Dreaming of the North?
The Hidden North Travel Guide
The Hidden North is an online travel guide designed to help you plan your dream trip to Northern Europe. I specialise in road-trip guides, self-guided walks, Norway’s coastal ferry, the northern lights, and customised planned trips to Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Iceland, Norway, Svalbard and Sweden.
The Hidden North is written by Emma Vestrheim – that’s me! – an experienced tour leader and guide who has travelled around Northern Europe countless times during her eight years in Norway.
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Online Travel Guide
Explore our travel guide for detailed information on every country.
New on the Blog
Uspenki Cathedral: Helsinki’s Beautiful Orthodox Cathedral
Learn about Finland’s main Orthodox cathedral!
Visiting the Narvik World War II Museum
Read my guide for the Narvik World War II Museum
Exploring Street Art in Bodø
Here’s my overview of where you can find the best street art in Bodø!
The History of Geiranger
Travelling to Geiranger? Here is a comprehensive historic overview to help prepare for your visit!
The Complete Guide to Saunas in Norway
Here’s my overview of where you can find saunas in Norway, and how the whole process works!
The Fascinating History of Whaling & Sealing in Norway
The history of whaling and sealing is a great read, no matter what side of the debate you are on!
Bergen Events & Public Holidays 2025
Here’s all the major events & public holidays in Bergen for 2025.
Visiting the Viking Museum at Borg in Lofoten
Here’s my guide for what you can see and do when visiting the Viking Museum Borg in Lofoten
Preparation & Embarking the Hurtigruten in Bergen
Here’s everything you need to know when preparing for and embarking the Hurtigruten in Bergen.
Meet the writer
Hello, I'm Emma
Originally from Australia, I moved to Norway eight years ago after falling in love with a guy from Bergen. I started as a local guide but eventually became a tour leader, taking groups all over Northern Europe. The Hidden North is a collection of my notes, tips and tricks from my eight years of experience travelling around this part of the world.