Our Guide to Visiting Norway in Summer

In Norway, melting snow makes way for bright wild flowers, lush hills and gushing waterfalls from March onwards. As the weather warms up and the days lengthen between June and August, you’ll have plenty more time to spend outdoors exploring.

While winter has the Northern Lights, summer has the midnight sun – In some parts, you can enjoy up to 18 hours of daylight. Read on to learn how to make the most of visiting Norway in Summer, or discover the best time to visit for you.

Spend time outdoors

Wildlife spotting

Spend time on the water exploring the Svalbard Islands when the weather is good from February to October, and you’ll likely spot a variety of birds, walruses, whales and polar bears. But it’s in the months when the midnight sun is up, from May to August, that your chances of seeing Norway’s wildlife increase greatly. A summertime cruise could include sightings of seals and walruses, while visiting onshore gives you the chance to see grazing herds of reindeer.

Take to the water

Sailing in Norway is a wonderful way to explore the country all year round, but in summer it is particularly beautiful. In the warmer months you may see dolphins in the water and migratory birds overhead as you sail past green islands. Stop in at quaint fishing villages with their white sand beaches and drift lazily along the fjords, basking in the sunlight of the long days. From the Svalbard to Lofoten Islands, to the stunningly beautiful Lyngen Fjord, a Norwegian cruise is memorable.

City sightseeing

Definitely try to spend some time in the “arctic capital” Tromso. This vibrant town is full of museums, shops, restaurants and bars to keep you buy both day and night. A couple of the highlights are the Polar Museum and Polaria, the world’s most northerly aquarium. Spend some time in the Tromsø Arctic-Alpine Botanical Garden among plant species from around the world. Norway’s capital, Oslo, is great for exploring on foot as you explore its roots at The Viking Ship Museum, uncover the past at its world-class museums and enjoy its busy nightlife.

Get active

Norway is a paradise for adventure lovers. Head out into the untouched Lyngen Alps and go hiking among the tall peaks, and kayaking and fishing in the fjords, rivers and mountain lakes. Summer is also a great time of year for riding bikes and even scuba diving in the Lyngen Alps area. In the countryside around the fairy tale-like town of Alesund you’ll find plenty of opportunities for hiking, sailing and exploring the Hjorundfjord and Sunnmore Alps.