Norway is an incredible European country that should be on every traveller’s bucket list. Whether you want to explore steep mountains and fjords, walk along the city streets, or see diverse wildlife, Norway has a lot to offer.
However, many still have reservations about visiting this Nordic country, thinking that it’s extremely cold. While that’s true for winter, it doesn’t apply during summer at all! In fact, some places in Norway can get as hot as the rest of Europe. This means you can explore a lot more attractions!
So, why hesitate? Check out these 9 reasons to visit Norway during summer!
9 Reasons to Visit Norway During Your Summer European Trip
1. Charming Cities
You have probably heard of the capital Oslo with its historic and cultural attractions and Bergen that is surrounded by fjords. But other cities like Tromsø, Trondheim, and Stavanger are all worth visiting, too!
Each of them has distinct charms, rich history, beautiful architecture, interesting tourist spots, and of course, awe-inspiring backdrops of mountains and fjords.
2. Beautiful Fjords
It’s impossible to visit Norway without seeing a single fjord. This Scandinavian country boasts of having the most magnificent fjords, many of which are still relatively unexplored.
Head over to Sognefjord, just north of Bergen, which is the largest and deepest fjord in Norway. You can also visit the Nærøyfjord, a branch of the Sognefjord, which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t forget to take snaps of the picturesque views!
3. Great Outdoors
Aside from the striking fjords, tourists can also enjoy the great outdoors in Norway during summer.
Whether you’re up for some hiking or camping, you can do so in this country. This is also the perfect chance to meet and befriend locals! Norwegians love the outdoors and often spend their weekend hiking, camping, or skiing.
There’s even a rule called allemannsrett (freedom to roam) that allows individuals to explore as much as they want!
4. Ski Resorts
Did you know that you can ski all year round in Norway? In fact, some ski resorts such as the Stryn Sommerski and the Folgefonna Summer Ski Center are open exclusively during summer months.
So, if this has been in your bucket list since forever, you can finally cross that item off! Expect soft snow, beginner-friendly terrain parks, and the ultimate thrilling summer adventure. Plus, if you’re lucky, you can even swim in nearby fjords and lakes during the afternoon.
5. Diverse Wildlife
If you’re fond of animals, you’ll enjoy a summer trip to Norway!
The country boasts a diverse range of wildlife from massive herds of reindeer to bears, wolves, whales, and eagles.
You can even come across real polar bears at Svalbard Islands north of the Norwegian coast! Just be patient as it takes time to spot them, but once you do, it’s definitely an unforgettable experience.
6. Longer Days
While it’s dark and dreary in Norway during winter, the exact opposite could be said over the summer.
You can expect longer days and pleasant weather during the months of June, July, and August. In fact, the sun hardly sets in Norway during the summer.
This results in a breathtaking phenomenon in which the midnight sun shows itself for many months. Both locals and tourists embrace it by hosting concerts, hikes, and marathons in the middle of the night.
7. Low Crime Rates
For many tourists, safety is one of the most important factors they consider when travelling to a particular country.
Like its northern neighbours, Norway is a very safe country to travel to, even as a solo female tourist. However, you should still be vigilant as theft and crimes can happen anywhere.
But with the knowledge that the country has a low crime rate, you can be at peace and focus more on enjoying your summer vacation.
8. No Language Barrier
Another reason that can make your trip stress-free (for the most part) is the fact that Norwegians speak English exceptionally well, especially the younger crowd. Locals are very much willing to help you if you have questions or if you get lost. Plus, public transportation clearly displays English signages.
Overall, getting around Norway would be a breeze, regardless if you travel during summer or winter.
9. Delicious Seafood
Any trip to a country would be incomplete without tasting their local cuisine, and Norway is no exception.
Situated near the Northern Atlantic coastline, the country is known for serving some of the most delicious seafood in Europe. Must-try dishes include salmon, salted cod, pickled herring, and shellfish.
Read more: Jobs that allow you to travel the world – A list for the travel-freaks
You also shouldn’t miss Norway’s version of sushi which is more flavourful than its Japanese counterparts.
From breathtaking natural wonders and diverse wildlife to delicious food and friendly locals, Norway is a country you should definitely add to your summer travel bucket list!
Company Bio: ETIAS Europe is a non-government organization that provides the latest news and information about the ETIAS visa scheme. They also provide ETIAS visa assistance for tourists planning to visit European countries by 2021.
