10 great reasons to travel to Norway in the autumn
Tired of traffic jams and crowded attractions? Then travel to Norway off-season, enjoy the space, and have some truly special experiences to boot.
Are you considering visiting Norway outside of the peak season? Then you have every reason to be excited. Autumn offers a wealth of wonderful experiences – and as an added bonus, you can often enjoy your holiday at a lower cost than during the summer months.
In this article, we’ve gathered 10 great reasons to visit our beautiful neighbouring country in the autumn.
Foto: I am nordic / VisitSouthernNorway
1. Fewer Crowds at Major Natural Attractions
Dreaming of visiting the North Cape, standing atop Preikestolen, taking a ride on the Flåm Railway, or gazing out over Bergen from Fløyen or Ulriken? You’ll find that there are fewer visitors in the autumn – meaning more space and peace to enjoy the journey and the views. For example, Preikestolen sees the most visitors in June and July, which are the peak tourist months for most of Europe.
2. The Only Queues You’ll Encounter Are… Elk Queues
Traffic in Norway is generally less congested than in, say, Germany, regardless of when you visit. However, you might still encounter queues during the peak season, especially if you drive a route that takes you close to major cities or involves ferry crossings over some of the western fjords. Outside of the season, you’ll rarely experience congestion – unless, of course, a couple of elk with their calves decide to cross the road and hold up traffic for a moment.
3. Less Crowding at Museums and Other Attractions
Do you prefer to take your time when exploring museums, enjoying the works and the atmosphere? Then head to Norway in the autumn. There’s usually plenty of space and calm to delve into exhibits, whether you’re discovering Munch’s fascinating works at the Munch Museum in Oslo or exploring Grieg’s life at his home, Troldhaugen, near Bergen.
Foto: VisitOSLO / Didrick Stenersen
4. Nature Bursting with Fruit and Autumn Colours
Autumn in the Norwegian countryside is something special. You can go berry picking for blueberries, lingonberries, and perhaps even a rare cloudberry or two. Even more spectacular is hiking in the highlands, where the heather offers an extraordinary palette of red, yellow, and orange hues that ripple around you.
5. It’s Easier to Find Accommodation at Popular Spots
Dreaming of staying at one of the charming historic hotels nestled in Norway’s beautiful landscapes? You’re more likely to secure a room outside of the peak season when it can be tough to get a spot at popular accommodations.
The same goes for campsites with particularly good locations or places in nature that are ideal for parking a campervan.
6. Prices Are Lower Than in Peak Season
Just like at home, many accommodation prices in Norway see a hike during the peak season. Conversely, this means you can often find cabins, holiday apartments, and hotel rooms at very reasonable rates if you travel off-season – especially if you’re able to travel on weekdays rather than weekends.
And just like accommodation prices, our ferry fares are also influenced by supply and demand – and are typically lower outside of peak season. Remember to keep an eye on our package deals and low-price calendar – you might just find some great offers for your chosen travel dates.
Foto: Visit Bergen / Casper Steinsland - visitBergen.com
7. The Night Sky Becomes More Visible Above You
In Norway, cities are often far apart, and you’ll frequently find good spots near your accommodation where light pollution is minimal. This offers excellent conditions for stargazing – and you might even spot the International Space Station, where Danish astronaut Andreas Mogensen will be looking down on you in the autumn of 2023.
8. Opportunity to See the Northern Lights
Speaking of the sky, there’s also a chance to see the Northern Lights in the Norwegian autumn sky. The further north you go, the greater your chances, but you could even catch a glimpse of this beautiful display in Southern Norway if a solar storm hits while you’re in the country.
9. Taste the Local Specialities
In the autumn, Norwegian eateries are brimming with freshly harvested local produce. The fruit harvest is in, jams and compotes are made from nature’s delicious berries, and game meat and lamb with new potatoes, carrots, and chanterelles feature prominently on the menus when the calendar turns to September and October.
These delights can be enjoyed at restaurants and cafés, but also keep an eye out for the many small farm shops along your route – they’re great places to pick up local treats to take home.
10. Wonderful Experiences All Year Round
In addition to the stunning natural beauty, Norway also offers a range of experiences that can be enjoyed year-round. For example, a visit to a historic stave church is just as worthwhile in spring or autumn – and if the weather is nice in the summer, it’s almost a shame to spend a day at a museum or historical building during your holiday. Both in the larger cities and in smaller holiday towns across Norway, there are often plenty of exciting, fun, or educational indoor activities that both young and old will love, no matter when you visit.
Foto: Vegard Aasen / VERI Media / FjordNorge
Plan Your Autumn Trip to Norway with Fjord Line
Begin your autumn adventure with a comfortable ferry ride to Norway with Fjord Line from Hirtshals. With fewer tourists, lower prices, and nature bursting with autumn colours, it’s the perfect time to explore Norway’s beautiful landscapes and cultural treasures.
Check out our current offers on crossings and package deals, and start planning your next autumn trip today!