Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Oslo International Jazz Festival
A worthy member of Norway's coterie of terrific jazz festivals, this one takes over Oslo for
six days of live music in August. It's so popular that many locals plan their summer holi-
days to be back in town for this event.
Voss Blues & Roots Festival
If you're around the western fjords in late August, head to Voss for one of Norway's better
music festivals. It serves as something of a last farewell to summer, with an especially
festive feeling to proceedings.
Norwegian Film
The highlight of the year for Norway's small but respected film industry, the Norwegian
International Film Festival in Haugesund showcases innovative new works and coincides
with the national film awards. It's held in mid- to late August.
Green Rock
Norway's largest rock and indie music festival takes place in Oslo and is one of Europe's
finest such festivals. It's also one of the greenest with impeccable environmental creden-
tials. Hedonism without the guilt - it's a terrific combination.
West Coast Jazz
Norway has a fabulous array of jazz festivals, but Silda Jazz in Haugesund is one of the
country's most underrated jam sessions. Respected enough to draw big names but far
enough off traveller routes to draw a predominantly local crowd, Silda Jazz is worth the
trip out west.
September
The crowds have largely disappeared, but so have most of the cheaper sum-
mer deals; in some areas, many hotels and restaurants actually close down.
In short, it's a quieter but often more expensive time to visit.
