The Lofoten islands are an archipelago  off the coast of Norway.

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Lofoten

The cultural heart of Lapland is a delight for the curious and seekers after the Northern Lights.

Kautokeino

A small Norwegian village  (approximately 250 inhabitants) in the heart of the mountains and near Geirganger Fjord  which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Geiranger

The land of slate, Alta houses the biggest number of rock paintings in Europe. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Alta

Situated close to the Vesterålen, Lofoten and Senja isles, Harstad is a crossroads overlooked by tourists.

Harstad

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<p>On Norway's edge, close to the Artic circle, <strong>Harstad, with a population of 25,000, is the 3rd largest municipality in northern Norway</strong>. I spent a day there, whilst on my way by ferry to the south of Senja Island. It gave me the chance to explore a typical Norwegian town that's not often visited by tourists.</p>
<p>There's something for everyone in Harstad, whether it be hikes around the surrounding peaks, cycling across the neighbouring archipelagos or cultural visits, namely the historic centre of Trondenes, Røkenes Farm or the Anna Rogde schooner. There's even the Grottebadet Waterpark, found under the caves.</p>
<p>In brief, Harstad is perfect for a trip off the beaten track, combined with a tour of the neighbouring archipelagos of Lofoten, Vesterålen, Senja.</p>

Situated close to the Vesterålen, Lofoten and Senja isles, <strong>Harstad is a crossroads overlooked by tourists.</strong>

The best local travel agencies in Norway for family tours with kids

Family trip ideas in Norway

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Imagine a Norway <a href="https://www.evaneos.com/where-to-go/family-vacations/" target="_blank">family vacation</a> amidst fjords and the surreal glow of the Northern Lights. This Scandinavian country has long charmed families with its <strong>miles of scenic coastline, stunning landscapes, and outdoor activities suited for all ages.</strong> Self-drive, train, and boat excursions are wonderful ideas for traveling through Norway.</span></p><h3>What makes Norway a great destination for families?<b>&nbsp;</b></h3><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>One of the world's safest and most beautiful countries</strong>, there's plenty of reasons why you should consider family trips in <a data-destination-id="9" data-internal-link="destination">Norway</a>. Most attractions tend to be child-friendly, and there's an abundance of activities whether you're indoors or outdoors. In summer, <strong>museums organize games and activities</strong>, while theme parks delight with <strong>Norwegian folklore full of trolls and mythical creatures</strong>. Hotels, hostels, and even campsites provide dedicated lodging for families. Evaneos partners with local agencies to help your family craft the perfect itinerary, where you get to choose the activities and destinations you want.</span></p><h3>Best things to do in Norway with kids&nbsp;</h3><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">A Norway family vacation won't disappoint, as you <strong>immerse yourself in nature and see wildlife</strong> as they're meant to be seen. Enjoy the country's urban gems ; theme parks and museums will do their share to make your children budding culture fans.&nbsp;</span></p><h4>Chase the northern lights</h4><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Plan your Norwegian vacation to coincide with the northern lights, <strong>best experienced from October to March</strong>. You and your kids won't forget this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness this supernatural spectacle. Many visitors head for the town of <a data-place-id="8389" data-internal-link="place">Alta</a>, which falls directly beneath the lights' path.</span></p><h4>Go reindeer sledding</h4><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Rudolph's friends are ready to take your family on an unforgettable joyride through powdery white snow. <strong>Consider a trip with the indigenous Sami herders who will show you their way of life</strong>, and later serve you local delicacies in a tent by a roaring fire.</span></p><h4>Whale watching thrills</h4><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Book a tour in <strong><a data-place-id="14141" data-internal-link="place">Tromso</a>, Sto, or Andenes</strong> to catch <strong>orca, humpback, blue, and sperm whales</strong> in action. These majestic creatures can usually be seen from October through January. On dry land, more wildlife awaits in the form of <strong>elk, walrus, and Arctic foxes</strong>. You can observe these animals on guided tours.</span></p><h4>Museum hopping</h4><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">A trip in Norway for families is even better with its captivating museums. <strong>The Viking Ship Museum</strong> in <a data-place-id="2933" data-internal-link="place">Oslo</a> is famed for its reconstructed Viking ships, and the Kon-Tiki Museum will inspire your inner explorer. <strong>The Norwegian Glacier Museum in Fjaerland</strong> boasts a simulated ice tunnel, while <strong>Stavanger's Children's Museum</strong> showcases 6,000+ items including giant dolls and crazy spinning tops.</span></p><h3>Tips for planning a family vacation in Norway</h3><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Pack accordingly for <a data-document-id="3044" data-internal-link="article">the weather</a> based on the season. Consider waterproof jackets, hiking boots, warm hats, and leggings, and a rain cover for your bag. Sunscreen is a must, even at these high latitudes. Plan your itinerary wisely, as traveling across Norway's rugged terrain can take extra time. Save money by stocking up on food at the supermarket, taking overnight trains, and going on outdoor excursions such as hikes.</span></p><p><br><br></p>

Start planning your Norway family vacation

The best tailor-made Norway trips for families with children, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect family vacation with a local expert in Norway

Norway family vacation

Family Trips

Family Vacations in Norway | Child-Friendly Travel

The best local travel agencies in Norway for honeymoon tours

Honeymoon trip ideas in Norway

The best tailor-made honeymoon trips and experiences in Norway, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect honeymoon in Norway with a local expert

Honeymoon tours in Norway 

Honeymoon Trips

Honeymoon Vacations in Norway | Hand-Crafted Trips

The best local travel agencies in Norway for two week trips

Two-week trip ideas in Norway

The best two-week trips to explore Norway, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect two week trip with a local expert in Norway

Two weeks in Norway

Two Week Trips

Two Weeks in Norway | 14 Day Tailor-Made Trips

The best local travel agencies in Norway for one week trips

One-week trip ideas in Norway

The best one-week trips to explore Norway, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect one week trip with a local expert in Norway

One week in Norway

One-Week Trips

One Week in Norway | 7 Day Tailor-Made Trips

The best local travel agencies in Norway for road trips

Fly and drive vacations in Norway

The best road trips and self-drive vacations in Norway, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect road trip with a local expert in Norway

Norway road trip

Road Trips

Best Road Trips in Norway | Explore Norway By Car

The best local travel agencies in Norway for hiking and trekking trips

Trip ideas for trekking and hiking in Norway

The best hiking and trekking trips and excursions in Norway, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect hiking trip with a local expert in Norway

Hiking in Norway

Hiking & Trekking

Hiking & Trekking Tours in Norway | Tailor-Made Travel

The best local travel agencies in Norway for island vacations

Trip ideas for visiting Norway's islands

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">The land of the midnight sun, <strong><a data-destination-id="9" data-internal-link="destination">Norway</a></strong> has many beautiful islands worth exploring. And in summer, the long days offer an opportune time to make the most of an island vacation here. They are equally beautiful in winter, too, though, with prolonged sunrise and sunsets that color the skies all manner of yellows, pinks and reds. Expect to see and hear hundreds of seabirds, squawking throughout the day, and enjoy the salty scent of the ocean as you travel around the gorgeous island landscapes.&nbsp;</span></p><h3>What makes Norway islands unique?</h3><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Hundreds of small islands and islets dot the coastline of Norway, creating perfect little vacation spots.<strong> On Norway’s islands,</strong> <strong>hectic everyday challenges become distant memories</strong>—picture smooth bare rocks in the deep-blue ocean, boats bobbing on the water, and small wooden white-washed houses on the horizon.&nbsp;</span></p><h3>The best islands to visit in Norway</h3><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Norway’s islands are good enough for royalty—the Norwegian Crown Prince and Princess often spend their vacations island-hopping, enjoying <strong>the breathtaking rawness of this northern <a href="https://www.evaneos.com/europe-travel/" target="_blank">European</a> landscape</strong>. Movement between the islands is easy, and visitors are free to travel at their own leisure between them using kayaks or small boats. Here are some of the best islands to visit in Norway.</span></p><h4>Get away from it all on Sandøya</h4><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">The small island of Sandøya has just 200 residents and has no road connection to the mainland, relying entirely on boats for getting around. <strong>Surrounded by rocky outcrops, smooth-faced and perfect for sunbathing, it’s a remote and beautiful place</strong> for a relaxing island vacation in Norway. Local artisans create souvenirs and gifts for bringing home, and clever island cooks whip up great fish soup and cinnamon buns at the island’s restaurants.</span></p><h4>Go camping on Merdø</h4><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Long beaches, endless ocean views, and typically Norwegian painted wooden houses form enchanting backdrops at Merdø. <strong>A popular summer day out for locals and visitors alike</strong>, bring your picnic and towel for a day of sunbathing here. Visit the Merdøhus Museum to learn about the island’s history, and if you want to stay overnight under the stars, bring a tent to camp out by the ocean.</span></p><h4>Explore the Old Harbor at Ny-Hellesund</h4><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Ny-Hellesund isn’t an island, but a village that’s spread across a cluster of three islands. Sitting on the shores of Kapelløya, Monsøya and Helgøya, <strong>this quaint little settlement is a fascinating insight into Norwegian island life</strong>. There’s also an old, <strong><a href="https://www.evaneos.com/norway/tours-historical-sites/" target="_blank">historic</a> </strong>WWII coastal fort, well worth a visit.&nbsp;</span></p><h4>Explore Tromsøya’s “Paris of the north”</h4><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Sitting on a strait between the mainland and a larger island, Tromsøya has one of Norway’s most captivating cities. Tromsø, nicknamed the “Paris of the north” in the 19th century, is <strong>the gateway to the Arctic and a fascinating place to spend a few days</strong>. Enjoy the slick city vibes, then get out into the countryside on the rest of the island where you can <strong><a href="https://www.evaneos.com/norway/tours-hiking-and-trekking/" target="_blank">hike</a></strong>, cycle or try fishing. In winter time, the aurora borealis are often seen here.&nbsp;</span></p><h3>Tips for planning an island-hopping trip in Norway</h3><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Getting around Norway's islands is easy, with ferries and bridges connecting many of them. Cash is no longer king here, either, with most establishments accepting plastic. <strong>Note that in summer, the north of Norway experiences almost 24-hour sunlight</strong>, and in winter it can be plunged into darkness for days on end.</span></p>

Start planning your island vacation in Norway

The best island vacations and island-hopping tours in Norway, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect island vacation in Norway with a local expert

Norway islands

Islands & Island-Hopping

Island Vacations in Norway | Explore Norway's Islands

The best local travel agencies in Norway for train tours

Trip ideas for exploring Norway by train

The best train tours to explore Norway, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect train tour with a local expert in Norway

Train travel in Norway

Train Tours

Best Train Tours in Norway | Explore Norway By Train

The best local travel agencies in Norway for lake vacations

Trip ideas for visiting Norway's lakes

The best tailor-made trips for visiting Norway's lakes, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Harstad Vacations

Harstad: How to get there?

Harstad: When to go?

Harstad: For how long?

Harstad: What to see in the surroundings?