A Summer Norway Escape – 7 Of The Best

While Norway may have a reputation for short days and snowy weather during winter, in summer it’s a different story.

The Scandinavian nation has some of the best weather in Europe, as temperatures climb high, and the midnight sun refuses to set.

Summer is the best time of the year to get active and book a holiday in Norway, as you can visit the most northernmost reaches of the country, explore the Arctic Circle, travel to remote, ice-strewn islands off the coast, and enjoy the great outdoors at its best.

There are music festivals in the cities and countryside, whales make their appearance along the coast, and the fjords are very much open for sightseeing.

Here, the experts at www.baltictravelcompany.com shares their tips on what to do in Norway when the sun is shining.

1 The Arctic Circle
Thousands of square miles of Norwegian territory are located within the Arctic Circle and, for much of the year, the ice-clad landscapes are almost impenetrable. However, come summer, the snow begins to melt, the ice begins to thaw and, for a short period of time, wildlife emerges, as do travellers and tourists looking to experience this unique part of the world.

2 Svalbard
Svalbard is one of the most remote locations in Norway. This small collection of islands is found far north of the Norwegian mainland, deep into the Arctic Circle. And summer is the best time of year to visit this wilderness. Svalbard’s main town is Longyearbyen, the main access point to the islands and home to just a few hundred people. There are abandoned Russian mining towns, old NASA weather stations, and a wild landscape that’s surprisingly full of wildlife, especially considering the extreme weather and location.

3 Norwegian Music Festivals
Across the country, you’ll find plenty of unique and well-attended events being held. Most festivals are held outside making use of the long days, warm weather and endlessly beautiful backdrops, ranging from mountains to fjords. There are rock festivals, dance festivals, pop festivals and folk festivals to name just a few of the musical genres represented over the summer in Norway.

4 The Midnight Sun
In June, July and August, the sun stays high in the sky, and in some locations, it never sets at all.
The natural phenomenon of the midnight sun is a good enough reason to visit Norway in summer alone, as you can enjoy the cities, landscapes, and wildlife at its best, far into the night and into the early hours of the morning.

Swim at midnight, hike late at night, and see the beauty of Norway under the glorious midnight sun. If you visit in June, you can even join in Midsummer Night celebrations across Norway, as locals celebrate the longest day of the year in style, with bonfires, fireworks and plenty of revelry.

5 Whale Watching
Norway is a wonderful country for spotting wildlife, and in summer you have the ideal conditions for whale watching along much of the northern coastline of the country. As the waters to the north warm up during the summer months, many different species of whales move into the area to take advantage of the better weather and the increased quantity of food.

6 Cruise the Norwegian Fjords
You can join a cruise to explore the fjords by boat and sit back in luxury on the deck to watch the beautiful scenery slowly pass by around you. You can also go on a self-drive trip by renting a car and road tripping along some of the most spectacular roads in the world.

7 Nordic WalkingNordic walking is a unique form of Scandinavian hiking that’s popular amongst locals and travellers alike on long summer days. Skiers have long used the sport in the warmer months to keep in shape for cross-country events come winter. Nordic walking makes use of hiking poles, which are very similar to ski poles, and it’s a vigorous form of walking that keeps you in good shape.