Northern Norway Sets New Tourism Record
Northern Norway has once again broken visitor records, marking a new milestone for Arctic tourism. Between June and August 2025, the region recorded 2.37 million overnight stays, up 3.1 percent from last summer and 12.5 percent higher than 2023, according to new figures from Statistics Norway (SSB).
Strong international demand
The growth was driven by a surge in international visitors, who accounted for 1.29 million overnight stays, up 13.4 percent from last year, the highest number ever recorded for Northern Norway. Demand was particularly strong from Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, France and the United States, reflecting the region’s rising appeal among global travellers.
– International awareness of Northern Norway as a year-round, sustainable destination is higher than ever. We are seeing travellers who stay longer, explore more widely, and seek deeper cultural and natural experiences. That is a very positive development for our communities, says Siw Sandvik, Head of PR and Communications at the Northern Norway Tourist Board.
Travellers are drawn north by the light, the landscapes, and the authenticity of local experiences, from the midnight sun and fjord adventures to Sami culture and Arctic wildlife.
Regional highlights
Growth this summer was well distributed across most major destinations. The Lofoten Islands led with a 10 percent increase in total overnight stays, fuelled primarily by strong international demand. Tromsø followed with 4 percent growth, reflecting a healthy mix of city-based and nature-driven experiences. Particularly encouraging were the results from East-Finnmark, where overnight stays rose by 15 percent. This growth confirms that efforts to draw travellers further east – beyond the more crowded areas of Lofoten – are paying off, with increasing attention on Finnmark’s vast landscapes, vibrant culture and growing cruise traffic. Svalbard also continued its steady rise, up 8 percent from last year and more than 130 percent since 2021.
Sustainable growth remains the focus
The Northern Norway Tourist Board emphasises that continued growth must go hand-in-hand with sustainability. The organisation is working closely with local communities and businesses to ensure that the benefits of tourism are shared broadly and that Arctic nature is protected for future generations.
– We are extremely proud of this year’s results. Northern Norway’s growth story is about quality, not just quantity. Our focus is on ensuring that visitors leave with meaningful memories, and that our communities thrive because of it, Sandvik concludes.
Rigmor Myhre, Communication Manager B2C
E-mail: rigmor@nordnorge.com
Phone: +47 95855320
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