The best activities to experience the Norwegian fjords
The fjords can be experienced up close or admired from afar. Here are some tips for the very best fjord experience!
When is the best time to visit the fjords?
Last updated: 30.01.2024
HM Queen Sonja’s panoramic hiking trail in Hardanger |© Visit Hardangerfjord/Simon Sjøkvist
Many would say that spring and summer are the best times to visit the Norwegian fjords, but the autumn and winter months also offer great fjord experiences.
High season: summer is ideal for fjord cruises and outdoor activities
The summer months are the ideal time to visit the Norwegian fjords. The temperature is pleasant, the mountainsides are green and lush, and there are lots of different activities and attractions to choose from. Remember that even in summer, it's a good idea to be prepared for changing weather – especially if you're heading for the mountains. If you want to avoid the crowds, you can explore lesser-known fjord arms in our region. Also, see our overview of the best fjord cruises in Norway!
Spring: nature awakens!
Huge waterfalls cascading down the mountainsides towards the fjord, fruit trees starting to blossom, nature reawakening: spring is a wonderful season to visit the fjords. The weather can be rather unpredictable, so pack for all seasons, but you will get to see the fjords without the crowds, and the prices may be a little lower outside peak season. If you’re lucky, you will experience Fjord Norway bathed in sunshine, with snow on the mountaintops, buds bursting into flower and it will be warm enough to enjoy a fjord cruise on deck. Spring is the season of joy in Fjord Norway!
Autumn: fantastic colour palette and the perfect time for hiking in the mountains
The mountainsides clad in beautiful autumn colours, red, orange and yellow, are a great backdrop for experiences around or on the fjord. The days are getting shorter and the temperatures lower, but the crowds are getting smaller too. There may be a dusting of snow on the mountain peaks, making a great contrast to the autumn colours. Early autumn is perhaps also the best time to hike in the mountains!
The fjords in winter – quiet and dramatic
Winter is not only the time for skiing, but also for experiencing the fjords raw and untamed. Experience a flat calm fjord surrounded by snow-capped mountains on a fjord cruise, or really rough weather – either way, it’s important to dress for the weather. Opening hours are often shorter in winter and some activities are not available, but in many places you can experience fjord cruises all year round, for example to the Nærøyfjord or the Lysefjord.