Norway in Summer – Best Places to Visit & Things to Do

Deciding where to go in Norway in summer can be difficult since this country is huge and has so many diverse attractions.

I am sharing a list of my favorite places to visit in Norway from June to August that are ideal for a summer trip since they aren’t covered in snow (so you can see their beauty in full), the roads are open (because in winter some of these places are not accessible), and the milder weather allows you to fully enjoy them all without freezing.

Before setting off on a summer journey to Norway, it is smart to prepare financially (budget travel here during this time is possible too) and not to have extra expenses, make a plan in advance that includes accommodation, transportation, and key activities. This way, a summer trip to Norway is possible without worrying about unexpected costs.

What Is Norwegian Summer Like

Summer in Norway is truly one of the best seasons to travel. However, keep in mind that Norway is a fairly large country with a very long rugged coastline, plateaus, and mountain ranges. Each region has its own unique factors that determine the weather conditions.

Therefore, it is necessary to take into account the climatic zones and your specific destination when visiting this country from June to August. But one thing to be sure about is that it is one of the coldest places in Europe in summer where to escape the heat.

Overall, summer in Norway is characterized by cool days when 20°C above zero is already the height of the summer heat. Even though the air temperature stays low throughout the entire season, the sun shines brightly all summer long. July in Norway is the warmest month when the temperature reaches its peak and swimming is possible in shallow water.

When planning your travel, note that central regions of Norway are warmer than southern and western regions by the coast, which are usually cooler a few degrees due to constant winds.

Mountainous areas during the day see the temperature between +9°C and +13°C. In the Arctic in summer, the air temperature does not rise above -5°C.

In Tromso, the light period lasts from May 17 to June 25, in Finnmark from the beginning of June to the end of July, and in Svalbard from April 20 to August 26. At night in summer, the air cools down to +6+10°C in almost any region.

My favorite part about traveling to Norway in summer is the length of the day. Thanks to short nights (especially in June and July), it is possible to squeeze more in a day and cover longer distances. Another advantage is the constancy of weather conditions because they are pretty stable throughout the entire season.

How to Visit All Norway’s Summer Destinations

The fastest and most convenient way to travel around Norway and see all the beautiful places in less time is by car. Gas prices are higher these days than before but having a rented vehicle will still cost less than paying for the train and bus together, particularly if you are traveling with two or more people. 

The best company where to rent a car in Norway is DiscoverCars. We rent through them every time and compared to all other aggregators, not only do they offer some of the best prices and a big variety of cars, but also different benefits included in the price. 

An alternative to a car (for budget travelers) is a train, bus, or hitchhiking option. Hitchhiking is a safe way to get places, although, in many remote areas, it takes a lot of time to meet someone who is ready to give a ride.  

Best Places to Visit in Norway in Summer

And now, let’s talk about the best places to visit in Norway in summer that should be on the list for any visit!

1. Nærøyfjord in Western Norway

I want to start my list with Nærøyfjord because it is an exceptionally beautiful place that you absolutely must see when traveling to the Flam area in summer.  

We visited it by accident while trying to find a secluded place for a picnic. On our way from Bergen to Aurlandsfjord, we decided to take a random turn in Gudvangen towards Tuftefossen. There, we got so blown away by the beauty of this place.

Only later we learned that it was Nærøyfjord, the smallest and narrowest fjord in the world, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On the banks of the fjord, you can find a tiny village with farmers’ houses and a few tables to have a picnic at. The entire area around the village and along the fjord is so photogenic with the cleanest air and amazing scenery. 

To best way to get here is from Bergen to Flam or vice versa. In the summer season besides a car, you can hop on a ferry from Bergen to Gudvangen. Also, some cruises that depart from Flam go this way too. 

2. Geiranger Fjord Not Far From Alesund 

Chance are you’ve already heard about Geiranger fjord since it is one of the most touristic and famous places in Norway.

Every season more than 100 cruise ships come to the Geiranger village even though there are only a few hundred people who live there.

It is impossible not to get excited after seeing all the grandness of this fjord with your own eyes. The fjord is rather small with a length of about 20 km but the landscape is absolutely magnificent.

The most convenient way to visit is on the way from Bergen to Alesund or when spending a weekend in Hellesylt. The road goes right by the fjord, so it is easy to stop and walk around. 

If you get more time and crave some activities, there are options to fish, go kayaking, or rafting. In summer, you can also horse ride and even go skiing.

I recommend spending some time in the area since besides the fjord there are numerous waterfalls to see. For the best view of the fjord go to the mountain Dalsnibba. You can get there by car or better rent a bike in the village and go all the way up the road to the viewpoint. It is such an unbelievable experience!! 

3. Voringfossen Waterfall

The Hardangerfjord, the fourth longest fjord in the world, offers so many sights and natural wonders. If you decide to come and spend time only in this part of Norway in summer, you’ll have plenty of things to see and experience during one long trip.

Among all the breathtaking places in the area, the famous waterfall deserves special attention. It is located in the county of Hordaland and its height is 182 m.

The flowing waters reach the river Bjoreio, which flows between forests. There is a viewing platform nearby, from which you can clearly see the waterfall and often a rainbow.

On one of our road trips from Bergen to Hardangerfjord, we almost missed this waterfall, although the parking and viewpoint were right by the highway. If you are going to drive this road, make sure to add a checkmark on your map and see this waterfall with your own eyes. It looks like computer animation. Such a surreal place! 

4. North Cape (or Nordkapp)

If you want to get to the edge of the world (literally,) and witness how the sun doesn’t set at all then you need to travel to the Northernmost point of Norway (and Europe) called North Cape.

You’ll be surprised to see how well-developed the infrastructure is, how easy it is to get here, and how magnificent the local landscapes are.

Every tour guide in Norway considers it his duty to acquaint visitors with this magnificent place.

Located on the Magero peninsula, Cape Nordkapp is a large ledge of granite rock, completely covered with cracks. There is a convenient viewing platform from where you can contemplate a majestic view of the Barents Sea. For the overnight stay, look into the nearby Skarsvag town and check Airbnb. 

North Cape is definitely an interesting destination for any season but the easiest way to get there is in the summer.

5. Svalbard

If North Cape is the edge of the world, then what is beyond that? Svalbard, of course!

A unique northern Island partially split with Russia, and where it is “illegal to die” (the ground is too frozen for burial services).

But besides that, this Norwegian Archipelago allows you to do so much. For example, this is one of the best places on Earth to watch white bears in their natural environment. And so many other creatures like humpback whales, minke whales, belugas, arctic foxes, walruses, etc.

Add to that glacier hikes, kayaking, dog sledding, and many other activities.

Svalbard is far, cold (for example, in June the temperature fluctuates between -2 and +2 Celcius during the day), and expensive but it is a “different planet” and a unique experience with polar days for months (99 days in total imagine that)!

In winter, it is incredibly cold and you can’t do much due to the polar night (which lasts 89 days) but summer is just that season when to go!

6. Viking Ship Museum 

I know, going to a museum is not only a summer activity. You can visit it at any season. But if you love history or when traveling to Norway with kids, the Viking Ship Museum is one of the most interesting museums to visit in Oslo. 

On the Bygdoy peninsula, in the building from the 20th century, you can find real ships of Vikings.

Scientific studies show that all of them were built in the 9th century but stayed on the clay bottom for 1000 years. And only at the end of the 19th century they were discovered in the waters of Oslo and raised from the seabed.

All objects from ships also make up part of the museum collection. Today, anyone can see old wooden sleds and carts, dishes, household belongings, and tissue fragments. 

7. Stegastein Lookout in Flam Area

In Norway, the process of admiring nature is a serious matter. And no wonder why. With so much beauty around it becomes part of a routine.

In many spots around the country, you can find viewing platforms that look like pieces of art. The view from each of them is simply mind-blowing. 

The Stegastein Lookout is made with laminated wood and steel and is located at an altitude of 650 meters above sea level and protrudes 30 meters out of a cliff.

From the top, there is a view of the Aurland Fjord. The site is located on the Bjorgavegen road connecting the cities of Laerdalsoyri and Aurlandsvangen.

If you have a car and visit Norway in summer, make a quick detour and head to the lookout. Oh, how dramatic the fjord views are! The town of Aurlandsvangen is very cute too, it is worth spending a little bit of time and walking on a boardwalk along the water. 

8. Flam Railway (Flamsbana)

When you are visiting Bergen, you need to see Flam Valley. The best way to do that is to take a scenic train.

The twenty-kilometer Flam’s railway, part of the Bergen Mainline, was built 65 years ago and operates to this day. But today it is mainly used for tourism purposes.

During the entire ride, you’ll be glued to the window since the landscape outside reminds you of a fairytale. The railway route goes through the picturesque Flam Valley, teeming with steep mountains, tunnels, and waterfalls.

The main part of the path passes under a slope of five and a half degrees. The entire ride lasts around one hour. 

The starting point is in Flam and the final one is Myrdal. From Myrdal, you can go on a gorgeous hike and/or grab a snack at the Rallaren cafe. 

9. Preikestolen in the Southern Part of Norway 

Hiking Preikestolen in Southern Norway is definitely once in a lifetime experience. If you don’t know yet, let me tell ya. Preikestolen is a giant stone cliff, from where you get to see a Lisefjord, translated as “Pulpit Rock”.

It is one of the most famous places in Norway and definitely should be visited from late spring to early autumn when the weather is nice and pleasant.

The easiest way to get here is from the city of Stavanger, where you can catch a ferry to Tau. From Tau in the summer season, there are organized buses to the beginning of the trail where you start the ascent. You’ll need to walk 4 kilometers, but the view at the end is worth your effort.

The place is very popular, so keep in mind you won’t be alone. On average, about 1,000 people climb this rock every day. Usually, the climb takes 1.5-2 hours.

Another way to see the rock is from the cruise ship as well as a car ferry.

10. Jostedalsbreen Glacier 

One of the largest European glaciers covers an area of four hundred eighty-seven square kilometers and has about fifty independent glaciers diverging from it. The glacier is so huge that it covers the territory of several municipalities. Wow.

Summer is the only season when you can get close and see the unbelievable grandeur of the glacier and the amazing wildlife around it. 

Since 1991, Jostedalsbreen has been a part of the national park and today shares the same name. It is located between Bergen and Alesund and is easily accessible. The glacier accumulates snow due to abundant snowfalls each year. The best time to visit this part of Norway is in summer. 

11. Trolltunga 

A horizontal cliff jutting out of the mountain has been a point of interest for many thrill-seekers over the years. It rises at an altitude of 350 m above the level of Ringedalsvatnet Lake. I am sure you have already seen lots of photos on the Internet with people sitting or standing on the edge of this rock formation. It does look like a person is on the edge of the world. 

This place deserves the title of the most spectacular cliffs in Norway. More than that, Trolltunga is on the list of the most beautiful places in the world. 

It does look awe-inspiring from the distance but to conquer the rock you must have a lot of strength and physical stamina.

The most convenient way to get to the city of Odda and start the hike is from Bergen. Then expect a challenging ascent. 

Most people spend from 4 to 9 hours climbing to the top. The timing depends on the type of weather and physical readiness. That’s why it is highly advisable to pay a visit to this part of Norway in summer.

On the top expect to spend at least a few hours, so do not forget to pack food and water.

The most difficult part of the journey is the ascent along the funicular, which has not been operating for 10 years. There is an alternative way, but then the ascent time will increase.

Visiting the Trolltunga top is more suitable for those who enjoy challenging hikes. The total distance is 12 km.

12. Steinsdalsfossen Waterfall 

One of the most visited waterfalls in Norway is located in the west of the country, near the town of Norheimsund. This is also one of the most photographed places in the country which makes a great stop on the way from Bergen to Ulvik or Odda. 

The 20 m water stream is part of the Fosselva River. A unique feature of this landmark is a narrow path in the form of a bridge that passes right under the rapidly falling water from the hill. Walking on it brings so much joy.

Mysterious, and somewhere even a fabulous atmosphere is created by searchlights illuminating the falling water.

The surroundings of Steinsdalsfossen such as emerald grass and lush forests are no less beautiful than the waterfall itself.

13. Bryggen in Bergen 

Not everyone knows that the formation of the city of Bergen started with Bryggen. It has been a central part of the city since the time of the Vikings.

Contemporary Bryggen represents a colorful series of houses dating back to the 14th century. Additionally, it serves as a meeting place for artists working in their workshops and tourists visiting local souvenir shops. This landmark of Norway is also included in the UNESCO list.

You’ll remember a trip here because of the large number of wooden houses, statues on their facades, and narrow streets with wooden pavements which are not that common in rest of Europe. Craft shops, small restaurants, and art galleries are other lovely additions that make a visit here interesting.

If you come to Bryggen, it means you’ll spend some time in Bergen. Use my guide with must-do things in Bergen to get the most out of a trip.

14. Modalen in Western Norway

Modalen is a very scenic municipality north of Bergen known for the beautiful river and impressive (but smaller) fjords with dramatic views. It is also quieter and less crowded which is a real delight in summer. Unlike the more famous and often crowded fjords, Modalen offers a quieter, more intimate fjord experience.

If you are visiting Norway for a very short period of time and flying to Bergen with a goal to see fjords, beautiful nature, and Norwegian countryside, you can easily plan a trip to Modalen municipality (mainly by car) for a day as the drive is only around 2 hours one way.

And if you go, see my post about Modalen as a hidden gem with the best activities and things to do.

15. Atlantic Road Between Alesund and Trondheim  

The road between Elde and Kristiansund is considered to be one of the most scenic in the world. If you plan to drive from Alesund to Trondheim, make a detour and take a ferry to Molde. From there, you’ll be able to go all the way to Kristiansund, and from Kristiansund all the way to Trondheim. 

The two-lane automobile highway is 8.5 km long and runs along the northern coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Twelve bridges over the water connect small islands with the mainland. 

For the best experience, it is advisable to drive on this road in Norway in summer when the weather is good and roads are clean from the snow. Also, on a sunny summer day, you can see seals and whales from the window of the car. 

16. Juvet Landscape Hotel 

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If you are flying to Alesund and planning to be in the surrounding area, book at least one night at the Juvet Landscape Hotel.

Eight laconic buildings that resemble boxes and are made of glass and wood are masterfully inscribed in the landscape of the Valldal Valley. Here, you will sleep on the most comfortable bed and get the best view this world can offer.

Because of the glass walls from the floor to the ceiling, the houses completely merge with the landscape, becoming almost invisible.

The interior is very minimalistic. In a room, you’ll find just a bed, a floor lamp, and an armchair. The hotel’s owners believe that nothing should distract guests from the contemplation of nature. But the place will feel upscale. 

17. Lodalen & Oldedalen Valleys 

Lodalen and Oldedalen in Western Norway recently became our go-to destinations as picturesque valleys with towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and glaciers like Briksdalsbreen (the one you can see in the photo).

They both are a bit hidden from the famous points of interest but still lie on the main route between Bergen and Alesund.

Lodalen is more touristy in summer since it is easier to visit it from Stryn, but Oldedalen is quieter (except when there is a cruise ship in town) and bedroom views from the camping sites are just insane.

If you decide to go, make sure to include a hike to Klovane for an extra ordinary view of the Oldedalen Valley, definitely hike to Briksdalsbreen glacier to see it close (but it is quite busy in July and August), explore the lake by boat or canoe (rent is available in town), eat fresh waffles with jam at Yri Outdoor (that also rent kayaks and canoes), and stay in Olden Camping with beautiful territory and views.

18. Norwegian Petroleum Museum in Stavanger

If you are visiting the southern part of Norway and looking for the best things to do in Stavanger, definitely add the Norwegian Petroleum Museum to your itinerary.

The place is interesting for everyone, not only for kids. The expositions are built in such a way that both children and adults will find lots of value. 

Here you can learn how oil and gas were formed millions of years ago, and how they are produced along the Norwegian coast. You will get an idea of ​​technologies, volumes, difficulties, and tensions during the process.

In the museum, you can also “visit the Northern Sea” and see what type of advanced underwater technologies are used. Interactive stations and texts explain all the difficulties of the work of divers. The main element of the exhibition is a film that takes you to 1978 when divers had to dive to a depth of 72 meters.

The Petroleum Museum is recognized as not only one of the most interesting places to visit in Norway but also as one of the most beautiful museums in the entire world! Here is the link to their website with details.

Map of the Best Places to Visit in Norway in Summer