Northern Norway, Administrative region in northern Norway
Northern Norway covers three counties – Nordland, Troms, and Finnmark – making up roughly 35 percent of the Norwegian mainland. The landscape is shaped by fjords, mountains, and a rugged coastline.
The region was inhabited around 12,000 years ago by the Komsa culture, as shown by discoveries at Hjemmeluft in Alta. These early settlements demonstrate how people adapted to harsh conditions.
The region is home to Norwegians, the indigenous Sámi, and Kvens, each maintaining distinct traditions and languages. This mix shapes how people live and celebrate together in everyday life.
The Hurtigruten coastal route connects many settlements along the shoreline year-round. Visitors can use this route to explore different places and experience the landscape from the water.
The night doesn't fully disappear between September and April – instead, the northern lights color the sky. In summer, the opposite happens, and the sun stays visible for weeks without setting.
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