🌞 Fellesferie: how the country works in summer and what it means for work and travel

In short: in July, the land of fjords slows down. Many people take 2–3 weeks of holiday in one go, companies slow down, and popular fjords become more expensive and crowded. Below, we explain how to adapt your work and travel to this rhythm, where to find peace and quiet, and how transport and city services operate during the summer.

📌 What is fellesferie

Fellesferie is a tradition of coordinated summer holidays, especially in industrial sectors. It is not a law, but an agreement within the framework of tariffs and internal rules; the Ferieloven itself guarantees the right to 3 consecutive weeks between 1 June and 30 September (although the specific dates are determined by the employer after consultation).

As a guide, in 2025, industry associations recommend a ‘block’ from 7 to 25 July (weeks 28–30) — these are the classic ‘construction/industrial’ dates; companies can shift them through local agreements.

💼 How this affects work

Slower responses — easier focus

• Teams and contractors respond more slowly; there are fewer meetings. Use the window for long tasks: documentation, training, refactoring, design systems.
• Remember the right to a summer block of leave: for holiday planning, refer to Ferieloven §7 and your company's internal calendar.

Synchronous → asynchronous

• Replace regular stand-ups with written updates and short videos.
• Introduce a ‘summer pace’ to your calendar: fewer calls, more task tracking and notes.

🖥️ Planning a workation in July

• Accommodation — book in advance. Peak locations fill up quickly in July: book early and consider ‘second’ fjords and northern regions (see below). Visit Norway directly advises avoiding the peak season in Lofoten — from mid-June to mid-August.
• Coworking spaces and libraries are often half-empty, giving you a chance to work in peace (check the summer hours for specific locations; Deichman has a single page with the opening hours of all branches).
• City mobility. On hot days, city bikes are convenient (Oslo City Bike operates from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m.).

🚉 Transport and city services: summer schedules

• In the capital region, Ruter publishes separate summer updates (including information about boats to the Oslo Fjord islands until 31 August and seasonal lines). Check the section ‘Public transport services in the summer’.
• In the Stavanger metropolitan area, Kolumbus is introducing ‘ferieruter’: in 2025 — 21 June → 10 August (reduced/changed frequencies).
• In the ‘city of seven hills,’ Skyss is announcing seasonal changes (for example, Bybanen changed its stop schedule in the summer of 2025). Always check the news and current timetables.

In addition to transport, many museums, swimming pools, and libraries are switching to ‘summer hours.’ Before travelling, check the websites of specific locations for specific dates.

🏔️ Where it's less crowded in July

• Hjørundfjord (Sunnmøre, Sæbø). Less touristy than the ‘postcard’ spots, but with impressive scenery. Visit Norway directly recommends it in its ‘fewer people, more space’ selections.
• Vesterålen and Senja — Lofoten's ‘neighbours’: similar dramatic landscapes with less people than at the peak of the Lofoten season.
• Helgeland coast — island hopping, quieter and easier to get to.

If you still want the iconic view, plan for early/late hours and alternative shooting locations; it's best to avoid the peak season in Lofoten.

✅ Mini checklist for July

• Mark your calendar for a ‘summer pace’: less synchronised, more asynchronous.
• Accommodation/transport — book in advance; check the ‘summer schedule’ with transport companies.
• List of quiet bases: Hjørundfjord/Sæbø, Vesterålen/Senja, Helgeland.
• Plan B: library/co-working space with summer hours; bicycles as an alternative to buses in hot weather.

July is not a ‘stop’ month, but a switch to summer mode: fewer synchronised meetings, more in-depth work; book in advance; keep your summer schedules handy; and instead of last-minute getaways, find beautiful alternatives without the crowds. This way, fellesferie will become your ally — both in your work and in your travels.