This surprisingly temperate region (thanks to the Gulf Stream, which causes the North Atlantic Conveyor) encompasses vast tracts of arctic plateau, forests, and tundra. It is in this region that you'll cross the Arctic Circle (Polarsirkelen) and experience the midnight sun in the summer. You'll also find the so-called Paris of the Arctic in the city of Tromsø, which sports an interesting opera house, a major university, and interesting restaurants serving up seal and whale (if you can overcome your guilt to try it out).

This region features the Lofoten Islands - possibly the most spectacular offshore islands in Norway (and possibly the world) with their mountains jutting sharply out of the sea. Further north, the spectacular Lyngen Alps with its snow-capped peaks rising sharply out of the sea decorate North Norway. The view of these mountains reminds me of looking at the Grand Tetons above Jackson Lake (except you've got the sea in Norway instead of just a lake!).