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The summer solstice in Norway is not just about experiencing the longest day of the year, but also the opportunity to attend all sorts of celebrations and have the ultimate jam-packed trip itinerary. The summer solstice in Norway is an adventure – and one best experienced in a campervan.
In this article, we guide you through what makes the summer solstice in Norway so special and why there’s no better time to cruise the country with a camper.
What’s All the Summer Solstice Buzz About?
The summer solstice is on the 21st of June here in Norway. On this day, the tilt of the Earth’s northern hemisphere towards the sun is at its maximum, making it the longest day of the year. In Norway, this means more than 20 hours of daylight in our capital city and surroundings, and pretty much a 24-hour day in our northern regions.
This gives visitors ample opportunity to thoroughly explore the country, have a jam-packed trip itinerary, participate in various outdoor activities, and attend any of our parties and celebrations held all across the country. So, all the summer solstice buzz about Norway is legit.
Why Explore the Country in a Camper During the Summer Solstice?
Celebrating the summer solstice while cruising the country in a camper has many benefits:
- It offers the ultimate flexibility. Between our super affordable campsites and Allemannsretten (Right to Roam), allowing for wild camping within certain constraints, you don’t need to worry too much about pre-booking anything anywhere. You can go wherever the summer solstice adventure and celebrations take you.
- Without the constraints of being on an official tour itinerary or having pre-booked accommodation, you are the captain of your own adventure. You can go wherever you want, whenever you want, with no time pressures on how long you can stay.
- A camper takes you to jaw-dropping places. Except for tents, it’s the only way to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking Norwegian landscape and get to see and experience things not many traditional tourists ever get to see or experience.
- You get the jaw-dropping places without the drawbacks. A camper allows you to experience everything in the ultimate comfort without having to brace yourself for a holiday where immersing yourself in nature feels like it was planned by Bear Grylls.
- It’s easy on your bank account. Renting a camper takes care of both your transport and accommodation. Add on our super affordable campsites and the wild camping, and you’re probably looking at one of the most affordable adventures you’ll ever get to go on.
What Makes the Summer Solstice So Special in Norway?
The summer solstice in Norway is exceptionally special for a variety of reasons:
Viking Roots
There’s a rich history behind the summer solstice here in Norway. In the days when the country was still roamed by Vikings, the summer solstice didn’t just mean the peak in daylight hours. To them, it was a very special time for gods such as Freya and Freyr.
Freya is the Norse goddess of things such as love and fertility, while Freyr is the Norse god of things such as prosperity, good weather, and a good harvest (the Norse gods’ portfolios were substantial).
So, as the summer season reaches its peak, the Norwegian ancestors believed everything else would also end on a high note; fertility (hello, babies), good harvest (bye-bye hunger pains), good weather (it is mid-summer, after all), and much, much more.
Therefore, it’s understandable that they put so much stock into the summer solstice, and why celebrating this period of the year already began back in the day.
Classic Solstice Shenanigans
Today, Norwegians still celebrate the summer solstice with the same verve, but without all the slaughtering and sacrifices. However, we are still celebrating by lighting massive bonfires and burning things, so some things never change. The summer solstice is a time set aside for socializing.
We come together as families, friends, and communities to celebrate this time together. Whether it’s just having a traditional Norwegian lunch, doing outdoor activities like taking hikes or going kayaking together, or attending a more official celebration at one of our pubs, clubs, or festivals.
As the saying goes, there are many ways to skin a cat during the summer solstice in Norway (although it’s strictly proverbial now). Needless to say, you’ll find the solstice shenanigans that suit you best.
A Few Summer Solstice Pro Tips
If you’re thinking of exploring the country in a camper during the summer solstice, the following tips and advice could prove helpful:
- Although a camper means not having to make too many commitments or have a set-in-stone itinerary, the one thing you cannot let slip is booking your campervan rental well in advance. Remember, this is our peak season, and rentals book out fast.
- All the daylight during the summer solstice can really mess with some people’s circadian rhythms, so be sure to bring along a sleeping mask and set reminders of when to go to bed and get up to try and keep things as normal as possible.
- Don’t overdo it, or you’ll burn out. With all these daylight hours, it’s tempting to be on the go all the time, cramming in as much to see and do as you possibly can. But this will leave you fatigued after just a few days. Rather, keep a steady pace that won’t leave you overwhelmed and exhausted.
- Norwegians can party hard, but we’re also responsible. Don’t celebrate the summer solstice with a couple of drinks and then get behind the wheel of your camper. That’s asking for serious trouble here.
- Our wildlife feels the same about summer in Norway, so please be extra vigilant when driving around, especially in our more remote regions. You never know when a moose or a deer might unexpectedly decide to cross the road.
Time to Get Your Summer Solstice On!
The saying “Carpe diem!” has never been more applicable than when it comes to the summer solstice. So, what are you waiting for? Book your campervan rental in Norway, book your flight, and come celebrate the summer solstice with us! Enjoy the endless sun and maximum fun!
