For some, the mere thought of a visit to the Arctic Circle is extraordinary. Imagine experiencing the midnight sun in the summer and the brilliance of the northern lights in winter. Taking part in whale watching, dog sledding and Viking expeditions are all de rigueur, but for those looking beyond the usual polar suspects, check out these chill options in Northern Norway.
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Photo courtesy of Unstad Arctic Surf
Catch a wave
Want a swell experience above the Arctic Circle? How about surfing? Yep, that’s right. You can hang ten along the 68th parallel. Hawaii-inspired Unstad Arctic Surf can outfit you with boards and wetsuits and teach you how to catch a wave. Not stoked for that? Try stand-up paddleboarding instead. Located in Norway’s Lofoten archipelago, Unstad Arctic Surf also has the gnarly claim to fame of being the world’s northernmost surf school.
69Nord | Photo courtesy of David Gonzalez
Have a hull of a time
Even if you normally avoid kayaks, trying them out at the world’s northernmost Hobie Island Club is a breeze. That’s because the double-seater Hobie crafts used by 69Nord Sommarøy Outdoor Center are easily operated by wind or leg power. If you don’t feel like doing any work, hop on 69Nord’s yacht to sail through fjords and into the open sea.
Flickr CC: Craig Dennis
Kisses with wolves
If traveling in northern climes leaves you feeling lonely, visit the Polar Park in Salangsdelen. This nature park gives you a chance to get really close to a variety of exotic species, including the muskox. Since they socialize wolves here from birth, visitors can get up close and very personal with them. In fact, Polar Park wolves are known to enjoy French kissing.
Flickr CC: Jon Olav Eikenes
Saddle up
Sure, you are in Norway, but it’s Icelandic horses you will be riding along old Viking trails on the island of Gimsøy. Pony up for a ride at the HOV Hestegard Riding Stables, which has a variety of rides through hills, dales, white-sand beaches and trails. Just remember, Icelandic horses are a bit thick, so your thighs might nag you a bit after the jaunt.
Lofoten Links | Photo courtesy of Vidar Lysvold
Tee up
Take tee time at the world’s northernmost links golf course. Pitch yourself against the elements at Lofoten Links, an 18-hole course combining golf with spectacular seaside scenery. It’s one of the few courses in the world where you can golf under the Midnight Sun.
Artscape Nordland | Flickr CC: Tristan Schmurr
Check out street art
As you might expect from an Arctic “art gallery,” Artscape Nordland is a gallery with no walls. In Northern Norway, travel along highways and byways to discover dozens of sculptures and installations crafted by artists from 18 countries. The works are both positioned within and use the canvas of landscape to spectacular effect. Modern and original,the diversity of these polar pieces is beyond cool.
