Norway in Spring: Complete Travel Guide
Spring in Norway transforms the country into a wonderland of blooming fruit trees, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant green landscapes. If you're planning a trip to Norway, spring is the perfect time to visit. You'll enjoy mild weather, long daylight hours, and spectacular natural beauty that makes your Norwegian adventure truly memorable.
When is spring in Norway?
Norway's spring season runs from March through May. Each month offers different experiences. The time of year you choose depends on what you want to see during your Norwegian adventure.
March and April: Early spring
March and April mark the beginning of spring across most of Norway. The snow melts and creates dramatic waterfalls throughout the fjords region.
Southern Norway experiences milder temperatures first - ideal for exploring the Norwegian fjords without the summer crowds.
May: Peak spring beauty
May shows Norway at its most beautiful. The melting snow feeds countless waterfalls. Fruit trees display their stunning blossoms, especially in the fjord region.
In some regions, you'll enjoy up to 19 hours of daylight. This gives you more time to explore.
What makes spring the perfect time for a trip to Norway?
More daylight hours
One of spring's greatest advantages is the longer daylight hours. In May, Northern Norway has nearly 19 hours of daylight, while Bergen and Oslo enjoy 17-18 hours. This gives you plenty of time to explore fjords, hike mountain trails, and discover charming coastal towns. The longer days mean you can pack more adventures into your Norwegian journey.
Amazing natural beauty
Spring in Norway showcases nature at its most dramatic. The combination of melting snow, blooming fruit trees, and vibrant green landscapes creates perfect photo moments everywhere you look. The Norwegian fjords become stunning as waterfalls reach their peak flow from the melting snow in the mountains.
Fewer crowds, better prices
Visiting Norway in spring means avoiding the peak summer tourist season while still enjoying excellent weather. You'll find better availability for accommodations, tours, and activities. You'll also often pay lower prices than during the busy summer months.
Top spring destinations in Norway
From fjords to Arctic adventures
Western Norway: The heart of fjord Norway
Western Norway's fjords region transforms into a paradise during spring. The UNESCO World Heritage Nærøyfjord is one of the world's narrowest and most spectacular fjords.
The equally stunning Geirangerfjord showcases thundering waterfalls such as the famous Seven Sisters, which reach peak flow from melting snow.
Northern Norway: Arctic adventures
Northern Norway offers unique spring experiences you won't find anywhere else. Most of Norway gets warmer in spring. The Arctic regions stay cold and snowy. This gives you amazing dog sledding and Northern Lights tours during the darker hours.
Fjord cruises and water adventures
Spring is the ideal time to explore the Norwegian fjords by boat. The dramatic waterfalls created by melting snow make fjord cruises spectacular. Here are the best fjord experiences by region:
Nærøyfjord and Flåm - UNESCO beauty
The world's narrowest fjord offers incredible spring experiences from the charming village of Flåm.
Spring brings calm waters and mild weather to Nærøyfjord. The narrow UNESCO fjord walls create peaceful cruises with fewer crowds than in summer.
Travelers on the Norway in a Nutshell® tour will see the powerful Kjosfossen waterfall.
Norway in a Nutshell®
Our most popular spring tour. See dramatic fjords, ride famous trains, and enjoy stunning waterfalls. Everything you need in one amazing day.
"Great day, worth taking as it allows you to enjoy the fjords in springtime - the moment when snow and ice melt, creating hundreds of waterfalls. Absolutely impressive!" - Jesus Sotomayor, Norway in a Nutshell® traveler
More Nærøyfjord adventures:
- Kayaking tours through the UNESCO World Heritage Nærøyfjord
- RIB boat adventures for a thrilling waterfall perspective
- Fjord sauna experiences open all year round - take a plunge in the cold fjord water if you dare!
Sognefjord - Norway's longest fjord
Just beyond Nærøyfjord lies the majestic Sognefjord. It stretches 200 kilometers inland with dramatic spring landscapes.
Sognefjord comes alive in spring with cascading waterfalls and green hillsides. The combination of famous train rides and scenic cruises makes this perfect for spring exploration when weather is mild and waterfalls are at their peak.
Sognefjord in a Nutshell™
Experience Norway's longest fjord with famous train rides and scenic cruises. Add a night in Balestrand - the "Pearl of the Sognefjord.
More Sognefjord adventures:
- RIB tour to hidden Finnafjorden - roadless village with stunning views
- Fjord and glacier cruise with museum visit - experience Bøyabreen Glacier up close
- Local cider and food experience - traditional and local flavors in Balestrand
Geirangerfjord - Dramatic waterfalls
Home to the famous Seven Sisters waterfall, Geirangerfjord showcases spring's power.
The Seven Sisters waterfall reaches peak flow from melting snow, creating a thundering display that you'll hear before you see. Spring brings many more waterfalls to life as snow melts from the surrounding peaks.
More Geirangerfjord adventures:
- Peaceful kayaking tours through the UNESCO World Heritage fjord
- RIB boat adventures for a thrilling perspective of the waterfalls
Hardangerfjord: Blooming paradise
Known as the "Queen of the Fjords," this region offers stunning spring blossoms and waterfalls.
Hardangerfjord becomes famous for its fruit tree blossoms in spring. The combination of pink and white apple blossoms with traditional red houses creates perfect photo opportunities. Local orchards have been growing fruit here for over 700 years.
Hardangerfjord in a Nutshell™
Perfect for spring orchard walks and famous waterfalls. See blooming apple trees and dramatic cascades.
More Hardangerfjord adventures:
- Cider tours showcasing local apple traditions
Spring is the absolute best time of year for discovering spectacular waterfalls. The melting snow creates incredible displays perfect for fjord adventures.
From fjords to vibrant cities
Spring is the perfect time for a city break in Norway. You'll see outdoor cafes, blooming parks, and locals enjoying the warmer weather. Norwegian cities offer great spring experiences.
Oslo: Capital spring energy
Norway's capital comes alive in spring with blossoming parks and long daylight hours. Oslo offers great food, fascinating museums, and vibrant nightlife. The city is perfect for exploring parks and long daylight hours. You can enjoy walking tours through spring markets and festivals.
Bergen: Gateway to the fjords
Bergen's colorful wooden houses look amazing in spring. You can take city walking tours or ride the Fløibanen funicular up Mount Fløyen. Bergen is the perfect base for exploring the nearby fjords.
Cultural experiences
Spring brings special cultural celebrations to Norway. The biggest celebration is 17th of May National Day. You'll see parades with children in traditional costumes, families celebrating together, and lots of Norwegian flags. It's a happy, family-friendly celebration that shows Norway at its best.
You'll also discover the "utepils" culture in Norwegian cities. This means locals are enjoying their first outdoor drinks of the year. Join them at sidewalk cafes and experience the happy atmosphere as the warmer weather arrives.
Planning your spring trip to Norway
Best time to visit different regions
Western Norway and fjords (March-May): Ideal for dramatic waterfalls and fjord cruises. The coastal areas have mild weather, perfect for outdoor activities.
Bergen and Oslo (April-May): Great for city breaks with outdoor cafes and spring festivals. Bergen is your gateway to the fjords.
Northern Norway and the Arctic (March): Perfect for dog sledding, snowmobile adventures, and Northern Lights viewing. You'll experience true Arctic winter with excellent snow conditions.
Getting around and where to stay
Transportation: You can travel easily around Norway in spring. The Flåm Railway and Bergen Railway offer amazing spring views. Trains and buses run all year.
Hotels: Book early for May trips, especially around 17th of May National Day. Stay in Bergen for easy fjord access, or choose fjord-side hotels to wake up to waterfall views.
Weather and what to pack
Spring weather in Norway varies significantly depending on where you visit. Southern Norway sees mild temperatures ranging from 5-15°C (41-59°F). Northern Norway can still have snow and freezing temperatures. This is especially true in the Arctic Circle regions.
Pack these essentials:
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm layers (fleece or wool)
- Comfortable hiking boots
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
The key to enjoying spring in Norway is layering. The weather can change quickly in the mountains and fjords region.
Why spring is perfect for your Norwegian adventure
Spring in Norway gives you the best of everything. You can explore stunning fjords and waterfalls in Western Norway.
Enjoy vibrant city breaks in Bergen and Oslo. Or experience unique Arctic adventures in Northern Norway. Spring offers stunning landscapes with perfect travel conditions - no summer crowds, amazing weather, and incredible experiences.
Ready to experience the magic of spring in Norway? Explore our complete collection of spring tours and activities and start planning your incredible Norwegian spring adventure.
Get inspired!
Looking for inspiration for your next trip? Dive into all things Norwegian, from the Northern lights, to famous movie locations and delicious culinary delights.
Norway´s famous fjords
It’s no secret that Norway is famous for its magnificent fjords. No trip to Norway would be complete without a visit to one of the world-famous fjords! We’ve put together a list of the most famous and beautiful fjords Norway has to offer, so you can plan your next trip to our fair land.
Sognefjord in a Nutshell™ highlights
The Ledleys experienced Flåm and the famous Norwegian fjords on their visit to Norway. This is the very best experiences on the Sognefjord in a Nutshell tour.
The Flåm Railway - one of the world's best train journeys
Lonely Planet named it the best train journey in the world. Norway's Flåm Railway is a truly unique experience of breathtaking nature and quaint fjord villages. "It's so powerful and dramatic," says Audrey Olson, who experienced the train journey as part of the Sognefjord in a Nutshell tour.
A fjord for everyone
It seems like everywhere you look in Norway, there is another amazing fjord full of dazzling sights and experiences. With over 1,100 fjords throughout the country, even most locals have not seen them all. But, when you visit Norway, going on a fjord safari is an absolute must since they are such a big part of the country’s identity.