Summary
While it’s better known for its fjords, the beautiful beaches of Norway draw thousands of visitors every year. There are about three months out of the year when the water at Norway’s beaches is warm enough for swimming, as its climate is fairly temperate despite its northerly location.
There are quite a few beaches in Norway where clothing is optional. If that is your preference, look for nude beaches in Norway close to your travel destination.
Here are some of the best beaches Norway has to offer.
01. Southwestern Norway: Beaches Around Stavanger
Countless top-rated Norwegian beaches are in and around the city of Stavanger in southern Norway. Hellesto Beach features swimming, sunbathing, and an annual kite festival. Godalen Beach, only minutes from the city center of Stavanger, offers barbecue facilities and a playground while being part of the hiking area near Gandsfjorden. In addition, Orrestranda beach, Norway’s longest at 3.1 miles (5 kilometers), boasts fine-grained sand and provides ideal swimming and surfing conditions.
Solastrand, Vigdel, and Vaulen are also popular beaches within a short drive from Stavanger.
02. Oslo City Area: Beaches in Oslo
In the Oslo metropolitan area, try Oslo’s Bygdoy peninsula to find a nice beach spot. The best beaches in Oslo are Huk beach and Paradisbukta (Norwegian for Paradise Bay).
Note that Huk beach is one of Norway’s clothing-optional beaches. It also offers recreational opportunities such as bicycling, running, and beach volleyball.
Paradisbukta is a major attraction near Oslo, and its sandy shores are a bit more inviting compared to Huk’s. It has numerous amenities to appeal to visitors, including a swimming pool, barbecue pits, and toilets, alongside convenient walking and bicycling trails traversing the entire Bygdoy peninsula.
03. Western Norway: Beach in Selje
Along the western coastline of Norway, in the district of Nordfjord, you will discover the charming town of Selje. Despite being somewhat of a hidden gem, this town features a lovely sandy beach area known as Seljesanden, which includes a small harbor. For your convenience, there’s a daily boat service connecting to and from Bergen.
Hoddevik Beach attracts surfers globally and offers a sandy beach nestled between the mountains of western Norway. West Cape showcases breathtaking panoramic views of the Stadhavet Ocean, the Sunnmore Alps, the Hornelen Peak, and the Alfotbreen glacier.
04. Mjelle’s Red Sand Beach
Situated about a 15-minute drive from the city, Mjelle Beach is a favored spot for swimming during the summer months, but it is the beach’s vibrant colors that truly captivate visitors. The beach consists of both red and white sand, creating a stunning scenery that varies in hue depending on the winds and tides.
The red sands often appear heavier, likely making them more exposed after a strong storm. On some days, the beach becomes such a rich red that it almost appears purple.
05. Strandskog Nude Beach (Near Oslo)
Strandskog nude beach is one of Norway’s official nude beaches, located a short trip south of Oslo. While it is designated as “clothing optional,” you can feel at ease if you prefer to remain clothed.
Strandskog is classified as one of the smaller nude beaches in Norway but has developed a reputation as a charming, partially sandy beach that offers privacy.
This beach provides essential public facilities, including toilets and drinking water for the convenience of guests.
06. Kvalvika Beach in Moskenesoy
Kvalvika Beach, situated on the northern side of the island of Moskenesoya, is renowned for its hiking trails and outdoor activities. The beach faces the open sea and is surrounded by majestic mountains, providing a sense of isolation and stunning natural beauty.
