Press release —
SUMMER 2026 in Fjord Norway: Festivals, Fjords and Cultural Highlights from June to August 26
When the Norwegian summer reaches its fullest expression – long evenings, mirror-calm fjords and mountain peaks glowing gold – Fjord Norway transforms into one of Europe's most vibrant festival destinations. From internationally acclaimed jazz, rock and folk festivals to intimate fjordside concerts, world music celebrations and extreme sports spectacles, the summer of 2026 offers an extraordinary calendar of events across all corners of the region. Below is a curated selection of highlights from June to August, drawing from all twelve destination areas – from Haugesund in the south to the Northwest in the north – each offering compelling story angles, visual appeal and unique experiences in one of the world's most spectacular natural settings.
JUNE 2026
10–13 June - Bergenfest | Bergen and the region
Bergen's flagship outdoor music festival returns to the medieval Bergenhus Fortress for four nights of headline acts and rising stars, set against the harbour with views of the surrounding mountains. The 2026 lineup features Lewis Capaldi, Sigrid, The Hives, The Kooks, Kings of Convenience, Dermot Kennedy and Dagny – a powerful mix of international superstars and beloved Scandinavian artists in one of Europe's most extraordinary festival settings.
More information: https://www.bergenfest.no/en/
11–13 June - Strynefestivalen | Nordfjord
Strynefestivalen unites skiers, snowboarders, mountain bikers, climbers and paddlers for a long weekend of action and nature experiences at the Stryn Summer Ski Centre – one of Europe's most spectacular outdoor arenas. Courses, clinics and competitions await both beginners and seasoned outdoor enthusiasts, set against the stunning landscapes of Nordfjord.
11–13 June - Jølster Trout Festival (Jølster Aurefest) | The Fjord Coast and Sunnfjord
One of Northern Europe's finest trout lakes plays host to this major fishing competition and folk festival. Up to 2,000 anglers from across Norway compete each year at the beautiful Jølstravatnet lake, with 12 to 18 tonnes of Jølster trout caught over the weekend. Open to all – from dedicated anglers to families and complete beginners – with prize draws and a lively festival atmosphere along the shoreline.
More information: https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/events/jolster-trout-festival-e219i4m9qjmkk6bajtnoga
19–21 June - Kinnaspelet | The Fjord Coast and Sunnfjord
Every third weekend in June, the dramatic story of the Reformation comes alive on the island of Kinn. With professional and amateur actors, choir and orchestra performing against the backdrop of the historic Kinn Church and the majestic cliffs of Kinnaklova, this open-air historical play offers an utterly unique cultural experience at the very edge of the ocean.
21–28 June - Ekstremsportveko (Extreme Sports Week) | Voss
The world's largest extreme sports festival returns to Voss for its 29th edition. For one full week, athletes and visitors from across the globe converge on Voss: BASE jumpers fill the skies, kayakers charge through white-water rapids, mountain bikers take over slopes and climbers push their limits. Beyond the adrenaline, Ekstremsportveko also features a rich festival programme with concerts, DJ nights and activities for all ages – making it one of Norway's most spectacular and energetic events of the year.
More information: https://ekstremsportveko.com/en
24-27 June - Gladmat Food Festival / Stavanger Region
Now in its 28th year, Gladmat is Scandinavia's largest food festival – and one of the most joyful urban celebrations in all of Norway. For four days, Stavanger's waterfront and city centre come alive with more than 250,000 visitors, hundreds of food exhibitors serving signature tasting dishes, cooking competitions, local brewery and cider tastings, and an electric night programme in the colourful Fargegata street. From hands-on children's activities to ticketed chef dinners at Kokepunktet, Gladmat is a feast for every age and appetite – free entry to the festival arena.
More Information: https://gladmat.no/welcome-to-...
26–27 June - Festidalen Hardangerfjord / Sunnhordland
An intimate rock and music festival set against the breathtaking backdrop of Hardanger in Uskedalen. Festidalen is known for its special blend of great artists, warm festival atmosphere and close encounters between performers and audience – in a truly stunning natural setting where the mountains meet the fjord.
More information: https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/events/hardangerfjord
27 June - 4 July - Norsk Fjellfestival Åndalsnes / Romsdalen
Norsk Fjellfestival is Norway's most important gathering for mountain enthusiasts – and it takes place right in Romsdalen, surrounded by some of Europe's most dramatic peaks. A week of guided hikes, summit trips for all levels, activities for children and young people, climbing and community. This year's festival opens with the Trollveggen Triathlon on 27 June.
JULY 2026
1–5 July - Førdefestivalen – World Music Festival | The Fjord Coast and Sunnfjord
Scandinavia's largest festival for traditional and world music celebrates its 2026 edition under the theme "PEACE!" Up to 300 artists from across the globe perform over five days at some 30 venues in and around Førde. Ranked among Europe's finest festivals by the Guardian and National Geographic, Førdefestivalen is a joyful and immersive celebration of world music, dance, workshops and culture – with free events alongside ticketed concerts.
3 July - Trandalblues-26 / Sunnmøre | North West Region
This is a blues music festival held on in the small village of Trandal, nestled along the scenic Hjørundfjord in western Norway. Now in its 19th year, the festival — nicknamed "The World's Most Beautiful Blues Festival" — brings together Norwegian and international artists for a day of high-quality, varied blues music set against a stunning fjord landscape.
More information: https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/events/trandalblues-26
8–12 July - Norwegian Country Festival (Norsk Countrytreff) | Nordfjord
The largest cultural event of its kind in Western Norway, Norsk Countrytreff brings five days of country music, line dancing and authentic Western atmosphere to the village of Breim in Gloppen. A warm and welcoming festival drawing country fans from across Norway and beyond into the scenic heart of Nordfjord.
More information: https://www.nordfjord.no/en/norwegian-country-festival-2026
9–12 July - Tysnesfest | Sunnhordland
Located just one hour south of Bergen and easily reached by public transport – take the bus to Halhjem, then the ferry to Våge, where the festival is the first thing you see stepping ashore. Tysnesfest transforms this small coastal village into a pulsating festival city every first weekend of July. In 2026, the lineup includes Odd Nordstoga, Gunslingers and Morten Abel, with concerts staged right at the fjord's edge. Highlights include Red Bull's spectacular "Dødsing" cliff-diving competition and the iconic mountain concert at Tysnessåta, 753 metres above sea level.
13–18 July - Moldejazz | Northwest
One of Europe's oldest and most respected jazz festivals returns to the "Nice of the North" for its 66th edition. Around 120 concerts fill Molde's streets, stages and intimate venues, drawing some 60,000 visitors for a week where world-class jazz meets dramatic fjord and mountain scenery. In 2026, the festival proudly presents John Legend as a headline act – alongside a rich programme of international and Norwegian jazz artists.
More information: https://www.moldejazz.no/en
17–18 July - Malakoff Rock Festival | Nordfjord
Every July, the picturesque village of Nordfjordeid transforms into a rock music metropolis. One of Norway's most-loved summer festivals, Malakoff draws over 20,000 visitors and 5,000 campers. The 2026 lineup features Turbonegro, DumDum Boys, Lambrini Girls, Vinni, Odd Nordstoga and more – all performing in the historic Malakoff military park, a unique festival ground alongside the Eidselva river.
More information: https://www.nordfjord.no/en/malakoff-rock-festival
22–25 July - The Tall Ships Races | The Stavanger Region
Stavanger's historic harbour fills with majestic sailing ships as the city hosts one of the world's largest sailing regattas for the first time since 2018. Between 350,000 and 450,000 visitors are expected over four days of ship visits, concerts, crew parades and cultural events stretching along 1.5 km of open waterfront – all entirely free and open to the public. A once-in-a-generation maritime spectacle celebrating the 70th anniversary of The Tall Ships Races.
More information: https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/events/the-tall-ships-races-to-stavanger
24–26 July - PalePop | Sunnhordland
An intimate and atmospheric music festival in a stunning maritime setting on the island of Austevoll south of Bergen. PalePop places a strong focus on high-quality music and the closeness between artists and audience, offering a unique concert experience in unspoilt island surroundings. In 2026, the lineup includes John Olav Nilsen and Kristi Brud.
More information: https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/destinations/sunnhordland
AUGUST 2026
5–8 August - Sildajazz | Haugesund / Haugalandet
Haugesund's most celebrated festival – and one of Norway's longest-running jazz events – returns for its 39th edition. For five days, the harbour promenade at Indre Kai transforms into an open-air concert stage, where jazz tones mix with sea breeze and the shimmering waters of Smedasundet. The festival features around 70 acts and 400 artists spanning jazz, blues and crossover music, drawing audiences of all ages to one of Western Norway's most atmospheric coastal cities.
More information: https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/events/sildajazz
5–9 August - Fjordsteam Bergen | Bergen and the region
Europe's largest gathering of living cultural heritage takes over Bergen's harbour. Fjordsteam brings together historic ships, steam-powered vehicles, trains, trams and aircraft from across Europe for a spectacular celebration of maritime and industrial heritage – in the heart of one of Norway's most iconic port cities. A unique event that bridges generations and brings history vividly to life.
More information: http://www.fjordsteam.no/
21–22 August - Jugendfest | Sunnmøre – Ålesund & Geiranger
One of Western Norway's largest music festivals returns to Aksla Stadion, perched high above the Art Nouveau city of Ålesund with panoramic views over the archipelago. The 2026 lineup is headlined by Highasakite and Donkeyboy, alongside Kjartan Lauritzen, Arif, Synne Vo, deLillos, Soppgirobygget and more – a rich mix of Norwegian pop, rock and indie across two festival days.
More information: https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/events/jugend-2026
26–30 August - Hardanger Music Festival | Hardangerfjord
A five-day chamber music festival set in one of Norway's most legendary landscapes: the Hardangerfjord region, home to cascading waterfalls, fruit orchards in bloom and fjord-side villages that once inspired Edvard Grieg. Concerts take place at carefully chosen venues along the fjord in Lofthus and the surrounding area, offering an intimate and deeply moving musical experience in a setting of extraordinary natural beauty.
More information: https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/events/hardangerfjord
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Fjord Norge AS/Fjord Norway is the official tourist board of Western Norway. Our main functions are international marketing of the Fjord Norway region, press-and study trips, and to convey information from the Fjord Norway region to tour operators, press and consumers worldwide. Find more information on our website.
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