Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
NIGHT JAZZ FESTIVAL (NATTJAZZ)
Norway's calendar is replete with world-renowned jazz festivals and this fine Bergen fest-
ival (
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) in late May is one of the happiest, with serious jazz to be heard as the
city's large student population gets into the swing.
BERGEN INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
One of the biggest events on Norway's cultural calendar, this two-week Bergen festival (
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), beginning in late May, showcases dance, music and folklore presentations. In
a typically Bergen twist, it's at once international and a return to the city's roots.
NORTHERN BLUES & SOUL
Close to the end of May or in early June, Alta's blues and soul festival (
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) is
a worthy prelude to the summer-long program of music festivals. Held in the far north, it
draws a respected international cast of bands.
June
The main tourist season begins in earnest and it's always worth booking ahead for
accommodation. Some of Norway's best festivals take place and the weather can be
mild and clear, although poor weather is possible.
VIKING FESTIVAL
Often considered to be Norway's Viking heartland, Norway's southwest resonates with
sites attached to an altogether more epic past. In early or mid-June, Karmøy island (
Click
here
) provides a focal point for this fascinating history, and stages Viking feasts, proces-
sions and saga evenings.
MIDDLE AGES FESTIVAL
Locals in period costume and Gregorian chants in the glass cathedral of Hamar are the
highlights of this popular local festival (
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). Held in June, it provides an alternat-
ive slant on the long-distant Norwegian past in a fantastic setting.
