Experience An Alternative Beach Vacation In Norway This Year

Around its 62,705 miles of coastline, Norway offers a different beach experience. Here, the coastline varies from windswept dunes, pristine sand and remote coves. Here, visitors can party under the midnight sun, or capture beautiful images of the Northern Lights in the winter months.

A different beach experience in Norway

When most travelers think of heading to the beach, they imagine waving palm trees, tropical sun and beach bars serving cocktails. Norway is nothing like that, but visiting the beaches of this Nordic country will challenge everything you think about a beach vacation. Here, we briefly explore three beaches in Norway for a different beach vacation

1. Watch the Northern Lights at Skagsanden Beach, Lofoten

Skagsanden Beach in Lofoten, Norway is mostly overlooked by travelers seeking the better-known Lofoton shores. However, this stretch of dark sand makes for intriguing images. Back that up with the Aurora Borealis and snowy peaks on the horizon, and you have a magical image.

On calm clear nights during the Arctic winter photographers flock here for the opportunity to capture the flickering green and purple skies. Meanwhile, the glassy sand tends to mirror the sky’s light show making for the most Instagrammable images ever.

2. Telegrafbukta Beach, Tromsø

One of the best city beaches in Norway is Telegrafbukta in Tromsø. This remarkable piece of sand is located 217 miles from the Arctic Circle, so it is far from tropical. In fact, this crescent of blond sand, on the southern shores of Tromsø Island, close to the city center is lapped by icy cold water all year round.

While the weather is cool, the beach lies at the fringe of a forested recreation area and city residents visit often to walk on the beach, hike the trails, and play beach volleyball, while the children can have fun in the playground. Alternatively, simply relax with a tasty picnic.

July is the best time to visit when the Bukta Open Air Music Festival is running. Here, the midnight sun promises 24-hour daylight to enjoy the surrounding scenery. However, winter sees the Aurora Borealis playing in the night sky.

3. Sjøsanden, Mandal, Norway

 

Sjøsanden is likely the most famous sandy beach in Norway and is warmed by the relatively mild temperatures of the southern coast. You will note from the image above that people actually head out into the water, but don’t expect it to feel like the Med! The beach is certainly one of the best for families, as the shallow water makes it ideal for the little ones.

If this beach is too ordinary, visitors can head to one of the other beaches in the Furulanden Nature Park, or take a bicycle ride on the forested trails.

Try an alternative beach vacation this year in Norway, not only in the summer months but also in winter for a unique experience. Find out more about this Nordic nation on the country’s official tourism website here.