Summer In Norway

While summer in most European countries often means crowds and sweltering heat, Norway offers a refreshing escape with its cool temperatures, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant outdoor culture. Our Fjordlands Immersion tour in July 2025 is the perfect way to experience Norway at its best – lush, scenic, and full of life!

The height of the summer is the perfect time to visit the West Fjords and the capital city of Oslo. Temperatures range from 60 to 75 degrees, the perfect weather for outdoor adventures. Our small group will visit charming farms with cherry, apple and berry orchards, and the fjord waters are even warm enough for a refreshing swim! 

Making the Most of Summer

“Norway is a winter country – we have eight months of winter and four months of summer. The itinerary for this trip focuses on the blue waters and green hills and mountains as well as lots of small, cute villages. The people of Norway are more outgoing and happier in the summer, likely because they are enjoying drinking outdoors! It’s a completely different atmosphere in the winter,” shares Norwegian tour guide Thor Sæther. “If the weather is good, you have a picnic in the summer. You enjoy the landscape in the fjords, take lunch to the parks, maybe even bring a small grill to cook a slice of salmon to go with your salad. When its summer, we go out!”

This is Thor’s first time leading a tour for Onward Travel, but he has plenty of experience and knowledge about Norway. Born and raised in Oslo, he now lives right outside of the cosmopolitan city, and he is excited to share his country with our travelers. Thor is an experienced tour director, having led tours all over Europe and Scandinavia.

An Authentic Taste of Norway

As with all our tours, food and drink will play a prominent role in this tour. Our travelers can expect to try lots of fresh, local produce as well as some new foods such as reindeer. Don’t worry – when prepared properly, it’s very tender and not gamey at all! 

Norway is known for its sustainable seafood practices due to strict regulations, research, and investment in fishery management. Our group will feast on fresh shrimp, king crab and of course, Norwegian salmon which is exported to all over the world. Thor likes his salmon smoked with scrambled eggs and mustard for breakfast. Although he tends to eat different foods since he married his Turkish wife, he says he still enjoys some traditional Norwegian dishes such as Smalahove which is typically served around Christmas and is made from a sheep’s head, which he describes as “delicious.” 

If you do not consider yourself an “adventurous” eater, you can expect to have your fill at the lovely local and delicious restaurants we have curated for this trip. 

We will also take part in a hands-on baking experience, making traditional flatbread krotakake, which has been a staple in the country’s cuisine for centuries. The bread is delicate with a slightly rough texture and a mild, nutty flavor that complements both sweet and savory toppings. 

Exploring Craft Cider 

Cider has become increasingly popular in Norway due to blending cultural trends, local traditions, and the country’s natural resources. The high-quality apples produced here are perfect for crafting flavorful, crisp ciders. 

Farmers have been making cider for centuries, and recent generations have revived and refined these traditional methods. Norwegian cider comes in many styles – dry, sweet, sparkling, and flavored with berries or spices – so there’s something for everyone. Many ciders are organic, eco-friendly, and locally sourced. We will experience a cider tasting and lunch at a family-owned, award-winning operation in Ciderhuset, one of the region’s best-known cider producers. This region is known as the Champagne of hard cider. And that’s just one of many cider tastings on this trip! 

Get your Heart Pumping

As we make our way from Bergen, the gateway to the fjords, to Oslo, we’ll travel by ferry, RIB boat, funicular, and high-speed train. You’ll see scenery that is some of the finest in the world. Norway boasts breathtaking fjords, towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and pristine lakes. Summer is prime time for spotting wildlife so take advantage of a hike to scenic views. 

You’ll even lay eyes on Europe’s largest glacier and get a hands-on look at glaciers and climate at the Glacier Museum. 

One of our travelers’ favorite adventures from last year’s tour was an exciting RIB (rigid inflatable boat) ride that allows you to experience the dramatic fjord landscapes up close. As you speed across the glassy, deep-blue waters, the towering cliffs and rugged mountains of the fjord rise majestically around you, creating an awe-inspiring, almost otherworldly atmosphere. Along the way, you might spot wildlife like eagles soaring overhead or seals basking on rocky shores. You’ll learn about the region’s geology, Viking history, and local legends. 

Viking Heritage Meets Modern Oslo

That fascinating Viking history is another part of his country Thor cannot wait to share with you. “The areas we will visit have a lot of working Viking history, and we will discuss their society, their expansions to the West, and the difference between the Swedish and the Danish and the Norwegian Vikings, because there are significant differences. Our neighbors are all entangled together,” said Thor. 

Thor’s enthusiasm for Norway’s Viking heritage ties seamlessly into our exploration of Oslo, where ancient history and modern culture blend together. “As a resident of Oslo for 35 years, I have watched the development of this city for my entire life. There are new parts, and there are old parts, and there are new parts that have been built on Viking history. I’ll point out buildings from the 16th century as well as new modern high rises. I really want to illustrate the contrasts and what a vibrant, cool atmosphere we have here,” said Thor.

Walking through History in Oslo

Oslo is considered a highly walkable city because the city center is relatively small compared to other European capitals. Many of the main attractions, like the Royal Palace, the Opera House, and Karl Johans Gate are within walking distance of each other. Many streets are fully pedestrianized, while many others have wide sidewalks and minimal vehicle traffic. Oslo is one of the safest and cleanest cities in the world making it a dream to explore on foot. 

Like all our tours, there is plenty of down time to be as active or relaxed as you want. You may choose to lounge poolside, kayak, or go hiking in Lofthus on your own. Norwegians are generally fluent in English, making it easy for Americans to communicate and navigate their travels comfortably. 

This isn’t just another sightseeing tour – our Fjordlands Immersion experience is carefully curated to offer an in-depth look at Norwegian culture, from historical insights and authentic food experiences to adrenaline-pumping adventures like boat rides through dramatic fjords. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, adventure seeker, or culture lover, Norway in the summer is an unforgettable experience!

Ready to experience the best of Norway this summer? Reserve your spot on our Fjordlands Immersion tour and prepare for an unforgettable adventure!

See the itinerary