June brings the beginning of summer to Norway, making it a highly anticipated month. From holiday pay and school breaks to possible law changes, here is everything you should have on your radar heading into June.
The annual holiday pay payout
In June, workers across Norway usually receive their holiday pay (feriepenger), which many look forward to each year.
Normally, your regular salary is replaced in June by holiday pay you earned last year. This is usually 10.2 percent or 12 percent of your 2025 earnings.
The exact basis for the holiday pay is usually stated on your payslip.
Feriepenger is not subject to withholding tax if it is paid out the year after it was earned (with some exceptions), making it a significant financial boost for residents right before the summer season kicks off.
School summer holidays
The last day of the school year across much of Norway will be Friday, June 19th, and kids won’t return until a new school year begins on Monday, August 17th.
However, the exact dates may differ slightly depending on the region, since municipalities can set their own school calendar.
Summer solstice
Sunday, June 21st, will mark the summer solstice in Norway.
In most parts of Norway, you can expect it to remain light hours past midnight. From that day forward, the days in Norway will gradually get shorter until the winter solstice in December.
While the longest days of the year can make it hard to sleep if you don’t have a curtain or blind, the extra light is perfect for activities like hiking and jogging after a long day at work. Longer trips are also possible as it won’t get dark quite as soon.
The sun will be visible between June 12th and July 1st as the clock strikes midnight in the Arctic Circle.
In Bodø, the midnight sun is visible between June 4th and July 8th.
The sun is visible in parts of Norway as the Earth rotates on a tilted axis relative to the sun. The North Pole is angled towards the star, meaning the sun never sets.
READ MORE: What you need to know about the midnight sun in Norway
Deadline to negotiate the revised national budget
The government first presented the revised 2026 budget to parliament on Tuesday, May 12th. This update adjusts the financial plan from late 2025 to reflect the current economy, and changing national priorities.
The coalition parties must reach an agreement by June 15th before the budget proceeds to open debate. The final deadline for formal adoption is June 19th, marking the last session of the Storting before the summer recess.
Some of the main topics for debate this month include changes to electricity bills, lower taxes for pensioners, and other measures.
Because it is a minority government, these negotiations are expected to be highly contested, particularly as other parties push to prioritise different issues.
READ MORE: What does Norway’s revised 2026 budget mean for you?
Ongoing wage negotiations and strike threats
This year’s collective wage negotiations (lønnsoppgjøret) for Norway’s state and municipal sectors are still uncertain for some industries.
Although the final mediation stages were planned for the end of May, there are still unresolved conflicts on the table.
As a result, it is still unclear if there will be widespread strikes in June.
For example, the airline SAS and the union have not yet reached an agreement. After talks broke down, official mediation is set to begin on June 22nd. If the parties do not reach a compromise before the midnight deadline on June 23rd, a strike will begin at the airline on June 24th.
READ MORE: Key dates: When will know the outcome of Norway’s wage negotiations this year?
READ ALSO: What Norway’s 2026 wage settlement means for you
Iconic mountain roads reopen
In June, many of Norway’s famous scenic routes and mountain passes reopen to traffic after being closed for the winter.
While a few lower routes open in May, iconic stretches like Gamle Strynefjellsveg (County Road 258) are not expected to open until mid-June, specifically 10th June at the earliest, out of concern for the local wild reindeer populations.
Aurlandsfjellet, also called the “Snow Road,” crosses the mountains between Aurland and Lærdal. It usually opens fully in early to mid-June. In normal years, drivers can use it from June 1st until about October 15th.
Salmon rivers to open
Salmon rivers in Norway will open for the season during June. The exact opening date may vary from area to area. The salmon season will then run until the end of August.
Norway is considered by many to have some of the world’s finest salmon fishing rivers. Those looking to fish must make sure they pay both for the fishing licence and the local fishing fee.