Top Destinations for a Northern Road Trip

Tromsø is a Norwegian city with heaps of outdoor activities and striking natural beauty. It also has an exciting location within the Arctic circle, making it a top destination for a northern road trip, especially in winter. Whether you're here for the northern lights or simply to discover the magic of an Arctic winter, be sure to book yourself onto a snowmobile tour, a dog sled ride or a reindeer sleigh adventure. And why not spend the night in one of the incredible igloos that are available to rent?

Or if you're visiting in the summer or autumn, check out the majestic views from he mountains around the city, go on a fjord crossing, snap a selfie outside the imposingly beautiful Arctic Cathedral or visit the Polaria Arctic Adventure Centre. In the summertime you can even go for a swim at the quaint little beach of Telegrafbukta.

Kiruna is the northernmost town in Sweden and a great road trip destination where youy can experience pulse-raising activities, breathtaking nature and perhaps even the northern lights if you're visiting in winter. Charge over white expanses by snowmobile or dog sled, watch a fabulous display of twinkling greens and purples in the night sky, or stay overnight at the world famous Icehotel.

Take on Sweden's tallest mountain, Kebnekaise, or opt instead for a leisurely stroll around the centre of Kiruna where you can pick up outdoor accessories and local handicrafts. Visit a Sami village and pet the reindeer or learn more about the fascinating culture of the Sami people who have lived and herded reindeer in this area for centuries.

Rovaniemi is a city in northern Finland, close to the border with Sweden, and the official home town of Santa Claus. At Santa Claus Village, every day is Christmas Day. The kids can visit Santa in his office, make souvenirs with Mrs. Claus, pet the reindeer and much, much more. In the wintertime, you can also visit the Santa Park Christmas Theme Park.

If you're visiting in summer, take the kids to the giant slide at the Ounasvaara Ski Resort or let them cut loose at the Angry Birds Activity Park. And be sure to delve deeper into the unique Arctic landscape by hiking one of the many trails in the area, or visit the Arktikum Science Centre to learn more about local nature and culture.

Karasjok is a town in northern Norway, above the border with Sweden, and home to both a very rich cultural heritage and some incredibly scenic landscapes. Visit the awe-inspiring Sápmi Park where you can feed the reindeer and learn traditional skills of the Sami people like lassoing and their unique style of singing called the joik. Be sure to also check out the Sami Museum which is home to interesting exhibitions and a pleasant open-air museum. For a practical souvenir, be sure to stop off at Knivsmed Strømeng where you can buy traditional Sami knives handcrafted using masterful techniques.

Fishing is another popular activity in Karasjok and you can choose between going out on your own or hiring a guide. The area is particularly great for salmon fishing in the summertime. The birdlife here is also very special with the gorgeous bluethroat among the many birds you can spot here. In the winter, you can go skiing or chase the northern lights.

Honningsvåg is the northernmost town in mainland Norway and your gateway for exploring the North Cape – where the Norwegian Sea meets the Arctic Ocean. This charming little settlement is actually not quite big enough to be called a town, but special exception has been made for this magical place on Norway's northern tip. Learn more about the town and the surrounding area at the Nordkap Museum and take a selfie with the statue of four-legged war hero Bamse, a St. Bernard dog who is said to have saved the lives of several Norwegian sailors during World War II. You can also take it easy at a cosy café such as Arctic Sans or visit King Crab House and try some local seafood dishes.

Other sights in Honningsvåg include the bright white church which was the only building to survive the destructive retreat of the Nazis in 1944. Be sure to also enjoy a leisurely stroll around the picturesque marina.

North Cape is a top destination for a northern road trip, and the journey is guaranteed to mean gorgeous nature, fantastic photo opportunities and charming fishing villages. You'll also have the chance to experience either the midnight sun or the northern lights. Visiting the North Cape is easiest in the summertime as the snow and wind in the winter can make it very difficult to traverse some of the roads.

The North Cape is well known for its incredible beauty. The Gjesværstappan Nesting Cliffs are a great spot for birdwatching with the cute and colourful puffins among the different species you might be able to see. Reindeer graze on the north Cape in the summer and if you like seafood, be sure to sample some of the huge Norway king crab which live around the North Cape. The fishing villages on the island of Magerøya and the town of Honningsvåg also make for great day-trip destinations within the area.