10 great reasons to go to Norway in the spring

1. Spring in the city

Spring is the perfect time for a city break! As soon as the first signs of spring appear, when the temperature rises above zero and the sun starts to provide some warmth, Norwegians pour out of their houses to make the most of the new season!

Hot tip: Did you know that Norwegian cities are so compact and full of experiences that you can see and do an awful lot in only 10,000 steps? Although you should also bring high heels, it's most important to pack your best walking shoes. ​Experience the walk of a lifetime, through world-class art museums, charming neighbourhoods and colourful street food markets.

2. The fjords in full bloom

If you want a real once-in-a-lifetime experience, you should visit Norway when the country wakes up from its hibernation!

During a couple of weeks in May in the southwestern part of Norway, thousands of fruit trees bloom by the fjords. The mountains provide protection for small areas with fertile soil. With plenty of help from the fjords’ reflection of the sun, the landscapes create unique microclimates that make these villages perfect for fruit cultivation, especially apples and cherries!

Hot tip: The best place to experience the phenomenon is the Hardanger region where you can visit a range of idyllic fruit villages like Lofthus, Kinsarvik, and Ulvik. The Sognefjord area is another excellent option. Remember to taste the result of last year’s harvest – tasty eplemost (pure apple juice) made by local producers.

3. Spring skiing

Spring skiing is very popular in Norway. In certain mountain areas and up north, there is usually plenty of pristine, powdery snow as late as April and May. Several ski resorts don’t close until the end of April. In many areas, spring is the perfect season for ski touring and kiting. Thanks to the sun reflecting off the snow, you might even get a spring tan! Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen and sunglasses!

Hot tip: Experience Narvikfjellet, a ski resort in the north where you can ski from the top of the mountain and down to the fjord, often until June. Or take the train to Finse between Oslo and Bergen for kiting (courses available) and cross-country skiing on the Hardangervidda mountain plateau.

4. See the waterfalls at their mightiest

May and June is the absolute best time to see the waterfalls come to life, when the ice and snow melt away and rushing cascades of water plunge down the mountainsides. Norway has a long list of waterfalls well worth a visit.

Hot tip: Vøringsfossen, near Eidfjord in Hardanger, is one of the most magnificent waterfalls in Norway. Its new, impressive viewing platforms (a must-see for architecture buffs), provide breathtaking views of the roaring water and the deep canyons below.

5. The birds at their liveliest

Spring really enlivens birds! Norway’s long coastline is bustling with life this time of year, when the birds that migrated in autumn return home to nest. Bring your binoculars and camera, and maybe even your sound recorder, as this is an experience for the ears as well as the eyes. Just make sure that you behave respectfully towards all the newly hatched nestlings.

Hot tip: In the north, Varanger has become one of the most important destinations in the world to watch Arctic birds. The local architects at Biotope have designed award-winning hides for the thousands of birdwatchers that travel to the area to spot species including white-tailed eagles, gyrfalcons, Steller’s eider, and Arctic sea ducks. Bird lovers also flock to the small islands of Runde, Lovund and Røst from around mid-April, when thousands of Atlantic puffins return to their breeding grounds.

6. Wake up in the treetops

One of the greatest things about spring is experiencing how nature sheds its winter coat and becomes fresh and green. Not to mention the bliss of longer and warmer days, combined with happy songbirds. What better place to embrace and observe the change of the seasons than among the treetops?

Stay in a treehouse with modern conveniences and a cosy Scandinavian interior!

Romantic tip: A treetop cabin is the perfect weekend getaway for love birds. Being tucked away in the trees makes it easier to slow down, unplug, and just enjoy each other.

7. Spring activities

Spring in Norway brings new adventures!

The water is still cold, but perfect for diving in crystal clear waters, canoeing or kayaking.

The warming sun makes it an ideal time for glacier hiking (always with a guide!). Venture across ice that is more than a thousand years old in some places, be encapsulated in shades of turquoise and marvel at sculpture-like formations.

Hot tip: Hattan in Fjord Norway is teeming with underwater life, and Saltstraumen near Bodø stands out as the place to experience some of the world's strongest currents.

Glacier adventures are available on several of the branches of Jostedalsbreen, including the Nigardsbreen glacier in Sogn og Fjordane, the Folgefonna glacier in Hardanger, and the Svartisen glacier in Nordland, amongst others. Most regular tours on the glaciers start in May or early June.

8. Easter in Norway

Easter = Påske! In Norway, Påske is a major holiday.

Celebrate like a typical Norwegian at a cabin or mountain lodge with Kvikk Lunsj, Norway's chocolate that inspired KitKat, marzipan sweets, Solo orange soda, sweet buns, oranges, and sunbathing in the Easter sun, or relaxing by a crackling fireplace.

Or combine a ski and spa experience!

9. Norway's national day

Hurray! It's the 17th of May! Norway's Constitution Day is quite a party with children’s parades, marching bands, traditional costumes, and ice cream. Lots of ice cream!

This is one of the best days to visit Norway for a truly authentic cultural experience. No matter where you are in the country, you will experience a day filled with celebration.

You'll see many people dressed in a bunad, Norway’s traditional costume worn by both men and women. A beautiful sight!

10. The first outdoor swim of the year

Are you a real Viking? Prove it by taking at least a few bold strokes in the cold spring water. The earlier, the better, but for a modern-day Viking, it’s acceptable to start swimming outdoors in early May.

Sweat your troubles away in a stylish sauna, before enjoying a refreshing dip.

Hot tip: You can find some truly unique saunas in Norway.