THE HIGH NORTH
Northern Norway & the Barents
The North of Norway is called the “Land of the Midnight Sun”. Traditionally North Norway has included 3 provinces – or counties – as they are called here. These counties are Finnmark, Trøms, and Nordland. Because of the close relationship of the Barents Sea with the rest of the region, it is included in this regional description.
This combined region – which we will call the High North here – is one of the most unique areas in the world in terms of biodiversity, nature and resources. Dense forests in many areas give way to alp-like mountain chains, major rivers thundering to the sea, and Lofoten – a chain of mountain peaks that drop into the sea over a distance of hundreds of kilometers.
Let us start in the south, move northward, and take a look around:
Nordland – A Haven and a Home
The region is a haven for tourists from all over Norway and beyond. The captial city of Bodø stands just south Lofoten, a chain of mountains and islands that have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Bodø is at the center of this natural region that has to be experienced, with the most beautiful beaches imaginable just within reach – crystalline white sand dropping gently towards the glacial turquoise ocean, with majestic mountains overlooking it all.
The sea bordering Nordland is one of the most productive and diverse in the world, nurtured by a moderate climate. Cultural and natural pearls such as Vega – a municipality on the World Heritage List with over 6,500 islands – and attractions such as the Nordland Cultural Park make Nordland your place to be. For more about the region, try Visit Bodø or Visit Lofoten.
Troms – Gateway to the Arctic
Here you will find possibly the cleanest air and water in Europe. The county of Troms is characterized by high mountain chains and lush forests - surprising for is high latitude, with birch and pine forests found in even higher elevations. Waterfalls such as Norway´s largest – Mollisfossen – cascade nearly 300 meters top to bottom.
Let us start in the south, move northward, and take a look around:
The capital city of Tromsø is a pearl, called the “Paris of the North”, and the Lyngen Alps east of the city, a wonderland of glaciers and waterfalls. Major towns in the oountry include For more information about Tromsø and region visit Destination Tromsø.
Finnmark – Like Nowhere Else
Finnmark is a region of surprises, starting with the geography. At the northern tip of Europe, the county is located where Norway begins to geographically go direct east - and the city further east in Finnmark is actually east of Istanbul. It is also a region where east meets west in terms of nature – and culture.
It is a region of change, from the multicultural inhabitants that include native Norwegians, Finns, Russians, and the “Samis” the group of arctic indigenous people inhabiting the region covering the far part of Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Russian Kola Pensinsula. The terrain changes as well, from mountains and glaciers in the south to large sub-artic islands to the north. The main towns of Finnmark are unique in their own right, and include Alta, Karasjok, Porsanger and Sør Varanger. Curious? Find out more here.
The Barents Region – A Glimpse to the Future
The Barents Region is a region enormously rich in resources, a natural habitat to unique arctic and sub-artic life species, a region subject to the climate change sweeping the globe – and until recently – a subject of political conflict between Russia and Norway related to the Barents Sea. That all changed in April of 2010 when the two countries surprising found a solution and defined a border.
The Barents Region stretches from the land along the coast of the Barents Sea from Nordland to the Russian Kola Peninsula – and far to south and east in Russian Territory. The Norwegian counties of the High North – a central part of the Barents Region – all are certain to be a part of an exciting future in this changing region. For more information, see the fascinating Barents Region.
