Five Different Ways to See the Norwegian Fjords This Summer
But First, Some Travel Updates…
Global Entry was down for 17 days but now it’s back. Travelers who had the Mobile Passport Control app set up on their phone waited less time at immigration than those that didn’t. Take a moment to set up MPC AND the Global Entry app on your phones now! Don’t be caught without them!
This time of year is when many of my travel partners swing through South Florida, talking about their hotels and travel services. On Tuesday, I went down to Miami for a fabulous party with IHG Hotels (Six Senses, Intercontinental), I particularly loved spending time with my friend Stefano, who runs sales for Six Senses Rome, Ibiza, and the brand new London property. And last week, I had a delightful lunch with Small Luxury Hotels (SLH) where I spent time with the lovely teams behind Keemala in Phuket, The Dylan Hotel Dublin, Grand Hotel Central Barcelona and more.
Remember travel is a business and hotels and cruise lines can’t sit back passively and wait for you to click Book Now on Expedia (which takes a 30% cut of their revenue by the way). They are constantly out marketing themselves to luxury travel advisors like me.
I also had a fantastic lunch at Marisol at The Boca Raton last week (a fantastic hotel in its own right) with a company that represents 5 star hotels and experiences all over the world. Properties like Octant Furnas and Octant Ponta Delgada in the Azores. And then I had a fun dinner with a firm that represents properties in Australia and New Zealand—they market Longtitude 131 and qualia at the Great Barrier Reef. Ah, and I had dinner with the Barbados Tourism Authority last week and won a trip to Barbados! That was very exciting. I’ve never been to Barbados before!
And I almost forgot—the other weekend, I spent an entire Saturday with the Royal Caribbean team down in Fort Lauderdale, learning all about their offerings. And then on Sunday, I spent the day with Celebrity Cruises, doing a deep dive on their newest ship, the Celebrity Xcel. It’s been a busy few weeks, but it’s always so great to meet the properties and cruise lines you work with so regularly.
Now, Back to Norway…
Norway in the summer — the air smells like pine and sea salt. The water in the fjords is so clear it looks unreal. Waterfalls pour down cliffs that seem to rise straight out of the ocean. And in June, July, and early August, the sun barely sets. Doesn’t that all sound so amazing?
People come to Norway for a lot of reasons — dramatic scenery, hiking, trains, cruising — but the classic route is Bergen → the fjords (Flåm or Voss) → Oslo. It’s a beautiful, logical journey across the country and one of the best ways to experience the landscape. I did this a few years back, before I even knew it was a thing!
If you’re thinking about going this summer, it’s not too late to plan Norway.
But in another month, it might be.
There are only so many hotel rooms in places like Flåm, and there are only so many seats on the Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) each day. Once those fill up, the logistics get tricky quickly. Norway is not a place where you can easily “wing it” during peak season.
Below are several different ways travelers see the Norwegian fjords — ranging from ultra-curated small group journeys to classic escorted tours. Ready to talk Norway? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.
Why People Love Norway in the Summer
First, the basics. Summer is when Norway comes alive.
The Days Are Incredibly Long
In June and July the sun barely sets. Even in Bergen and Oslo you’ll have light until nearly midnight. It makes sightseeing feel unhurried and gives you hours to wander the harbor, hike above the fjords, or sit outside with a drink.
The Weather Is Surprisingly Pleasant
Typical summer temperatures:
60–70°F (15–21°C)
Cool evenings
Crisp mountain air
It’s one of the few European destinations where summer rarely feels oppressively hot.
The Food Is Simple and Fresh
Norwegian cuisine shines in summer. Expect things like:
Fresh Atlantic salmon
Shrimp and shellfish from the fjords
Brown cheese (brunost) on waffles
Local berries and cream
Aquavit and Norwegian craft beer
It’s not fussy food — but the ingredients are exceptional.
The Clean Air and Water
This might sound strange, but it’s something visitors immediately notice. The air feels incredibly clean, especially around the fjords. And the water is pristine — glacial, deep blue, and surrounded by waterfalls and forested mountains.
How to See Norway This Summer
Below are several tour styles that include the classic fjord route. Each appeals to a slightly different traveler. I am a preferred partner with all of these travel companies and can add perks and amenities o your trip. Plus I have other partners for Norway too! Too many to mention here in this post.
And while these are package tours, remember I can always put together something fully custom.
1. Abercrombie & Kent, Luxury Small Group Fjord Journey
This is the most curated option. Abercrombie & Kent offers a beautifully designed itinerary that combines Norway with Denmark and focuses on high-end experiences.
Tour: Norway & Denmark: Adventures in the Fjords
What travelers like about this style:
Smaller group sizes
Strong guiding and logistics
Premium hotels
Carefully chosen experiences
It’s ideal for travelers who want everything handled seamlessly without sacrificing quality.
2. Backroads, Active Fjord Adventure
Backroads takes a completely different approach.
Tour: Norway's Fjords Multi-Adventure Tour
This trip focuses on being outside:
Cycling along fjords
Hiking scenic trails
Kayaking in calm waters
Staying in scenic boutique properties
Norway is an incredible destination for active travel, and this style of trip lets you experience the landscape up close rather than from a bus window.
3. Globus, Classic Escorted Norway Tour
Globus offers a well-organized escorted itinerary covering Norway’s biggest highlights. Check out their Best of Norway tour here. These trips are popular because they make Norway easy.
Travelers like them for:
Efficient itineraries
Comfortable hotels
A knowledgeable tour director
For many people, it’s a straightforward way to see a country that can otherwise be logistically complex.
4. Collette or Trafalgar, Social, Large-Group Touring
Collette, Highlights of Norway
Trafalgar, Best of Norway
These tours appeal to travelers who enjoy:
Social group travel
A full sightseeing schedule
Predictable structure
They cover the major fjord highlights and handle all the logistics.
5. Hurtigruten and the Norwegian Mailboat
One more way to see the fjords is completely different. Hurtigruten operates the historic Norwegian Coastal Express, often called the “mailboat.” These ships travel up and down Norway’s coastline delivering passengers, cargo, and mail to small communities.
Why Some Travelers Love It
You see remote fjords and coastal villages
The route runs deep into Norway’s dramatic coastline
It feels authentic rather than touristic
The Tradeoffs
This isn’t a luxury cruise. Things to know:
Ships make frequent stops (sometimes briefly)
Cabins are simple
The pace is slow
For max availability, this should be booked 1.5 year in advance
But for travelers who want to see Norway’s working coastline, it can be a fascinating experience.
The Reality of Booking Norway for This Summer
Norway is one of those destinations where availability matters. Flåm is tiny. There are only a handful of hotels.
The Flåm Railway also runs a limited number of departures each day, and those seats disappear quickly in summer.
So if you’re thinking about Norway this year:
It’s not too late to plan a trip.
But the best itineraries and the best hotels do fill up early.
Once certain pieces are sold out — hotels, trains, ferries — it becomes much harder to recreate the classic Bergen–Flåm–Oslo journey.
Norway in summer is one of the most beautiful trips you can take in Europe. Long daylight hours, fresh seafood, quiet fjords, and some of the cleanest air and water anywhere in the world.
If it’s been on your list, this might be the year to go. Ready to talk all things Norway? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.
About Krista
I’m a Virtuoso travel advisor based in West Palm Beach, Florida. I attended the University of Notre Dame for undergrad and I have my MBA from the University of Chicago. Before building my travel business, I spent 20 years in the investment management industry and over a decade living and working in London, England. I’ve personally traveled to 80 countries and now design thoughtful, highly customized trips for travelers who value expertise, access, and a seamless experience.
I offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation for travelers considering a custom itinerary or luxury cruise. Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.
For travel inspiration and real-time updates, you can follow along on Instagram or connect with me on Facebook. I also share a curated list of travel products I genuinely use and recommend in my online store.
What I Offer…
Custom itinerary design for complex, multi-stop trips
VIP hotel benefits through Virtuoso and preferred partner programs (including complimentary breakfast, hotel credits, and priority for upgrades where available)
Luxury ocean, river, and expedition cruises with added onboard credits
Vetted villa rentals with concierge services worldwide
Private guides, small-group touring, and unique local experiences
Private aviation and yacht charters through trusted partners
Airport transfers, VIP arrival and departure services, and full ground logistics
Travel protection and support when plans change
I work best with travelers who want expert planning, trusted partnerships, and someone in their corner from start to finish. That’s what I am best at! Ready to talk travel? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.
