Where the locals go: 10 charming summer spots

For many Norwegians, summer is synonymous with sunny days in coastal cities with white wooden houses and narrow streets. We call these wooden towns "sommerbyer" (which literally means "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 close up. She is the founder of Reiselykke (“Travel bliss”), and in 2017 she won the award "Travel blog of the year".

Mette Solberg Fjeldheim.
Photo: Mette Solberg Fjeldheim

Here, Mette Solberg Fjeldheim lists ten of her favourite towns where you can experience that special Norwegian "sommerby" atmosphere.

Skudeneshavn

130 white 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 take a walk along the flowerful and narrow streets that curves between the white houses. You should also visit one of the pleasant cafes in the town centre and enjoy a hot waffle”, Fjeldheim recommends.

View over white houses and boats in Skudeneshavn, Karmøy, Fjord Norway

Skudeneshavn, Karmøy.
Photo: Ørjan B. Iversen/ Destinasjon Haugesund & Haugalandet

Find things to do in Skudeneshavn

Haugesund

Outdoor enthusiasts should check out Haugesund, located less than an hour 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 take a hike to 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 music festival Sildajazz.

View over restaurant street at night in Haugesund, Fjord Norway

Haugesund.
Photo: Scott Sporleder / FjordNorway

Bergen

Nothing beats a sunny day in Bergen. Even though this is Norway’s second largest city, Bergen is known for its small-town charm and atmosphere. Fjeldheim suggests a walk in Bergen’s old town and Nordnes, a neighbourhood situated at a peninsula in 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 Nordnesbadet swimming pool, where you can choose between a swim in the sea or in in an outdoor pool”.

Traveling with children? At Bergen Aquarium, you will be introduced to everything from sea lions and crocodiles to snakes and lizards.

Mette Solberg Fjeldheim.
Photo: Mette Solberg Fjeldheim

Facts about Mette Solberg Fjeldheim

Mette Solberg Fjeldheim is a freelance journalist and travel writer.

In 2017, she was named Norway's best travel blogger for the blog and magazine Reiselykke.

She also has an international version of her blog, called Travel Felicity, that displays highlights from her travels.

Norwegian wood

About 37 percent of Norway's land area is covered by forest. That is one of the main reasons why many of our houses are made of wood.

They are built in several different styles, but are often painted in white - particularly those located along the coast.

The colour became trendy in the 19th century, and is still popular all over Norway.

A person sitting on a bench in Skivebakken, Bergen, Fjord Norway

Skivebakken, Bergen.
Photo: Bergen Tourist Board / Per Eide - visitBergen.com

Stavanger

Did you notice all the white-painted homes captured in the top picture? If so, you might not be surprised to hear that no other European city has more wooden houses than Stavanger. This low-key destination, situated in Fjord Norway, has about 8000 wooden houses in several different styles.

There are few things that beat a relaxing walk in the city centre along the narrow streets. And if the sun is shining, you should stop for a coffee at a open-air café in Øvre Holmegate street, where you’ll find several candy-coloured buildings.

Foodies should also check out the Gladmat food festival, which is one of the leading festivals in Scandinavia. And if you eager to have a swim, or try your surfing luck, some of Norway’s most popular waves are found at Solastranden beach and along the beaches of Jæren.

Three women walking on Øvre Strandgate, Stavanger, Fjord Norway

Øvre Strandgate, Stavanger.
Photo: CH / visitnorway.com

Find things to do in Stavanger

Tønsberg

In Tønsberg, history meets amusement. Norway’s oldest town is particular popular as a summer destination, with a long coastline and a variety of cultural events, such as concerts, stand-up shows and art exhibitions. Take a stroll on the harbour and get a taste of the vibrant pulse you will find there 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 (literally "World's End") and charming restaurants, such as Den Blå Brygge and Engø Gård”, says Fjeldheim.

Dynamic Variation:

Boats and people in Tønsberg harbour in Vestfold, Eastern Norway, a sunny summer day

Tønsberg harbour.
Photo: Simen Sørhaug / Visitvestfold.com

Find things to do in Tønsberg

Stavern

Tønsberg isn’t the only place in Vestfold known for amusement and sun. Stavern has been singled out as “Norway’s best summer city” several times by different Norwegian newspapers. 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.

Three boats standing up near the water at night in Stavern, Eastern Norway

Stavern.
Photo: Jørn Tore Røed / visitvestfold.com / Visit Norway

Find things to do in Stavern

Åsgårdstrand

“It is here, where I painted my best pictures for more than 30 years …”, Edvard Munch once said.

Åsgårdstrand could hardly get a better compliment than that. Munch, who is most known for the iconic painting “The Scream”, has spent many summers in Åsgårdstrand, a small coastal town located in the county of Vestfold.

And ever since the 1920s people have followed Munch’s footsteps and travelled to Åsgårdstrand during this season.

“The town centre offers everything from pleasant art galleries and cosy shops to restaurants and bakeries”, says Fjeldheim, who points out that Åsgårdstrand also has small bays and parks suitable for swimming.

Son

Dynamic Variation:

View over the harbour at night in Son, Eastern Norway

Son.
Photo: Gunnar Kopperud / Foap / Visitnorway.com

Find things to do in Son

Sandefjord

This city draws visitors who enjoy long days with sunbathing, sea food and walks along rocky shores. Due to its bustling beaches and more secluded bathing areas, Sandefjord is often referred to as “Badebyen” ("Bathing city").

Start the day swimming in the clear water, then sink your teeth into fresh fish at one of the local restaurants.

A family of three walking on the docks next to a boat in the Sandefjord harbour, Eastern Norway

Sandefjord.
Photo: Visitvestfold.com / Visit Norway

Find things to do in Sandefjord

Henningsvær

If you are dreaming of endless summer days, we have some good news: During summer, the sun never sets at 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 placed by the sea. The town features a peaceful harbour, wooden houses, charming cafes and attractive art galleries”.

A trip to Henningsvær wouldn’t be complete without a day at one of the white beaches located along the coast. Are you ready for a swim?

View over the houses near the water and mountains in Henningsvær, Lofoten, Northern Norway

Henningsvær.
Photo: Kristian Nashoug / www.lofoten.info / Visit Norway

Find things to do in Henningsvær

Facts about Mette Solberg Fjeldheim

Mette Solberg Fjeldheim is a freelance journalist and travel writer.

In 2017, she was named Norway's best travel blogger for the blog and magazine Reiselykke.

She also has an international version of her blog, called Travel Felicity, that displays highlights from her travels.

Norwegian wood

About 37 percent of Norway's land area is covered by forest. That is one of the main reasons why many of our houses are made of wood.

They are built in several different styles, but are often painted in white - particularly those located along the coast.

The colour became trendy in the 19th century, and is still popular all over Norway.

Dynamic Variation:

Find your summer town

Check out and read more about the wooden towns of Norway.

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Bergen

Even though Bergen is the second-largest city in Norway, it has the vibe of a small town, packed with charm and urban character. Read more

Bergen

Two people are admiring the view from the top of Himakånå in Haugalandet in Fjord Norway

Haugesund and Haugalandet

A charming city, lush nature, old Viking thrones, and festivals await in Haugesund and Haugalandet. Read more

Haugesund and Haugalandet

Henningsvær

Henningsvær is beautifully placed by the sea. The town features a peaceful harbour, wooden houses, charming cafes and attractive galleries. Read more

Henningsvær

Sandefjord

Sandefjord boasts miles of coastline, as well as a rich historical heritage. Vikings have left their mark here, as has the whaling industry. Read more

Sandefjord

Skudeneshavn

130 white wooden houses, sailboats, and the smell of seawater – Skudeneshavn has all the classic ingredients of a typical Norwegian summer city. Read more

Skudeneshavn

Son

Stunning coastal town with typical wooden houses, restaurants and art galleries. Read more

Son

A ferry sailing towards Stavanger city centre in Fjord Norway

The Stavanger region

Breathtaking surroundings with fjords, mountains and long, white beaches. Stavanger and Sandnes also boasts an impressive assortment of museums and… Read more

The Stavanger region

Stavern

Stavern has been rewarded “Norway’s best summer city” several times, and is located close to the city of Larvik.

Stavern

Tønsberg and Færder

From the Vikings of old times to the tourists of today, people have always flocked to Tønsberg. Just outside of the city, you can enjoy… Read more

Tønsberg and Færder

Åsgårdstrand

In picturesque Åsgårdstrand you will find the Åsgårdstrand women's bathing club, which is committed to carrying on the long-held bathing traditions of… Read more

Åsgårdstrand

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Summer in the south

In addition to the hot spots above, there are also several towns in Southern Norway worth visiting. The region has been a popular summer holiday destination for Norwegians for decades, while remaining a hidden gem for many international visitors.

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Where the locals go: 10 charming summer spots

Skudeneshavn

Find things to do in Skudeneshavn

Haugesund

Find things to do in the Haugesund area

Bergen

Find things to do in Bergen

Stavanger

Find things to do in Stavanger

Tønsberg

Find things to do in Tønsberg

Stavern

Find things to do in Stavern

Åsgårdstrand

Son

Find things to do in Son

Sandefjord

Find things to do in Sandefjord

Henningsvær

Find things to do in Henningsvær

Find your summer town

Summer in the south

Read more