Natural wonders along the Norwegian coast

Roughly 1,306 miles from the North Pole and the northernmost point on the European mainland, the North Cape (Nordkapp) is one of Norway’s most popular attractions.

Standing atop the cliff that rises for 1,000 feet above the Arctic Ocean, you'll feel like you're looking out over the top of the world.

These two archipelagos are Norway at its most beautiful. While Lofoten is a rare wilderness outpost that offers a unique landscape of majestic mountains, deep fjords, and long, surf-swept beaches, the neighboring Vesterålen islands are characterized by contrasts, from white beaches and idyllic farmlands to mountain peaks rising from the sea.

Spanning across the Arctic Circle between Rørvik and Ørnes, the Helgeland Coast is a region that boasts several fascinating natural attractions. Notable highlights include the UNESCO-listed Vega Islands, the legendary Seven Sisters peaks, and Torghatten, a unique mountain with a 98-mile hole through the middle.

Known as the Sunnmøre Alps, the mountains around Hjørundfjord in Møre and Romsdal country are nothing short of spectacular. There are several challenging but rewarding hiking trails that are suitable for anyone who is moderately fit, or you could choose to combine several summit treks over a few days. The mountains also attract many skiers.

The best time to go skiing in the Sunnmøre Alps is between February and June, while hiking is best during the summer months.

At less than 14 miles long, 1,575 ft deep and with a max bottom width of over 3,000 ft, this inland canal was created especially for Hurtigruten’s ships and is inaccessible by larger vessels. It was the result of a long effort to improve access to the port at Risøyhamn.

In his capacity as a member of the Norwegian parliament, Hurtigruten founder Richard With first started work on the channel that opened up his trading post at Risøyhamn for more shipping traffic. When the Hurtigruten coastal line was established, the channel was widened to allow the ships to sail through, and the Risøyrenna opened on June 26, 1922.

For those sailing between Kjøllefjord and Mehamn, the entrance into Kjøllefjord is a striking moment of contrast, as the dramatic cathedral-shaped sea cliff known as Finnkirka suddenly rises into view. It is a truly commanding sight, borne of the impact of harsh sea on rock over millions of years.

After dark, Finnkirka is lit up, providing an extraordinary experience in the Arctic night. The cliff shows the way north and south, as it has done through the ages – and will in the years to come.

At over 1,800 feet, this distinctive rock formation on Storseløy is an iconic landmark that, from certain angles, resembles the shadow of a knight mounted on his horse. Legend has it that the knight Hestmannen was chasing Lekamøya at dawn and shot an arrow that pierced the Brønnøy King’s hat – but sunrise arrived at that very instant and turned them all to stone.

It is possible to climb Hestmannen. There are marked routes leading up the mountain, but you will need a rope to reach the very peak.