Bodø and the Nordland region have made history as the first area north of the Arctic Circle to be designated a European Capital of Culture in 2024. A new analysis reveals that the Bodø2024 initiative has generated over 4,500 international media features, with an estimated advertising value of NOK 599 million.
A cool breeze moves through Henningsvær this morning. The sun breaks gently through the clouds as I stand outside a large, mustard-yellow building in the centre of town. A dog darts past me, nose to the ground, before its owner, Mats Alfsen, appears, a wool hat pulled down over his ears and his cheeks pink from the cold. We exchange greetings and step into the warmth of Trevarefabrikken.
Norway’s outermost luxury boutique hotel, Ytri, will open in spring 2026 on Træna. One of the most remote island communities along the Helgeland coast. What began as a vision for a unique hotel has evolved into a landmark project that will be part of transforming Træna’s tourism, infrastructure, and development.
Kvitnes Gård, a renowned farm-to-table restaurant in Vesterålen, has been recognised with several prestigious awards in 2024, confirming its place as one of Nordic's top food destinations.
Starting in April 2025, Finnair will introduce a new route to Northern Norway, connecting Helsinki with the town of Kirkenes via Ivalo. This service will operate three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. As Finnair’s northernmost destination, Kirkenes joins Tromsø and Bodø in the airline’s Northern Norway network, which already connects to both Rovaniemi and Helsinki.
From the midnight sun in the north to the dramatic fjords of the west, few places on earth offer such diverse landscapes as in Norway. Northern Norway Tourism Board and Fjord Norway combine dramatic scenery, coastal history, and northern adventure for an unforgettable experience.
There is a saying that a destination is defined by the people who inhabit it. This is especially true for Helgeland, a region where the warmth and friendliness of its residents complement the slow living and raw nature, creating a unique atmosphere. Helgeland isn't just a place to see; it's a feeling, a state of mind that words like "magical" and "breathtaking" fail to fully capture.
