The Norwegian calendar
Find the best experiences in Norway, throughout the year!
Marvelous May
May is the month that flirts with summer.
Here are 12 things to do in Norway in May:
1. Celebrate Norway's national day!
The biggest event in May is the celebration of Norway's national day on May 17.
We proudly wear our bunad, national costume, meet friends and family, watch and march in parades, eat food, and celebrate the whole day and night!
We really know how to celebrate!
The biggest parade takes place in Oslo, where we march past the Royal Palace and are greeted by the royal family.
2. Fjord Norway in blossom
Every spring, something quite wonderful happens – Fjord Norway is in full bloom!
People come from far and wide to experience the apple blossom at the fruit farms in Hardanger.
Book a Hardangerfjord in a nutshell tour with Fjord Tours here.
3. Botanical gardens
The flowers are also awakening in the cities!
Parks and gardens all over the country are alive with vibrant colours from new flowers, including the Botanical Garden at Tøyen in Oslo. There are also a lot of sculpture parks that become colourful when the flowers start to bloom in May.
4. Jaw-dropping street art
But it's not only the flowers that bring colour to our cities.
All over the country, you can witness a vast variety of walls and corners adorned with stunning street art.
5. The power of water
In May, the melting snow makes the waterfalls surge and look even more impressive!
Enjoy the view, but be careful not to get too close.
6. The Svalbard Express
The Svalbard Express is a new cruise that takes you between Bergen, the North Cape, and Svalbard.
On this journey, you can experience all the contrasts of spring across Norway. Enjoy 24 hours of daylight under the …
7. Midnight sun!
In Northern Norway, the sun never sets between May and July.
Go hiking, fishing, swimming, or kayaking all day and all night long!
8. Kayaking and canoeing
You don't have to be in the north to go kayaking and canoeing.
You can paddle all over the country – on a lake in the forest, a glacial lake, in the big city, and countless places on Norway's long coastline.
9. Norway in a nutshell
Travelling by train in Norway offers amazing views, with many routes passing through stunning landscapes of mountains, fjords, countryside, and lakes!
Travel with the famous Bergen Railway, which runs between Oslo and Bergen across the Hardangervidda mountain plateau or join the Norway in a nutshell trip with the Flåm Railway.
10. Countryside getaways
Taste local food in rural luxury at traditional farms and manor houses that have been transformed into fashionable accommodation!
11. Spring in the south
If you're more of a city lover – greet the milder weather in Kristiansand, Norway’s southernmost city.
There are few places in Norway with more hours of sun per year!
12. Rooftop bars
While you're in the city, try some of the best sky bars in Norway!
You'll find several on hotel rooftops where you can enjoy some refreshments and a breathtaking view.
May in Norway is simply a-May-zing!
🌸🌸🌸
Next up: June
Learn about the climate and discover unforgettable summer experiences in Norway.
Get inspired
Take advantage of top offers
See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.
Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.
CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.