While many people associate Norway with snow, ice, and the Northern Lights, this enigmatic country is also a fantastic travel destination between April and August. Check out these five reasons to visit Norway in summer rather than winter.
Table of Contents
Cruise the western fjords
Summer is a great time for tourists to cruise the western fjords. Travellers based in the UK can take advantage of cruises from Southampton that run from the bottom to the top of the country all along the western coastline. Sit back and relax as you take in the impressive vistas of lush hills scattered with wildflowers and rushing waterfalls sparkling in the sun.
Spot Norway’s incredible wildlife
It is much easier to spot Norway’s incredible wildlife in the summer months.
Svalbard is one of the most rewarding places for a wildlife holiday in Norway: these remote islands sit halfway between Norway and the North Pole and are home to walruses, polar bears, and reindeer, while whales and seals swim just offshore. Birdwatching is also excellent here between February and October.
Enjoy a host of outdoor activities
Norway is an adventure playground. In the summer, tourists and locals alike flock to the Norwegian countryside to enjoy hiking and biking in the hills and sailing and paddle-boarding activities on the inland lakes.
From gentle trails through the rolling hills to serious treks up rugged mountains, walking is especially wonderful in Norway with the many viewpoints providing sensational places to rest. Stick to the coastline for majestic vistas of the country’s unique fjords or explore the fairy-tale forests further inland.
Visit one of the major cities
Norway is not all countryside: the country also boasts several cities each with its own unique character. Here, cities are a blend of modern urban facilities and a laidback small-town charm.
On the must-see city list is Bergen, ‘the heart of the fjords’ comprised of cobblestone streets and world-famous attractions including UNESCO World Heritage Site Bryggen, a Hanseatic wharf. Oslo, the country’s capital, is also worth visiting with its collection of museums and great range of restaurants. Tromso is also a special experience thanks to its position close to the Arctic Circle.
Experience the midnight sun
You cannot see the Northern Lights during the summer months, but you can experience the midnight sun.
In places such as Tromso, the summer season means up to 24 hours of daylight and tourists can experience night-time golf games, expeditions, cable car rides, and concerts at the Arctic Cathedral. For countryside surroundings, head to the Lofoten Islands which are renowned as one of the best places to see the midnight sun. This archipelago is one of Norway’s most iconic natural attractions and where a number of special viewpoints have been installed.
*This is a collaborative post
