Spring has arrived in Norway’s fjords with melting ice, rushing waterfalls, and budding landscapes. This is a great time to get outdoors and explore trails and villages that may have bunkered down for the winter. Though tourism tends to rise for Easter, the fjords are still more affordable and peaceful than summer months. Read on to learn more.

Weather

Given the enormous latitudinal range of Norway’s nearly 1,200 fjords, visitors in April can expect a range of weather patterns, though temperature are likely more pleasant than March. In early spring the southern coastal areas of Norway's fjords usually have the highest temperatures. Flåm, a village along the Sognefjord, for instance, sees average highs in 54° F (lows in the 38°).

The further north you travel, the longer the winter. In fact, you may experience changing seasons from winter to spring (or vice versa) in just a few hours. Case in point: the village of Svolvær in the Lofoten Islands sees average highs of 42° F (lows 34°) in April. No matter which fjord you choose, come prepared with layers, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes with a solid grip for all sorts of terrain. 

Learn more in our article on visiting Norway in April.

Crowds & Costs

April in Norway’s fjords a key transition month from low season to shoulder season, especially with the onset of Easter week and spring break. Flights and hotels will see a small spike in prices, though they're still not as expensive as the peak summer months. Travel also tends to increase on a local level, with more Norwegians using their holiday time off to drive to the fjords and ski resorts for hiking and spring skiing. 

Where to Go

April is a good month to explore Norway by foot, train, rental car, coastal steamer, and/or fjord cruise with more route options and fewer closures following the winter season. Most international travelers will either start and/or end their trip with a few days in the capital of Oslo loaded with great museums and restaurants. A classic next stop from here is Bergen, which you can get to by taking a fjord cruise through the Sognefjord. Upon arrival, check out the city's cobblestoned UNESCO World Heritage site and hiking trails in the surrounding seven mountains. 

From here, consider a trip on the iconic Hurtigruten coastal ferry from Bergen along one of the world's most spectacular fjord journeys. You'll be able to stop in Ålesund, a city that received an art nouveau makeover after a devastating fire a century ago. From here, you can ferry through the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, which is known for its waterfalls, especially during spring months. 

If the Northern Lights are on your agenda, there is still some darkness late at night in April. The best places to go for aurora viewing is in the far north, in coastal towns like Tromsø, which is known for its culture and restaurants, hence being nicknamed 'Paris of the North'.

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What to Do

Spring is ideal for experiencing the majestic beauty of Norway’s fjords armed with a camera as the decreasing snow makes way for fresh greenery. Trails also begin to re-open in Norway's national parks like Jotunheimen National Park with 60 glaciers, 275 summits, and close proximity to the fjords for those who want to enjoy the landscapes before the summer crowds arrive.

You can also hit the pavement in quaint fjord-side cities while checking out unique museums, parks, restaurants, and cultural attractions. There are also concerts, festivals, and other events going on all over the country around Easter. For a relaxing road trip, you can explore charming fjord villages and medieval wooden stave churches dotted all over southern Norway. Or do as the locals do with spring skiing followed by 'utepils'—Norwegians pastime of enjoying cold beers outside on a sunny day.

Check out the Ultimate Guide to Norway’s Fjords for more ideas.

Events in April

Trondheim Nidaros Blues Festival. This music fest is known as one of northern Europe's premier blues gatherings with international and local acts taking the stage each April.

Holy Week. Typically in April (though sometimes March), you can expect various celebrations and business closures all over Norway, especially between Thursday through the day after Easter Sunday.   

Voss Jazz Festival. This April festival in Voss (a small town between Flam and Bergen) offers three days of jazz and folk music performances by European and American artists. 

Traveling to Norway in April? Check out these great itineraries. 

Western Norway Fjord Road Trip. Get ready to hit the open road on this self-drive adventure down Norway's stunning west coast. Starting in Bergen, you'll hike, bike, and take one of the world's steepest train rides through the country's villages, mountains, and fjords. Top off your well-rounded trip in charming Ålesund, a fairytale city renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture.

Oslo to Bergen Fjord Adventure. This five-day jaunt covers a great deal of Nordic ground, visiting the country's two largest cities and its longest and deepest fjord. Start in Oslo before taking a scenic train and ferry to the fjord-side village of Balestrand. Continue north to Fjærland before getting on another boat—this time to Bergen, a historic wharf city and home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

More Helpful Information

Norway Fjords in March
Norway Fjords in May
How Many Days Should You Spend in Norway
Norway: Frequently Asked Questions