Weather
The transition from spring to summer brings consistently milder temperatures and low humidity for exploring any of the Norwegian fjords. In the southern fjords, like the Sognefjord, temperatures typically linger in the high 60s during the day, dropping to the low-50s Fahrenheit at night.
If visiting fjords above the Arctic Circle, it’s a touch cooler, though the sun never sets during the month of June for round-the-clock days of scenery and outdoor activities. And thanks to the Gulf Stream's warm waters, swimming and surfing are also possible. That being said, bring layers for chilly mornings and evenings, good walking shoes, and a waterproof jacket for occasional rains.
Learn more about June weather in Norway here.
Crowds & Costs
This is the beginning of Norway's peak travel season, and with that arrives more crowds and higher prices. Travelers should be aware that accommodations throughout the fjords tend to book up months ahead of time with a mix of inland locals and international visitors, so advance planning is highly recommended. For those looking to avoid the crowds, this is the ideal time smaller fjord villages that are not port-of-call locations for large cruise ships teeming with eager tourists.
Where to Go
There are nearly 1,200 fjords extending on Norway’s Atlantic coast between Oslo and Kirkenes, so the number of options for planning a trip is staggering. Luckily, roads all over Norway's fjords are fully accessible in June allowing visitors to choose their own self-guided road trip with multiple stops for stunning views, hiking and biking trails, and peaceful beaches.
Most first-timers in Norway will either start or end their trip with a few days in the capital of Oslo on the Oslofjord, which offers enough activities for a few days. A popular route from here is taking the steep train along the famous Flåm Railway for gorgeous natural scenery as you make your way through the central mountains towards the Sognefjord, the longest in Norway. From here, explore smaller villages along different branches like the Aurlandsfjord, Nærøyfjord, and Fjærlandsfjord.
While on the west coast, consider more side trips through additional fjords including the rushing waterfalls of the Geirangerfjord. Here's the Ultimate Guide to Norway's Fjords. To avoid crowded mainstream hotels, consider Unique Lodging Options in Norway.
A trip through the western fjords often includes stops in lively cities like Ålesund, Trondheim, and Bergen—each which offer beautiful architecture and great dining scenes.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
With the onset of long summer days, there are many things to do in Norway's fjords like fishing, kayaking, hiking and biking under a never-setting sun. In the coastal cities, outdoor restaurants, and cultural attractions will be in full swing, and a slew of music festivals in June help celebrate the summer solstice (see below). For a more relaxed trip, you can explore quiet fjord-side villages, small islands, and inlets, with boating and swimming.
Adventurous types can also utilize Norway's well-maintained national parks like Jotunheimen that welcome mountaineers from all over the world. This is also a great time to accomplish popular fjord hikes like Pulpit Rock and Troll's Tongue and the mountains surrounding Bergen—here's more on Norway's best day hikes. Other summer activities include surfing in the Lofoten archipelago, known for its majestic mountains, deep fjords, and world-class surf conditions. You could also walk or jog the 4,444 stairs at Flørli, one of the longest wooden staircases in the world, with rewarding views overlooking the Lysefjord.
Events in June
June is Norway's prime festival month. Here are some of the best events in the fjords:
Midsummer Night. The entire country of Norway celebrates the Summer Solstice each year with festivities and bonfires in honor of the midnight sun—the longest day of the year.
Tromso's Midnight Sun Marathon. Speaking of the midnight sun, this nighttime marathon in Norway's northernmost city starts at midnight and draws enthusiastic runners from over 30 countries.
Arctic Arts Festival. During the second half of June, the small town of Harstad in Northern Norway hosts performances of music, dance, and theater for those who seek something less mainstream.
Extreme Sports Festival. This weeklong festival in Voss at the end of June highlights a slew of extreme sports like base-jumping, paragliding, and skydiving along with music performances by local and international artists.
OverOslo. Oslo offers several top-notch music festivals like this one that takes place at Scene Grefsenkollen, a stage on a hill above the city with magnificent views of the Oslofjord.
Tahiti Festivalen. Held in late June on Innlandet, this weeklong music festival features cool Norwegian pop and rock acts.
Faerder Sailing Race. This event in mid-June includes hundreds of sailboats that race to the finish line near the Oslofjord.
North Cape March. This annual 42-mile trek in mid-June from Honningsvåg to the North Cape is known to be one of the world's toughest.
Traveling to Norway in June? Check out these great itineraries.
Norwegian Highlights: Oslo, Bergen & the Sognefjord - 8 Days. This active summer tour covers Norway's two biggest cities, as well as its longest and deepest fjord, using various means of transportation for a true Scandinavian adventure.
Ultimate Norwegian Fjord Road Trip. Experience the best of Norway's spectacular fjords on this active self-drive tour. The trip starts in Norway's second-largest city (Bergen), where you'll pick up a rental car and spend several days exploring charming fjord-side villages and stopping for outdoorsy activities, like hiking, summer skiing, and kayaking.
More Helpful Information
Norway's Fjords in May
Norway's Fjords in July
How Many Days Should You Spend in Norway
Norway: Frequently Asked Questions