Norway is one of those rare places in the world that’s even more breathtaking in person than it is on postcards and holiday brochures. With immense expanses of soaring mountains, rolling valleys and untouched wilderness, Norway is a must-visit for all serious travel enthusiasts. In spring, this stunningly picturesque country begins to awaken from its frosty, winter slumber. As the sunlight graces the landscape, flowers begin to bloom and the white wilderness gives way to colourful meadows and lush countryside.
If visiting Norway is on your horizon, here’s why you should schedule your trip for springtime.
Unparalleled scenery
In Norway, mid-March is considered to be the start of Spring, and you can expect temperatures of around 4°C to gradually increase to about 12°C by the end of the season, in late May. This time of year offers mild temperatures and low rainfall, alongside hours upon hours of extended sunshine. Whilst not quite the spectacle of the northern midnight sun of the summer season, in some regions the sun shines for up to 19 hours each day during spring.
As the snow melts, the landscape becomes full of green, pink, white and yellow shades as the flowers burst open. In the fertile soil surrounding the fjords, thousands of apple and cherry trees bloom, protected by the snow-peaked mountains. Head to the fruit villages of Lofthus, Ulvik and Sognefjord to experience the unparalleled beauty of this season – and don’t forget to sample the cider and apple juice made from last year’s harvest.
Epic hikes
Spring is the perfect time to strap on your hiking boots and immerse yourself in the pristine scenery of Norway, by taking on some of its many nature trails. If you’re exploring the coastline, you can expect to see hundreds of birds returning to their breeding grounds – including white-tailed eagles, Arctic sea ducks and Atlantic puffins. For a world-class puffin-watching expedition, head to the small islands of Runde, Røst and Luvund around the north-western coast.
Inland, there are hundreds of epic hiking routes to explore, all of which offer spectacular views and vary in levels of intensity. In the Scandinavian Peninsula, the region of Eidfjord offers some magnificent routes, including walks through the Måbodalen Valley. Be sure to check out the mighty waterfall, Vøringsfossen, where cascades of water tumble 182 metres before trickling through the valley in a winding river.
If you venture to the northernmost regions of Norway, inside the Arctic Circle, you’ll have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Visiting in spring offers the best of both worlds, as you can split your time between relaxing in the warmer valleys of the south and snuggling up inside a log cabin in the still-frozen north to witness the enchanting aurora borealis.
Food festivals
It’s not just the countryside of Norway that comes to life in the spring; throughout the towns and cities, locals gather to welcome in the season with farmers’ markets and food festivals. As a key part of Norwegian culture, the chance to taste the exquisite local produce and culinary delights on offer is not to be skipped. Oslo is one of the best places to go if you’re a foodie, with the Spis and Drikk-festivalen and even a dedicated vegetarian festival being held here in the Spring.
As you explore the bustling towns and cities, you’re sure to see plenty of locals sitting in the sun enjoying their first utepils, (beer in the sun) of the year. With a variety of cosy cafès, authentic restaurants, art galleries, museums and unique boutiques to be discovered, you’ll have a brilliant time exploring the more urban side of Norway.
Plan your trip
Wherever you fancy exploring in Norway, spring is a wonderful time to plan your visit. With so many wholesome experiences to choose from and miles of impeccable scenery in every direction, Norway is a place you’ll want to return to time and time again.
