When is the best time to visit the Norwegian fjords?
Seasons, road openings, rain and crowds in Fjord Norway.
Short answer
Late May to September is the easiest time to visit the Norwegian fjords, as mountain roads such as Trollstigen are open and days are long. Visit Norway suggests early June or September for the route between Geiranger and Trollstigen, to avoid the heaviest traffic. The fjords stay free of ice in winter, and ferries run all year.
Why
- Nasjonale turistveger, run by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen), says Trollstigen is usually closed in October and reopens in May, while the stretch from Langvatnet to Geiranger usually closes in November.
- In the 1991–2020 normal, May is Bergen's driest month with 109 mm of precipitation, and December the wettest with 290 mm.
- Visit Norway says electric ferries and other ferry services operate all year round.
Details
Opening dates vary: in earlier years Trollstigen has reopened between 29 April and 12 June and closed between 5 October and 7 December. Each season looks different: fruit trees blossom along the Hardangerfjord in May, and in winter the peaks are snow-capped and mist lies over the water. Most visitors come in summer, and Gudvangen, Flåm and Geiranger are among the most popular cruise ports in Northern Europe. Fjord Tours, the company behind Norway in a Nutshell, runs the tour all year.
Tip
Check the road status with Statens vegvesen before you drive: for a while after opening, Trollstigen can be closed at night and in bad weather, and it may also close at short notice because of heavy rain or rockslides.
What may differ
In winter, Trollstigen and the toll road up to Dalsnibba are closed, but Ørnevegen to Geiranger stays open all year, and fjord cruises run on the Geirangerfjord and the Lysefjord.
Common misconception
The fjords freeze over in winter.
What actually happens
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the fjords usually stay free of ice and the shorelines often remain bare, according to Visit Norway.
People also ask
- When should I visit the Norwegian fjords?
- What is the best month to see the fjords?
Sources
- Norwegian Scenic Route Geiranger and TrollstigenChecked at:
- Visit Norway: Scenic route Geiranger and TrollstigenChecked at:
- Visit Norway: The Norwegian fjordsChecked at:
- Yr: Weather statistics for Bergen (Florida station)Checked at:
- Fjord Tours: Norway in a NutshellChecked at:
Opening dates for roads and tours can change, so check Statens vegvesen and the tour operator before you travel.
Choosing the best time to visit NorwayRelated questions
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What does 'there is no bad weather, only bad clothing' mean in Norway?
The saying means that bad weather is no reason to stay indoors, because the right clothes let you enjoy being outside in rain, wind or cold.
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Do I need sunscreen in Norway?
Yes, you need sunscreen in Norway, especially in spring and summer, on snow in the mountains and on the water, where reflection makes UV radiation stronger.
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Do I need ice grips (brodder) on my shoes in a Norwegian winter?
Ice grips, called brodder in Norwegian, are worth packing for a winter trip, because temperatures around freezing often leave pavements and paths icy.
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What shoes should I bring to Norway?
Bring sturdy shoes that handle rain and rough paths, and in winter warm boots with room for wool socks and a good grip on ice.