What Is There to Do in Norway During Summer?

While Norway may have a reputation for short days and snowy weather during winter, in summer it’s a totally different story. The Scandinavian nation has some of the best weather in Europe, as temperatures climb high and the midnight sun refuses to set.

Summer is the best time of the year to get active and book a holiday in Norway, as you can visit the most northernmost reaches of the country, explore the Arctic Circle, travel to remote, ice-strewn islands off the coast, and enjoy the great outdoors at its best.

There are music festivals in the cities and countryside, whales make their appearance along the coast, and the fjords are very much open for sightseeing. Summer is a great time to visit Norway. Here are the top things to do in Norway when the sun is shining.

Places to Visit in Norway During Summer

The Arctic Circle

Thousands of square miles of Norwegian territory is located within the Arctic Circle, far to the north of Oslo in the south. For much of the year, the ice-clad landscapes here are almost impenetrable.

Come summer though, the snow begins to melt and the ice begins to thaw. For a short period of time, wildlife emerges, as do travellers and tourists looking to experience this unique part of the world.

You can meet indigenous Sami people, hike through wild tundra, or journey to wild, windswept islands that are usually unreachable. Just perfect for a short break in Norway!

Svalbard

Svalbard is one of the most remote locations in Norway. This small collection of islands is found far north of the Norwegian mainland, deep into the Arctic Circle. And summer is the best time of year to visit this wilderness.

Svalbard’s main town is Longyearbyen, the main access point to the islands and home to just a few hundred people. There are abandoned Russian mining towns, old NASA weather stations, and a wild landscape that’s surprisingly full of wildlife, especially considering the extreme weather and location. Here you can see polar bears in the wild, spot Arctic foxes in the outdoors, and enjoy a land with few other people to be seen anywhere.

Oslo

Oslo, the capital of Norway, is resplendent whatever the season. But in summer, it’s a particularly lively and exciting place to be. The capital is marvellous to explore in the sunshine, and with long days stretching far into the night, you have more time than ever before to stroll through the streets and unravel the city’s vibrant character.

Things to See in Norway During Summer

The Midnight Sun

While Norway has long, dark winter days, through June, July and August it’s the complete opposite. The sun stays high in the sky, and in some locations it never sets at all.

The natural phenomenon of the midnight sun is a good enough reason to visit Norway in summer alone, as you are able to enjoy the cities, landscapes and wildlife at its best, far into the night and into the early hours of the morning.

Swim at midnight, hike late at night, and see the beauty of Norway under the glorious midnight sun. If you visit in June, you can even join in Midsummer Night celebrations across Norway, as locals celebrate the longest day of the year in style, with bonfires, fireworks and plenty of revelry.

Whale Watching

Norway is a wonderful country for spotting wildlife, and in summer you have the ideal conditions for whale watching along much of the northern coastline of the country. As the waters to the north warm up during the summer months, many different species of whales move into the area to take advantage of the better weather and the increased quantity of food.

You can join whale-watching tours from cities all along the coast. If you take a cruise through the fjords, you might even be lucky enough to spot a few of these magnificent animals. All manner of species can be seen in the waters, from mighty humpbacks to pods of intelligent orcas. Seeing these enormous, marine mammals in the water, up close, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Things to Do in Norway During Summer

Cruise the Norwegian Fjords

Norway is famous the world over for its dramatic scenery. Foremost amongst the iconic natural sights found here is the country’s incredible network of fjords. There are thousands of fjords along the Norwegian coastline, and summer is the easiest time to visit them.

You can join a cruise to explore the fjords by boat, and sit back in luxury on the deck to watch the beautiful scenery slowly pass by around you. You can also go on a self-drive trip by renting a car and road tripping along some of the most spectacular roads in the world.

In summer, you’ll find trips to the fjords to be delightful, as you can hike along the many footpaths and trails that lead to panoramic views and enjoy the outdoors without getting too cold.

Nordic Walking

Nordic walking is a unique form of Scandinavian hiking that’s popular amongst locals and travellers alike on long summer days. Skiers have long used the sport in the warmer months to keep in shape for cross-country events come winter. Nordic walking makes use of hiking poles, which are very similar to ski poles, and it’s a vigorous form of walking that keeps you in good shape.

During the Norwegian summer, you can learn how to Nordic walk with dedicated instructors around the country, before taking to the outdoors to enjoy the sport and keep fit, while seeing the best of Norway’s landscapes.

Norwegian Music Festivals

Summer is a time for music festivals in Norway. Across the country, you’ll find plenty of unique and well-attended events being held. Most festivals are held outside making use of the long days, warm weather and endlessly beautiful backdrops, ranging from mountains to fjords.

There are rock festivals, dance festivals, pop festivals and folk festivals to name just a few of the musical genres represented over the summer in Norway.

To find out more about the great things to do in Norway during summer or to enquire about our great range of Norway summer holidays, contact Baltic Travel Company, and book your Scandinavian holiday today!