29 July 2024
Cover photo by Kristin Folsland Olsen
As you plan your Arctic surfing adventure, you’ll discover a range of surf spots along the stunning coastline. From the iconic beaches of Lofoten to the hidden gems in Senja, Andenes, Vesterålen, and Troms, there’s no shortage of places to surf.
The Arctic Route summer bus routes make it easy to explore some of these mentioned surf beaches, allowing you to hop from one break to another while taking in the spectacular scenery. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to catch your first wave, Northern Norway’s surf scene has something for everyone.
You’ll find one of the world’s best left-handed waves at Unstad Beach in Lofoten. This iconic spot attracts professionals during autumn and winter, while summer offers gentler waves perfect for beginners.
The deep sea off Unstad’s coast creates waves that might have started building up in Greenland, providing a unique surfing experience.
Bleik beach is considered by the locals as one of the longest and most spectacular beaches in Norway, with white sand and dunes. It’s perfect to spend a day sun bathing, swimming and surfing. It is also popular as a known spot for kiteboarding and surf, with its favorable wind conditions and consistent waves.
The Arctic Route summer bus route between Tromsø and Lofoten stops at Bleik beach daily between June and August.
You might be surprised to learn that the best time to surf in Norway is actually between September and March. However, if you’re planning a summer surfing adventure in Northern Norway, you’re in for a unique experience.
While the waves may not be as big as during the winter months, summer offers milder conditions that are perfect for beginners and longboarders. The North Atlantic swells still provide decent waves, especially in coastal areas.
When surfing in Northern Norway during summertime, you can expect sea temperatures to range from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). While this might seem chilly, it’s quite manageable with the right wetsuit.
In places like Ervika, water temperatures can peak at 13°C to 17°C (55°F to 63°F) in early August. To stay comfortable, you’ll want to bring a 4/3mm wetsuit, and you might consider 3mm boots for longer sessions or on windy days.
One of the most extraordinary aspects of surfing in Northern Norway during summer is the extended daylight hours. During the summer months of mid-May to mid-July, all destinations above the Arctic Circle (from Bodø up), enjoy 24 hours of daylight. This phenomenon, known as the Midnight Sun.
To enjoy surfing in Northern Norway during summertime, you need specialized gear to handle the cold waters and unique conditions. Here’s what you should pack:
You’ll need a thick, high-quality neoprene wetsuit designed for cold water. For summer surfing, a 4/3mm wetsuit is versatile and works well into fall and early spring. Look for suits with cozy linings from wrists to ankles for extra warmth.
Some top options include Rip Curl’s E7 neoprene suits and O’Neill’s Hyperfreak with TechnoButter 3X neoprene.
To protect your extremities from the biting cold, neoprene boots and gloves are crucial. These accessories provide insulation and grip, ensuring you can paddle and stand on your board comfortably. Remember, the ankle part of your wetsuit goes over the boots, while the sleeve goes over the gloves or mittens.
For Arctic surfing, you’ll want a board that can handle challenging conditions. Opt for shorter, wider boards with increased volume to provide more buoyancy and maneuverability in the waves. These types of boards will help you navigate the unique Arctic swells more effectively.
If you wish to add camping spots to your surf adventure in Northern Norway during summertime, check this blog article with more information about it.
Check also the Arctic Route summer bus routes to help you hoping on/off in between destinations all the way between Lofoten (Svolvær) and Tromsø.
Experiencing the Northern Lights in Tromsø with friends can become one of the highlights of a winter trip to Northern Norway. Whether you are celebrating a birthday or simply traveling together, an evening beneath the Arctic sky is an experience worth sharing. But which Northern Lights tour in Tromsø is best for groups of friends? […]
Book your Tromsø Airport Express transfer online and receive a 20% OFF promo code for selected Best Arctic Northern Lights tours. Your Arctic adventure can start as soon as you land in Tromsø. When you book the Airport Express online for your transfer between Tromsø Airport and Tromsø city centre (in either direction) you’ll receive […]
Are you planning a family trip to Tromsø in winter 2026? There are plenty of things to do with children, from seeing the Northern Lights and meeting reindeer to dog sledding, whale watching, fjord cruises and Arctic wildlife experiences. The important part when planning Tromsø with children is choosing activities appropriate for their age. Some […]
Fishing is deeply connected to life in Northern Norway and winter is an amazing time to discover this Arctic tradition. You can head onto the Arctic fjords aboard a historic wooden boat or leave the coast behind to try fishing through the ice of a frozen lake. If you are looking for fishing tours from […]
Seeing the Northern Lights in Tromsø together can easily become one of the highlights of a couple’s trip to Northern Norway. But with so many different Aurora experiences available, choosing the right tour depends on whether you prefer a small group, extra comfort or a completely private evening. So, what are the best Northern Lights […]
If you are planning a winter trip to Tromsø and Rovaniemi, combining Northern Norway with Finnish Lapland gives you the chance to experience two iconic Arctic destinations in one vacation. The challenge is deciding how to travel between them without sacrificing an entire day of your trip. This is where overnight travel becomes an interesting […]
