Some seasons are better than others in Norway (I have a favorite), and the Norwegian summer is definitely one of the best seasons to visit. As a native who has traveled and lived from south to north of Norway, even on the North Cape, I am here to share with you the best places to visit in Norway in summer and a few tips on what I recommend you don’t miss.
Norway’s summer offers island hopping in the far south and even in the Oslo Fjord, amazing beaches along the coast, majestic mountains to conquer, incredible national parks for unique hiking, and iconic fjords along the west coast and northern coast with awe-inspiring views everywhere.
Oslo is also becoming an increasingly cool capital, with a vibrant cultural life, concerts and music festivals, world cuisine, city beaches, and the best part: only 25 minutes with the city tram to “Marka,” the Oslo Forest that offers endless hiking opportunities.
A word of caution, though: you will not be the only tourist visiting in summer. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, I have some advice to help you create the best plan and itinerary possible. Also, Norway is not the cheapest destination either, so if you are on a budget, this article will also give you some tips on how to get the most for your bucks.
Quick Facts Norway
- Currency: Norwegian Krone
- Language: Norwegian, but don’t worry, most Norwegians speak good English
- Summer temperatures: the south 22-28 degrees Celsius, the north 15-25 degrees Celsius
- Midnight sun above the Arctic Circle when the sun never sets in summer (bring a sleeping mask)
- Norway is over 2000 kilometers long, not including the dramatic fjords and islands.
- July is the busiest month with tourists, but the summer season lasts from late May through August.
What Are The Best Destinations to Visit in Norway in Summer
Where you should go in Norway in summer depends on your personal goal for your Norway holiday. So instead of telling you exactly what I think you should do in Norway, I will tell you what kind of experiences you can have in what area, which will leave you with all the information you need to decide where to go and what to do there.
First, the temperature in summer varies greatly from the south to the north. In the south, you can have 25-30 degrees Celsius and soft, mellow days. In the mountains and the north, you can sometimes have the same temperatures, but generally, it will be colder, and you will find the weather can be unpredictable and fierce even in the summer.
In Northern Norway, you will have the magic of the midnight sun, where you can sit on a beach at midnight with sunglasses on, enjoying the sun hovering in gold just over the horizon, making marshmallows on a BBQ (make sure you know the bonfire rules!).
The downside to visiting Norway in the summer is that you will not be alone. Especially July is when “everyone” and their grandmother come to Norway to experience the incredible nature and our long summer nights. This means that the most popular destinations will simply be crowded, and the prices are also higher in summer than in most of winter and the shoulder seasons.
Visit Oslo: The Vibrant Capital
Let us start with Oslo, which I consider my hometown, as I have lived there most of my life (although I was born in a small town outside the capital).
Summer is my favorite season in Oslo. Norwegians generally become more outgoing and social in the summer capital (clearly because of the temperatures), and the city opens up with outdoor cafes and restaurants, city beaches, park life, hiking, and downtown watersports.
You can actually go swimming in the inner Oslo fjord, only minutes from the city center, on one of the city beaches or jetties that has popped up in the last few years. We also have several areas with floating saunas in the harbor, where you can enjoy the fjord view and warm up between dips in the water on days when the weather acts up – a wonderful experience.
Other things that make Oslo a great summer destination are that you can go island hopping with the fjord ferry (at the same price as the city transport system), the Marka Forest is just 25 minutes away, and there are plenty of cultural activities and vibrant nightlife.
Make sure you visit the National Museum, walk the Opera House roof, and chill in Vigeland Park, which is scattered with elegant sculptures. Take a fjord cruise, or just hop on the ferry for a day out on one of the islands (same ticket as the city transport system). You can also go kayaking in the fjord or SUP in one of the forest lakes just minutes away.
Must do things in Oslo in the summer:
- Go island hopping with the Fjord ferry
- Explore the Vigeland Park
- Walk on the Opera Roof
- Visit the Kon-Tiki Museum
- Do a floating sauna session
- Visit the new Munch Museum
- Stroll around the trendy Grunerløkka city district
- Visit Akershus Fortress
- Have dinner at Maaemo 3-star Michelin restaurant
- Visit the Holmenkollen Ski Jump and do a zipline ride
- Take the tram to Frognerseteren and the best hikes in the Marka forest
- Visit Øyafestivalen Music Festival in August
Southern Norway: Kristiansand and the Archipelago
We call the South “the happy southern country,” and there are good reasons for that. Along the u-shaped southern coastline, the pace is slower, the towns are cuter, and people love their recreational boat life. Even the language is softer, Southerners have a soft dialect that fits perfectly with the Southern way of life.
You can take the train from Oslo to several of the best southern destinations or, better yet, rent a car. Drive southwest from Oslo, and make sure you stop in Stavern, Nevlunghavn, Kragerø, Grimstad, Kristiansand, and Mandal.
It is easy to rent a cabin or holiday home in all of these destinations, and there are plenty of camping sites. Many of them are just minutes from a beach or the “svaberg” – warm rocks along the coast that are equally popular as the beaches down here.
Everyone is a fisherman in the south, so you find great places to have fresh fish and seafood anywhere. The quaint fishing villages and towns often consist of white or red wooden houses with small picturesque centers, and you will find small, unique shops, art galleries, and cute cafes with the best ice cream possible scattered around.
Must-do things in the South in summer:
- Visit the famous Kristiansand Zoo
- Spend a day at Hamresanden Beach
- Get fresh seafood in Nevlunghavn Harbor and eat it with white bread, mayo, lemon and dill
- Take a boat trip around Kragerø Skjaergårds 490 islands (the name for the inner fjords of the south)
- Stroll the cobblestoned streets in Grimstad, the Poets Town, among white wooden houses
- Walk the coastal path in Stavern
- Go rafting in Mandal
- Visit Lindesnes, the southernmost point of Norway
Bergen: Gateway to the Norwegian Fjords
Bergen, the Gateway to the Fjords, is one of Norway’s most popular destinations year-round. Fly to Bergen from Oslo, make a road trip here, or take the beautiful train ride (my favorite) across Hardangervidda Mountain Plains. No better thing than just relaxing in a seat while the panoramic views slowly pass by outside the window.
People from Bergen are also one-of-a-kind, known for their exceptional confidence and pride in their town (Bergensers will say: I am from Bergen, not from Norway), and they are also very outgoing and hospitable. Speak with a local about the famous football team, Brann, and you will make friends.
Bergen is mostly known for Bryggen, its old fishing docks with charming architecture, and fresh fish at the market. But there are a lot more things to do in Bergen; it also has an old city, a famous aquarium, amazing dining, a few spectacular hotels, and, not least, the Fløyen Funicular from the city center to the top of the mountain.
Unmissable things to do in Bergen:
- Visit the fish market on Bryggen
- Ascend Mount Fløyen Funicular or the Mount Ulriken cable car
- Hike across Vidden Mountain from Fløyen to Ulriken
- Visit the Hanseatic Museum
- Head out for a fjord cruise
- See the famous Bergen Aquarium
- Go swimming at Nordnes Sea Bath
- Visit the botanical garden
- Stroll the streets of the outdoor Old City Museum and see what life was like before
Geirangerfjorden Fjord: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Geirangerfjorden Fjord is a destination in its own right, our most iconic fjord (among hundreds of beautiful fjords, mind you), and it is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List. You can go here on a day trip from Bergen, but if you do, you will be in a bit of a rush and probably not able to savor the intrinsic beauty of this amazing spot on the planet.
I recommend you take a road trip here and spend at least one night in Geiranger, a small community at the bottom of the fjord. From the small center of Geiranger, you can drive the zig-zag road up the mountain with stunning viewpoints along the way. You can also join a variety of fjord cruises from here, either on a leisurely journey or on a more fast-paced rib boat adventure between the steep mountainsides.
Just being in Geiranger is soothing for the soul, and this small community gets thousands of guests every day during the peak season in summer. I recommend you travel here in late May and early June or late August or September.
- Scenic viewpoints: Flydalsjuvet and Dalsnibba
- Activities: Kayaking and hiking to waterfalls
- Unique accommodation: Venerable Hotel Union or a modest rorbu, Fisherman’s cabin
Stavanger and Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
Stavanger is a lesser known destination for international travelers. Home to about 150.000 locals, it is a super charming small town along the coast of Norway. The town has lots of the typical white wooden houses of the south and west, an old town that is incredibly picturesque, and a famous “color street” where all the wooden buildings are painted in different colors.
A nickname for Stavanger is the “oil city”, as when Norway found oil offshore in the 1950s and 60s, Stavanger became the oil capital where everything was developed from. This makes it the Norwegian energy capital and a very international city today, in fact, people of around 180 nationalities have found a home here.
Stavenger is a very modern city, and is home to a variety of tech companies, startups, and research institutions focused on energy, robotics, and digitalization. That said, there is also a lot of history, with an old town, a museum of archeology, and a maritime museum showcasing the towns history as s seafarers community.
You find a wide variety of cute cafes, boutiques, and numerous art galleries in Stavanger, especially in the old town part. Stavanger is also the gateway to iconic natural wonders such as the Pulpit Rock, Lysefjorden Fjord, and Kjeragbolten (a famous rock wedged between rugged cliffs, a destination for adventurous hikers).
Here is the list of what you should do in Stavanger:
- Stroll Øvre Langgate (the color street) and stop in one of the cozy cafes
- Visit an art exhibition in the old city
- Take a street art tour of Stavanger
- Test local brew at a small microbrewery
- Have dinner in one of four Michelin-star restaurants
- Hike to Pulpit Rock on a six-hour hiking day trip
- Take a fjord cruise to Lysefjorden
- Visit the Norwegian Petroleum Museum
- Take a VR tour of the Viking House
- Visit Kongeparken Amusement Parky
Lofoten Islands And The North: Arctic Paradise
Summer in the Arctic is magical. The Lofoten Islands are possibly the most spectacular area of Norway, at least above the Arctic Circle, and this is where I live at the moment on a tiny island called Hamnøy close to Reine village. The view I have every time I peak outside my windows are also no less than magical!
Situated northwest off the coast of Bodø, Lofoten’s northern startpoint is the Raftsundet strait, and the first main town is Svolvær. From there, there is only one road going all the way south to the last fishing village called Å. If you make a road trip down the Lofoten islands, you will not be able to keep your mouth shut, mesmerized by new jaw dropping mountain and fjord views around every nook and turn of the road.
Lofoten consists of seven main islands interconnected by bridges, but there are hundreds of additional smaller islands and islets. Make sure you visit Svolvær, Henningsvær, Stamsund, Nusfjord, Reine, and Å in Lofoten. You will pass majestic wild mountains that dive straight down into the fjord, crispy white sandy beaches, and fishing villages like beads on a chain.
All the time up close and personal with wild, Arctic nature, hiking the spectacular mountain paths, kayaking the fjords, or sitting in your Fisherman’s cabin and just marveling at the incredible scenery outside your window. Midnight sun lasts for about one month in Lofoten, when the sun just hovers above the horizon for a few hours and never sets leaving endless days of summer.
I recommend you travel here in May and early June, or late August and September, as July will be packed with travelers along the one road connecting the Lofoten islands. Take the express boat from Bodø, fly to Svolvær or Leknes, or make a road trip and drive down from Evenes.
Things to do in Lofoten:
- Go kayaking
- Take a RIB safari from Svolvær
- Join a fishing trip and catch the famous Lofoten cod
- Visit one of the many art venues
- Eat fresh seafood in gourmet restaurants
- Visit the Smith in Sund, a long-lasting famous smith shop
- Stop by the Vikten Glassworks
- Stay in a charming rorbu Fishermans cabin over the water
- Hike the sherpa stairs to Reinebringen Mountain
- Visit Unstad, Haukeland, or Uttakleiv beaches for Arctic surf on white sands
- Stay up past midnight with your sunglasses on
Tromsø: The Gateway To The Arctic
Arctic Tromsø town has the nickname Paris of the North, because despite being a remote small town two hundred years ago, it was considered a trendy and sophisticated town by traders visiting from southern Europe. It still is a really cool town, located on a small island surrounded my mountains and plenty of nature experiences and wildlife right outside your door.
I studied for three years here at the Arctic University, and the large student community helps make Tromsø an active town with vibrant nightlife. In Tromsø, you will find amazing gourmet food opportunities, a rich culture, lots of concerts, a film festival, and great shopping. Make sure you visit the Ishavskatedralen Arctic Cathedral shaped as an iceberg, the arctic aquarium, and the old wooden church in the middle of town.
Stroll the pedestrian main street, stop for strong coffee and cinnamon buns, and choose fresh seafood whenever you can. And take the gondola Fjellheisen from the mainland bridge point up the mountain, a great spot for an airy overview of Tromsø town and beyond.
You should also take a day trip to Sommarøy Island about an hour outside the city, a small fishing village community that is super charming situated where the vast north sea comes in.
To-do list for Tromsø:
- Take the Fjellheisen Gondola (or hike up)
- Visit Ishavskatedralen
- Go swimming in Telegrafbukta Bay
- Have local Mack Beer at the Mack Brewery
- Visit the Arctic Aquarium
- Join a whale watching adventure or bird safari
- Take a day trip to Sommarøy
- Do a midnight sun hike in one of the many mountains around Tromsø
- For runners: join the famous Midnight Sun Marathon
North Cape: The Northernmost Point In Norway
I just spent six months and the entire summer season in Honningsvåg, a small town referred to as the gateway to the North Cape. The North Cape is situated on the island Magerøya (which means “skinny island”, probably referring to the iconic and barren nature up here), and this is a bucket list destination for many travelers of the world. This is not only the northernmost point in Norway, but also the northernmost point in the whole of Europe.
On Magerøya, there is midnight sun for two months during summer, and on the entire island there are no trees at all (with a few planted exceptions). The island has three small fishing villages, reindeer roaming free in the summer, and the impressive center and museum at the North Cape point where you can learn about the history and significance of this famous spot.
On the huge rock plateau, there is a monument in iron shaped like a globe in front of a vast drop from the plateau off the cliff to the icy ocean 307 meters (1000 feet) below. After this point, there is nothing but Arctic waters for 800 kilometers (500 miles) before you reach Svalbard, and then the North Pole.
Things to do on Magerøya and the North Cape
- Hike the Storfjellet Mountain sherpa stairs
- Try a locally caught king crab meal
- Go on a RIB safari below the North Cape
- Take a birdwatching tour to see blue puffins on a protected island
- Go kayaking in the fjords
- Rent a boat and go Arctic fishing
- Have a gourmet fish dinner at Daniels Hus in Skarsvåg Village
- Visit the North Cape Center
- Join an ATV tour of Magerøya Island
Svalbard: Arctic Wilderness
Far north of the Norwegian mainland is an island group called Svalbard, that was awarded Norway in 1920 when the Svalbard Treaty was signed in Paris. And yes, this is where the polar bears live (they are not on mainland Norway). Svalbard is truly Arctic, with rugged iconic mountains and vast plains, merciless elements; a destination where the elements are in charge; not man. So if you want to visit Svalbard, even in summer, prepare well.
This far north, the Polar Night in winter lasts for four dark months, and on the flipside, the midnight sun season also lasts for four months with sun 24/7. Originally, Svalbard grew as a mining community, but today it is an important place for research, the World Seed Vault is located here, and it is becoming an increasingly popular destination for travelers.
Longyearbyen is the capital of Svalbard where, and the worlds northernmost town, where most of its inhabitants live (fun fact; it is illegal to be born or die in Svalbard, and you can only live here if you land a job). Although not so common any more, sometimes polar bears find their way to the settlement, so locals always carry weapons when outdoors.
The wildlife and elements is the reason why you should join organized tours when exploring Svalbard, and there are plenty of activities to embark on. This unique island community offers amazing hiking, boat tours, snow mobile, dog sledding (wheels in summer), as well as gourmet dining restaurants, and anything from luxury to simple accommodation options. There are two ways to get here, either you fly, or you can join an expedition cruise.
Unmissable things to do in Svalbard:
- Go glacier hiking on stunning glaciers like Longyearbreen or Foxfonna.
- Kayaking in Arctic Waters
- Take a boat tour to Pyramiden, the abandoned Soviet-era mining town.
- Go dog sledding on wheels
- Fjord Cruises to Isfjorden and other breathtaking fjords.
- Visit the Svalbard Global Seed Vault
- Join a photography expeditions
- Snowmobile safaris on Glaciers
- Explore Barentsburg, the Russian settlement with its unique culture.
- Explore natural ice Caves in the glaciers
- Birdwatching for puffins, arctic terns, and other seabirds.
- Try Arctic fishing in pristine waters.
- Arctic Camping: stay overnight in the wilderness under the midnight sun.
Practical Tips for Traveling in Norway During Summer
Researching your best transport options is important to make sure you have a great time, and the public transport system with long haul buses and trains is quite well developed in Norway. However, in the summer, you will find that “everyone” wants to take trains and buses to the mountains and fjords, so you should book early to secure your seats. Come June, train tickets for the most popular journeys may be sold out for July and into August.
Norway is also a great place for road trips, and the road standard is generally good, although in some areas off the beaten path, you will find there are narrow, winding roads that has a bit of wear and tear from the harsh winters. Also in the summer, thousands of visitors come to Norway for these iconic roadtrips, so make sure you have plenty of time, expect areas with queues and traffic, slow camper vans in front of you, and leave your road rage at home.
Accommodation in the most popular destinations with spectacular nature also tend to be fully booked early, so unless you are going camping, plan and book well ahead for smaller destinations with limited hotels and accommodation.
Packing for Norway in the summer can be a bit of a headache. Although being summer holidays, average temperatures and weather can vary greatly between north and south, and between lowlands and highlands. Make sure you pack for colder weather as well, and if you plan on hiking, bring a day pack, good hiking shoes, waterproof outerwear, and layers to adapt to changing conditions.
As Norway is not extremely budget friendly, if you are traveling on a budget, you should also plan well ahead. Choose public transport, check Airbnb and homestays, or even Couchsurfing. Choose accommodation with a kitchen, so you can shop in supermarkets and make food at home to keep the cost down.
Some urban destinations also has city passes that will give you free or discounted entries to lots of sights and transport, so check out the Oslo Pass and Bergen Card.
Regenerative Tourism: Be A Conscious Traveler
Having a country with such iconic natural experiences and elements that everyone wants to experience can be a blessing and a curse. We want you to experience the magic of our country, and as more and more travelers choose Norway, we also want to protect our iconic nature.
Have you heard about regenerative travel? This is a step up from sustainable travel; it means not only to “leave no trace” but to actively participate in leaving a place better than you found it. We are only just starting with this approach to travel in Norway, but the transition from sustainable to regenerative travel will be more and more important for fragile destination as the number of annual visitors increase.
So with this I want to inspire you to be a conscious traveler when you visit Norway and do as the Norwegians do, and aim to leave a place better than you found it!
- Follow marked paths in the mountains
- Use approved camping sites
- Choose electric or hybrid cars for road trips
- Shop in small local stores to give back to local communities
- Never leave rubbish behind (yep, carry it in your backpack)
- Be conscious about your water use
- Stay on organized camping sites and avoid wild camping
- Bring a reusable water bottle (you don’t need a filter; our tap water is the best in the world)
The 5 Regions of Norway
Norway is generally divided into five different regions, and here is a short description of each one.
The South refers to the small towns and villages along the Norwegian coast starting from about an hour south of Oslo and following the coast until it starts tipping north again. In The South, you find charming places like Arendal, Grimstad, Kristiansand, Mandal, and Lindesnes, the southernmost point of Norway.
Secondly, we have Østlandet (the Eastern Land), which is a rather large area that includes Oslo and the inland beyond. Østlandet stretches from Oslo up to the Rondane National Park and encompasses small inland towns, including places like Drammen, Kongsberg, Hamar, and Lillehammer and some of the most popular mountain areas in central Norway.
Then we have the West, with the western capital Bergen, which you may have heard of. It is also called the Gateway to the Fjords, and the coastal cruise line Hurtigruten starts from here. Bergen is a great town to visit and a perfect starting point for exploring the fjords, mountains, and national parks in western Norway.
Trøndelag is the home of Trondheim, Norway’s first capital 1000 years ago. It is a historic town with a charming old city, medieval architecture, it is home to the impressive Nidaros Cathedral and is the last town below the Arctic Circle.
Passing the Arctic Circle, you find Nord-Norge, Northern Norway. Nord-Norge is a long area covering xx kilometers and includes the three northernmost counties: Nordland, Troms, and Finnmark. This is where you have the midnight sun in summer, Northern Lights in winter, iconic Arctic wildlife, and fierce elements year-round. The northernmost point in northern norway is the North Cape, and in the northeast is Kirkenes Town close to our border with Russia.
Distances:
- Oslo to Kristiansand 321 kilometers
- Oslo to Bergen 467 kilometers
- Oslo to Trondheim 491 kilometers
- Oslo to Lofoten 1189 kilometers to Bodø + ferry to Lofoten
- Oslo to Tromsø 1740 kilometers
- Oslo to the North Cape 1937 kilometers
Bodø is the last stop for the Norwegian railway, and the gateway to Lofoten. To venture further north, you can fly, book a rental car, take a regional bus, or take the Hurtigruten coastal cruise port-to-port, which goes all the way beyond the North Cape and east to Kirkenes.
FAQ Norway In Summer
When is the best time to visit?
Summer months in Noway runs from June through August, and the peak tourist season is from late June to early July. If you can, I recommend you avoid this peak in July and try to visit in late May and early June or from the middle of August and even in September (although technically not summer).
What is the weather like in Norway during the summer, and how should I prepare?
The weather can vary greatly between north and south, and between highlands and lowlands. For the south and the lowlands, you need summer clothes, sandals, rainwear, SPF, and a thin jacket for the occasional chilly night.
If you plan to travel north or go hiking in the mountains, you should pack for summer and autumn conditions. Add hiking boots, warm wind- and waterproof outerwear, warm socks, and even a hat and mittens to your list. Also remember mosquito repellent, and a day pack for longer hikes where you bring more water and food than you think you need, as well as a change of clothes.
Wrap-Up Best Places To Visit In Norway In Summer
Recommending where to go, and especially where not to go in Norway in the summer is not an easy task, let me tell you. However, I hope I have been able to describe the characteristics of each region of Norway for you, and given you the tools to decide what destinations and areas in Norway you want to prioritize for your summer holiday to our long, rugged country.
Whether you are a foodie, hiker, adventure seeker or nature and wildlife lover, there are more than one amazing destination in Norway that would suit you perfectly.
Personally, I love the Arctic summers with neverending daylight, incredible wildlife, nature, and fierce elements. If that appeals to you, too, I believe you will not regret visiting Norway above the Arctic Circle in the summer. Then again, our capital Oslo, the south, and the west have unique experiences to offer, too.
So good luck with your travel planning, and if you want a bit more help, you can contact me for expert tailored itinerary planning for Norway travel!
For more similar articles, check out my recommendations below:
- The best things to do in Oslo in winter
- Visiting the Lofoten Islands in winter
- Exploring the Lofoten Islands by caravan
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