Northern Norway Facts for Kids

Northern Norway is a large area in the northern part of Norway. It includes three counties: Nordland, Troms, and Finnmark. This region makes up about 35% of Norway's mainland.

Some of the biggest towns here are Mo i Rana, Bodø, Narvik, Harstad, Tromsø, and Alta. Northern Norway is famous for its amazing natural wonders. It's known as the land of the midnight sun in summer and the land of the northern lights in winter.

Discover Northern Norway

Northern Norway is a special place with unique geography and a rich history. It offers incredible natural sights and a vibrant culture.

Geography and Nature

Northern Norway covers a huge part of the country. It has a long coastline with many islands and deep fjords. The landscape changes from green valleys to high mountains and glaciers.

Mountains and Fjords

The region is home to many mountains and beautiful fjords. Fjords are long, narrow inlets of the sea, often with steep cliffs on both sides. Some fjords are very deep and stay ice-free all year.

Rivers and Lakes

You can find many rivers and lakes here. Some rivers, like the Målselva, are quite large. These waterways are important for both nature and people.

Climate and Seasons

Northern Norway experiences distinct seasons. Summers have the famous midnight sun, where the sun stays visible for 24 hours a day. Winters are dark, but they bring the magical northern lights.

Even though it's far north, the main fjords usually don't freeze. This is thanks to the North Atlantic Current, which brings warmer water. However, some smaller, shallower parts of fjords can freeze in winter.

National Parks

Northern Norway has many national parks. These parks protect the region's unique nature, including its mountains, forests, and wildlife. They are great places for hiking and exploring.

Wildlife and Plants

The nature in Northern Norway is home to many animals and plants. You can find reindeer, moose, and various bird species. The sea is full of fish, which is important for the local economy.

Arctic Animals

Animals like reindeer are common in the northern parts. They are well-adapted to the cold climate. Along the coast, you might spot sea birds and marine life.

Unique Plants

Even in the cold, many plants thrive. You can find berries like cloudberries and bilberries (European blueberries). These are popular for picking in late summer.

History and Culture

Northern Norway has a long and interesting history. People have lived here for thousands of years, leaving behind ancient rock carvings and historical sites.

Early Settlements

Evidence of early human life, like the rock carvings at Alta, shows that people lived here a very long time ago. These carvings tell stories about their lives and beliefs.

Sami Culture

The Sami people are the indigenous people of Northern Norway. They have a rich culture and traditions, including reindeer herding. The Samediggi, or Sami Parliament, is located in Karasjok.

Fishing and Trade

For over a thousand years, cod fishing has been very important to the region. It helped people earn a living and trade with others. Fishing is still a major industry today.

Modern History

During the Cold War, Bodø was an important air base. Today, the region continues to be a key area for Norway, with modern industries and connections to other countries.

Economy and Industries

The economy of Northern Norway relies on several key industries. These include fishing, fish farming, and mining.

Fishing and Fish Farming

Fishing remains a vital part of the economy. In recent years, fish farming has grown a lot. More than half a million tons of salmon are produced here each year for the world market.

Mining and Transport

Mining is also important, especially for iron ore. Narvik is a major port because it ships iron ore from Sweden. Good transport links, like the European route E6 and the Hurtigruten coastal express, connect the region.

Tourism

Tourism is growing, with many visitors coming to see the midnight sun, northern lights, and beautiful landscapes. Activities like hiking, fishing, and exploring the unique culture attract people from all over the world.

Images for kids

Some of the major islands in Northern Norway
The islands along the coast creates sheltered sounds on the inside, as here at Senja.
Målselva is one of the larger rivers; Målselv municipality.
National parks in Northern Norway. Lomsdal-Visten National Park was established May 2009 (no 30). Børgefjell National Park is shared with Nord-Trøndelag and does not show up on map.
The many fjords vary in size and topography. The bedrock and soil in the surrounding land also varies. Eidsfjorden in Sortland, Vesterålen.
Rock carvings at Alta
The medieval Alstahaug Church.
Gullgubber from the Iron Age, the oldest Toreutics in Northern Europe; this one found in Kongsvik, Tjeldsund, Nordland.
Cod fisheries have for more than 1,000 years been of great economic importance to the region. From Svolvær harbour by Gunnar Berg.
Bodø was an important air base during the Cold War. In more recent years, Norwegian F-16s have deployed to Balkans and Afghanistan.
Samediggi – the Sami Parliament in Karasjok.
Treriksrøysa where Norway, Sweden and Finland meet each other.
Russian immigration and travel to Kirkenes has prompted the need for street names in Russian.
Fish farming is one of the largest industries; more than half a million ton of salmon produced annually in Northern Norway for the world market
Reindeer at sunset near Bugøynes.
The main fjords remain ice-free all year, but some narrow and shallower fjord branches – like Ramfjord near Tromsø – often freeze over in winter.
Cloudberries and bilberries (European blueberries)
Winter in Balsfjord, the northernmost municipality in Norway with fairly large agricultural activity.
Aurora Borealis in Tromsø.
Beach at Vega, this part of the region has a temperate oceanic climate.
Tromsø street in March 2006. Snow cover persists for many months in most areas, this also insulates the ground from the cold.
Svartisen glacier is dependent on heavy snow in winter. The western side of the mountains get up to 2,000 millimetres (79 in) precipitation annually, such as Glomfjord.
Part of Tromsø's waterfront
Bodø is well connected with airport, railway, road and harbor
Train on the Ofoten Line crossing the mountains from Sweden to Narvik, which is the largest port in Northern Norway due to the iron ore shipment
Hurtigruta in Raftsund near Trollfjord.
The European route E6 is the main road to the north; Storjord in Saltdal by the E6 is situated just north of the Arctic Circle.