✝️ Skjærtorsdag in Norway: the start of a long Easter weekend — what's open and how to get there 🐇
Skjærtorsdag (Maundy Thursday) is an official public holiday in Norway. On this day, a "holiday silence" (helligdagsfred) is in effect, and on Saturday, Påskeaften, from 4 p.m., there are early closures and additional restrictions. Most shops are closed (there are exceptions), Vinmonopolet is closed, and transport runs on holiday schedules. Plan your trips to the mountains and return tickets in advance.
Actual hours and schedules vary by network and municipality. Before your visit, check the "hours" for your specific location and your carrier's website.
| Category | Status | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Supermarkets | Mostly closed | Law restricts trade on holidays; exceptions for kiosks, petrol stations, “small” shops (~100 m²), tourist spots |
| Vinmonopolet | Closed | Always closed on public holidays; reduced hours on Easter Saturday (check locally) |
| Restaurants/cafés | Limited | Some open with reduced hours & special menus; reservations recommended |
| Museums/culture | Select | Individual schedules — check the museum’s website/poster |
| Public transport | Holiday/weekend schedule | Many cities run “Sunday routes”; check with local operator |
Transport: city, trains, airports and roads
Public transport. In most regions, a holiday/Sunday schedule is in effect on Skjærtorsdag and during Easter. Examples: Skyss (Bergen/Vestland) publishes a separate page called "Helligdager og ferie"; in Oslo, see Ruter → "Rutetabeller/Avvik".
Trains (Vy). There are often fewer departures during Easter, and some destinations run on a special schedule; infrastructure work (replacement by buses) is possible. Check the Vy page for holiday/Easter changes.
Airports (Avinor) and Flytoget. Airports are usually busy before Easter; operators advise allowing extra time for security checks and checking flight/transport status in advance.
Roads and mountain passes. Traffic jams are common on the eve of Easter (especially on Wednesday) and at the end of the holiday period. Keep an eye on Vegvesen trafikk, the status of fjelloverganger (mountain passes), webcams and warnings/traffic jams in the Statens vegvesen app.
Mountains and the cabin: a checklist for long weekends
Plan and safety
● Check the weather forecast (Yr) and avalanche warnings (Varsom), follow the fjellvettreglene (DNT/Red Cross guidelines).
● Tell someone your route and when you plan to return; keep your phone/power bank warm.
Equipment and daily necessities
● Basic kit: food/water for 24–48 hours, thermos, first aid kit, headlamp, sunscreen/sunglasses, hygiene items.
● For snow/ice: studded tyres, shovel/scraper, trekking poles, wax/lubricant for skis.
● For cars: winter tyres in good condition, brush/scraper, chargers, check the status of mountain passes (fjelloverganger) before departure.
Remote working
● Internet coverage varies; plan your connection/power points in advance.
● Plan calls for the middle of the day (morning skiing/travel is fine).
"Quiet routes" in cities (to relax)
● Oslo: Bygdøy waterfront, Sognsvann loop, Ekebergparken sculptures.
● Bergen: city trails on Fløyen (family loops), Nygårdsparken and Bryggen in the morning.
● Trondheim: coastal Ladestien, Ila–Bakklandet with the Gamle Bybro bridge.
● Tromsø: Prestvannet lake, Skansen–Telegrafbukta waterfront.
● Stavanger: Mosvannet, Sørmarka, evening at Vågen.
Tip: many cafés/bakeries along these routes have reduced opening hours — have a plan B.
Where to find open places without reservations
● Coffee shops/bakeries in residential areas and near parks.
● Hotels (lobby bars/cafés) — often open on public holidays.
● Home-cooked dinner: takeaway sets/delivery the day before departure.
● Check the Sunday opening hours and availability of cafes at museums with children's areas.
FAQ
Generally, no: this is an official holiday with restrictions on trade. There are legal exceptions (mini-markets up to ~100 m², kiosks, petrol stations, etc.). Look for "Sunday open" locations in your municipality.
No, Vinmonopolet is closed on public holidays. On Saturday, Påskeaften, there are reduced opening hours — check the opening hours of your local store in advance.
Most often, public transport runs according to holiday/Sunday schedules; check with your operator's website (e.g., Ruter/Oslo, Skyss/Bergen). Night buses run according to a separate schedule.
Vy may operate reduced flights and carry out engineering work during Easter — please check the special pages and notifications. Airports are busy during peak days — allow extra time for security checks and flight status checks.
The heaviest traffic is usually on the Wednesday before Skjærtorsdag and on the days after the holidays. Before travelling, check Vegvesen trafikk, cameras and the status of mountain passes (fjelloverganger).
Yes, but assess the weather/snow conditions, avalanche risk (Varsom) and follow the fjellvett rules (DNT/Red Cross). In thaws, choose forest/lowland routes.
Some are open on Sunday hours, some are closed. Check the website of the specific venue and the city poster.
