Where to Find Norway’s Best Beaches
“At the beach – time you enjoyed wasting, is not wasted.” – T.S. Eliot
To think Norway is just a winter destination that only comes to life at the flick of a Christmas light switch would be misguided. Granted, it’s unlikely to steal the crown away from the prime beach destinations of this world, but nonetheless, Scandinavia cannot be overlooked in this department.
A large proportion of Norway’s best beaches are concentrated in the sunny south, with destinations like Oslo and Stavanger doing much of the heavy lifting. But there are plenty more sandy jewels to be found along the rugged west and north coasts, too. With the second-longest coastline on the planet, it should come as no surprise that this special country has a catalogue of beaches to rival any of its European counterparts. If you’re planning a trip to Norway and are in search of some sun and sea, here are three of the best places to get your toes sandy in Scandi.
Hauklandstranda
If Norway was to put a contender forward to compete with the best sandy stretches on the global stage, Hauklandstranda certainly wouldn’t be far from making the cut. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful beach anywhere on the planet; in fact, it’s often ranked amongst the most stunning beaches in Europe – no mean feat considering the stiff competition.
Nestled within the Lofoten archipelago, the breathtaking landscape is adorned by the glassy blue waters that mimic those found in the West Indies. Take a dip in the frosty waters, though, and you’ll soon be reminded how far you are from the Caribbean – this Arctic paradise doesn’t quite cater to sun worshippers. Scale the granite cliffs for the best views of the sprawling sands below. And, for the icing on the cake, time your trip to Lofoten just right and you’ll be able to set up camp on the beach to witness the dancing illuminations of the aurora borealis.
Orrestranda
Back on the mainland and in the aforementioned Stavanger region, you’ll find Orrestranda. Stretching for three kilometres along the south coast, this beach is popular with locals and tourists alike, but you shouldn’t struggle to find a spot to call your own for the day, being one of the longest beaches in the country. It’s also a highly protected area and is one of 19 beaches in Norway to have received Blue Flag certification.
With special birdlife and flora calling Orrestranda home, certain restrictions are in place to limit tourist activities at certain times of the year; this includes a ban on surfboarding, sailing and kiting in bird-protected areas between 1st October and 31st March. However, with its calming atmosphere and scenic allure, it’s the perfect place to kick back and soak up the tranquillity of Norway’s spectacular south coast all year round.
Hoddevik
If to you a day at the beach means nothing less than watersports and high-octane activities, Hoddevik is the place for you. Particularly popular amongst the surfing community, the conditions here on the West Coast are perfect for taking to the waves (wetsuit recommended). While strong gusts do often prevail, the ocean’s edge is shielded from the worst of the wind by the towering cliffs that overlook the beach, creating the ideal environment for a surfer’s paradise. The mountainous drive to Hoddevik is just as beautiful as the destination and only adds to the experience of a beach day in this dazzling corner of the world.
