Do you need to take sunscreen to Norway: why it is necessary even in the north

Norway, with its stunning fjords and awe-inspiring Northern Lights, might not immediately spring to mind as a beach holiday destination. Many tourists are surprised to learn that sunscreen is just as essential here as it is at tropical resorts. Norway is a beautiful country, with its northern location and all. But despite that, the sun can be surprisingly intense there, especially in the mountains, on the fjords and in the snow in winter. In this article, we'll let you in on the reasons why you should absolutely make sunscreen part of your travel routine to Norway, and how to pick and apply it like a pro to avoid any nasty surprises. Here are some handy links to the different sections of the blog: We've got some great content for you, including 'Weather and seasons', 'Nature, national parks and outdoor activities', and 'Useful tips for tourists in Norway'.

Why do you need sunscreen in Norway if it is a northern country?

You might think that because Norway is in the north, there wouldn't be much solar activity, but you'd be wrong! The sun is low on the horizon, and the sunlight is reflected by the water and snow, so there can be a lot of solar activity. When you're out and about in the mountains and fjords, it's really important to be aware of the strength of the sun's rays. They're much stronger than they are on the plains, and even when it's cloudy, you can still get sunburnt.

When is the sun particularly dangerous in Norway?

It's important to be aware that the sun can be particularly dangerous in Norway in the following situations:

When you're out and about in the mountains, it's so important to be aware of the extra risks to your skin from the sun. The air is so fresh and clear up there, and the ultraviolet rays are stronger than they are down on the ground.
When you're out on the ocean waves, sailing away from the shore, the water's surface is all aglow with the sun's warm rays.
When it's cold outside, especially at those lovely ski resorts where the snow reflects the sun's rays, making it feel like summer!

I'd love to know what kind of sunscreen you think you need to use in Norway?

When you're planning a trip to beautiful Norway, it's always a good idea to remember to use sunscreen with a protection factor of at least SPF 30, and it's even better if it's SPF 50! It's really important to protect your face, neck and hands, as these areas are most at risk of sunburn when you're out and about.

And is it really necessary to use sunscreen in winter?

Absolutely, sunscreen is just as important in winter as it is in summer. Snow is really special because it can reflect up to 80% of UV rays, which makes them much stronger. I totally get it, because it's so true! When you're at a ski resort, you're outside most of the time, aren't you? To keep your skin safe and sound, make sure you use a cream with SPF 50 and reapply every 2–3 hours.

I would love to know if it's a good idea to use sunscreen during the polar day?

Absolutely, sunscreen is so important during the polar day (which is from late May to July). At this time, the sun doesn't set below the horizon, and our skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays all day long. Even at night, the sun is bright enough to cause sunburn, so it's really important to apply cream throughout the day and night.

And how often should I be slapping on sunscreen when I'm on the go?

We really want you to be safe in the sun, so we recommend that you apply sunscreen every 2–3 hours when you're out in the sun. If you love sports, swimming or working out, please remember to apply sunscreen more often. And don't forget to reapply sunscreen after a swim or a good rub down!

Which parts of the body are particularly important to protect from the sun in Norway?

Now, it's really important to protect these areas from the sun:

Your face, with its lovely nose, lovely cheeks, lovely lips and lovely forehead.
I'm going to focus on your neck and ears now.
It's especially important to look after the backs of your hands!
Now, let's focus on your shoulders and upper back.

It's important to be aware that these parts of the body are most susceptible to burns due to direct exposure to the sun's rays.

I was wondering if it's possible to get sunburned in cloudy weather in Norway?

Absolutely! Don't worry if you get sunburnt in cloudy weather, it's still possible because clouds allow up to 80% of ultraviolet radiation to pass through. You know, I totally get it, it's so true! Mountains and water, those are the places where it really shows. And don't forget to slap on sunscreen if it's cloudy!

What other sun protection measures should be used in Norway?

As well as sunscreen, it's a good idea to use:

We have some lovely sunglasses that will keep your eyes safe from the sun.
Hey, so we've got all sorts of awesome headwear here, like caps, Panama hats and hats!
We all know how important it is to protect our skin from the sun's harmful rays, and long-sleeved clothing made of light, breathable fabrics is the perfect way to do just that.
Hey, I totally get it, we all want to look after our skin and eyes and protect them from the sun. And this will help with that!

I was wondering if it is possible to purchase sunscreen in Norway?

Absolutely! Sunscreen is super easy to find in supermarkets, pharmacies and tourist shops in Norway. I know it's a bit more expensive than in other European countries, but I'm sure you'll find it worth it! If you can, it's a good idea to buy sunscreen in advance and bring it with you.

Hey, just a heads-up: don't underestimate the power of the Norwegian sun, okay? Even though it's a northern climate, the ultraviolet rays can be strong and dangerous here, especially in the mountains and on the water. We all love to enjoy the natural beauty of Norway, and there's no reason why you shouldn't – just take care of your skin and follow these simple recommendations for using sunscreen, and you can do so comfortably and safely. Don't forget to take sunscreen with you, and I'm sure you'll have a lovely, safe trip!