✨ Welcome to the Arctic Adventure 🚐
Dear adventurer,
Welcome to the raw and breathtaking beauty of Northern Norway. Whether you're chasing the midnight sun, exploring white-sand beaches, climbing dramatic peaks, or watching the Northern Lights dance across the sky – your campervan is the key to freedom on this unforgettable journey.
This guide is made for you. Packed with local secrets, scenic routes, and the best places to park your van under the stars, we’ll help you discover Bodø, Lofoten, the Helgeland Coast, Steigen, Senja, and Tromsø like a seasoned explorer.
Ready to roll? Let’s hit the road.
🌄 Bodø: The Gateway to the North
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
- Saltstraumen: Just 30 km from Bodø, witness one of the world's strongest tidal currents.
- Kjerringøy: A peaceful peninsula with a historical trading post and ferry adventure.
- Keiservarden: Hike 30-45 mins to panoramic views over the city, fjords, and Lofoten.
Hiking
- Easy: Junkerfjellet (283 m) or Keiservarden (366 m)
- Moderate/Hard: Per Karlsatinden (1036 m), Litltinden, or Sandhornet (993 m)
Beaches & Hidden Gems
- Mjelle: Known for red-tinted sand and midnight sun views.
- Hovdsundet: A secluded beach between two coves – Bodø’s tropical surprise.
- Auvika & Langsanden: Perfect wild-camping locations.
- Langsanden: My Personal absolute favorite beach (45 min drive)
Places to Eat
- Bryggerikaia: Famous fish soup and lovely grilled cod.
- Olivia: Lovely pasta, pizza etc.
- Txaba: Tapas and light but exciting dishes.
- Hundholmen Brygghus: Craft beer & local food.
- Craig Alibone Pâtisserie: High-end chocolate & cakes.
Where to Camp
- Bodø Camping (full service)
- Saltstraumen Camping (next to the tidal current)
- Wild camp: Rønvikfjellet (Wood Hotel Parking) viewpoint or Mjelle parking lot
- Bodø Harbour (Service station/WC)
- Langsanden (Sandvikstranda)
- Bratten: Calm and quiet place with great sunset views.
🌊 Lofoten: Islands of Dreams
Must-Drive Routes & Stops
- E10 National Scenic Route: Drive from Å to Svolvær with countless postcard moments.
- Nusfjord: Beautiful fishing village with local restaurants and cafe's.
- Henningsvær: Charming fishing villages.
- Reinehalsen Viewpoint: Iconic photo stop near Reine.
- Sakrisøy
- Stamsund
- Uttakleiv
- Eggum
- Håv/Gimsøy
Hikes
- Easy: Hoven (368 m)
- Moderate: Ryten & Kvalvika Beach (543 m)
- Challenging: Reinebringen (448 m stair hike), Festvågtind, Himmeltinden, Vågakallen
Striking Beaches
- Haukland & Uttakleiv: Connected by a tunnel, incredible sunsets.
- Rambergstranda: Picture-perfect with nearby café.
- Skagsanden: Great for Northern Lights photography.
- Unstad: Surfing in the Arctic (yes, really).
Where to Eat
- Børsen Spiseri (Svolvær): Gourmet dried cod.
- Fiskekrogen (Henningsvær): Traditional seafood.
- Anita’s Sjømat (Sakrisøy): Famous fish burgers.
- Nordis: Delightful seafood and seaside view.
Where to Camp
- Ramberg Gjestegård
- Moskenes Camping (by the ferry)
- Uttakleiv/Eggum: Paid scenic wild-camping with amenities
- Henningsvær
- Where ever you want unless signed/ symbolized otherwise.
🌅 Helgeland & Kystriksveien:
Norway's Coastal Pearl
Scenic Stops Along Fv17
- Svartisen Glacier: Reachable by boat & short hike.
- Ureddplassen: Stunning Arctic rest stop with view & toilets.
- Torghatten: The mountain with a hole through it (easy hike).
- Vega Archipelago: UNESCO-listed coastal culture & eider ducks.
Hikes
- Torghatten Hole: Easy, 30 mins.
- Rødøyløva: Moderate, incredible island view.
- De Syv Søstre (The Seven Sisters): Choose 1-2 peaks for an epic challenge.
Food Highlights
- Hildurs Urterarium: 5-course gourmet dining.
- Til Elise from Marius: Michelin-worthy Helgeland cuisine.
- Café at Forvik: Fresh coffee & homemade cakes.
Campsites
- Torghatten Camping
- Yttervik Camping (Mo i Rana)
- Wild spots: Holandsfjorden near Svartisen, or Braset plateau
🗻 Senja: Norway's Fairytale Island
Must-Sees
- Tungeneset: Wooden walkway with dramatic views of Okshornan ("The Devil's Teeth").
- Ersfjordstranda & Bøvær: Stunning wild beaches.
- Bergsbotn Platform: 44-meter panoramic viewpoint.
- Husøy: Traditional fishing island by bridge.
Hikes
- Segla: 640 m, steep and iconic.
- Husfjellet: Moderate hike, wild panoramic views.
- Hesten: For perfect views of Segla.
Local Cuisine
- Skreien Spiseri (Gryllefjord): Fresh cod & traditional fare.
- Senjastua (Finnsnes): Classic Northern food.
Camping
- Fjordbotn Camping
- Senja Fjordcamp
- Wild spots: Ersfjordstranda (paid), Bøvær coastline
🌇 Tromsø: Arctic Capital
What to Do
- Fjellheisen Cable Car: Best view over Tromsø.
- Sherpa Steps to Fløya: 1300+ steps to the top!
- Kvaløya Drive: Sommarøy beaches, Brosmetinden hike.
Foodie Picks
- Bardus Bistro: Reindeer burger.
- Fiskekompaniet: Top-notch seafood.
- Mathallen Tromsø: Local delicacies.
Camp Options
- Tromsø Lodge & Camping (full service, near city)
- Wild: Grøtfjord or Skibotn (great for Northern Lights)
💜 Chasing the Northern Lights 💚
Season
- Best time: Late Aug – Early April
- Best hours: 21:00–00:30
Tips
- Get away from city lights
- Use apps like "My Aurora Forecast"
- Check sky clarity, not just KP index
- Best regions: Bodø, Tromsø, Senja, Steigen, Lofoten Islands
- Be patient – the lights can suddenly explode into action!
🚐 Practical Campervan Tips
Ferries
- Bodø → Moskenes: Book in advance if in high season.
- Gryllefjord → Andenes: Summer only.
- Use "Reis Nordland" or "Torghatten Nord" apps
Wild Camping Rules (Norway)
- Stay 150m away from private houses
- 1-2 nights at the same spot
- Never drive off-road or onto beaches
- Take trash with you, use public toilets
- Respect "No Camping" signs
Winter Driving
- Bring snow chains & check road conditions
- Watch for wildlife
- Allow extra time on icy roads
- Keep diesel heater full and batteries charged
✨ Final Words
Enjoy the freedom, beauty, and magic of the north. Whether you’re parked beside a turquoise bay, under a thousand stars, or sharing a fish burger or a local brew with a stranger in Lofoten – go make some core memories.
Go explore and take care,
Even // Owner of Bodø & Lofoten Campervans