🌿 Palmesøndag in Norway: the perfect start to påskeferie — when to leave and what to take 🚗

Hero — "Start your pakkeferie: the best time to leave and what to take"

Norway's Palmesøndag (Palm Sunday) is an amazing time of year! Not only is it a church holiday, but it also marks the start of the fantastic Easter holidays. City dwellers jump on their skis and thermos flasks and head for their cabins (hytter) and the coast, while tourists opt for the best of both worlds with a quieter city break. Get ready for the best day ever! You'll have plenty of time to set off without the rush, grab the best spots and check in advance what services are open over Easter. This article is jam-packed with useful information to make your trip as smooth as possible. You'll find out the best times to leave, how to choose the perfect tickets, and a detailed route planner. There's even a checklist for your car and cabin, plus a handy table showing what's open on Sundays. And if you have any questions about parking at ski resorts, shops or transport, you'll find all the answers here!

"Departure" on Palmesøndag: traffic peaks and best windows

The main traffic flows are in the morning before noon (families start early) and after 3 p.m. (those who have time for brunch/shopping). For a more relaxed journey, choose an early departure between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. or after 6:30 p.m., when the city thins out. If travelling by train, book your seats in advance and make sure you board at the door of the right carriage — this will save you time when changing trains. If travelling by car, check the roadworks/passes map, plan your fuel/coffee breaks and have an alternative route in case of local traffic congestion.

Checklist: road, children, cabin, snow

● Route and communication: offline maps, chargers/power banks, car cable, phone holder.

● Car and weather: winter tyres/chains, brush/scraper, antifreeze, torch/reflectors.

● Safety in the mountains: layers of clothing, sunglasses/sunscreen, thermos, snacks with fast carbohydrates, first aid kit.

● For children: spare mittens/socks, blanket, snow games, headphones/book.

● Cabin (hytta): basic food items, candles/matches, charger for router/modem, long extension cord, board games.

● Little things that save the day: cash for parking/toilet, rubbish bag, wet wipes, mini tool kit.

Quick reminder: pack some warmth, light and a little chocolate — it will make the journey easier.

When is the best time to leave the city on Palmesøndag to avoid traffic jams?

The smoothest times to travel are very early in the morning (7–9 a.m.) and after 6:30 p.m. In the middle of the day, there are more frequent "small traffic jams" at exits and junctions to popular destinations. If you need to travel by public transport, look for Sunday flights with the fewest changes. If necessary, take an earlier train so you don't have to worry about it being crowded. If you're travelling by car, plan for 20–30 minutes for coffee stops, toilet breaks and changing routes.

Is it a good idea to travel on Saturday evening instead of Palm Sunday?

Yes, if you like quiet roads and early starts. Saturday evenings are often quieter, so you can relax in your cabin and hit the slopes/trails on Sunday. The only problem is that some shops close earlier, and on påskeaften (the following Saturday) there is helligdagsfred from 4pm — so this is important to think about for your return journey/shopping. Look at how much different tickets cost and check if there are any left if you are going to a hotel or campsite.

Planning your train journey on Palmesøndag? We can help you choose the best seats and tickets.

Buy your ticket in advance and choose direct routes or transfers that have a 10-15 minute wait. If you are travelling with your family, book seats next to each other and check the carriages are marked 'quiet' or 'family'. It is useful to keep offline ticket codes and find out in advance where the doors of the desired carriage are on the station display board. On popular routes (to the mountains/fjords), there are more passengers around midday; it's usually quieter in the morning.

What about parking at ski resorts and popular trails?

By midday, all the parking spaces are full. Arrive early, choose official sites, and do not park on narrow roads. Check how you will pay: app, parking meter or cash. If you are on a windy plateau, park your car so that it is facing away from the wind and make sure that you do not block any emergency access routes. On the way back, avoid the "rush hour" (3–4 p.m.), when everyone leaves the ridges/lifts at the same time.

Which shops and Vinmonopolet are open on Palmesøndag?

This Sunday, some supermarkets are open for shorter hours, and Vinmonopolet is closed. Restaurants and cafés are open but not all of them. Museums are often open on Sundays. If you haven't had time to buy something, check out the shops at train stations and petrol stations. To be on the safe side, check the opening hours of a particular location and plan your shopping before you leave so you don't waste time during rush hour.

Are there any differences between airports and Flytoget/buses on Palmesøndag?

Schedules are arranged in the same way as on Sundays. There are more people in the morning and evening because of the holidays when people are travelling to and from their homes. Get to the airport well before the plane is due to leave, because you can't be sure how long the security checks will take and what the weather will be like. Compare trains/express trains/city buses — sometimes the city route is almost as fast but cheaper. When you're planning the return journey, check if the night interval has changed.

I'm going to the cabin and want to combine my holiday with remote work. What should I consider on Palm Sunday?

Look at a map to see if there is any coverage at your address. You can find a map online. Also, take a spare modem or SIM card with you. Keep an extension cord, a power strip and a power bank in the cabin, and agree with your family on "quiet slots" for phone calls. When you're travelling, make sure you have access to your documents and routes offline. This way, you won't need to rely on internet connection when you're in the mountains. If you are planning to work on Monday and Tuesday, arrive in Palmesøndag early so that you have a day to get yourself settled in.

What should you pack for a trip to the Norwegian mountains in spring?

The spring sun is strong, and the snow is dangerous. You will need SPF 30+ sun cream, protective glasses, lip balm, a light hat or buff, gloves, layers of thermal, fleece and wind protection, and spare socks. Wear wool socks for your feet. Put the following things in your backpack: a thermos, quick snacks, a mini first aid kit, a map (paper/offline), a headlamp, and a whistle. Make sure you check the avalanche warnings and weather reports before you go out.

Travelling with children: how to make the journey comfortable?

Plan a route that goes round in circles, with short breaks often: WC/swings/snow. Take a thermos flask with cocoa, spare mittens and "pocket games" (like stickers, pencils and a book). Plan to start no later than 9:00 a.m. — it's easier to do the early miles in the morning. Go to museums and cafes when they open to avoid waiting. In car parks, keep your child with you and use reflectors.

What about tickets for ferries and buses?

In spring, there is more demand at around noon on weekends. Buy your tickets before you travel and arrive a little earlier than the boarding time. When booking a ferry, check if you need to book in advance for your car and if you can get a discount for using a card. If it's windy, you might need to make changes to your journey. Have a backup plan (like a detour or a later flight) and listen to the airline's updates.

What city plans are suitable if I'm not going to the mountains?

Put together a "micro-day": On Sunday, we had brunch, then went to a small museum or art gallery. After that, we went for a walk along the waterfront and visited a fortress. Then we got some coffee to go. Or a "family" version: a children's exhibition + a park with a playground + hot chocolate. In the evening, add a homemade meal (like pasta or soup), unpack your backpack and prepare lists for Skjærtorsdag– påskeaften.

Are there any reminders for the week ahead?

Yes, on fredag (Saturday), helligdagsfred (public holiday) is in effect from 4 p.m. — shops close earlier, and loud activities are restricted. Plan your shopping and route in advance. On the first and second day of the Easter holidays, buses and trains run according to the normal holiday schedule. Make sure you check flights and parking for the return journey.

Palmesøndag (the Sunday before Easter) is the perfect time to visit Norway. The roads are not too busy, the cities are calm, and you can already feel the excitement of the mountains, sun and fresh snow. Choose when you want to go, pack a well-thought-out backpack and leave some space for spontaneity — that's how the best Easter stories are born. I hope your Palmesøndag is warm and well organised, and that the rest of the week is easy and safe.

Please share your thoughts in the comments! If you have interesting photos, personal experiences or questions about the topic of the article, please leave a comment. We will definitely reply, because we are making the most popular and useful blog about Norway!