Norway is already known for its fjords, Northern Lights, and wide-open nature, so what makes Northern Norway an even better place to have it all to yourself?

Joël Schwalenstöcker is a Northern Norway native who grew up in Tromsø with a German father and a French mother. For about 15 years, he has worked as a music agent, booking tours and shows for artists across Norway and Scandinavia. He is also the founder of Noraventura, which designs tailor-made trips through Norway for travelers who want to see the country beyond the usual tourist stops.

Joël shares seven hidden gems in Northern Norway that most visitors miss, and why the region’s best-known spots have become so crowded. We also share Northern Norway travel tips on renting a car, packing for changing weather, and choosing when to go.

Northern Norway is bigger, emptier, and wilder than most people expect, with the midnight sun in summer and the northern lights in winter shaping the rhythm of life there. It’s also a region where a short drive can change the entire feel of a trip. If you’re planning a visit, or you like the idea of seeing Northern Norway off the beaten path, this conversation gives you plenty to think about.

Have you ever skipped the famous stop on a trip and found something you liked even better? I’d love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

Tune In To Learn:

Why a sailing trip toward the Arctic ended with Joël’s parents settling in Northern Norway for good
How Northern Norway’s light, milder-than-expected climate, and freedom-to-roam traditions set it apart from the rest of the country
Why the same few places dominate every search and social feed, and what that does to the travel experience
Why the stretch of coast most people just drive through might offer the best mix of beaches and mountains in the country
Where you can catch a concert inside a natural cave on a remote island community that has been inhabited for thousands of years
What you’ll find when you turn right instead of left on a famous island chain
How locals near the region’s biggest city escape to sandy beaches when the sun finally comes out
How to trek the far northeast by following reindeer trails, close to the Russian border
Advice on getting around, packing for weather that changes by the hour, and timing a summer trek to avoid the region’s fiercest insects
How to get a real shot at the northern lights, plus one Lofoten stop worth adding to any itinerary

Resources:

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