Traditional white wooden houses, photogenic harbours, and the fresh scent of the seaside. Feel the Norwegian summer vibe in some of our most scenic wooden towns and cities.
Where the locals go:
10 charming summer spots
For many Norwegians, summer is synonymous with sunny days spent in coastal towns with white wooden houses and narrow streets. We call these wooden towns sommerbyer (literally "summer cities") because they have a remarkable summer vibe.
Some of the most popular holiday destinations for Norwegians are located in Southern Norway, but there are also many other must-see destinations along the coast.
The Norwegian travel blogger Mette Solberg Fjeldheim has experienced the beauty of many of these places up close. She is the founder of travel website Reiselykke, and has previously won the Norwegian travel blog of the year award.
Here, Mette Solberg Fjeldheim lists ten of her favourite towns where you can experience that special Norwegian "sommerby" atmosphere.
Skudeneshavn
130 traditional white wooden houses, sailboats, and the smell of freshly cut grass – Skudeneshavn has all the classic ingredients of a typical Norwegian summer destination. This old fishing town is located at the southern tip of Karmøy island in Fjord Norway.
“Here, you can stroll among the white houses along narrow streets decorated with flowers. You should also visit one of the pleasant cafés in the town centre and enjoy a hot waffle,” says Fjeldheim.
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Haugesund
Outdoor enthusiasts should check out Haugesund, located less than an hour's drive from Skudeneshavn.
“If you want to see the surrounding nature of the region, there are plenty of opportunities. Explore one of the many islands nearby or hike in the mountains surrounding Haugesund," says the blogger.
She also suggests a walk along the harbour where several eateries are situated.
If you are interested in film and music, you are in for a treat. Every August, Haugesund hosts the Norwegian International Film Festival, one of the most important film festivals in Scandinavia, as well as the jazz festival Sildajazz.
Find things to do in the Haugesund area
Bergen
Nothing beats a sunny day in Bergen. Even though it's Norway’s second largest city, Bergen is known for its small-town charm and atmosphere. Fjeldheim suggests a walk through Bergen’s historic wharf, Bryggen, and Nordnes, a neighbourhood situated on a peninsula near the city centre. Nordnes has several dense clusters of wooden houses and narrow alleys worth exploring.
“In addition to the scenic streets, you should check out the Nordnesbadet swimming pool, where you can choose between a swim in the sea or in in an outdoor pool, or just lounge in the sauna.”
Traveling with children? At Bergen Aquarium, you can see everything from penguins and sea lions to crocodiles, snakes and lizards.
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Stavanger
Did you notice all the white-painted homes captured in the picture at the top? If so, you might not be surprised to hear that no other European city has more wooden houses than Stavanger. Situated in Fjord Norway, it is home to as many as 8,000 wooden houses in several different styles.
There are few things that beat a relaxing stroll in the city centre along the narrow streets. If the sun is shining, you should stop for a coffee at one of the open-air cafés in Øvre Holmegate street, where you’ll find several candy-coloured buildings.
Foodies should also check out the Gladmat Food Festival, one of the leading culinary festivals in Scandinavia. And if you're eager to have a swim, or try your surfing luck, some of Norway’s most popular spots are found at Solastranden beach and on the beaches of Jæren.
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Book nowStavangerCruise to the Lysefjord and Preikestolen from private yacht
Try a fjord cruise from Stavanger in style! With Private Cruise, you get the best of everything; spectacular nature as well as luxury and comfort. On board one of the exclusive yachts they offer, you visit the famous Lysefjord with Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock).
Book nowStavangerSørmarka Arena climbing wall
Norway's toughest climbing wall is at Sørmarka Arena. Beginners and experts will be stretched at our 'monsterwall' which is 17m high and has about 1000 m² of climbing surfaces. The wall has a great variety of angles and steepness allowing the wall to cater to all levels of climbers. If you have a Brattkort you can climb with your partner when you like, or if you have a sikringskort you can climb on toprope when our instructors are present. Beginners can try our offer 'prøv å klatre' or 'try climbing' where no experience or equipment is needed. All our different courses and climbing offers can be booked on our website under Hva skjer, kurs og aktivitetskalender.
StavangerStavanger Street Art: "The Last Traveller" by NIMI
Stavanger, Norway's street art capital: NIMI, who originally hails from South Africa, is a street artist based in Bergen, Norway. He is best known for his intricate mural work and has been part of the Nuart Festival in Stavanger and Aberdeen.
StavangerStavanger Street art: “Beaten!” – The Pansy Project by Paul Harfleet
Paul Harfleet is a London based artist, writer and designer who has been planting pansies, a garden flower who shares its name with a homophobic slur, at sites of homophobic abuse for 15 years. For the 2019 edition of the Nuart Festival, Harfleet brought The Pansy Project to Stavanger, Norway.
Tønsberg
In Tønsberg, you can experience history and enjoy loads of activities. Norway’s oldest town is especially popular as a summer destination, with its long coastline and a variety of cultural events, such as concerts, stand-up shows and art exhibitions. Take a stroll along the harbour and take in the vibrant pulse you will find here in the summertime.
“If you are in the Tønsberg area, you should make an excursion to Tjøme and Hvasser. Here, you will find the recreation area Verdens Ende ("World's End") and charming restaurants, such as Den Blå Brygge and Engø Gård,” says Fjeldheim.
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TønsbergUlving Kunsthandel
Ulving Kunsthandel is a family-run gallery that has been in the same premises since the 1930s. Here you will find art and antiques over 600 m2 spread over 2 floors. Here you can see both classical and modern art, silver, faience, weapons, peasant antiques, maritime objects, etc.
Stavern
Tønsberg isn’t the only place in Vestfold known for fun and sun. Stavern has been named “Norway’s best summer city” multiple times by the Norwegian media. The highly walkable town, which is located close to the city of Larvik, features attractive buildings, art galleries and several eateries serving fresh local food.
Interested in music? In July, popular artists from all around the world perform at the local Stavernfestivalen, which is one of Norway’s most talked about festivals.
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StavernExperience Svenner Lighthouse
Experience the natural wonders of Svenner. Vestfolds archipelago is a unique experience. Svenner lighthouse is located at the outskirts of a group of islands outside of Larvik, and is one of the most popular places for the locals. Svenner is a magical place in the summertime, and is perfect for a day full of swimming, crab fishing and sunbathing - all with a spectacular view. The islands is perfect to explore by foot, although it is somewhat challenging and difficult to reach because of the terrain.
Åsgårdstrand
“It is here that I painted my best paintings for more than 30 years …,” Edvard Munch once said.
Åsgårdstrand could hardly get a better compliment than that. Munch, who is most known for his iconic painting The Scream, spent many summers in Åsgårdstrand, a small coastal town located in the Vestfold county.
Ever since the 1920s, people have been following in Munch’s footsteps and travelling to Åsgårdstrand during the warm season.
“The town centre offers everything from pleasant art galleries and cosy shops to restaurants and bakeries,” says Fjeldheim, who adds that Åsgårdstrand has small bays and parks suitable for swimming.
Find things to do in Åsgårdstrand
Son
Located 50 kilometres south of Oslo, Son is a charming coastal gem and a popular holiday destination for Norwegians.
“Son is known for its charming streets and wooden houses from the Dutch period. The beach, harbour, and many of the local eateries are all worth visiting," says Fjeldheim.
If you want to relax and unwind, you are definitely in the right place. Son Spa is located at the seaside, just 500 metres from the town centre.
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Book nowSonCampSoon - Kayak on the Oslofjord
Rent a kayak and enjoy wonderful summer days on the Oslofjord! Kayaking is a wonderful sport suitable for most people, it provides good exercise and offers great nature experiences. In the small seaside town of Son you can paddle in a beautiful archipelago or exciting river running. Enjoy a picnic on an island or a seafood lunch by the water in the village center. Son is located 40 minutes south of Oslo. CampSoon offers kayak rentals from April to October. You should be able to swim and it is an advantage if you have paddled before. But we also offer training for beginners. You can order kayaking here: https://www.campsoon.no/product-page/kajakkutleie-i-son Welcome to the small seaside town of Son. Members of Visit Greater Oslo
SonThe Pilgrim’s Route 1 - Moss - Son
Moss – Son 16 km A visit to the Maria Chapel in the basement of the Arena Church and Culture Centre (give advance notice) will set you up for the day – and it starts with a hike through the beautiful Moss Woods. This is a relatively short day's hike. One option is to spend the day in Son, a charming coastal village with many old wooden houses. Here there is also a Coastal Culture Centre, restaurants and shops. Alternatively you could enjoy some quiet hours at Solåsen Pilgrim's Farm, with its lovely view of the Oslo Fjord. Accommodation Solåsen Pilgrim's Farm, Falkeveien 19, 1555 Son, tel.: +47 474 83 032
SonSon - by the sunny shores of the Oslofjord
Just 40 minutes south of Oslo you will find the idyllic coastal town of Son, located on the sunny side of the Oslofjord. Son is known for its old city center with wooden houses and narrow alleyways often associate with cities along the southernmost coast of Norway. Son offers a wide variety of cafes and restaurants as well as small niche boutiques. Only 10 minutes away You will find Oslo Fashion Outlet in Vestby, a good place to visit in combination with Son. During the summer season there is a boat connection from Oslo during the weekend. Enjoy the good life in Son. Enjoy a restful time at Son SPA or rent a kayak and explore the surrounding area. Member of Visit Greater Oslo
Book nowSonSon Spa
Son Spa - the coastal pearl you long to return to! Here you can enjoy the sunset from your own balcony with a sea view, and a whole 2,000 square meters of exclusive spa experience! Son Spa provides the perfect setting for a day of coziness and well-being, weddings, summer parties and kick offs. Son Spa is less than 40 minutes from Oslo.
Sandefjord
This city draws visitors who enjoy long days of sunbathing, sampling delicious seafood, and walking along its rocky shores. Due to its bustling beaches and more secluded bathing areas, Sandefjord is often referred to as Badebyen ("the swimming city").
Start the day swimming in the clear water, then sink your teeth into some fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants.
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SandefjordVestfold for children
Vestfold is a paradise for families with children! Close contact with animals, blimbing, zip-lines, playgrounds, theater, viking experiences and other historical discoveries are just a few of the things you can do. Go swimming at one of our many beaches, sunbath on the smooth rocks and fish for crabs. Memories are easily created in Vestfold all year! At Foldvik Familypark in Stavern you can experience a day full of fun at the countryside with hay jumps, tractor rides and cute farm animals. Here you will also find giant jumping pillows, a train, electric cars and lots of other fun activities. Not far from Foldvik you will find Høyt & Lavt Vestfold, Scandinacias largest climbing park. Both children and adults can have fun in the trees and climb on a total of 245 items spread across 15 trails. More country fun awaits at Buggegården outside of Horten where you can catch the popular farm theater about the farm girl "rottenikken", the farmer and "fjøsnissen". For indoor fun visit Gravity Sports in Tønsberg. Here you will find challenges and enjoyment of movement for all ages. The trampoline park is a part of a 5000 sqm adventure center with Høyt under taket - Høyt&Lavt's first indoor climbing center. At Metro Sandefjord you will find not only 10 bowling lanes, but also other activites such as billiards, airhockey, adventure golf and laser tag. Metro Sandefjord also has a play area with lots of fun equpment for the younger kids. If you want to take your family on historical discoveries there are a number of museums in Vestfold. Test your Viking skills at Midgard Vikingcenter, learn more about sea life at the Visitor center Færder National park or visit Europe's only special museum in the area of whaling and whale history - The whaling museum in Sandefjord. At the historic defense base Karljohansvern in Horten and at Fredriksvern Verft in Stavern - Norway's first main naval station in Vestfold - you will have a great time combining historical discoveries with hiking in beautiful natural surroundings. If you want to enjoy the sun, there are many beautiful beaches in Vestfold. It's easy to find your favorite!
Book nowSandefjordNorsk Flid Husfliden
Bunad In the store, you can order all of the around 100 bunads that are carried by Norsk Flid Husfliden around the country. With expertise built up over many decades, emphasis is placed on you getting the good feeling of authenticity and belonging by owning and wearing a beautiful bunad. At Husfliden you get personal service and close follow-up until you are a satisfied and proud owner of your new bunad. If you want to sew your own Vestfold Bunad, good guidance is offered. At Norsk Flid Husfliden you will also find accessories for the bunad, such as silver, silk shawls and shoes. Yarn Husfliden in Sandefjord has a large and rich yarn department. With professional expertise, you get help to get started or further develop your knitting projects. In the shop you will also find a large selection of inspiring knitting patterns. You will also find ready-made knits such as the classics Marius, Fana, Islender and Varde sweather. Souvernirs, gifts and interior Husfliden specializes in Norwegian and local design, and is genuinely interested in Norwegian design and what is created in Norway. In the store you will find a selection of handpicked products, everything from classics such as Marius jumpers and Røros blankets and pillows, Ekelund, LilleLam and wooden products.
Henningsvær
If you are dreaming of endless summer days, we have some good news: During summer, the sun never sets in Henningsvær in the Lofoten archipelago. You can enjoy this scenic fishing village around the clock and witness the midnight sun as it colours the heaven in a reddish yellow light.
“Henningsvær is beautifully located by the sea. The town features a peaceful harbour, traditional houses, charming cafés and lovely art galleries.”
A trip to Henningsvær wouldn’t be complete without a day at one of the white sand beaches located along the coast. Are you ready for a swim?
Find things to do in Henningsvær
Find your summer town
Get ready for lazy days and Norwegian small town charm.
Summer in the south
Don't miss Southern Norway! A popular summer holiday destination for Norwegians, this area remains a hidden gem for many international visitors.
More summer vibes
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