12 Best Places To Visit In Norway In Summer

Summer is generally considered the best time to visit Norway, as there’s so much to do, see, and experience over the summer months. But, choosing the best places to visit in Norway in summer can be tricky, as there are so many great destinations all over the country. From fjords to cities, mountains to national parks and islands, a summer trip in Norway can tick all the right boxes. From our experience of this awesome country, here are our top choices of places to visit in Norway in summer.

If you’re going to visit Norway in the summer, then you probably want to head straight to the country’s fjords. And when it comes to the best fjords in Norway, you just have to include a visit to Lysefjord if you can. Lysefjord is one of the top places to visit in Norway in summer, offering an extraordinary blend of adventure and natural beauty. This stunning fjord stretches for 42 kilometres, surrounded by steep cliffs rising over 1,000 meters high. We highly recommend kayaking along Lysefjord to take in the scenery. Kayaking lets you glide past towering cliff faces and cascading waterfalls like Hengjanefossen. You might also spot some fjord wildlife while you paddle. If you’re looking for a deeper connection with nature, wild camping along the fjord’s shore is highly recommended. There are plenty of spots where you can pitch your tent and enjoy the serene, untouched beauty of the Norwegian wilderness. If you’re interested in visiting Lysefjord, then be sure to check out our highly-rated Norwegian kayak, wild camp, and hike tour in this awesome place.

Pulpit Rock, also known as Preikestolen, is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Norway during summer. Sure, it’s technically also part of a visit to Lysefjord, but the attraction is so exciting that it deserves a place of its own on this list. This famous Pulpit Rock hike offers breathtaking views of Lysefjord from a cliff that stands 604 meters above the water. The trail is approximately 8 kilometres round trip and takes about 4 hours to complete, making it accessible to hikers of all levels. During the hike, you'll climb through beautiful fjord landscapes, including forests and rocky terrains. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view that stretches for miles, making it one of the best places to visit in Norway in June. We recommend you start the hike early in the morning to avoid the crowds, as this place can get busy.

You can’t talk about the best places to visit in Norway in summer without mentioning Geirangerfjord. This is a quintessential place to visit in Norway, and its natural beauty really comes alive during the summer months. The village of Geiranger, located at the fjord’s end, is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush greenery. You can experience some of the most spectacular views in the country from here. The fjord is famous for its dramatic scenery, including the iconic waterfalls like the Seven Sisters, the Suitor, and the Bridal Veil. Most visitors to Geirangerfjord hop on a scenic boat cruise to fully appreciate the fjord’s beauty. However, for a closer connection with nature, you might want to opt for kayaking to explore the fjord’s hidden corners. As you’d expect from any great Norwegian fjord, there are numerous hiking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints. Geirangerfjord is undoubtedly one of the best places in Norway to visit in summer if you want to experience what this country’s fjords are all about.

Trolltunga, or "Troll's Tongue," is one of the best places to visit Norway in summer for anyone after a challenging adventure. This rock formation juts out over Lake Ringedalsvatnet, offering a stunning viewpoint. The hike to Trolltunga is demanding, taking around 10-12 hours round trip, but the views are worth the effort. If you’re interested in hiking in Norway, then this hike needs to be up there on your list. The trail takes you through beautiful mountain terrain, passing rivers, lakes, and lush meadows. At the end of the hike, you’ll find one of the most iconic photo opportunities in Norway. The hike can be pretty strenuous, so we’d only recommend it for fit and experienced hikers. We’d also recommend you start early to make the most of your day and enjoy the serene landscape without the crowds.

The Lofoten Islands are always a top choice when considering where to visit in Norway in summer. Known for its dramatic scenery, including towering mountains, deep fjords, and charming fishing villages, the Lofoten Islands offer endless opportunities for outdoor activities. In the summer, the islands are perfect for hiking, fishing, and cycling. You can also experience the unique midnight sun phenomenon here, which means extended daylight hours. Basically, this means you have even more time to explore the awesome islands. If you visit Lofoten, we highly recommend staying in a traditional rorbuer (fisherman’s cabin) for an authentic experience. Whether you’re hiking the rugged trails, surfing the wild waters, or simply enjoying the pretty villages, Lofoten is one of the best places to visit in Norway during summer.

A trip to Norway shouldn’t be complete without immersing yourself in the country’s natural beauty. And when it comes to Norwegian nature, few places are better than the Jotunheimen National Park. Known as the "Home of the Giants," this park is home to Norway’s highest peaks, including Galdhøpiggen and Glittertind. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, with Besseggen Ridge being one of the most popular. This trail provides some incredible views of glacial lakes and rugged mountains. Jotunheimen is also great for fishing, glacier walking, and wild camping in Norway. There are endless opportunities for adventure here. The diverse landscapes and the chance to explore some of Norway’s most impressive natural features make Jotunheimen one of the best places to visit in Norway in summer.

Hardangervidda National Park is one of the largest mountain plateaus in Europe and a prime spot on the list of places to visit in Norway during summer. The park’s vast, open landscape is perfect for hiking and wildlife watching. It’s also home to the largest population of wild reindeer in Europe, which you can spot on the numerous hiking trails that cover the park. While there’s a lot to see here, one of the main highlights is visiting the Vøringfossen waterfall, one of Norway’s most famous waterfalls. We recommend you visit for an overnight hike and stay in one of the cosy mountain huts scattered throughout the park.

Senja, Norway’s second-largest island, is a fantastic choice for those wondering what to visit in Norway in summer. Located in the northern part of the country, Senja boasts spectacular coastal scenery with steep mountains and beautiful sandy beaches. The island is perfect for hiking, cycling, and experiencing the midnight sun. Popular hiking routes include the Segla and Hesten mountains, offering some of the most breathtaking views in Norway. Senja is also less crowded than other tourist spots, making it an ideal destination for anyone who wants to experience absolute tranquillity and natural beauty.

Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most highly recommended fjords to visit in Norway. Needless to say, this also makes it one of the best places in Norway to visit in summer. This fjord is known for its narrow, steep-sided passages and amazing scenery. You could take a fjord cruise from Gudvangen to Flåm to experience its beauty up close - which we’d recommend. The cruise takes you through some of Norway’s most dramatic landscapes, with towering mountains and cascading waterfalls just meters away from the boat. You’ll also see secluded farms and tiny villages dotting the fjord’s shores.

The Flåm Railway is a must-see attraction and one of the best places to visit in Norway during summer. Even though it’s just a short train ride, the trip will leave you with some of the best vows of Norway. This scenic train journey takes you from the village of Flåm to Myrdal, covering a distance of 20 kilometres with an elevation gain of 866 meters. The one-hour ride offers spectacular views of steep mountains, deep valleys, and cascading waterfalls. The train makes several stops, giving you a chance to step out and take photos of the breathtaking scenery. It’s an unforgettable experience that offers a unique perspective on Norway’s natural beauty. If your legs are tired from hiking but you still want to experience amazing views in comfort, then we’d definitely recommend the Flåm Railway.

Sognefjord, also known as the "King of the Fjords," is the longest and deepest fjord in Norway, making it one of the best places to visit in summer. Stretching over 200 kilometres inland, this fjord offers endless activities and sights. You can take a fjord cruise to marvel at the majestic landscapes, explore charming villages like Balestrand, or visit the historic stave churches in the region. The area is also perfect for hiking, with trails that lead to panoramic viewpoints and through lush valleys. Of course, you could also kayak along the fjord for a closer connection with nature.

When talking about all the places to visit in Norway in summer, we’ve been focused on secluded outdoor attractions. Well, Norway also has some great cities that really come alive during the summer months. Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, is nestled between seven mountains and the sea. This fun city offers a great mix of natural beauty and urban charm. Take the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen for spectacular views over the city and surrounding fjords. The historic Bryggen Wharf is perfect for a leisurely stroll with its colourful wooden buildings and quaint shops. Bergen is also a gateway to the fjords, making it an ideal base for day trips to explore the stunning landscapes of western Norway. The city's vibrant cultural scene, including music festivals and art galleries, makes it a fun place to visit during summer.

Visiting Norway in summer is truly spectacular, as there’s just so much outdoor fun to be had. While our list of the best places to visit in Norway in summer is pretty long, we’d recommend you narrow your trip down to a few places and spend more time soaking up the atmosphere and natural beauty of each destination. Or, if your time is limited, we’d recommend a guided tour that covers the best sights and experiences over a couple of days. Check out our guided Norway adventures to see what you can get up to in the country this summer.