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.
The easiest way to visit two Arctic icons in one journey Planning a winter trip to the Arctic and trying to choose between Tromsø, Norway, and Rovaniemi, Finland? The good news is that you do not have to choose. With the Aurora Express Nightliner bus by Best Arctic, you can combine both destinations in one […]
In most places, midnight time means darkness. In Tromsø, it can mean golden light over the fjords, people walking by the harbor in sunglasses, coming back from the bar at 2 am under a sunny sky and mountain views that look like sunset but refuse to fade. This is the Midnight Sun, one of the […]
May is one of the most underrated months to visit Tromsø. Winter has loosened its grip, the days stretch longer, the fjords begin to feel more open, and by late May, the Midnight Sun season starts to transform the city into a place where evening plans can feel just as bright as daytime adventures. In […]
Looking for an easy summer day trip from Tromsø without renting a car? The summer bus route between Tromsø and Sommarøy is one of the most scenic and convenient ways to experience the coastal beauty of Northern Norway. Operated as part of The Arctic Route, this direct shuttle connects Tromsø city centre with Sommarøy, a […]
If you’re planning a trip to Norway, one question comes up again and again in our customer service queries: are there polar bears in Norway? The short answer is yes, but not where most travelers expect. While mainland Norway, including popular Arctic destinations like Tromsø, does not have wild polar bears, there is one remote […]
Traveling to Norway as a student often means balancing big dreams with a careful budget. The good news is that exploring Tromsø and the Arctic does not have to be out of reach. At Best Arctic, we accept student discounts on several tours and experiences, making it easier for students to enjoy unforgettable moments in […]
