At a Glance
Quick OverviewNorway’s festival scene rivals countries with larger populations, offering everything from intimate Arctic jazz performances to massive rock festivals under the midnight sun. The combination of spectacular natural settings, long summer days, and a music-loving culture creates festival experiences unlike anywhere else.
From Bergen’s centuries-old classical tradition to Oslo’s cutting-edge electronic scene, Norwegian festivals reflect a country that punches far above its weight in music production-home to artists from A-ha and Kygo to black metal pioneers and world-renowned classical performers.
Major Festivals
�ya Festival (Oslo)
Norway’s largest rock and pop festival.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | T�yenparken, Oslo |
| When | August (4 days) |
| Capacity | 65,000+ |
| Genre | Rock, pop, indie, electronic |
| Notable | Environmentally-certified |
What to Expect:
- International headliners
- Strong Norwegian lineup
- Urban park setting
- Excellent food vendors
- Easy city access
- Sustainable practices
Past Headliners: Kendrick Lamar, Arcade Fire, Florence + The Machine, Massive Attack
Bergen International Festival (Festspillene)
Scandinavia’s premier arts festival since 1953.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Bergen |
| When | May-June (15 days) |
| Type | Multi-arts |
| Focus | Classical, opera, dance, theatre |
Highlights:
- World-class classical performances
- Historic venues including Grieghallen
- Theatre and dance
- Visual arts
- Literary events
- Outdoor concerts
Bergenfest
Bergen’s major contemporary music festival.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Bergenhus Fortress, Bergen |
| When | June (4 days) |
| Genre | Rock, pop, electronic, world |
| Setting | Medieval fortress |
Unique Features:
- Historic fortress venue
- Fjord backdrop
- Mix of international and Norwegian acts
- Intimate atmosphere despite size
Moldejazz
One of Europe’s oldest jazz festivals.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Molde |
| When | July (6 days) |
| Founded | 1961 |
| Genre | Jazz (broad interpretation) |
Experience:
- Legendary festival history
- Stunning fjord location
- Mix of traditional and contemporary jazz
- Street performances
- Intimate club shows
- Major concert hall events
Kongsberg Jazz Festival
Historic jazz festival in a mountain setting.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Kongsberg |
| When | July (4 days) |
| Founded | 1964 |
| Speciality | Acoustic, experimental |
Known For:
- Acoustic focus
- Innovative programming
- Historic mining town setting
- Atmospheric venues
- Norwegian jazz showcase
Rock and Metal Festivals
Tons of Rock (Oslo)
Norway’s largest rock and metal festival.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Ekebergsletta, Oslo |
| When | June (4 days) |
| Genre | Rock, metal, hard rock |
| Capacity | 50,000+ |
Features:
- Major international headliners
- Strong metal programming
- City hillside location with views
- Easy public transport access
Inferno Metal Festival (Oslo)
Europe’s leading extreme metal festival.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Oslo |
| When | Easter weekend |
| Genre | Black, death, extreme metal |
| Significance | Global metal pilgrimage |
Experience:
- Norway’s black metal heritage
- International extreme acts
- Indoor venues
- Metal community gathering
- Record fairs and events
Midgardsblot (Horten)
Metal and Viking heritage festival.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Borre National Park |
| When | August (3 days) |
| Setting | Viking burial mounds |
| Genre | Metal, folk, Viking |
Unique Elements:
- Viking burial site venue
- Pagan and historical themes
- Viking village activities
- Atmospheric setting
- Norse cultural connection
Electronic and Contemporary
Insomnia Festival (Troms�)
Arctic electronic music festival.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Troms� |
| When | October |
| Genre | Electronic, techno, house |
| Setting | Arctic city |
What Makes It Special:
- Polar night atmosphere
- Indoor warehouse venues
- Northern Lights possible
- Cutting-edge electronic acts
- Intimate community feel
Hove Festival (Arendal)
Beach-side contemporary festival.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Trom�y island |
| When | Summer |
| Genre | Mixed contemporary |
| Setting | Beach and forest |
Pstereo (Trondheim)
Urban festival with diverse programming.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Trondheim |
| When | August (2 days) |
| Genre | Indie, electronic, pop |
| Setting | City centre |
Folk and World Music
F�rde Traditional and World Music Festival
International folk and world music celebration.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | F�rde (Sogn og Fjordane) |
| When | July (4 days) |
| Genre | Folk, world, traditional |
| Founded | 1990 |
Highlights:
- International artists
- Norwegian folk tradition
- Workshops and courses
- Family-friendly
- Beautiful fjord setting
Telemarksfestivalen
Folk music and dance festival.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | B�, Telemark |
| When | August |
| Focus | Norwegian folk music, fiddle |
Experience:
- Traditional Norwegian folk
- Hardingfele (Hardanger fiddle)
- Dance performances
- Folk music courses
- Community atmosphere
Classical and Chamber Music
Ris�r Chamber Music Festival
Intimate classical festival in a charming coastal town.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Ris�r |
| When | June-July |
| Genre | Chamber music |
| Setting | White wooden town |
Festspillene i Nord-Norge (Harstad)
Northern Norway’s major cultural festival.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Harstad |
| When | June |
| Focus | Multi-arts, classical emphasis |
| Setting | Arctic Norway |
Oslo Chamber Music Festival
World-class chamber music in Norway’s capital.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Oslo |
| When | August |
| Venues | Akershus Fortress, churches |
Blues and Roots
Notodden Blues Festival
Europe’s largest blues festival.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Notodden |
| When | August (4 days) |
| Genre | Blues, roots, Americana |
| Founded | 1988 |
Features:
- International blues legends
- Rising stars
- Multiple venues
- Street performances
- UNESCO industrial heritage town
Sildajazz (Haugesund)
Blues, jazz, and roots by the sea.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Haugesund |
| When | August |
| Focus | Jazz, blues, roots |
Arctic and Unique Festivals
Bukta Troms� Open Air Festival
Midnight sun rock festival.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Troms� |
| When | July |
| Genre | Rock, indie |
| Speciality | 24-hour daylight |
Unique Experience:
- Midnight sun performances
- Arctic atmosphere
- Local and international acts
- Outdoor waterfront venue
Tr�na Festival
Remote island festival.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Tr�na islands |
| When | July |
| Access | Boat/helicopter only |
| Character | Intimate, remote |
Why It’s Special:
- Tiny island setting
- 400 inhabitants, 4,000 festival-goers
- Cave concerts
- Midnight sun
- Unique Arctic atmosphere
Ice Music Festival (Finse)
Concerts on ice instruments.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Finse |
| When | Winter |
| Instruments | Ice (rebuilt annually) |
| Genre | Experimental, classical |
Experience:
- Instruments carved from ice
- Mountain hotel setting
- Limited capacity
- Unique acoustic properties
Festival Calendar
By Month
| Month | Festivals |
|---|---|
| May | Bergen International Festival begins |
| June | Bergenfest, Festspillene Nord-Norge |
| July | Moldejazz, Kongsberg Jazz, F�rde, Tr�na |
| August | �ya, Tons of Rock, Notodden Blues |
| October | Insomnia (Troms�) |
By City
Oslo:
- �ya Festival
- Tons of Rock
- Inferno Metal Festival
- Oslo Chamber Music
Bergen:
- Bergen International Festival
- Bergenfest
Troms�:
- Insomnia
- Bukta
Practical Information
Tickets
- Book early for popular festivals
- Day passes and full-festival options
- Student/youth discounts often available
- VIP upgrades at larger festivals
Accommodation
- Book months ahead for major festivals
- Camping available at many
- Consider nearby towns for better prices
- Festival packages sometimes include lodging
Getting There
- Most festivals accessible by public transport
- Remote festivals require planning
- Shuttle buses often available
What to Bring
Summer Festivals:
- Rain gear (Norwegian weather)
- Sunscreen (long days)
- Layers for cool evenings
- Comfortable shoes
- Reusable water bottle
Winter Festivals:
- Very warm clothing
- Multiple layers
- Waterproof boots
Final Thoughts
Norwegian festivals offer more than music-they offer experiences shaped by dramatic landscapes, endless summer days, and a culture that values quality over quantity. Whether you’re catching electronic beats under the Arctic midnight sun, hearing jazz beside a fjord, or experiencing chamber music in a centuries-old church, Norwegian festivals create memories that extend far beyond the performances.
The combination of world-class programming, stunning locations, and Norwegian organisational efficiency makes these festivals increasingly popular with international visitors. Book early, pack for all weather, and prepare for festival experiences unlike anywhere else in the world.
For more on Norwegian events and culture, see our guides to Oslo Travel Guide, Bergen Travel Guide, and Troms� Travel Guide.