and adventure. Also included in the Lapland is Tromsø and Rovaniemi.

Norway, Lofoten islands. Spring day in Norway. Beautiful seascape of Lofoten islands. Red fishing houses on stone seaside.

While its climate can be extremely cold, you can bask in sunlight 24/7 at the same time, making Finnmark the perfect setting for your next winter wonderland.

The freezing weather is definitely NOT the reason to stay indoors. There are so many things to do all year round, ranging from culture to adventure.

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Rock your world with some ancient carvings.

Within Finnmark is Alta, a town on Norway’s northern coast and the location of a UNESCO World Heritage site. As its most famous tourist spot, the Rock Art of Alta is a rich source of over 6000 carvings first discovered in 1973.

What’s interesting is that some of these carvings used to be under water during high tide and only revealed during low tide. Today, all these carvings are above water level due to the rising of land over time.

Rock carvings at Alta Norway close up

Get to know the Sami culture.

As the mere indigenous group recognized throughout Europe, the Sami is very prominent in the Norwegian Lapland (there’s around 80,000 of them left).

Aside from the many dialects they speak, they’re also known to be traditional reindeer herders who maintain a simple living. Embrace their thriving culture and try some Sami cuisine or make a bonfire and listen to Sami music before retiring in a traditional Sami tent called lavvu.

If you have time to spare, you can also check out the Sapmi Park, the Sami parliament, the National Museum for Sami Culture and the Sami Art Centre.

Recommended tours:

Reindeer Sledding, Feeding, and Sami Culture Tour from Tromso
Reindeer Sledding and Sami Culture Including Lunch in Tromso

Traditional sami handmade footwear from reindeer fur

Hit a whole other level of appreciation for nature.

It’s impossible to talk about Norwegian Lapland without mentioning the Northern Lights. What better way to stargaze than go on a snowshoe excursion and enjoy aurora-watching at the Aurora Sky Station.

If you go to Finnmark and miss the Northern Lights in mid-May to end-July, don’t worry. You can indulge in the midnight sun instead. Bask in Norwegian sun, well, at midnight. Head over to the North Cape for the best views.

While you’re at it, why not take advantage of your jet lag and do some fjord trekking in the wee hours?

Recommended tours:

Aurora reflected in water. Northern lights in Lofoten islands, Norway. Blue sky with polar lights. Night landscape with aurora, sea with sky reflection, beach, mountains. Polar lights. Aurora borealis

Engage in winter activities.

Want to get into action? Easy. Way up north you’ll find winter sports and activities in Kirkenes. Embark on an action-packed day going on a king crab safari and a husky tour, hunting for the northern lights in sledges, bathing in the Arctic Ocean, or trying out something new like snowshoeing.

After a full day of adventure, take solace in the snow-covered rooms of Snowhotel while sipping that much-deserved cup of hot chocolate.

KEMI, FINLAND - Unique beautifully decorated Santa Claus snow suite in Snow Hotel at LumiLinna Snow Castle in Kemi, Finland. Snow Hotel is the World Luxury Hotel Global Award Winner

Take dog-loving to the next level.

Get cracking on some dog-sledding adventures. You can either be a husky team manager and steer the direction of the pack, or just enjoy the ride as a passenger taking in the striking scenery.

Recommended tours:

Musher and passenger in a dog sleigh with huskies a cold winter evening.

When’s the best time to visit?

It entirely depends on what you want to see.

If the Northern Lights is item #1 on your bucket list, then book a trip for January to early April. If extremely chilly weather is something you can take, you can then visit January to early February. Otherwise, go for March to April.

If you want to take it easy and just work on your Vitamin D all day, then plan your trip for May to July for the Midnight Sun (and never see the sun set again while you’re in Norway).

Pro tip: the further north you go, the longer you’ll have the Midnight Sun with you.

Want to know more about the Laplands? We’ve got you covered! Here’s a similar article which lets you in on Lapland, in Norway and beyond.

Family with kids at reindeer safari in winter forest in Lapland Finland

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Author

  • Sam

    Sam is a seasoned solo traveler who’s explored four continents and visited 49 countries, making her a trusted authority in travel planning—especially for solo female adventurers. Through her website, Travelling King, Sam offers tailored itineraries and expert guides designed to make every trip seamless and unforgettable. Whether it’s luxury escapes, quick getaways, or in-depth destination guides, her expertise keeps her at the forefront of the solo travel community, inspiring women to explore the world confidently and independently.

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