Experience Norway this summer
Norway offers great nature experiences, exciting cities and long summer days. From fjords and mountains in the west to white beaches in the north, there are many places worth spending your summer holiday.
Whether you want to experience Lofoten, Bergen, Ålesund, Stavanger, Trondheim, Bodø, Tromsø or Oslo, you will find a good mix of nature, culture and local food experiences.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Norway during the summer - with tips on what to see and do.
Lofoten
World-class nature and experiences
If you come to Norway for the sake of nature, Lofoten should definitely be on the list. The archipelago on the Nordland coast is known for its steep mountains, white beaches and small fishing villages - and has several times been named one of the world’s most beautiful archipelago by National Geographic, among others.
Here, mountains and the sea meet, with long beaches and small, traditional fishing villages along the coast. Hauklandstranda is one of the most famous beaches in Lofoten and was named one of Europe’s most beautiful by Lonely Planet in 2021.
Lofoten also has long food traditions. Dried fish from Lofoten has been exported for over 1000 years and is still considered an important part of the food culture in the region.
For those who like activities, there are many options. You can go hiking in the Lofoten, kayaking, surfing, sea fishing or join a RIB tour along the coast.
Don't miss out: The view from Reinebringen, one of the most photographed mountain peaks in Lofoten. The tour goes via a sherpatrapp to 448 metres above sea level and usually takes around 1-2 hours.
See our hotels in Lofoten and more of the experiences you can book in Lofoten.
Bergen
Bergen – the city between the 7 mountains
Bergen is a natural stop on the journey in Norway. The city offers fjords, mountains and a vibrant city centre, and is one of the country’s most visited destinations.
Feel free to start at Bryggen in Bergen, the city’s most famous area. The colourful wooden houses were the shopping centre of the Hanseatics in the 1300s and are now on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In the old buildings you will find museums, small shops and restaurants.
If you want to see more of the city, you can visit Akvariet in Bergen, look for street art in the city centre or take a trip to Fisketorget, where you can taste seafood and local specialities.
If you’re looking for a nature experience, the mountains are right outside the city centre. You can hike in the city mountains or take a boat trip to the Bergen archipelago.
Don't miss out: a trip with the Fløibanen to the top of Fløyen. Here you have a view of Bergen, as well as hiking trails and a cafe on the top. You can also go up - the trip takes about an hour.
See our hotels in Bergen and more of the experiences you can book in Bergen.
Ålesund
Ålesund – the charming art nouveau city
Ålesund is known for its distinctive Art Nouveau architecture and coastal location. The city was rebuilt after the city fire in 1904, and the characteristic buildings with spires, towers and ornaments still characterise the city centre. National Geographic has also described Ålesund as one of the world’s most beautiful port cities.
From the city centre, it is a short distance to both nature and activities. You can walk up the city mountain Aksla, try the Via Ferrata, or kayak through Brosundet, which runs through the heart of the city.
If you want to explore more of the area, you can visit Atlanterhavsparken, Northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquarium, or take a trip to Alne’s lighthouse at the edge of the sea. At Runde you can also see puffins from April to August.
Ålesund is also a good starting point for trips to Geirangerfjorden and Trollstigen, two of Norway’s most famous natural attractions.
Don't miss a trip to Brosundet, where you can buy fresh prawns, fish and crab directly from the fishing boats in the summer.
See our hotels in Ålesund and more of the experiences you can book in Ålesund.
Stavanger
Stavanger – oil history, street art and Vikings
Stavanger is known as Norway’s oil city, but the city’s history goes far back. It was here that Harald Hårfagre united Norway into one kingdom in the Battle of Hafrsfjord in 872. At the Archaeological Museum, you can learn more about the Viking era and the history of the area.
Stavanger is a city packed with experiences. You can go on a street art safari in Stavanger city centre, visit Preikestolen, or explore Jærstrendene, which is known for its long sandy beaches and good surfing conditions.
The town also has a rich food environment. Here you will find everything from the Michelin restaurant RE-NAA to small cafes, restaurants and a busy Fisketorg. Every summer there is also Gladmat, Norway’s largest food festival.
Don't miss out: visit Viking House, where Viking history is conveyed with VR technology. You can also visit the monument of the Sword in the mountains in Hafrsfjord, erected in memory of the Battle of 872.
See our hotels in Stavanger and more of the experiences you can book in Stavanger.
Tromsø
Paris of the North
Tromsø is a popular summer destination. Here you’ll find beautiful hikes, great food experiences and several beaches where you can take a bathroom in the sea.
However, the greatest experience is the midnight sun. From mid-May to the end of July, it is bright all day and night. It makes it possible to hike, kayak or explore the city - even in the late evening.
About an hour from the city centre is Sommarøy, known for its white beaches, small islands and a traditional fishing village. The area is a great destination for a day trip from Tromsø.
Don't miss out: the trip to Fløya, one of the most popular viewpoints in Tromsø. You can walk up the 1,200 steps or take the mountain lift to the top and enjoy the view of the city and the fjords.
See our hotels in Tromsø and more of the experiences you can book in Tromsø.
Bodø
Get up close to sea eagles
Bodø is a great destination in the summer, especially for those who like beaches and coastal nature. Around the city you will find several long sandy beaches. One of the most famous is Hovdsundet, often referred to as Bodø’s answer to Bora Bora, with turquoise water and white beaches.
In the centre you will also find a vibrant city life in Bodø, with restaurants, museums and views from cloud bars. The area around the town is also known for a large stock of sea eagles, and you can join guided tours to see the predator bird up close.
Bodø is also a great starting point for exploring the Helgeland Coast, with thousands of islands and great opportunities for island jumping by boat, ferry or bike. On the way you can also take a trip to Torghatten, the mountain with holes across.
Don't miss out: Saltstraumen, one of the world’s strongest tidal currents, is just half an hour from the city centre. Here you can experience the powerful swirls from shore - or join a RIB tour combined with a sea eagle safari.
Trondheim
Trøndelag Heart
Trondheim is a popular destination for those who love food and local ingredients. The region has been nicknamed Norway’s food platter and was named the European Food Region in 2022. Here you will find restaurants that use ingredients from fjords, mountains and land.
The city also offers great nature experiences. Trondheimsfjorden and the hiking areas in Bymarka are only a short distance away from the city centre. On hot summer days, you can relax in parks such as Ilaparken and Gåsaparken, or take a bath at Sjøbadet or Munkholmen bathroom.
In the city centre, you can explore Bakklandet, known for its colourful wooden houses, small shops and cafes. You can also try the Trampe bicycle lift, or experience the city from the water by kayaking on the Nidelva river.
Don't miss: Nidaros Cathedral, the world’s northernmost Gothic cathedral. The cathedral was completed around the year 1300 and was built on the burial site of Olav the Holy. Today, it is both Trondheim’s most famous landmark and an important pilgrimage destination in Europe.
See our hotels in Trondheim and more of the experiences you can book in Trondheim.
Oslo
Oslo – summer idyll in the capital city
In recent years, Oslo has become one of the most exciting capitals in the Nordic region. The city combines culture, nature and modern city life, and is especially great to experience in the summer.
Here you can visit famous sights such as Holmenkollen, Slottet, Vigelandsparken and the Norwegian People’s Museum. You can also relax in green areas such as the Botanical Garden, bathrooms by Sørenga or the Opera Beach,or explore the city’s art museums.
If you want to experience more of the city, you can take a trip to Grünerløkka, known for its cafes, shops and vibrant urban environment. You can also jump on a boat in Oslofjorden from Aker Brygge and visit the islands just outside the city.
Don't miss Oslo Opera House, where you can walk up the marble roof and enjoy the view of the fjord. The MUNCH Museum and the new Bjørvika district are also located right next door.
See our hotels in Oslo and more of the experiences you can book in Oslo.
