It's called the Land of the Midnight Sun for a reason, and June is the month that celebrates the longest day of the year—a time when the sun barely sets in southern Norway (and doesn't at all above the Arctic Circle). Thus begins, arguably, the best season of the year to experience Norway. Read this monthly guide to learn more.

Weather

Given the milder temperatures, it's no surprise that the vast majority of visitors flock to Norway during the summer months. In the southern regions such as Oslo and the Bergen/fjord area, temperatures typically linger in the low 70s during the day, dropping to the mid-50s Fahrenheit at night, while daylight lasts for 18-19 hours per day. Above the Arctic Circle, the sun never sets during the month of June for round-the-clock days of scenery and outdoor activities. Bring layers for chilly mornings and evenings, good walking shoes, and a waterproof jacket for occasional rains. 

Crowds & Costs

The month of June begins Norway's highest tourism levels, so while all sites and attractions will be open with longer hours, there will be more crowds and higher prices. Travelers should be aware that accommodations throughout the country book up months ahead of time so advance planning is recommended. For those looking to avoid the crowds, this is the ideal time to head inland, north of the Arctic Circle, or towards smaller coastal towns that are not accessible by large cruise ships teeming with eager tourists. 

Where to Go

Once frozen mountains and snowy roads all over Norway's Arctic region are fully accessible in June allowing visitors to travel with ease. It's worth considering a trip to the Lofoten Islands in the Arctic Circle where dramatic seaside mountains are dotted with red wooden houses. These islands are easy to hop between, whether by bus, car, or bicycle. Make sure to try the local cod.

To escape the crowds, head to nearby Vesterålen for access to hiking trails, farmland, and peaceful beaches. Summer also happens to be the perfect time to venture out to the rugged archipelago off the coast called Svalbard if you've ever dreamed of spotting polar bears in the wild. 

Most first-timers in Norway will either start or end their trip with a few days in the capital of Oslo—the fastest-growing capital in Europe. 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. Explore villages like Fjaerland, or ferry the long way to Bergen via the Sognefjord to experience its cobblestoned UNESCO World Heritage site, chic boutiques, and traditional restaurants.

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. 

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What to Do

With the onset of summer weather, there are many things to do in Norway, including island-hop around scenic archipelagos, cruising fjords, and hiking under a never-setting sun. Oslo's parks, 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 and wooden architecture all over southern and central Norway by car and ferry.

Sporty types can head for Norway's well-maintained national parks that welcome mountaineers from all over the world. This is also a great time to accomplish popular day hikes like Pulpit Rock and Troll's Tongue—here's more on Norway's best day hikes. Other summer activities include kayaking, mountain biking, fishing, and even surfing thanks to the Gulf Stream's warm waters. 

Events in June

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.

Norwegian Wood Festival. Oslo offers several top-notch music festivals, especially during summer months, but this is one is highly regarded and includes a mix of Norwegian acts and international headliners.

OverOslo. This is another standout summer festival in the capital with four nights of concerts at Scene Grefsenkollen, a stage on a hill above the city with magnificent views. 

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 42-mile trek in mid-June from Honningsvåg to the North Cape is one of the world's toughest. 

Risør Chamber Music Festival. Held in the last week of June across several venues, this festival includes a growing roster of local and international performers.

Midsummer Night. Travelers who make it to Norway for the Summer Solstice will find celebrations and festive bonfires all over Norway in honor of the midnight sun. 

Tromso's Midnight Sun Marathon. This nighttime marathon in Norway's northernmost city starts at midnight and draws enthusiastic runners from over 30 countries. 

Traveling to Norway in June? Check out these great itineraries. 

Wild Island's in Norway's Arctic. Wilder, greener, and more remote than the Lofoten Islands (though you'll have an overnight here, too), those who come to Vesterålen will have access to hiking trails and farmland, peaceful beaches, rock formations, and seaside teeming with whales, not to mention extended daylight hours to soak it in by land and sea.

Norwegian City, Mountain & Fjord Adventure. Start off in Oslo where you'll tour the capital before taking a train to the mountain village of Geilo. From there, take another train ride—one of the most scenic in the world—to Aurland, a speedboat to Skjerdal for spectacular fjord views, and a ferry towards Bergen to finish the trip in Norway's second largest city.

Hiking in Northern Norway and Finland. This 10-day itinerary will take you on a variety of hiking trails in northern Norway and parts of Finland, traversing valleys and craggy mountain peaks, wide expanses of tundra and clear glacial rivers. Tackle 5 to 12 miles a day off the beaten path, and immerse yourself in the crisp natural landscapes of the Land of the Midnight Sun.

More Helpful Information

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