28 June 2012

Seasons in Scandinavia: June in Norway

June marks the end of school and the beginning of summer in Norway. The grass is greener after there are no more homeworks, right? 

June is the month of summer solstice, which we celebrate on June 23 - a magical night also known as Sankthans or Jonsok (John's wake). The tradition comes from pre-Christian folklore, but it, as well as many others, was adopted by the church in the 1st Century.   

The whole night is lively and festive, lit by the colors of a never-ending sunset and the flames along the coast. Traditionally, it is believed that this is a time when the normal laws that govern the world of brightness and the world of twilight are suspended, it is a time when trees speak, trolls and goblins run in the forests and the "little people" come out of hiding and goof around with mortals, playing pranks and stealing food...

June is also the month of endless beach wanderings, long days, ladybugs, fishing, and swimming. 

Spend a June day with me, in the cool summer air of Norway. 

View all Seasons in Scandinavia photo series.

preparing the fire for Sankthans
Sankthans Mandal
Sankthans Norway
grill on Sjosanden
Preikestolen Norway summer
summer in southern norway
ladybug
sunset in Stavanger NorwayHow has your June been?


22 comments:

  1. Norway has got to be one of the prettiest places on Earth. We have a lot of dead grass in Chicago right now, so your pictures are especially appealing! Ha ha.

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    1. It's funny but I can't get enough of Norway's nature. It is so extraordinarily majestic. And no dead grass whatsoever :D

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  2. my favorite spot ... what a lovely collection ... one of these days I would LOVE to experience Norway in June!!

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    1. Thank you, Elaine. I would love to have you in my experience!

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  3. So beautiful... I long to live by the water someday. Is that Preikestolen?

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    1. I didn't know what it was to live by the sea until I did! What an experience! Yes, that is Preikestolen :) By the way, we have to meet. I'm in Oslo!

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  4. Absolutely stunning shots!!

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  5. What gorgeous photos. (It is 106 degrees today where I am.) Thank you for nourishing my soul with these. : )

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    1. Thanks for the nice words, Lynne! Wow, that is pretty hot! We rarely if ever get to 90... so it's always lush!

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  6. Amazing photos Sonya! I love the last one, the colors of the sky and the textures are very inspiring. Norway looks lovely During the summer, I hope you enjoy each and every day!
    Valerie
    Everyday Inspired

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    1. Thank you Valerie! I hope the weather stays sunny and lovely! Greta summer to you too!

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  7. Now you're just teasing me with these photos, since I haven't been able to get to the coast as often as I'd like this year. ;o) GORGEOUS!! Next year I'm going to come visit and camp outside in your yard. ;o)

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    1. Oh, you are most definitely welcome. And, by the way, we have a cool VW van with a double bed inside, just an idea ;)

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    2. Oh, good lord, you just made my day! ;o) Heading to find best ticket prices on Expedia.com now! (Siiiiiigh, I wish! I can't wait until I can start doing traveling again!!)

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  8. Wow--Love the long exposure shots ! (or whatever it's called with the blur from the boats)

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    1. Yup, they are long exposure shots taken on Sankthans/summer solstice. Thank you!

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  9. Stunning photos! It's been hot and sticky here. The phrase "cool summer air" sounds magical to me! :)

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    1. Once you know Scandinavian summers there is no turning back to hot and sticky!

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  10. Replies
    1. By the way, there also was a photo of a flying fish that couldn't make it to the post today :)

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  11. Beautiful photography. Thank you so much for sharing!

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