Norway’s coastline comprises three seas: the North Sea, Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea, off Norway’s northern coast.

 

Until the 20th century, the sparsely populated Norwegian Sea coasts meant shipping was largely focused on fishing and occasional coastal transport. The Norwegian Coastal Express was formed in the late 19th century, focusing on transporting passengers along local routes. Cruising was introduced in 1966 when the Norwegian Cruise Line began. Before long, many other ships, including several from the Cunard fleet, became regular visitors to local waters.

 

At Cunard, we have had a long love affair with Norway, and it has a solid reputation as one of the best regions in the world to encounter by cruise. Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2 regularly make the journey to this enchanting destination, so that guests can discover its natural beauty for themselves.

Discover more Norwegian ports

When it comes to Norwegian culture, festivals of food, music and film play a pivotal role. The summer months in Norway often play host to a selection of music festivals, celebrating popular and niche genres. From jazz, blues and contemporary through to experimental, Norway’s festivals are a staple for music lovers.

 

Film buffs can enjoy Tromsø’s international film festival held in January, and the Film fra Sør (Films from the South) festival in Oslo showcases titles from Africa, Asia and South America.

The Norway cruise season typically runs from June through to August, which is the peak season. Cunard typically offers voyages between July and November.

While Northern Lights sightings are near impossible to predict, they are more likely on clear nights between October and March.

 

Weather in Norway

 

Due to the moderate waters of the Gulf Stream, Norway boasts a much milder climate than other destinations at the same latitude, such as Alaska and Greenland. Even so, Norway’s climate can vary significantly between different parts of the country, with regional differences commonplace.

 

 

December, January, February

 

Norway’s coastal areas usually have relatively mild winters, versus inland where winters are cold with plenty of snow. The average winter temperature in Norway is -6.8 °C (19.4 °F). Around Oslo, it is common to witness snowfall during winter with average temperatures just below zero. Inland areas of Norway have an Arctic climate with strong winds, snow and severe frost.

 

March, April, May

 

During the Norwegian spring, the days get longer, and the climate gets warmer. Southern Norway begins to see pleasant temperatures as early as May, with average days of 6 °C and highs of up to 16 °C (43-61 °F).

 

 June, July, August

 

During the summer months, visitors to Norway can expect a special phenomenon: The Midnight Sun. 24 hours of daylight above the Arctic Circle gives visitors more time to explore and experience all that Norway has to offer.

Temperature-wise, summer in Norway is often quite stable and the temperatures pleasant both on land and sea, with an average of 13°-18 °C  (55-64 °F) highs.

 

September, October, November

 

Autumn is another lovely time to visit Norway, with the season introducing crisp days, warm colours and fewer crowds. In September, the outer part of the Oslofjord usually has the highest temperatures in Norway, while later in autumn, the warmest areas are usually found on the coast of Rogaland and Hordaland.

You can expect the temperature range to average a high of 9.3 °C and a low of 3.8 °C (39-49 °F) during the autumn months.

There’s nothing quite like the simple pleasure of curling up on deck, breathing in the crisp Nordic air, and losing yourself in a good book. Where better to enjoy a captivating Norwegian novel than in the country itself?

 

From historic novels and thrillers to travel memoirs and Nordic Noir, there is a host of Norwegian literature ready and waiting for you to enjoy. Growth of the Soil by Knut Hamsun, Dina’s Book by Herbjørg Wassmo, and The Bridge Builders by Jan Guillou are three books you may wish to enjoy during your Norway cruise.