Southern Norway is a destination visited by locals and tourists alike as it has a unique atmosphere perfect for the summer in the country, known for bringing smiles to the faces of those who visit.
Although it is known for its icy landscapes, with impressive mountain peaks, deep glacial fjords and valleys covered with vegetation, Norway has another face that awakens with the higher temperatures, where it is possible to experience coastal cities, charming neighborhoods with traditional wood and beautiful summer scenery. the calls sommerbyer, a Norwegian word meaning “summer cities”, are located on the coast and attract many tourists. These are port cities where many of the traditional white painted houses can be found. Find out below three iconic Nordic “summer cities” to take advantage of warmer temperatures:
Tvdestrand
the small town of Tvdestrand carries a unique charm and an evident coastal energy in its atmosphere, both in terms of its landscape with whitewashed houses by the sea and the exuberant nature that surrounds the citadel, as well as the well-known coastal aroma. In the region, visitors can find antique bookstores on every corner, with second-hand finds that will take you to other worlds with every page.
While there, exploring the bucolic archipelago, which forms part of the Raet maritime national park, is essential. Something interesting that is also worth doing is taking a ferry to the car-free islands of Sandøya and Lyngør, or enjoying the outdoor water park at Tvedestrand during the summer.
Risor
Risør is another “summer town” that carries the cultural influences that “follow the sea”. In addition to the fact that this Norwegian port city is known, of course, for its traditional whitewashed houses, you should take some time to visit the local artisans, which are also the highlight of the citadel. In fact, it is home to many shops selling exclusive local products, such as Embla Design or Galleri Villvin, which makes it a true paradise for lovers of handmade jewelry and other handicrafts.
In addition to traditional houses, the inhabitants of Risør excel in boat-making. They are so good that they even organize an annual wooden boat festival: the Risør trebåtfestival.
Kristiansand
Lastly Kristiansand, the southernmost city in Norway, which is known as the merry capital of the southern region. A great place to start discovering Kristiansand is in the historic center of Posebyen, home to one of the largest collections of old and charming white clapboard houses in northern Europe. Posebyen is a small and pleasant urban community and the only thing left after a great fire in the city in the year 1892. Today, its streets are filled with quirky little shops.
Kristiansand also receives the title of “the city of children”. This is because it is home to a destination that Norwegian children very much desire: the Dyreparken Zoo and Amusement Park, which also includes a large water park during the summer!
Portuguese
English
Portuguese
Spanish