Road Trip in Northern Norway – Episode 908

Hear about a road trip at the top of the world in Northern Norway as the Amateur Traveler talks to Torunn Tronsvang from Up Norway about this scenic but remote destination.

Why should you go to Northern Norway?

Torunn says, “There are so many good reasons why one should go to Northern Norway, and I think just as an introduction to Norway, I think it’s worth mentioning the trend now of cool cations — skipping the hot and steamy Southern Europe and rather going up North to Norway. to Norway and Northern Norway.”

“And Northern Norway, of course, if I were to summarize in one word, regardless of season, I’d say, go there for the light. Because in the summer, you have the midnight sun, which means that you have this magical, radiant light all day and all night. If you go there in winter, you have the northern lights, but you also have arctic lights, so you have color nuances of pink, orange, sometimes turquoise, of course, you have the very green-yellow northern lights on clear and starry nights”

Torunn recommends this itinerary:

1. Kirkenes: Fly into Kirkenes. Then, take a rental car or the coastal voyager Hurtigruten to Vardø. You may also bring your rental car onboard coastal voyagers Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages
2. Vardø: Visit the town of Vardø, known for its dark history of witch burnings in the 1600s. Explore the Varanger Peninsula, its scenic route, and the fortress and memorial art piece by architect Peter Zumthor and artist Louise Bourgeois.
3. Karasjok: Drive west to Karasjok, a town known for its Sami population and culture. Visit the Sami parliament and learn about their history and traditions.
4. Kautokeino: Another Sami town, Kautokeino offers more cultural insights and experiences with the indigenous people.
5. Alta: Continue to Alta, known for its rock carvings and as a winter destination. Enjoy summer activities like hiking in the canyon, river boating, or horse riding. Alta also offers culinary experiences featuring local produce.
6. Lyngen Alps: Head to the Lyngen Alps for spectacular mountains, fjords, and glaciers that can be hiked in summer with a guide.
7. Tromsø: End the journey in Tromsø, the “Paris of the North,” known for its vibrant city life and Arctic nature. Visit the Arctic Cathedral, explore the surrounding islands, and enjoy various outdoor activities.

This itinerary provides a comprehensive road trip experience, highlighting the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unique attractions of Northern Norway.

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Show Notes

Up Norway
Norway
Vardø Municipality
Norwegian Scenic Route Varanger
Steilneset Memorial
Svartnes
Lyngen Lodge
Steindalsbreen glacier
Hurtigruten
Tromsø
Brim Explorer
Alta, Norway
Havøysund
Karasjok (village)
Lakselv
Rubus chamaemorus (Cloudberry)
Visit the Sámi Parliament
The Sami Yoik
Trasti og Trine
Sørisneva Arctic Wilderness Lodge
Norwegian cheese is the best in the world
Gangstad Dairy Farm
Ostegården dairy
Rock Art of Alta
Arctic Cathedral
Tromsø International Film Festival
Vardø Lighthouse
Inspiration
World’s Northernmost Roadtrip by Up Norway

Community

I am a long time listener of your podcast. As a Brit I was interested to listen to your recent Great West Way episode.

However please note it is not “the Borough Market”, simply “Borough Market”. It is not a New York borough so isn’t pronounced “boro”, it is pronounced “bu-ruh”.

I would also recommend your guest looks up the pronunciation of Southwark. It is NOT South-Wark.

It is disappointing when you have guests on who purport to know about the area etc but can’t even pronounce the core areas. It kind of undermines their apparent knowledge of the area!

Owen

Owen,

Sorry to disappoint you. Some of our guests are experts on the places they are talking about, but not all of them. While I try to find experts, I am somewhat limited by people who pitch me or who I can track down. I don’t know that I would have claimed that this guest was an expert on the area, just that she had been there and loved it and thought others might as well.

Hi Chris, thanks for your reply. Sorry, my emails were rather grumpy so my apologies for that. I actually really enjoyed that episode and have been a listener of yours for years. Thanks for making the podcast! Owen

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