Connecting the Iconic Regions of Arctic Norway
Hinnøya is Norway’s largest island and lies at the meeting point of several of Northern Norway’s best-known travel regions.
Harstad lies on the island’s northeastern side, Vesterålen extends across its western and northern areas, and Lofoten reaches Hinnøya from the southwest. East of the island, routes continue towards Narvik.
Each destination has its own identity, landscapes and experiences, but their geography makes it possible to combine them naturally in one journey.
Hinnøya Travel uses the Hinnøya Region to describe this connected travel area around the island — Harstad, Narvik, Lofoten and Vesterålen — linked by roads, bridges, ferries and coastal routes.
At the Centre: Hinnøya
Hinnøya stretches across Troms and Nordland, with mountains, fjords, islands and coastal communities extending through several municipalities and traditional regions. The landscape ranges from the coast and agricultural communities around Harstad and Kvæfjord to the mountains and fjords of western and southern Hinnøya. Møysalen, the island’s highest mountain at 1,262 metres, rises within Møysalen National Park.
Much of Hinnøya remains outside Northern Norway’s busiest visitor areas. Scenic roads, hiking areas, fjords and small communities make the island particularly suited to travellers who want to explore beyond the best-known stops. It is both a destination worth exploring in its own right and a natural link between Harstad, Narvik, Lofoten and Vesterålen.
Explore the Hinnøya Region
Four established destinations meet around Hinnøya, each offering a different way to experience Northern Norway.
The Relaxed Arctic Base
Located on Hinnøya itself, Harstad combines a compact waterfront town with easy access to fjords, islands, mountains and the wider Hinnøya landscape. The town has hotels, restaurants and cultural attractions, while its location and transport connections make it a useful base for continuing towards Vesterålen, Lofoten or Narvik.
Harstad suits travellers looking for a relaxed Arctic base with a combination of nature, regional history and experiences close to town.
Known for: Fjords & coastal landscapes · Trondenes & regional history · Hiking & outdoor recreation · Northern Lights · Good accommodation & regional connections
Mountains, Fjords & Arctic History
East of Hinnøya lies Ofoten, centred around Narvik and the deep Ofotfjord. Here the coastal landscape meets high mountains and an important transport corridor between the Norwegian coast and Sweden. Narvik developed around the railway and iron-ore trade, and today combines railway and wartime history with mountain and winter experiences.
Narvik is also an important connection point for journeys between Tromsø, Hinnøya and Lofoten.
Known for: Mountain experiences · Fjords & alpine scenery · Arctic Train · Railway & wartime history · Winter activities
Norway’s Iconic Arctic Islands
Southwest of central Hinnøya, the landscape continues towards the distinctive islands and fishing communities of Lofoten. Dramatic mountains rise directly from the sea alongside beaches, sheltered harbours and historic fishing villages.
Lofoten offers some of Northern Norway’s best-known landscapes and a wide range of experiences throughout the year, from hiking and coastal adventures to wildlife, fishing culture and Northern Lights.
Known for: Dramatic mountain landscapes · Fishing villages · Beaches & coastal scenery · Sea eagle & fjord experiences · Hiking · Northern Lights
Wildlife, Open Landscapes & Scenic Roads
Vesterålen extends north and west from Hinnøya across a group of islands facing the Norwegian Sea. The region combines mountains and open coastal landscapes with fishing communities, beaches and quieter roads through a varied island landscape.
It is particularly strong for travellers interested in wildlife and scenic journeys, with whale watching, Norwegian Scenic Route Andøya and easy connections between Hinnøya, Andøya and the wider archipelago.
Known for: Whale watching · Norwegian Scenic Route Andøya · Wildlife & birdlife · Coastal communities · Beaches & open landscapes · Scenic road trips
Explore the Region as a Journey
Harstad, Narvik, Lofoten and Vesterålen can be connected through road trips, public transport and coastal routes, allowing the journey between destinations to become part of the experience. You might travel through Hinnøya and Vesterålen on a scenic road trip, use Harstad as a stop between Tromsø and Lofoten, travel through Narvik on the more direct inland corridor, or continue north through Vesterålen towards Senja. How you combine the region depends on the season, how much time you have and whether you are travelling by car or public transport.
Ready-Made Northern Norway Journeys
Choose a Route. Follow the Plan. Build Your Trip.
Want a complete trip rather than individual travel tips? Explore ready-made itineraries connecting destinations across Northern Norway. Each journey brings together a practical route, recommended number of nights, transport, accommodation and experiences so you can recreate the trip yourself.
Explore Ready-Made Northern Norway Journeys
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Northern Norway Without a Car
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Continue Exploring Northern Norway
Already know where you want to go? Explore experiences across the region, or use our travel guides and itineraries to plan how the destinations fit together.