Emma Vestrheim / The Hidden North Tours

05/08/2024

New on The Hidden North!

Follow my road-trip guide for the Rv52 highway that crosses the Hemsedal Mountains. This is one of the ancient roads between east and west Norway and provides spectacular views of the mountains (plus a chance to spot wild reindeer!)

Read the guide and download your copy here:

Follow this scenic drive on the Hemsedalsfjellet mountains on the Rv52 highway, beginning in Gol and crossing to Borgund via Hemsedal.

01/08/2024

Snapshots from Svalbard Series

In March 2024 I spent a few days in Longyearbyen, Svalbard. I loved looking at all the different types of accommodation - since Longyearbyen was established as a mining town, the apartment buildings here resemble barracks and have a look and feel of not being permanent. Additionally, they are all raised above the ground because of permafrost. There are very few individual homes in Longyearbyen, so most residents live in apartments owned by a tourism company or the mining company.

The colourful houses have become something of an icon of Longyearbyen.

30/07/2024

Snapshots from Svalbard Series

In March 2024 I spent a few days in Svalbard. One of the excursions I booked was a 4WD tour across the mountains and up to a viewpoint over Longyearbyen. The weather wasn't the best, but we still saw reindeer and wonderful views over the settlement. The tour was operated by Hurtigruten and our guide (from Bergen!) was fantastic. The weather was a chilly -15C (but still one of the warmer days I had on my trip!) and it was foggy, but it created for a more magical landscape.

28/07/2024

New! I have uploaded my self-guided walk for Copenhagen, covering the area from Kongens Nytorv to Amalienborg passing by Nyhavn harbour. This walk covers the historic district 'Frederiksstaden' and includes many of Copenhagen's most famous attractions.

you can find the self-guided walk here:

Follow this self-guided walk for Copenhagen City Centre, passing by all the major highlights and historic places in the city.

27/07/2024

A couple photos I took on a recent Trollfjord Cruise in Lofoten. The sea eagles are always a highlight of the cruise, and it feels like they are posing for us every time! I couldn’t decide which photo I prefer, so here’s both 🥰

30/06/2024

Hey everyone!
I have updated my Bergen Restaurant Guide with new restaurants in 2024 and recommended dishes to try when you are visiting Bergen.

You can find the restaurant guide here:

A restaurant guide to Bergen, Norway, including an overview of the types of dishes you can expect to find in this diverse city.

29/06/2024

Get my self-guided walk to Hammerfest, the northernmost city in the world with a population over 10,000. Hammerfest is a port-of-call on Norway's coastal ferry, and it is a great city to walk around.

My self-guided walk takes you past all of Hammerfest's highlights.

You can get the walk here:

Follow this self-guided walk of Hammerfest, designed for those coming on the ferry, and learn about life above the Arctic Circle.

27/06/2024

The Vasa Museum, Stockholm.
I always visit the Vasa Museum when I am in Stockholm. Perhaps it’s because every group tour passes through there, but honestly I would go on my own too. During COVID, when I was doing virtual tours, I was even given special permission to do a virtual tour around the museum. Over 500 people tuned in – it was awesome!

Why do I love the museum? So many reasons. But I think it’s the sheer scale of the Vasa ship that you feel as soon as you step in. The ship is incredibly well-preserved and that alone fascinates me. But the museum is also well-planned and has a number of wonderful things to do.

You can read my guide to the Vasa Museum here:

The Vasa Museum Stockholm is the most visited museum in Scandinavia and is all about the infamous Vasa warship that sunk on its maiden voyage

25/06/2024

Read my overview of the history of Kristiansand, Norway's southernmost city. People have lived in the area for thousands of years, but Kristiansand was formally established as a trading port in the 16th century.

Learn about Kristiansand here:

Learn about the history of Kristiansand, one of the southernmost cities n Norway and an important trading town.

24/06/2024

Exciting news! After four years of renovation work, Stalheimskleiva is now open again. You can visit either on foot or on bike :)

Stalheimskleiva is a historic switchback road located near Stalheim Hotel in Western Norway.

23/06/2024

I have written a self-guided walk for the Norwegian town of Kirkenes. Located in the far north-east of the country, Kirkenes is an important border town that has seen a lot of action over its short 120-year history.

If you are visiting Kirkenes, be sure to get my self-guided walk:

Follow this self-guided walk of Kirkenes and explore Norway's border town in the far-north with a fascinating history.

21/06/2024

Visiting Honningsvåg, the northernmost city in the world? I have written a self-guided walk to Honningsvåg. It doesn't just include the city's historic sites, but also the various aspects of everyday life that defines people in the Arctic.
You can get my self-guided walk here:

Follow this self-guided walk of Honningsvåg and learn about life above the Arctic Circle.

20/06/2024

So sad to announce that Trollstigen is closed for the season due to safety reasons.
I honestly think this is the best decision - the road has become far too crowded recently and can at times be dangerous. Hoping the correct authorities can figure out how to make this spectacular drive safe for everyone.

📣UPDATE: You can still see the bends of Trollstigen from the Trollstigen plateau and view Trollstigen from above or from the parking at Trollstigfoten in Isterdalen.

👉 The Trollstigen road from Valldal to the Trollstigen plateau is OPEN. View the hairpin bends from above at the Trollstigen plateau on the Valldal side.
👉 View Trollstigen from below from Trollstigfoten. Trollstigen Gjestegård in Isterdalen remain open

📌 Due to increased risk of rockfall, unfortunately, the distinctive bends in Trollstigen are closed to both vehicular traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians for the remainder of the 2024 season. The closed section is between Isterdalen in Rauma/Åndalsnes and the bends leading up to the Trollstigen plateau. Please park only in designated areas.

🚗 Detour from Åndalsnes to Valldal/Trollstigen Plateau:
Åndalsnes – Sjøholt (E136) – Valldal (fv 650)

📷 Nordlandblog

19/06/2024

New! Read my summarised overview of Stockholm's fascinating history. Stockholm was founded in 1250 and quickly became an important trading port. It was a rough start to Stockholm as a city, but it managed to develop into a modern European capital.

I've also included information on historic sites you can visit in Stockholm.

Read the history of Stockholm here:

Learn about the history of Stoclholm, the Swedish capital and important medieval city for Europe.

17/06/2024

Planning on hiking Troll Tongue this summer? I have put together a practical guide on how to prepare yourself for Norway's most famous hike, including what to pack, what to expect, and how to get there.

It's important when you go hiking in Norway to be fully prepared for all sorts of conditions, so be sure to give my guide a read!

Here's my guide to hiking Troll Tongue, including links and resources to help you make the right decision about hiking there.

16/06/2024

New on YouTube:

Watch me walking around Longyearbyen in Svalbard during a very cold (-20C) day in March. This walk includes all the major attractions in the town ❤️🐻‍❄️

Support the channel on Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thehiddennorthJoin me on a walk around Longyearbyen, the world's northernmost settlement...

15/06/2024

Looking for detailed guides for the most beautiful roads in Norway? Check out my downloadable road-trip guides! I have written guides for all the tourist roads and highways around Norway, and each guide is packed with information about what to see and do along the drive.

Browse the road-trip guides here: https://thehiddennorth.com/road-trip-guides/

Photo: Near Skei on the Rv5

15/06/2024

Today in Bergen, Norway ❤️ I did a three hour private walking tour and we covered a lot of ground! I focused on Nordnes and my favourite local spots, complained about house prices, and then we sampled some food at the farmers market! Tomorrow we drive to Troldhaugen for a concert 🎹

10/06/2024

Norway's Resistance Museum.

Located in the Akershus Fortress complex, the Resistance Museum is dedicated to understanding the history of World War II in Norway. The museum goes chronologically through the war years, focusing on different aspects of the war - from the Holocaust to the government to the well-known resistance museum.

For information about visiting the museum, read my guide here:

Here are some interesting facts about what it's like to live on Svalbard! This includes everyday life plus information for tourists.

07/06/2024

New on Youtube: Walking around Henningsvær

Henningsvær is one of the most popular places to visit in Lofoten. This tiny fishing village has recently earned heritage status as the best-preserved fishing village in Norway. Located about 20 minutes south of Svolvær by car, it also makes it a great place to visit on a day trip.

Join me for a walk around Henningsvær, where I'll take you around the village, past the famous soccer field, and over to the fish drying racks.

You can watch this walking tour on YouTube:

Support the channel on Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thehiddennorthJoin me on a walk around the fishing village of Henningsær in the Lofoten ...

05/06/2024

Back in October 2021 I went and stayed with a Sami family in Kautokeino. Part of the experience included lassoing a real reindeer! It was one of the top experiences of my life and can’t recommend it enough. Visit when you’re in Kautokeino!

05/06/2024

In October 2021 I went and stayed with a Sami family in Kautokeino. As part of the experience I had to lasso a reindeer and learn about Sami culture. I even live-streamed it on the internet!
Here are some screenshots from the experience (thanks to the viewers for taking these shots!)

I can't recommend this experience enough. You can find the family I stayed with here: https://www.sokkiadventure.no/

04/06/2024

Longyearbyen, Svalbard.

Svalbard was first explored in the 16th century, and not long after became a sought-after hunting group for European traders who were seeking the luxurious furs, meats and oils from Arctic animals. Exploration was important in the 19th century, and then mining and industrialisation came in the early 20th century. Today research and tourism are important for Svalbard.

As you can see - Svalbard has an incredible history! I've written a guide to the history of Svalbard, which you can find on my website. It's perfect for those visiting or planning to visit!

Read here:

Read my short overview of the history of Longyearbyen, including the towns development from mining to research and tourism hub.

02/06/2024

How I occasionally dress for work 💁‍♀️ my bunad is the Ulvik bunad - where my surname and husbands family come from. I love wearing it so much that I sometimes put it on for private tours 🥰

31/05/2024

Longyearbyen, Svalbard.

Svalbard is one of the most unique places on earth. Located close to the North Pole, what was once a harsh hunting ground has developed in a modern, well-developed settlement where research and tourism are key industries.

While Svalbard is part of Norway, it is also not. Residents on the island do things slightly differently than the Norwegians on the mainland.

To help get you ready for your own trip (or perhaps inspire you to go!) I've put together a list of unique facts about life on Svalbard.

You can read them here:

Here are some interesting facts about what it's like to live on Svalbard! This includes everyday life plus information for tourists.

30/05/2024

Why I love Bergen ❤️ took this photo today on the private bus tour I was leading. ☔️

29/05/2024

New on YouTube:

Join me on a walk around Honningsvåg during the polar night. Honningsvåg is the northernmost city in the world, located at 71 degrees north, and is a port of call on the coastal ferry. While most people coming by the ferry go to the famous North Cape, on this trip I chose to wander around Honningsvåg to see what it looks like during the polar night. The polar night is the period where the sun doesn't come above the horizon. This was filmed at 11am!

You can watch this walking tour here:

Support the channel on Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thehiddennorthJoin me on a walk around Honningsvåg during the polar night. Honningsvåg i...

27/05/2024

Planning a trip to Tromsø? Thanks to the increase in northern lights tourism, Tromsø has become a very popular place to visit. Many new hotels have been built in the last few years for all different price categories. Still, hotels sell out months in advance and it can be difficult trying to figure out where to stay.

I've put together a guide to the best hotels and places to stay in the city and sorted them by price to make sure you get the best deal when visiting.

Read my guide here:

Read my guide on where to stay in Tromsø, based on my experience travelling there for work and for holiday.

25/05/2024

Longyearbyen, Svalbard.
Svalbard is a must-see for any traveller. I went back in March 2024 to explore Longyearbyen for a few days and do some winter activities. I remember when I was planning my trip, I found the method of getting to the hotel from the airport very confusing. Everything works a little differently in Svalbard, even airport transfers!

To help others out, I've written a guide on how to get from Longyearbyen Airport to the hotel. Be sure to bookmark this for when you do your own trip there.

You can read the guide here:

Here are some interesting facts about what it's like to live on Svalbard! This includes everyday life plus information for tourists.