Norway in June offers endless daylight, surreal midnight skies, and the first signs of summer vacations. From sleepless nights to vibrant festivals, here's what to expect during this magical month.
So here we are once again, a few days before the longest day of the year. The long summer days in Norway are something I adjusted to long ago, having spent my first three summers down in Oslo. Or at least I thought I had adjusted!
Living here in Trondheim, it took a few more years to adjust, simply because it's much farther north than Oslo. But this is nothing compared to the far north of Norway. Even so, adjustment was needed.
This was the view from Trondheim Airport last week at around 10.30pm. Needless to say, my body felt wide awake.
In my former home, I took this picture at midnight just to show how light it can be. Yes, it's possible to read a book without artificial light at midnight, even in Trondheim where the sun has actually set.
For those of you who understand latitudes, my former home of Birmingham in England is 52°28'N, Oslo is 59°57′N, and Trondheim is 63°25'N. But Tromsø sits at 69°39'N, and up there things take an even more extreme turn.
Endless Light in Trondheim
The impact of that far-northern latitude is dramatic. On the longest day of the year, 21 June, the sun rises in Trondheim at 03:02 and sets at 23:38. But that doesn't mean it gets dark in between those times.
As you can see from the photos, even after sunset, there's still enough twilight to read by. The daylight fades into a prolonged dusk, and even the smallest sliver of light sneaking through the curtains can be enough to fool your body into thinking it’s dawn.
Further north, the light show intensifies. A five or six hour drive north of Trondheim takes you to Mo i Rana, close to the Arctic Circle. Cross that invisible boundary and the sun doesn't set at all during the peak of summer.
In places like Bodø, Tromsø, and Nordkapp, the midnight sun becomes a 24/7 companion. Of course, this also means that winter brings long periods of darkness, when the sun barely rises or disappears altogether.
The first time I travelled to Tromsø in the summer, the phenomenon screwed with my mind! I couldn't sleep. A cloudless sky and large hotel windows (even with blackout curtains) didn't help matters. So, I did what all content creators would do. I filmed it!
What Is the Midnight Sun?
The midnight sun is exactly what it sounds like: the sun visible at midnight. It’s caused by the tilt of the Earth’s axis relative to its orbit around the sun, which during the summer months allows the sun to remain above the horizon for extended periods in the far north.
In Norway, the midnight sun can be seen north of the Arctic Circle, typically from around mid-May to late July. The further north you go, the longer it lasts. At Nordkapp, for example, the sun doesn’t set for over two months.
Even in places south of the Arctic Circle like Trondheim, you don’t get true midnight sun. but you do get nights so bright it hardly makes a difference.
For many people, experiencing this for the first time is a bucket list moment. For those of us who live here, it's both a wonder and a challenge.
The Joy and Exhaustion of June's Endless Days
I'm torn. On the one hand, being able to enjoy a beer, read a book, or just go for a walk in daylight at 11pm is great.
But if you don't take measures to ensure you sleep properly, it can be an exhausting time of year. I have got into the habit of drawing the curtains and blinds at 9pm. It's amazing how simple yet affective this strategy is!
Next week my brother and his girlfriend are visiting us in Trondheim. They've never been this far north before, so I'll be fascinated so see the effects on their bodies and their sleep patterns.
But what of the rest of you? I decided to find out on the Life in Norway Facebook page:
I expected a mixed response especially from people living in Norway, but I was wrong. The replies were almost universally positive. People love the long days.
Some admit it’s a novelty, others acknowledge it’s occasionally annoying, but nearly everyone agrees it’s far better than the alternative: the long, dark winters.
I tend to agree.
What Happens in Norway in June?
Although July is the traditional holiday month in Norway, June often feels like the true start of summer.
The schools are winding down, locals are switching to summer mode, and you’ll notice buses and trains beginning to run less frequently, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. Plan accordingly if you’re travelling around.
This month also brings a flurry of festivals and cultural events as Norwegians make the most of the light and (hopefully) warmer weather:
Bergenfest (Bergen): One of Norway’s most popular music festivals, Bergenfest brings international and local artists to the city’s historic Bergenhus Fortress. Check out this and more in our guide to major events in Bergen.
Over Oslo: Oslo's Grefsenkollen is the venue for one of the biggest music festivals in Eastern Norway. Over Oslo hosts three stages idyllically located in the forest with spectacular views of Oslo. Bryan Adams is the biggest name on the bill for 2025.
Oslo Pride: The biggest LGBT+ pride event in Norway, Oslo Pride features a parade, concerts, shows, parties, debates, workshops and lectures.
Live music and festival stalls can be found at the ‘Pride Park' square, but it's the street parade that's the undoubted highlight of the festival.
Midnight Sun Marathon (Tromsø): Ever run a race at midnight in full daylight? That’s exactly what you’ll find at this surreal event held under the midnight sun.
On top of these, you’ll find countless local events, from small-town music festivals to midsummer bonfires and fjordside food markets. Norwegians know how to celebrate summer—quietly, but joyfully.
Travel Tips for Visiting Norway in June
If you’re planning a trip to Norway in June, you’ve picked a wonderful time of year to experience the country. The long days mean more time to explore, photograph, and soak in the scenery, but it’s worth being prepared.
First and foremost, don’t underestimate the impact of the light on your sleep. Many Norwegians use blackout curtains year-round, but if you're staying in hotels or cabins without them, packing a good sleep mask can make all the difference.
Although June is outside the traditional July holiday rush, it’s still a busy month, especially in popular destinations like the fjords, Lofoten, and the cities. Booking accommodation in advance is wise.
You may also notice that some local services begin to switch to summer schedules during this month, which can mean fewer bus or train departures in smaller places, so check timetables before you travel.
Ready to visit? Check rates and availability on accommodation in Norway
Finally, while June often brings warm sunshine and blue skies, the weather in Norway remains unpredictable. A single day might start in t-shirt weather and end in a downpour.
Bring layers, a light rain jacket, and comfortable shoes. Then go with the flow. After all, when it’s still light at midnight, what’s a little rain?
At primary school I’ve already learned about Oslo, the capital city of Norway and its midnight sun. Cape Town is 34° S and our longest day in December is 5:28 – 20:08…just more than 14 hours. I’ll be in Edinburgh on 11 July and I’m excited to experience a long summer’s day.
Absolutely loved reading this article. I have a question and it will be great if you can reply. Our family wants to visit Norway in June and we like to experience what you mentioned. We will fly to Oslo and what’s the city you suggest for us to drive and stay ? We wanted a city which is not too quiet maybe little busy with shops and restaurants. Thank you!