From puffins to powerful waterfalls: Spring in Møre og Romsdal

Thundering waterfalls

Spring is waterfall season in the Norwegian fjords. As the snow melts, powerful waterfalls come alive with full force. You can hear them before you see them - a deep roar that echoes through the valleys and fjords.

5 waterfalls you can't miss

• The Seven Sisters: Nestled in the iconic Geirangerfjord, these seven waterfalls cascade 250 meters into the fjord, creating a fairytale-like landscape. 
• Storsæterfossen: Take the scenic Fosseråsa trail to walk behind the curtain of this majestic waterfall – a unique and immersive experience. 
• Mardalsfossen: One of Europe’s tallest waterfalls, accessible from late June. Its roaring beauty is an unmissable highlight. 
• Åmotan: A dramatic confluence of rivers near Sunndal, where several waterfalls merge into one breathtaking gorge. A hike here offers stunning views of nature’s raw power. 
• Vinnufossen: One of the world's highest waterfall at 845 metres, comes to life in late spring, cascading down the mountainside like a bridal veil at its fullest.

Getting close

Join a guided waterfall walk to Storsæterfossen, or take a fjord cruise or fjord safari in Geiranger for the best views of the Seven Sisters waterfall. For a peaceful moment, find a quiet spot by one of the many waterfalls in Sunndal valley. For those travelling direction Molde towards the summer, Mardalsfossen, one of Europe’s tallest waterfalls, comes alive in late June, offering a spectacle of sound and mist that is well worth the wait.

Fjord adventures & fjord cruises

Spring transforms our fjords into a world of contrasts. Snow-capped peaks mirror in calm waters, while fresh waterfalls create nature's own soundtrack. This is when the UNESCO fjord Geiranger shows its most dramatic colors, and all the hidden fjord gems welcome you to unique experiences.

Must-try fjord experiences:

• Village hopping in Hjørundfjord: Visit the swing at Trandal, go hiking in Urke, check in at Hotel Union Øye or at Sagafjord Hotel in Sæbø.
• Kayaking in Romsdalsfjord or take the Romsdalen gondola to the top of Nesaksla surrounded by towering, majestic mountains.
• Explore Tafjord: A hidden gem near Reinheimen National Park.
• Beauty of blooming nature: Svinviks Arboret with 375 varieties of rhododendrons in a colorful spectacle.
• Explore the Geirangerfjord: Kayak, hiking or join a fjord safari.
• Join a e-bike tour and explore the charming fjord town Molde or bike and hike with paroramic views over Valldal.

Taste of spring

Spring brings new flavours to our region. As nature awakens, farmers prune fruit trees and tend orchards before they start blooming, preparing for a rich harvest. Apple blossoms hint at delicious cider, while fresh greens mark the start of the season. This is when flavours are born, ready to be enjoyed all year.

Chefs from around the world come to the region for fresh seafood, world-champion cheese from Tingvoll and Skarbø, and the flavours of local fruit farms. Friendly hosts offer tours, tastings, and visits to their farm shops.

Spring arrives first at the coast

While mountain peaks still wear their winter white, our coastal paths and fishing villages welcome the new season. Runde bird island is a haven for over 230 bird species, with colorful puffins arriving around April 1st and staying until August. These fascinating parrot-looking seabirds nest on the dramatic cliffs. Skilled nature guides are ready to take you on a puffin safari. Further north, on the island Smøla, you'll find the world's densest population of nesting sea eagles, offering a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see these majestic birds in their natural habitat.

Join these wildlife experiences

• Runde bird island: Home to 230 bird species. Join guided puffin safaris for close encounters with these colorful seabirds. Perfect for nature photographers and birdenthusiasts.
• Smøla sea eagle safari: Experience the world's highest density of nesting sea eagles. Professional guides take you to the best spotting locations.
• Wildlife sea safari: join an action filled wildlife sea safari to look for seals, eagles and puffins.
• Seal safari with snorkel: Boat trip to a seal colony where you can observe or snorkel with the seals by the Atlantic road.

Island gems

From the bustling charm of Veiholmen at the ocean's edge to Norway's southernmost living fishing village Ona, our coastal communities tell stories of maritime heritage. Each village offers its own unique character: Veiholmen's lively harbor life, Ona's quaint charm, and Grip's rich history.

Do as the locals do: Visit early spring to combine wildlife watching with hiking. The coastal paths are usually snow-free while mountain trails might still be winter-bound.

Try these walks

• Midsundtrappene: Hike the stone steps to panoramic views.
• Hakalletrappa stairway: Coastal climb with fjord view.
• Jørgenvågsalen: Climb the iconic peaks on the coast of Tustna.
• Godøy island and Alnes: Coastal hikes with fjord and ocean views.
• Aukra: Quiet coastal trail or experience the large meadow of daffodils.
• Giske and Vigra islands: Easy beach walks near Ålesund.
• Farstadsanden and Nordneset coastal path: Family-friendly coastal walk.
  

Getting here and around

You can fly from Amsterdam, Gdansk, Copenhagen, Alicante and London directly to Ålesund, the Art Nouveau and Adventure Capital of the Fjords. From Bergen and Oslo, there are direct flights to Ålesund, Molde, Kristiansund and Ørsta-Volda airports. Or take the train from Oslo or Trondheim to Åndalsnes. The public coastal routes, Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages connect Bergen with Torvik and the seaside towns of Ålesund, Molde and Kristiansund. In Kristiansund, an express boat connects the region to Trondheim.

Best time to visit during the spring

• Spring season: March to June.
• Peak waterfall season: Mid May to mid July.
• Puffin season: Early April to beginning of August.