Welcome to the Arctic, a land of extremes where the sun never sets in summer and the auroras light up the winter sky.
Northern Europe’s Arctic region is a tapestry of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultures, and unparalleled adventures that beckon the hearts of travelers seeking experiences beyond the ordinary.
From the mystical Northern Lights in Norway to the icy fjords of Greenland, and the remote wilderness of Svalbard, this guide invites you on a journey to explore the top 40 bucket list experiences in Northern Europe.
Whether you’re an adventurer, a nature lover, or a culture enthusiast, the Arctic offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with nature, immerse in indigenous cultures, and push the boundaries of exploration.
Let’s embark on this extraordinary journey together, discovering the wonders that await in the far reaches of the North of Northern Europe..
Northern Europe: Bucket List Ideas.
1. Chase the Northern Lights in Tromsø, Norway
Experience the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis in one of the world’s best viewing spots. Tromsø offers almost nightly displays during the winter months, with various tours to remote locations for the best sightings. If you are elsewhere in the world you can check out here for other bucket list ideas
We went with Chasing lights based in Tromso which you can check out here. they do big and small buses for different prices of course!
2. Dog Sledding in Svalbard, Norway
Lead a team of huskies through the Arctic wilderness. This traditional mode of transportation provides an exhilarating way to explore the snow-covered landscapes of Svalbard.
Make sure you get a good set of dogs as Polar Bears are known around this most northerly of towns, and as you can’t out run the bears, hopefully they can!
Although we haven’t been to Svalbard just yet we have been dog sledding and loved it both times! We went with a local legend called Tore Albrigtsen, in Tromso, with an outfit called Active Tromso, twice!
Its a proper Dog sled mush and you are in control, so learn quick, be brave and listen to the instructions!
3. Midnight Sun Marathon in Tromsø, Norway
Run a marathon under the surreal light of the midnight sun. This unique event takes place in late June, offering a running experience unlike any other in the stunning Arctic environment.
Experiencing daylight at 3 am is on our list, though running the Marathon certainly isn’t! If its sounds liek something you want to try then here is the link. It’s in June most years.
4. Stay in an Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Spend a night in the ICEHOTEL, where the rooms, furniture, and even drinking glasses are made entirely of ice, offering a cool and unique lodging experience for a fairly extreme price. We will save up for this one and report back to you!!
5. Kayaking Among Icebergs in Greenland
Navigate the icy waters of Greenland’s fjords, paddling among towering icebergs and experiencing the silence and beauty of the Arctic up close. Now to be clear Greenland is a very very difficult place to get to, and we have this on our plan but it will likely be a cruise.
Seeing Icebergs up close is definitely an artic bucket list item, especially for Marc who was a kayaker in his earlier years.
6. Visit the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø, Norway
Explore this iconic architectural marvel, known for its stunning design and beautiful stained-glass windows. The cathedral hosts unique concerts that resonate beautifully in its Arctic-inspired structure.
7. Paddleboarding under the Midnight Sun in Lofoten, Norway
Take to the waters of the Lofoten Islands on a paddleboard to explore the breathtaking scenery under the 24-hour daylight of the midnight sun.
8. Hiking to the Arctic Henge in Iceland
Discover the Arctic Henge, a modern monument inspired by Norse mythology. Located in Raufarhöfn, this site offers a mystical and scenic experience in the remote Icelandic landscape.
9. Ice Climbing in Iceland
Ascend the frozen waterfalls and glaciers of Iceland with ice axes and crampons. This adventurous activity is suited for both beginners and experienced climbers, offering a thrilling way to experience the icy landscapes.
10. Attend the Sami Week in Tromsø, Norway
Immerse yourself in the culture of the indigenous Sami people during Sami Week. The event features reindeer racing, traditional music, and an opportunity to learn about Sami heritage.
11. Snowshoeing in Finnish Lapland
Explore the winter wonderland of Finnish Lapland on snowshoes. This peaceful activity allows for close encounters with nature, with the Northern Lights overhead on clear evenings.
12. Visit the Polar Museum in Tromsø, Norway
Delve into the history of polar exploration and learn about the Arctic lifestyle. The museum houses fascinating artifacts from famous expeditions and the indigenous cultures of the region.
13. Explore the Lofoten Islands, Norway
Discover the dramatic landscapes of the Lofoten Islands, known for their towering peaks, sheltered bays, and traditional fishing villages—a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural history.
14. Cross-country Skiing in Greenland
Embark on a cross-country skiing adventure across Greenland’s vast landscapes. Experience the tranquility and majesty of the Arctic wilderness on skis.
15. Ski Touring in the Lyngen Alps, Norway
The Lyngen Alps offer some of the most scenic ski touring in the world, with routes leading from snowy peaks down to the Arctic fjords. This is a dream destination for backcountry skiing enthusiasts.
16. Hike Amongst the Volcanoes of Iceland
Trek through the otherworldly landscapes formed by Iceland’s volcanic activity. Trails through national parks like Þingvellir and the surrounding areas offer breathtaking views and geological wonders.
17. Swim in the Geothermal Pools of Iceland
After your Arctic adventures, relax in the naturally heated waters of Iceland’s geothermal pools, such as the Blue Lagoon, surrounded by volcanic landscapes.
18. Photograph the Arctic Fox in Svalbard, Norway
Capture images of the elusive Arctic fox in its natural habitat. Known for its stunning white winter coat, this creature can be spotted against the snowy backdrop of Svalbard.
19. Ride the Fjellheisen Cable Car in Tromsø, Norway
Ascend to the summit of Mount Storsteinen for panoramic views of Tromsø and its surroundings. The cable car ride offers a picturesque and accessible Arctic experience.
20. Visit the Sámi Parliament in Karasjok, Norway
Learn about the Sámi people, Europe’s only indigenous people, by visiting their parliament. The building itself is a tribute to Sámi culture and architectural traditions.
21. Explore the Abandoned Soviet Mining Town of Pyramiden, Svalbard
Step back in time with a visit to Pyramiden, an eerily well-preserved ghost town once bustling with Soviet miners. Today, it stands as a haunting reminder of the Arctic’s industrial past, offering a unique glimpse into life during the Cold War era in the far north.
22. Northern Lights Flight in Canada
While not in Northern Europe, an honorary mention for those chasing the Aurora: take to the skies with a Northern Lights flight, offering a chance to view the Aurora Borealis from above the clouds, a unique perspective on this natural wonder.
23. Attend the Ice Music Festival in Norway
Experience the ethereal sounds of instruments carved from ice at the Ice Music Festival, This unique event celebrates the winter and the Arctic environment through music that is quite literally, cool.
24. Snowmobile Across the Arctic Tundra
Speed across the vast, open landscapes of the Arctic tundra on a snowmobile.
This exhilarating mode of travel allows you to cover large distances and access remote areas that are otherwise unreachable, offering a thrilling adventure and spectacular views.
25. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Svalbard
View the Arctic from a new perspective with a hot air balloon ride over the breathtaking landscapes of Svalbard. Floating above this remote wilderness offers unparalleled views of glaciers, fjords, and maybe even some wildlife.
26. Scuba Dive Between Continents in Iceland
Dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Silfra fissure in Þingvellir National Park, where you can touch two continents at once.
The fissure, located between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, offers some of the clearest water in the world for divers.
27. Experience the Midnight Sun Golf in Lofoten, Norway
Play a round of golf under the midnight sun at the Lofoten Links, where the sun doesn’t set for several weeks in the summer. This unique golfing experience combines sport with stunning Arctic scenery.
28. Whale Watching in the Faroe Islands
Embark on a whale-watching tour in the Faroe Islands, where the nutrient-rich waters attract a variety of whale species, including orcas and humpback whales. The dramatic landscapes of the Faroe Islands provide a stunning backdrop for this unforgettable wildlife experience.
While we haven’t done that in the faroes, though we will be there sometime this year ( 2024/25) we have dont it twice in the North of Norway. Which is where the photos come from, and the video .
29. Visit the Fram Museum in Oslo, Norway
While in the south, the Fram Museum is dedicated to telling the story of Norwegian polar exploration. The museum houses the Fram, the ship used by explorers like Nansen and Amundsen on their polar expeditions, offering a fascinating insight into the challenges they faced as they went beyond Northern Europe.
30. Explore the Ice Caves in Vatnajökull, Iceland
Venture into the blue ice caves of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. These natural wonders are accessible only during the winter months and offer a surreal experience, walking through caverns of crystal-clear ice.
31. Sami Cultural Experience in Lapland, Sweden
Immerse yourself in the culture of the Sami, the indigenous people of the Arctic. Visit a Sami village, learn about traditional reindeer herding, and experience a Sami joik performance, providing a unique insight into the enduring traditions of the Arctic’s native inhabitants.
32. Visit Alesund and the Art Nouveau Centre, Norway
Discover Ålesund, rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style after a devastating fire in 1904.
The town is now known for its beautiful buildings adorned with intricate details and motifs inspired by the natural world, making it a unique architectural gem in Norway.
33. Husky Safari in Kiruna, Sweden
Embark on a husky safari through the snowy forests and over the frozen lakes near Kiruna. This experience offers a peaceful yet exhilarating way to explore the winter landscapes, with the friendly huskies providing a warm welcome to the Arctic.
34. See the Northernmost Point of Europe at North Cape, Norway
Visit North Cape, often referred to as the northernmost point of Europe, where a dramatic cliff plunges into the Arctic Ocean. The site offers breathtaking views and is a symbolic destination for travelers seeking to reach the top of the world.
35. Ice Fishing in Finnish Lapland
Try your hand at ice fishing, a popular winter activity in Finnish Lapland. Drill a hole in the ice of a frozen lake and wait for a catch, all while enjoying the serene, snowy surroundings.
36. Arctic Surfing in Unstad, Lofoten, Norway
For a truly unique Arctic experience, go surfing in Unstad, Lofoten. The Arctic surf scene is thriving, with waves suitable for all levels and the stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains meeting the sea.
37. Stay at the Treehotel in Swedish Lapland
Spend a night amidst the treetops at the Treehotel in Harads, Swedish Lapland. This unique hotel offers architecturally fascinating treehouses, each with a different theme and view of the surrounding forest and river.
38. Experience the Lofotr Viking Feast in Lofoten, Norway
Dine like a Viking at the Lofotr Viking Museum in Lofoten. The museum hosts traditional Viking feasts, complete with authentic food, drink, and entertainment, offering a lively and educational glimpse into Viking culture.
39. Sail Around the Svalbard Archipelago
Explore the remote and rugged beauty of the Svalbard Archipelago on a sailing expedition. This adventure offers a unique way to see the glaciers, fjords, and wildlife of the Arctic, with the flexibility to navigate to some of the most inaccessible areas.
40. Hike the King’s Trail (Kungsleden) in Swedish Lapland
Trek the King’s Trail, or Kungsleden, through the stunning landscapes of Swedish Lapland. This long-distance footpath offers incredible views of the Arctic wilderness, including mountains, valleys, and pristine lakes.
You can check out the bumper lists of Polar and Arctic Bucket list ideas on the the link below, or check out the other areas in the Arctic circle that you could try to tick off those Arctic Bucket lists items.
- 20 Bucket Lists Ideas: Antarctica
- 25 Arctic Bucket Lists Ideas: Russia
- Arctic Bucket Lists: Alaska
- 30 Arctic Bucket Lists Ideas: Canada
- 40 Arctic Bucket Lists Ideas: Northern Europe.
- Top 10 things to do in Tromso
Conclusion: Your Arctic Adventure Awaits
Wrapping up our exploration of the top 40 bucket list experiences in Northern Europe’s Arctic region, it’s clear there’s an incredible array of activities that cater to every type of traveler.
Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of chasing the Northern Lights, eager to learn about indigenous cultures, or looking forward to some of the most unique natural landscapes on the planet, the Arctic has something special for you.
This guide has outlined just a fraction of what’s possible in the vast expanse of the Arctic. Each experience offers a unique way to engage with the environment and the cultures that call it home.
From dog sledding through untouched snow to kayaking past towering icebergs, these adventures provide more than just memories; they offer new perspectives.
