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Holiday by the sea in Norway? Beaches, sea temperature and tips for places

Holiday by the sea in Norway? Beaches, sea temperature and tips for places

Marty the Van 01. 11. 2023
BlogTravel

When you say seaside holidays, Norway is not the first destination that springs to mind. But the reality on the southern and south-western coast of Norway in the summertime suggests the exact opposite.

South and Southwest Coast

The south and south-west coasts of Norway are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. In summer, you can expect pleasant temperatures, if you’re lucky, climbing up to 25°C. The coastline is therefore a paradise not only for locals but also for tourists from all over the world. But don’t expect crowded beaches like in Bibione, Italy. In Norway you’ll find plenty of space, refreshing seas and great facilities.

The coast is a very popular destination for tourists who travel here by car or fly to bigger cities like Stavanger (which is the closest) or Bergen. It is also possible to get here by car from Oslo, but it is more to the southeast and it can take a couple of hours to reach the coast of southwest Norway.

Njervessanden

Sea temperature

The sea temperature on the south-west coast of Norway is between 14°C and 18°C. The temperature can be influenced by a number of factors, including current sea currents and local weather. Warm summer days can cause a slight increase in surface water temperature, but due to the cold Gulf Stream and other sea currents in the North Sea, the water in Norway remains relatively cool even in summer. However, tourists don’t mind the water temperature too much and take it as part of their hardening off. We have witnessed children who are so used to the sea temperature that they can play in it all day.

If you don’t like cold water, don’t despair. Staying on the beach itself is a wonderful experience and offers countless opportunities for endless walks, admiring nature, playing beach volleyball or having a magical picnic on the beach. And the best experience? Watching the midnight sun set over the horizon of the sea. Not even the toughest of tough guys can resist such romance!

The beaches on Norway’s southwest coast are sandy and among the most beautiful in the country. Among them are Solastranden near Stavanger, for example, or the several-kilometre-long Borestranden.

We visited several smaller beaches during our trip, with fewer tourists and great facilities. A good example is Njervessanden beach, which is just a short walk from one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the Lindesnes Fyr area. But if you’re exploring the coast by car, head in any direction and you’re bound to come across a gem yourself.

Njervessanden beach

Njervessanden beach

Spangereid, Agder

Visit this beautiful beach near Spangereid in southern Norway. Njervesanden is not so well known to tourists, but all the more beautiful as a typical Norwegian beach with beautiful natural scenery, clean shores and refreshing northern waters. The beach is surrounded by low cliffs, pine forests and typical Norwegian houses.

By the beach you will find a great and new free parking lot, new restrooms with hot water, outdoor showers, several volleyball and playgrounds, as well as a camping seating area.

In the surrounding area, you can easily reach, for example, Lindesnes Lighthouse, which is one of the most beautiful and largest in the region. A nice walk will take you to the unique Underwater Restaurant.

We also recommend enjoying the evening sunset right on the beach, which is really beautiful and large, so everyone will find their own piece of privacy.

Lindesnes Fyr

Lindesnes Fyr

Lindesnes, Agder

Lindesnes Lighthouse, or Lindesnes Lighthouse, located at the southernmost tip of Norway, is a majestic witness to a maritime history spanning more than 165 years. But this main attraction of the area offers much more than just a spectacular view of the sea.

Built on a rocky promontory where the waters of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea meet, this lighthouse has been an important navigation point for centuries for voyages along the Norwegian coast. Nearby hiking trails lead through dense pine forests, past pools of clear water and over cliffs with breathtaking views of the open sea.

For nature lovers, the area around Lindesnes Lighthouse is a true paradise. Whether you want to watch the rare bird species that have made their home here or explore the picturesque coves and hidden beaches, the area around the lighthouse will offer you an unforgettable experience.

As far as practical information for visitors is concerned, there is a spacious car park near the lighthouse. And if you fancy a bite to eat, there’s a local bakery nearby with delicious cinnamon snails. There are also several comfortable accommodations and restaurants within walking distance of the car park, where you can sample traditional Norwegian cuisine. Worth mentioning is definitely the restaurant Under – a unique underwater restaurant that offers guests not only a gourmet experience, but also panoramic views of the underwater world right from its windows.

The site is even accessible by bicycle along the classic vehicle path. This bike tour offers many beautiful views and is therefore highly recommended.

What about the rest of Norway?

The beaches further north are more characterised by their rocky or pebbly coastline. However, you may also find a beautiful sandy beach with fine white sand. One of these is the magical beach in Hoddevik, which offers a haven to surfers from all over the world.

Hoddevik

Hoddevik

Hoddevik, Nordfjord

Hoddevik, a picturesque beach hidden among high mountains on the west coast of Norway, offers not only excellent surfing conditions but also fascinating surroundings that can be explored on foot. Nature trails take you to the highest points of the surrounding mountains, from where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the whole area all the way to the horizon of the Atlantic Ocean. One popular hiking destination is the nearby Kjerringa mountain, famous for its impressive rock formations and spectacular views of the west coast of Norway.

For history lovers, there is the opportunity to visit ancient settlements and remains from the Viking Age. The hikes are suitable for all ages, from families with children to experienced hikers, and the trails offer different levels of difficulty. You’ll also find a campsite and parking near Hoddevik, making it easy to plan a multi-day stay.

There is a self-service food and snack kiosk in the car park and refreshments are available at the campsite reception. There are clean public toilets where you can change clothes.

During the season, yoga classes are held every day in the old barn, which adds to the atmosphere and experience. So whether you are a surfer, hiker or nature lover, Hoddevik will offer you an unforgettable experience combined with the beautiful Norwegian nature.

In Lofoten, you’ll find a paradise of clean sandy beaches with good accessibility, or unspoilt beaches that can only be reached by foot. For us, the top three beaches in the Lofoten Islands are Skagsanden, the unspoilt Kvalvika, and Haukland.

Skagsanden beach

Skagsanden beach

Flakstad, Nordland

A unique beach in Lofoten that is worth experiencing! Whether you’re an avid surfer, a lover of sitting and reading on the beach, or an avid hiker, this beach is a must-see. Here you will find everything you need to spend a wonderful day in Lofoten.

Skagsanden offers beautiful clean sand, a wide beach and icy sea waters. There are no rocks in the water and therefore great surfing conditions. There is a surfboard rental service as well as a surf school if you want to learn. On the beach you will find Lofoten Beach Camp, one of the best campsites in the Lofoten Islands, which we definitely recommend. The camp has a sauna with a great view of the beach, and after your sauna session you can go directly into the sea to refresh yourself. There is also a cosy restaurant where you can have breakfast, lunch or dinner. You can sit inside surrounded by stylish surfboards, or outside on the terrace with spectacular views.

If you don’t plan to stay at the campsite for several days, you can use the public car park and enjoy the beach for just a few hours.

We recommend staying here for sunset or midnight sun, which was an unforgettable experience for us, and we hope it will be for you too.

Kvalvika beach

Kvalvika beach

Moskenesøy

Kvalvika Beach is one of the most beautiful and isolated beaches on the Lofoten Islands in Norway. It is located on the north side of the island of Moskenesøya. It is surrounded by high rocky peaks and is only accessible on foot, which gives this place a unique character. To enjoy it, you really have to earn it. The nearest car park is along the Fv808 road. From here you can park and take an approximately 2 km long hike over the mountains to the beach. The hike is moderately strenuous with a few steep sections, but the views are worth it. The trail is well marked and has a good surface, but we recommend wearing sturdy shoes.

The beach itself is surrounded by imposing cliffs, and the view of the open sea is breathtaking. In summer, you can watch the impressive midnight sun over the sea. On the beach stands a small wooden hut, built in 1910 by two Norwegians who spent the winter here.

Thanks to its isolation, Kvalvika is an ideal place for camping in the open air. Many tourists spend the night here to experience the midnight sun or the northern lights. The beach is also a popular place for photographers due to its breathtaking scenery and specific light. Be sure to bring plenty of water, food and warm clothes due to the isolated nature of the place.

If you want to extend your walk and take a tour of the beautiful surroundings, we recommend climbing to the top of Ryten above the beach and then going straight back to the car. You can enjoy this hike whatever the weather, however, climbing up on a sunny day with good visibility will offer breathtaking views. The circuit is 9km in total and will take you 5 hours at a slower pace.

Haukland beach

Haukland beach

Leknes, Nordland

Haukland Beach, also known as Haukland Stranda, is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Lofoten Islands, which we can fully confirm. This wide white sandy stretch is fringed by high rocky peaks and emerald sea, creating a breathtaking contrast typical of Lofoten. Haukland Stranda is located on the north-western part of Vestvågøya. It is easily accessible by road from the island’s main towns, and parking is available directly at the beach for a fee.

There is much to discover in this area. The beach is an ideal place for a picnic, relaxing under the sun or just admiring the magnificent view of the sea and the surrounding mountains. In summer, Haukland Strand is a great place to watch the fascinating midnight sun. For hiking enthusiasts, the surrounding mountains offer many trails with breathtaking views. We recommend a trek starting right on the beach. Not far from Haukland Stranda is another picturesque beach, Uttakleiv, which can be reached on foot and is definitely worth a visit.

During the winter months, Haukland is an ideal place to watch the Northern Lights due to its convenient location and minimal light pollution. Whether you’re planning a visit in summer or winter, Haukland should definitely not be missing from your list. You won’t regret it!

Do you prefer lakes more than the sea? Finland may be the land of a thousand lakes, but Norway won’t disappoint. Aside from the sea, there are countless opportunities to swim in clean and well-kept lakes or even fjords. The locals love swimming, hardening off and sauna bathing, which is why you can find swimming opportunities almost everywhere.

So what to expect?

Definitely not a holiday cliché. A seaside holiday in Norway is a completely different experience from the classic sunny destinations. Imagine golden sands surrounded by high cliffs, overlooking the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Uncrowded and wide beaches, beautiful nature all around, refreshing sea and many surfing opportunities.

So, are you gonna pack a swimsuit in your backpack with your socks?

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