Norway Summer Travel Guide – Things To Do, Places to Stay, What to Pack, and More!

Everything you need to know about traveling Norway in summer.

Summer in Norway is a magical time when the sun never quite sets and the landscape is drenched in a vibrant display of colors. With its breathtaking fjords, jaw-dropping glaciers, and charming villages, Norway is a top destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about visiting Norway in summer!

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Table of Contents

When is summertime in Norway?

Norway’s magical months of sunshine normally starts in the beginning of June and ends in late August. Even in late summer (September and October), you can still enjoy amazing weather in between the occasional rainfall.

Weather in Norway in summer

Generally, the weather in Norway can be really good in summer with temperatures than can exceed 25°C! Still you should decide when to visit carefully, based on the things you want to do and the weather.

Note that the weather also depends on the region you’re visiting. In the north it will – no doubt – be a bit chillier than the south. Also in the fjords and the west coast, the weather changes by the second. One moment it’s raining cats and dogs and the next, you’ll be sweating like crazy in the fiery sun.

Here’s what the weather in summer looks like:

Weather in June

In June, you can expect mild and comfortable weather in Norway, with temperatures from 10°C to 20°C, and around 13 rainy days. While this may seem like a lot of rain, most times, the rain disappears quite fast, making the rest of the day beautiful!

High temperature: 24°C / 75°F

Low temperature: 10°C / 50°F

Rainy days: 13 days

Weather in July

If there’s a perfect month to visit Norway, it has to be July!

July brings warm temperatures of 15°C to 24°C and on a lucky day, temperatures may rise to 30°C! With only 10 rainy days, it’s the perfect month to visit Norway!

High temperature: 30°C / 86°F

Low temperature: 15°C / 59°F

Rainy days: 10 days

Weather in August

After the hot month of July, August is a little bit cooler and rainier, but still, not a bad time to visit!

With temperatures ranging from 13°C to 22°C, August is still a good time to explore the wonders of Norway! In August you can expect around 19 rainy days, which is a bit more than the other summer months.

High temperature: 28°C / 82°F

Low temperature: 13°C / 55°F

Rainy days: 19 days

Note: This is the average weather in Norway in summer. It depends on the region you’re visiting, as some have different climates, making them rainier or more unpredictable. Make sure to google ‘’weather in *your destination* in summer’’

The Midnight Sun

A natural phenomenon in Norway is the Midnight Sun. In summer, the days are very long and in the north, they don’t end. The sun will go down and just before it hits the horizon, it rises again, starting the new day. This phenomenon is called the midnight sun.

I personally haven’t seen this natural wonder yet, but it’s known to be incredibly impressive! In Svalbard; the island group north of Norway, the midnight sun period starts from late April to late August. Good places to see the midnight sun on the mainland are:

North Cape
Hammerfest
Tromso
Harstad

On the mainland, the Midnight Sun occurs from around mid-May until the end of August (the more north, the longer you can enjoy this natural phenomenon!)

Below the Arctic Circle, you won’t be able to see the midnight sun. However, the nights will still be very short and it doesn’t really get dark for more than a few hours. Especially when (wild)camping, this is important to keep in mind.

Important things to pack for summer in Norway

In Norway, they have the funniest expression: ‘’There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing’’.

As the weather in Norway can change by the second, you should be prepared! Don’t just bring summer clothing, they won’t do you any good in a rainstorm 😉

These are important clothes to bring on your summer trip to Norway:

Waterproof and windproof jacket
Rainpants
Layers/thermos clothing
Warm woolly sweater
Scarf and beanie
Hiking shoes
Swimsuit
Practical summer clothes

Other important things you will need in Norway:

Sunglasses
Sunscreen: When the sun is out, it’s extremely strong. Make sure to protect your skin!
Mosquito repellent: I recommend buying your mosquito repellent in Norway, as they have the best ones that fight the local mosquitoes. My mosquito spray from the Netherlands didn’t work on Norwegian mosquitoes.
Sleepmask: As I’ve said, it barely (if even) gets dark at night in Norway. A sleepmask will help you sleep, especially when camping!
Reusable water bottle: Not only is Norwegian tap water drinkable, it’s also extremely clean and delicious! Save money and take a reusable water bottle with you to Norway!
A camera: You’ll want to snap photos of the sight you’re going to see!

Where to stay in Norway in summer?

Wild camping in Norway in summer

Did you know that Norway has a law that gives everyone the ‘’right to roam’’? It’s called Allemannsretten and this longstanding law exists because Norwegians think that everyone should be able to go out in nature without any restrictions.

This means you can go wild camping in Norway! No more paying for campsites, just driving to a good spot (you can find them on the iOverlander app), parking, setting up camp, and going to sleep!

However, wild camping is not for everyone, so keep reading for the best places to base yourself in Norway in summer!

And if you are interested in wild camping in Norway, make sure to stop by this post!

Best places to stay in southern Norway in summer

In southern Norway, the best cities to base yourself in are:

Bergen
Stavanger
Oslo (but only while seeing Oslo, you should move to a better base afterwards)
Alesund

However, if you want to enjoy more nature, make sure to check out:

I cannot tell you exactly where to stay, as it completely depends on your itinerary. You might want to move around every few days too. Make sure to carefully pick a place to stay in Norway!

Keep reading for accommodation recommendations in different places!

Best summer activities in Norway

Discover beautiful Flam

Listed as one of the best places to base yourself, Flam has a lot more to offer than just rooms!

My first destination in Norway was Flam and it was astounding! I was so impressed and overwhelmed by the beautiful fjord and cozy little town, I highly recommend you go there too!

Make sure to:

Go out onto the water! Check for water activities here
Try some delicious elk meat
Hang out in the typical Norwegian shops
Take the Flam Railway for out-of-this-world views!
Check out the longest tunnel in the world: Laerdalstunnel (only possible by car)

All in all, Flam is a place you can’t miss in summer!

Where to stay in Flam?

Best accommodation for families: Two-bedroom apartment in beautiful Flåm Valley

Why stay here: Entire apartment with private parking, free wifi and beautifully furnished rooms. Perfect for a family of 4.

Best budget accommodation: Winjum Apartments Aurland Stegastein

Why stay here: Entire apartment with free wifi, private parking and stunning views of the Aurlandsfjord.

Best luxury hotel: Fretheim Hotel

Why stay here: Amazing breakfast, free parking, a restaurant and bar, free wifi and comfortable rooms.

Explore the powerful waterfalls

Norway is the land of mighty waterfalls… From the small ones to the highest waterfall in Europe; Norway has them all!

If you love waterfalls, make sure to check out these:

Vinnufossen (the highest waterfall in Europe, with 865 meters depth)
The Seven Sisters (Geirangerfjord)
Vøringsfossen
Mardalsfossen
Langfoss
Linndalsfallet

Sadly, I only got to visit one of these waterfalls; Mardalsfossen. However, it was the experience of a lifetime! You can get quite close to this mighty waterfall and you’ll get a proper shower in the process. Be careful, though, it’s slippery!

Get lost in Bergen

Loved by many, this amazing city in Norway should be on your bucket list too!

Bergen is a city that surprises many tourists. Not only by its beauty but by the unique activities too!

Check out the best activities in Bergen:

Get lost in the historic Bryggen
Chase amazing views with the Floibanen
Hop by Bergen’s world-famous fish market
Check out the Fantoft stave church
Take a trip to Ulriken viewpoint

Bergen is one of the most awesome cities to get lost in. Make sure to spend a few days here!

Where to stay in bergen?

Best budget hotel: Citybox Bergen City

Why stay here: Comfortable rooms, free wifi, cheap prices and great location.

Best overall hotel: Det Hanseatiske Hotel

Why stay here: Rustic-style rooms, very good breakfast, 2 restaurants, free wifi, affordable prices and located in the 16th century UNESCO World Heritage Bryggen District.

Watch the midnight sun at North Cape (Nordkapp)

As mentioned before, Norway is the land of the midnight sun. With several places to enjoy this natural phenomenon, Nordkapp is surely one of the best!

On your trip to Northern Norway in the summer, you’ll be able to explore a lot more hidden places that are usually covered in snow for most of the year.

You surely have to add the northernmost point in Norway’s mainland to your bucket list!

Hike the spectacular wonders in Southern Norway

Norway is also quite famous as a hiker’s paradise. From easy hikes to multiple-day hikes, Norway has them all!

And while hiking, you’ll be rewarded with the most breathtaking views and scenery!

Make sure to check out these easy hikes:

Trollpikken
Bondhusvatnet

And these more challenging ones:

Preikestolen
Kjeragbolten
Trolltunga
Presten
Skagefla
Knutshøe
Flørli 4444 Stairs

Admire the fascinating glaciers

As if Norway doesn’t offer enough, prepare to see some unworldly glaciers!

In Norway, you’ll be able to admire some of Europe’s largest ice caps, like:

Svartisen
Jostedalsbreen
Hardangerjøkulen (famous from Star Wars Episode V)
Briksdalsbreen
Folgefonna

Seeing the glaciers from a distance is quite impressive on its own, but there are also tons of possibilities to take it to another level… Check out the best glacier tours here!

Explore the Lofoten Islands

Going all the way up north again, the Lofoten Islands are a gem you don’t want to miss…

Located in the Arctic Circle off the coast of Norway, this remote archipelago boasts some of the most stunning natural scenery in the world.

With its picturesque fishing villages, dramatic fjords, and crystal-clear waters, the Lofoten Islands is a place you don’t want to miss!

Visit the Geirangerfjord

things to do in geiranger — Geirangerfjord featuring the impressive Seven Sisters Waterfall

Are you ready to explore Norway’s most famous and breathtaking fjord? With its pristine beauty and rich cultural history, Geirangerfjord has captured the hearts of travelers worldwide! As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is a special place you shouldn’t miss!

There are tons of activities in Geirangerfjord, like:

Go out on the water, with a fjord cruise, by instance
Have a meal in the charming town
Admire the fjord from Skagefla
Or go up to the Geiranger Skywalk viewpoint

Overall, the Geiranger Fjord is a place you’ll have to see for yourself!

Where to stay in Geiranger?

The best accommodation in Geiranger is Hotel Union Geiranger Bad & Spa. With super comfortable rooms, a rooftop garden, and pools in and outside, this hotel is a great option! You’ll be able to completely relax in the spa & wellness centre, the 3 pools and 3 restaurants.

I highly recommend staying at the Hotel Union Geiranger!

And check out the Lysefjord too!

hike preikestolen — Preikestolen (pulpit rock)

Featuring some of the most famous hikes, the Lysefjord is another impressive spot you don’t want to miss. Lysefjord is famous for the Preikestolen, Kjeragbolten, and Flørli 4444 hikes.

When in Norway you must do at least one of these iconic hikes, along with a fjord cruise and Norwegian sweater shopping.

Make sure to add Lysefjord to your itinerary, too!

Drive the Atlantic Ocean Road

One of the craziest roads I’ve ever driven was for sure the Atlantic Ocean Road in Norway! The Ocean Road is a road located on the coast of Norway. It’s 8,27 kilometers long and has 8 bridges. The Atlantic Ocean Road is super cool to drive and from the rest stops it looks amazing!

Make sure to check it out!

Ps. Do you have a drone? You could make some great shots of this road!

Explore the fisher’s town of Ålesund

Not so far from the Atlantic Ocean Road lies a town, that is arguably the most beautiful city in Norway!

With its colorful buildings, incredible history, and the coziest streets, Ålesund is definitely a must-see!

Make sure to check out:

The Fisheries Museum
Fjellstua viewpoint
Ålesund’s Art Nouveau district
The Ålesund Museum

Where to stay in Alesund?

Best Budget accommodation in Alesund: City View Studio Apartment

Why stay here: The entire apartment with private parking, free wifi, a patio, and beautiful sea and city views.

Best luxury accommodation: Hotel 1904

Why stay here: Delicious breakfast, free wifi, comfortable rooms, and an amazing restaurant.

Get lost in Norway’s fabulous national parks (Jotunheimen for example)

Of course, not to miss, are the impressive national parks in Norway! One national park that I enjoyed immensely, was Jotumheimen (the name meaning ‘’home of giants’’) National Park. This one should definitely be on your bucket list!

But make sure to also check out:

Stabbursdalen National Park
Rondane National Park
Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park
Lofotodden National Park
Hardangervidda National Park
Folgefonna National Park

You simply cannot go to Norway and not see any national parks. Make sure to add some of these to your itinerary!

Is Norway expensive?

There’s no easy way to say this…

Yep.

Norway’s expensive.

Can’t go around that. But as we’re budget travelers, we have found a way for you to enjoy Norway on a low budget. Traveling Norway on a budget is possible.

And as in every other country, it really depends on how you spend your money and what you spend it on. Some things or products are really cheap and others are expensive. You just need to figure out the local products and live off of those. Because they will be cheapest.

Our post about budget travel in Norway also listed which products are the cheapest. So check out this post about Norway road trip cost!

Driving through Norway

One thing you really need to keep in mind is that driving in Norway is a whole new world. At least for me, it was, but that’s because I’m from flat country; the Netherlands.

Driving through Norway will not be hard, but you need to know some of the basics:

Make way

When driving the mountainous roads of Norway it’s important to make way for other people. There are a lot of opportunities to make some room for oncoming traffic, and you need to make use of them. Other drivers will do the same for you.

And not only oncoming traffic will need this, but if you’re a bit of a slow driver, you may also need to make way for people to pass you.

Turn your lights on

In Norway, it is the law to drive with your lights on. So don’t forget to turn them on every time you’re going out on the road!

Honk!

But only when driving a van or motorhome. Some curves may be unclear, so if you’re driving on a narrow road, and a bend is coming, honk. Then people will know something big’s coming and it may give you peace of mind.

The roads aren’t as scary as they seem

You’ve probably heard of the Trollstigen, which means trolls ladder. This is a Norwegian road that’s famous for all its twists and turns. Although this is the most famous one, it’s not the only one… There are many roads like this, you probably won’t be able to avoid them.

But no worries! These roads are less scary than they seem.

Everyone who’s driving these roads is alert. If you are alert and calm as well, there’s nothing to worry about. Just drive slowly and before you know it, you’ve done an incredible job of driving a mountain road!

Norwegians drive really well

Yup. Norwegians may be the best drivers of Europe. I don’t know what else to say. Almost every Norwegian is just a good driver, I thought that may be nice to know.

Final thoughts on Norway in summer

Summer is an amazing time to visit the breathtaking natural wonders of Norway. With many mind-blowing places to explore, Norway is perfect for adventurers!

Which place are you most excited to visit? Let me know in the comments below!