☀️ Fellesferie in Norwegian: how to live, work and travel in the "quiet" month of July 🌿

In July, Norway seems to put city life on "silent mode". Fellesferie is a tradition of three weeks of collective holidays (usually weeks 28–30). During this time, many offices change to summer hours, emails are answered more slowly, and planes and trains fill up with families heading for the water and the mountains. For tourists and people who have moved to live there, this is not a problem. It is a chance to see the country in a different way. You can visit the city centres, which are quiet, and spend long evenings by the fjords. There are also plenty of roads where you don't have to drive. This article explains what is usually open, when it is best to book, where to go for a peaceful break, how to organise short trips without a car, and what families with children and those combining holidays with remote work should pay attention to.

What is Fellesferie and when does it happen?

Fellesferie is not a law, but a cultural practice: it is three consecutive weeks in July when many Norwegians take their holidays at the same time (usually weeks 28-30). During the summer, government services, libraries, some offices and companies have longer opening hours. In the hospitality industry, summer is the busiest time of year. If you're travelling, it's best to plan ahead: popular places and hotels get fully booked fast, and on weekdays, the cities are much quieter — a great time for museums, bike rides and cafés.

What are the opening hours of shops, libraries and other services like?

Most supermarkets and city services are open, but often on a summer schedule (shorter evenings/weekends). Libraries and tourist information centres may close earlier, and bank and post office branches may have shorter opening hours. Small cafés sometimes close for a short time, but there are lots of places to choose from in tourist areas. Look at the 'Today/Open' section to find out what's open. On Sundays, many shops are closed but mini-markets and kiosks are open.

Is there a regular timetable for buses and trains during the summer?

In big cities like Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Tromsø and Stavanger, there is a regular "summer service". Flights are regular, but at certain times there may be longer intervals. On sunny weekends, buses to beaches and trams to parks fill up quickly, so allow extra time. In July, lots of people take intercity trains and regional ferries, so it's a good idea to book your seats in advance.

How can you get cheap flights and trains?

The best times to save money in July are Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday departures in the early morning or late evening. If you're travelling by train, it's a good idea to book your seat in advance and look out for flexible fares (which can be useful if the weather changes). Sometimes, flights from smaller airports are cheaper than flights from the capital city. For hotels, the best option is to be able to cancel for free and book 2–6 weeks in advance. If your dates are flexible, look for "+/- 3 days" and compare neighbouring airports/stations.

Where can I work in a "quiet city" and how can I talk to the team about it?

The best combination is a library (power sockets, quiet) and a café as a backup plan. Check the summer opening hours and if there are any free workspaces available. Let's agree on meeting times. We can meet before 12:00 or after 16:00, when colleagues are free. Set up a short voicemail message saying you'll call back within 24 hours if you're not around. Take a portable charger, a warm jacket for sitting outside, earbuds, and make a map of "quiet spots" within a 10-15 minute walk.

How can you combine a short holiday with working away from the office (workation)?

Plan for two or three "fixed" work windows per day (for example, 08:30-11:00 and 16:30-18:00), and leave the middle of the day for walks or trips. Choose accommodation with stable Wi-Fi and a desk, and keep a mobile modem in case of failure. Let people know what the deadlines are before they happen. If you want to make phone calls, look for quiet places like courtyards, library booths or coworking spaces where you can buy a day pass. Combine short trips with tasks that you can take your time with, such as reading, note-taking and preparation.

A day out on the water: where is it safe to swim and what should you be aware of?

Look for official beaches that have toilets, drinking water and lifebuoys. Make sure children wear life jackets and watch out for rocks and slippery slabs. The waves and currents in the fjords can be dangerous. The sun can be deceptive when it's windy, so remember to apply sun cream, wear a hat and drink water. Let's agree on a time to "stay in the shade on the shore", especially during the day. Make sure you dispose of your rubbish properly by always carrying a disposable bag in your backpack. If you are not sure about the quality of the water, check the local authority's maps.

Families with children: what about your plans and how you're going to get there?

Try to exercise for two to three hours and make sure you have time to warm up and snack. City playgrounds and parks are empty, and museums have areas designed for children. For toddlers, think about getting a pushchair or a scooter. For schoolchildren, give them a "mission" to collect leaves, stones or photos. For the beach, take a simple shade tent, some spare clothes and warm sweaters for the evening. Plan B: visit libraries, science centres or small indoor exhibitions that are closer to your hotel.

What changes happen in summer? Like parking, cycle paths and scooters.

The traffic in the centre is much calmer, but there are always parking rules to remember: paid zones, time limits, residential streets. Cycle paths are a great way to get around. Check the cycle network maps to find out where you can rent bikes and scooters. Remember to look at the speed limits and leave scooters in the designated areas. If you're going to the beach or on a picnic, it's easy to take the train or tram and then walk for a bit. You won't have to worry about finding a parking space or getting stuck in traffic near the water.

What can employers and government agencies expect?

During fellesferie, it is common to receive "out of office" replies and delayed responses. If you need to coordinate something, write in advance and suggest alternative times to get in touch. Government services are open, but often during summer hours. Please allow extra time and submit online applications where possible. When you're writing to a business, just write when you're free and your phone number in case of an emergency.

Where can I eat and should I book a table?

Restaurants in tourist areas are open, but it is better to book a table on popular evenings. Some kitchens have reduced hours or are closed for holidays, so check the "hours" and kitchen slots. A good plan is to have lunch instead of dinner and dessert on the terrace next to the water. If you're with kids, ask about kids' meals and high chairs. Most places have vegan and non-alcoholic options, but it's best to check in advance.

"Cheap windows" and life hacks for July

Look for flights/trains on Tuesdays/Wednesdays/Saturdays and choose early/late flights. For accommodation, try to go in the middle of the week, as Saturdays are more expensive in popular places. Think about staying at two different places instead of just one (2+1 nights). This can often be cheaper and better if the weather is bad. Take hand luggage to make boarding and transfers easier. Look out for events in the area, as these can make more people want to visit — sometimes it is a good idea to change where you are going, so that you visit a beach or fjord that is close by.

Fellesferie shows a different side to Norway: quiet trams in the morning, empty business districts and long, bright evenings on the waterfront. During these three weeks, the most important thing is to be flexible. This means booking flights at the best times, being open to unexpected opportunities and staying safe near the water. If you want to experience the fresh country air, stay in the city for a couple of days and then take a short trip without your car to the beaches or lakes. This way, you will see the Norway where people live their everyday lives and have fun in their free time.

Please leave a comment to tell us what you think. If you have interesting photos, personal experiences or questions on the topic, please leave a comment. We will definitely reply, because we are making the most popular and useful blog about Norway.