Summer, with its long, bright nights, is the perfect time to travel around and experience Norway’s magnificent nature, dramatic fjords, picturesque cities, and cultural experiences.
Most people associate Norway with the northern lights and midnight sun in Northern Norway or the fjords in the west. However, you don’t need to travel far inland before encountering other amazing experiences. Around Oslo and in Sørlandet, a wonderland of nature and cultural experiences awaits.
Here are my best tips for experiencing the Norwegian summer at its finest, from Kristiansand in the south to Finnmark in the north.
Norway in the summer
Norway in the summer: City breaks and nature
You can’t mention a vacation in Norway without talking about Oslo. The capital has undergone a massive facelift in recent years, and a vacation here is the perfect blend of city life and nature. Enjoy floating saunas, modern neighborhoods, and lots of events and attractions.
Go on a cycling adventure along the Oslo Fjord or hike in the forested hills of Oslomarka. Explore ski resorts that transform into hiking trails in the summer. Don’t forget to experience Oslo’s cultural scene too, visit museums like the Viking Ship Museum, and discover modern art at the Astrup Fearnley Museum.
Just an hour’s drive from Oslo, you can visit Hadeland, a new art destination, or explore Kistefos Museum and its unique exhibition building, The Twist.
Summer vacations in southern Norway
Where should you spend your summer vacation in Norway? Follow the Norwegians and travel to the southern corner of Norway. Sørlandet is known as Norway’s vacation paradise, offering lovely beaches, picturesque islands, and lots of sunshine. In the region’s capital, Kristiansand, the charm of narrow streets surrounded by whitewashed wooden houses combines with the richness of Norwegian folk traditions in the Setesdalen valley.
Experience the historical atmosphere in the old town of Posebyen. Stroll through cobblestone streets, enjoy local delicacies from the sea in cozy eateries, spend a relaxing day on the city beach, or join one of the lively festivals filling the streets with life and cultural experiences.
For family fun, Kristiansand Zoo is a must, loved by both children and adults.
If you’re up for an adventure, take a short drive to Lindesnes Lighthouse, Norway’s southernmost point. Or explore the award-winning Michelin restaurant Under, the world’s largest underwater restaurant, in Lindesnes. Remember to book your table well in advance!
City summer breaks, hiking, and watersports in Stavanger
Stavanger is home to a unique combination of Michelin restaurants, old wooden houses, world-class street art, and a multi-dimensional music scene. The city is the ideal starting point to explore two of Norway’s most iconic tourist attractions: Lysefjorden and Preikestolen.
For beach lovers, the coastal area of Jæren is a true paradise with some of the country’s best and widest sandy beaches. If you’re into surfing or kitesurfing, this is the place to be. Take the trip along the North Sea Road towards Egersund and drive through charming coastal towns like the picturesque Sogndalstrand.
Stavanger’s Michelin Star restaurants invite you on a culinary journey, while the old wooden houses and colorful street art bring the city to life. Plan a hike to the impressive Preikestolen and enjoy the panoramic view of Lysefjorden.
Culture and fjords in Bergen
Norway’s second-largest city, Bergen, offers everything from historical World Heritage sites and innovative fashion trends to a culinary scene and a progressive music environment. Explore some of Norway’s most fascinating museums here, including the impressive art museum KODE.
Get lost in the narrow alleys and streets, and experience the city’s beauty from the top of one of the seven mountains surrounding Bergen. The city is also the ideal base for exploring the world-famous Norwegian fjords, such as Sognefjorden to the north, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. Don’t forget Hardangerfjorden, home to the iconic Trolltunga, to the south. Do yourself a favor and explore the less crowded tributaries, which are just as breathtaking as the main fjords.
If you don’t rent a car in Norway, it’s also a great opportunity to take the train to Flåm and experience one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys on the Flåm Railway.
Summer vacations for foodies in Norway
In the middle of Norway, the Trøndelag region is bursting with exciting history, culinary culture, and nature experiences. Awarded the title of the European Gastronomy Region in 2022, the region is a dream destination for food enthusiasts.
Try your luck with fishing or bring your bike or skis for an adventure. Walk along the nine pilgrim routes known as St. Olav’s Ways, all leading to the impressive Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. As the capital of the entire region, Trondheim is also known as the Home of Nordic Flavours. Experience culinary masterpieces or enjoy delicious dishes at cozy cafes and restaurants.
Follow the scent of local dishes along the Golden Detour in Innherred and take a journey back in time to the UNESCO-protected mining town of Røros.
Island hopping in Norway
Are you into island hopping? Then park your car in either Brønnøysund and Sandnessjøen or the resorts of Horn and Tjøtta. From here, you can hop on a ferry (with a rented bike) to one of the fantastic island communities along the Helgeland Coast. From Sandnessjøen, for example, you can head out to Dønna and Herøy. Enjoy a stay in a rorbu (seasonal residence for Norwegian fishermen), go hiking in the mountains, and explore medieval churches and the dramatic sea. From the resorts Horn and Tjøtta, you can head out to the municipality of Vega, consisting of over 6000 islands that have caught UNESCO’s attention, earning them World Heritage status.
A bit further north from Sandnessjøen, in Stokkvågen, you can go on a road trip to many exciting islands such as the Træna archipelago. On one of the islands, Husøy, a summer festival has been organized.
The islands of Husøy and Selvær together have fewer than 500 inhabitants but offer unique natural conditions and interesting experiences, such as a cave in the mountains and beautiful hiking trails. You can also take a speedboat to Husøy from Sandnessjøen or Bodø.
Dramatic nature in Lofoten
If it’s Norway’s dramatic nature that entices you, there is no better destination than Lofoten. Few places in Norway are as photographed as Lofoten. With its charming rorbuers and impressive mountains, it secures a place on many international travel bucket lists, and perhaps it’s already on yours?
It’s easy to fall in love with the vibrant Lofoten culture, stretching across 6 municipalities and 12 cities with plenty to see. Coastal culture and natural conditions make Lofoten an excellent choice year-round. Here, you can spend your days surfing, nature safaris, mountain hikes, sea excursions on RIB boats, and traditional Lofoten fishing. If you’re traveling with children, visit the impressive Viking Museum in Vestvågøy. If not, horseback riding in the midnight sun might sound more tempting.
For the adventurous, sea kayaking, surfing, snorkeling, and diving might be the way to go after a few days in the mountains. If you want to spend your days surfing, the town of Å – Lofoten’s outermost point – is possibly the best choice. The beaches here are referred to as the world’s northernmost surf paradise. If climbing sounds exciting, Austvågøy’s climbing opportunities in the Lofotveggen are a must – and the view is worth it all.
Climbing, Kayaking, and Culture in Bodø and Salten
The beautiful city of Bodø is surrounded by sea and mountains, making it a clear favorite for a holiday in Norway. No trip to Bodø is complete without a trip to Keiservarden or one of the nearby mountain areas with fantastic viewpoints. You can also pack a picnic and drive to Mjelle Beach, where you’ll be met by white sand and soothing waves. Both here and from Bodø Harbor, you can go on guided kayak tours – and Bodø is generally a great starting point for kayaking. If you’re in a more adventurous mood, you can go kayaking along Svartisen with departure from Meløy outside Bodø.
Bodø is also known for having exciting caves, like Svarthamarhola – Scandinavia’s largest cave. Explore the caves and hear the echo of your own voice as you go further and further in. If you prefer climbing, don’t miss the chance to try the challenging peaks in Salten – such as Stetind and Hamarøyskaftet. If climbing skills aren’t that great yet, but you love heights, the wooden staircase Fykantrappa in Glomfjord – Europe’s best-preserved outdoor wooden staircase – might be a good alternative.
Experience the Midnight Sun in Finnmark
The northernmost parts of Finnmark have the pleasure of having the midnight sun for the longest time – from mid-May to the end of July. If you’re lucky to experience the midnight sun, there’s not much else that compares to the sight and the exceptional view over the sea.
Go on a fishing trip or sea safari in Honningsvåg, explore the charming fishing village before heading up to the North Cape Plateau. You can also combine the excursion with a stay in Alta. Here, you have ample opportunities to learn about Sami culture, reindeer herding, and Norwegian culture by seeing rock carvings and visiting the Alta Museum. The ultimate experience awaits you by going to Finnmarksvidda in Inner Finnmark, with the towns of Kautokeino and Karasjok as a starting point.
You can also enjoy the midnight sun in Kirkenes, near the Russian border. This northern city had a central position during the German occupation in World War II and was bombed over 300 times in a short period. So, you’ll find an interesting piece of history up here and can spend your days exploring the Soviet monument, a bomb shelter, and a prisoner camp.
Summer vacations in Norway with Kids
Tromsø is known worldwide for its magnificent nature. Historically, Tromsø is not an insignificant city either. The city was the capital of free Norway for three weeks while Oslo and southern Norway were occupied. Today, Tromsø is the largest city in Northern Norway and is regularly called the Paris of the North and the capital of the Arctic.
Tromsø has an exciting mix of culture and nature, making it a great holiday destination for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and culture lovers alike. You’ll find theaters, music, and a variety of festivals, and you’re never far from the beautiful mountain landscape or pristine forests. You can also go on fjord trips, whale safaris, bird spotting, sea fishing, or visit a husky farm and a Sami gamme (traditional Sami dwelling).
If you’re traveling with children, don’t miss the Polaria experience center centrally located in Tromsø, where you can learn about Arctic sea conditions, and children can observe marine life. The 1960s Arctic Cathedral is also worth a visit. Another good choice is Polar Park, the world’s northernmost animal park in Bardu. A city break in Tromsø can also be combined with an excursion to Kvaløya and Sommarøy, which has beautiful sandy beaches and breathtaking views of the sea.
