Thinking about experiencing Norway outside the high season? Then you can start looking forward to it already. Autumn brings a whole string of wonderful experiences – and as an extra bonus, you can often get your holiday at lower prices than during the summer season.
In this article, we've gathered 10 great reasons to visit our beautiful neighbouring country in the autumn.
1. Fewer crowds at the big natural attractions
Do you dream of standing on top of Preikestolen, hiking to the dizzying Kjeragbolten by the Lysefjord, or looking out over Bergen from Fløyen or Ulriken? In autumn, you'll find noticeably fewer visitors – and with that, more space and peace to enjoy the walk and the view. Preikestolen, for example, sees by far the most visitors in June and July, which is peak tourist season across most of Europe.
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2. The only jams you'll run into are... moose jams
Traffic in Norway is generally less affected by congestion than in, say, Germany, no matter when you visit. Queues can still build up during peak season, for instance if your route takes you close to the big cities or involves ferry crossings over some of the western Norwegian fjords. Outside the season, you'll rarely run into congestion – unless a few moose cows and their calves decide to cross the road and bring traffic to a brief halt.
3. Fewer crowds at museums and other attractions
Do you prefer to take your time and soak up the exhibits and the atmosphere when you visit a museum? Then you can safely set your sights on Norway in autumn. There's usually plenty of space and calm to explore at your own pace here, whether you're delving into Grieg's life at his home, Troldhaugen, near Bergen, or watching steam trains and hundred-year-old carriages on the Setesdalsbanen, Norway's longest heritage railway, just outside Kristiansand.
Photo: Frida Neverdal / Visit Sørlandet
4. Nature bursts with fruit and autumn colours
Autumn in the Norwegian countryside is something special. You can go picking blueberries, lingonberries and maybe the odd rare cloudberry – but even better is a hike in the high mountains around, say, Hovden, Rauland or Vrådal, where the heather puts on a striking display of reds, yellows and oranges that ripple around you.
5. It's easier to find accommodation in sought-after spots
Do you dream of staying at one of the wonderfully charming historic hotels found across Norway's beautiful landscape? Your chances of getting a room are often better outside the high season, when the popular places to stay can be hard to book.
The same goes for campsites in especially good locations, or spots in nature that are particularly well suited to motorhome parking.
6. Prices are lower than in high season
Just as at home, many accommodation prices in Norway edge up during high season. That means you'll often find cabins and holiday apartments, as well as hotel rooms, at really good prices if you travel outside the high season – especially if you're also able to travel on weekdays rather than weekends.
And just as with accommodation prices in Norway, the prices on our own crossings are naturally also driven by supply and demand – so they too tend to be lower outside the high season. It's also worth keeping an eye on both our package deals and our Low Fare Calendar – there might be a good offer for exactly your travel dates.
Foto: Visit Bergen / Casper Steinsland - visitBergen.com
7. The starry sky stands out more clearly above you
In Norway's high mountain areas, such as around Hovden, Rauland and Vrådal, towns are often far apart and light pollution is minimal. That makes for really good conditions to take in the starry sky above you as you sit by the cabin or your accommodation on a clear autumn evening.
8. A chance to see the northern lights
And speaking of the sky – there's also a chance to see the northern lights in the Norwegian autumn sky, especially from the dark high mountain areas of Agder and Telemark. Your chances improve the further north you go, but even here in southern Norway you might get lucky and catch the beautiful display of colour if a solar storm hits while you're in the country.
9. Taste the local specialities
In autumn, Norwegian restaurants are bursting with freshly harvested, local produce. The fruit harvest is in, jams and compotes are made from nature's delicious berries, and game and lamb served with new potatoes, carrots and chanterelles feature high on the menus as the calendar moves towards September and October.
Plenty of these treats can be enjoyed at restaurants and cafés, but also keep an eye out for the many small farm shops you'll pass along the way – a great chance to bring home some local goodies.
10. Wonderful experiences all year round
Beyond its great outdoors, Norway also offers a range of experiences that can be enjoyed all year round. A visit to Heddal Stave Church in Telemark, Norway's largest stave church and not far from Rauland and Vrådal, works just as well in spring or autumn – and if the weather's good in summer, it feels almost a shame to spend a day of your summer holiday in a museum or historic building. Both in the bigger cities and the smaller holiday towns around Norway, there's often plenty of exciting, fun or educational indoor activities that both kids and adults will love, no matter what time of year you visit them.
Foto: Vegard Aasen / VERI Media / FjordNorge
Plan your autumn trip to Norway with Fjord Line
Start your autumn adventure with a comfortable crossing to Norway with Fjord Line from Hirtshals. With fewer tourists, lower prices and nature bursting with the colours of autumn, it's the perfect time to explore Norway's beautiful landscapes and cultural treasures.
