Can I see the Northern Lights in Nordland?

Yes, Nordland is within the Aurora Oval. Best viewing is from September to March on clear, dark nights away from light pollution.

Do I need to book Hurtigruten ferries in advance?

Highly recommended, especially in summer. You can book individual coastal ferry segments without taking the full cruise.

Is it expensive to travel in Nordland?

Yes, Norway is costly. Budget for high prices for accommodation, dining, and fuel. Self-catering and camping can reduce costs.

Are there polar bears in Nordland?

No, polar bears are only found on the Svalbard archipelago, far north of mainland Norway.

What is the weather like in summer?

Unpredictable and changeable. Temperatures average 10-15°C (50-59°F). Pack layers, waterproof gear, and be prepared for wind, rain, and sun all in one day.

Schengen area citizens need no visa. Others may need a Schengen visa; check with Norwegian embassy.

What currency is used?

Norwegian Krone (NOK). Credit cards are widely accepted; cash is rarely needed.

Is English widely spoken?

Yes, most Norwegians speak excellent English, especially in tourist areas.

What is the midnight sun?

From late May to mid-July, the sun never sets above the Arctic Circle, offering 24-hour daylight.

Are there any dangerous animals?

No dangerous predators; moose and reindeer are common but not aggressive. Mosquitoes can be annoying in summer.

Do I need a rental car?

Recommended for flexibility, especially in Lofoten and remote areas. Public transport is limited.

Is tap water safe to drink?

Yes, tap water is excellent quality and safe everywhere.

Yes, thanks to 'allemannsretten' (right to roam), but respect private property and leave no trace.

What is the best way to see the fjords?

By ferry, cruise, or kayak. The Hurtigruten coastal ferry is a popular option.

Are there any local dishes I should try?

Try stockfish (dried cod), reindeer stew, and fresh seafood like king crab.

Nordland

CountyNorway, Europe

Nordland is a STATE in Norway, Europe.

Nordland is Norway's dramatic Arctic playground, stretching from the Helgeland coast in the south to the wild Lofoten and Vesterålen archipelagos in the north. This county is defined by its breathtaking contrasts: jagged mountain peaks plunge into deep fjords, while thousands of islands create a fractured coastline sheltering picturesque fishing villages. Travelers are drawn here for the legendary midnight sun in summer and the ethereal Northern Lights in winter. Key destinations include the UNESCO-listed Vega Islands, known for their eider duck farming heritage; the surfing beaches of Unstad in Lofoten; and the Saltstraumen maelstrom, the world's strongest tidal current. Nordland offers unparalleled opportunities for hiking, fishing, whale watching, and experiencing authentic Sami culture. The iconic Lofoten Wall, with its dramatic peaks like Reinebringen, provides some of Europe's most spectacular scenery, while the historic trading post of Bodø serves as the cultural gateway. This is a land where nature commands respect and rewards with unforgettable beauty.

Best time to visit Nordland

June to August for the midnight sun, hiking, and whale watching, with long days and milder temperatures (10-15°C). September for autumn colors and fewer crowds. December to March for Northern Lights viewing, winter sports (dog sledding, skiing), and the unique polar night atmosphere, though days are very short and cold.

October

Now

Right now

Condition: Overcast
Temperature: 12°
Feels like: 8°
Humidity: 74%
Wind: 24 km/h
Precipitation: 0 mm

Typical for October

Condition: Drizzle
High: 10°
Low: 7°
Average: 8°
Rain: 97 mm

Travel notes

Crowds: Low
Prices: Low

Aurora season begins

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

BOO

Bodø Airport

International

0 km away

EVE

Harstad/Narvik Airport, Evenes

International

0 km away

LKN

Leknes Airport

Domestic

0 km away

MJF

Mosjøen Airport, Kjærstad

Domestic

0 km away

SSJ

Sandnessjøen Airport, Stokka

Domestic

0 km away

Getting around

"Public transportation includes the extensive coastal ferry service (Hurtigruten and local ferries), buses, and regional flights (Bodø, Evenes, Stokmarknes). The Nordland Line railway runs from Trondheim to Bodø. Renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility, especially to explore the Lofoten Islands and remote areas. The E6 and E10 are main highways. Ferries are essential for island hopping; check timetables (entur.no). Taxis are available but expensive. Popular apps include Entur (journey planner), Yr (weather), and local ferry company apps."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

50 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in cities and most accommodations

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $10

Calling code

+47

Stay safe

Overall

9/10

Very safe; main risks are weather and outdoor activities.

Night safety

8/10

Very safe; main risks are weather and outdoor activities.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

2/10

"Nordland is generally very safe with low crime rates. Use normal precautions against petty theft in tourist areas. The primary safety concerns are related to nature and weather. Always check weather and avalanche forecasts (varsom.no) before hiking, especially in mountains like the Lofoten Wall. Inform someone of your route. Be extremely cautious near cliffs and fjord edges. When driving, be aware of narrow roads, tunnels, and wildlife (especially reindeer and moose). The midnight sun can disrupt sleep patterns. In winter, road conditions can be hazardous; use winter tires and carry emergency supplies. There are no specific areas to avoid, but remote areas require self-sufficiency."

Police

112

Ambulance

113

Fire

110

Tourist Police

Emergency (general)

112

Entry and health

Health information

"Norway has an excellent public healthcare system. The main hospital in Nordland is Nordlandssykehuset in Bodø. For emergencies, dial 113. Travelers from the EU/EEA should bring a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or GHIC. Others require comprehensive travel insurance. There are no required vaccinations for Norway. Tick-borne encephalitis is a very low risk, but consider vaccination if extensive hiking/forest activities are planned. Be prepared for rapidly changing Arctic weather; hypothermia is a risk even in summer. Pharmacies ('Apotek') are widely available. Tap water is safe to drink. For non-emergencies, call the medical helpline at 116 117."

Culture

Local customs

"Norwegians value personal space, punctuality, and equality ('Janteloven'). Greet with a firm handshake and direct eye contact. Remove shoes when entering homes. Tipping is not expected but appreciated for excellent service (rounding up the bill or 5-10% in restaurants). Casual but practical outdoor clothing is the norm. Respect 'Allemannsretten' (the right to roam) but follow strict rules: camp at least 150m from houses, leave no trace, and respect private property. Be quiet in nature and on public transport. When visiting Sami communities, be respectful of their culture and ask permission before taking photos."

Norwegian (Bokmål and Nynorsk)Northern SamiEnglish (widely spoken)

Costs and practicals

Currency

Norwegian Krone (NOK) · kr

Cost level

Luxury

Meals

$25-40 | a cheap local meal costs around $25

Hotels

$100-200 | budget hotels range $100-200/night

Local transport

$5 | local bus ride ~$5

Cost notes

Norway is expensive; budget for high costs on food, accommodation, and activities.

Timezone

Europe/Oslo +01:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

241,000

Area

38,155 km²

Government

County Municipality (Fylkeskommune)

ISO code

NO-09

Type

County

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Nordlaante, Nordlánda, نورلان, Nordlánnda, Nordland fylke, Нурланн, NO-18, Norðurland, 18, Nordland, Nordlandin lääni, 诺尔兰郡, Vik, Vik i Helgeland

Major HubFjordsNorthern LightsHikingFishingMidnight SunIslandsWildlifeScenic Drives