Springtime in Norway: Discover the magic of 'Våryrhet'
In Norway, spring is a very special time indeed. For the country’s residents, there is nothing quite like the feeling of the first rays of sunshine after a long, dark winter. Norwegians love this feeling so much that they have created their own word for it: ‘Våryrhet’. As the days become warmer, Norwegians rush to spend every waking moment outside – in the park, at a cafe with an ‘utepils’ (directly translated as ‘outdoor beer’), or at a barbeque with friends.
The light turns everyone a little bit loopy, as all that sunshine affects the body’s hormones and boosts energy, resulting in a surge of euphoria. Popular activities during these heady months are hiking and other outdoor activities, for both locals and Up Norway guests. Famous for its unspoiled natural beauty, Norway boasts endless options for fresh-air fun – from kayaking in glassy fjords to wild swimming in its Arctic waters. Temperatures might not be tropical, but some beaches in Northern Norway boast Caribbean-worthy white sand and translucent waters.
Tailor your own Spring Break. Come on Up!
Tailor your own Spring Break. Come on Up!
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Seven of the best reasons to visit Norway in spring
Whether you are a nature-lover who can’t wait to hit the trails or a city breaker in search of art and architecture, spring is a wonderful time to soak up Norway’s sights. Here are some of our top picks.
1. The cultural city break
While its wild, rugged landscapes tend to steal the spotlight, Norway’s cities are charming, compact and crammed with cultural delights. Bergen is a beguiling seaport with a postcard-pretty harbourside. Once Norway’s capital in the Middle Ages, it boasts a spectacular setting and is home to excellent art museums, along with top-class restaurants along the Bryggen (wharf) specialising in local seafood. Visit in May for the Bergen International Festival, a two-week celebration of music, ballet, theatre and folklore.
Serious foodies should set their sights on Trondheim, the European City of Gastronomy and home of Bocuse d’Or 2023. As well as three Michelin-starred restaurants, it also has a picturesque old town, vast medieval cathedral and hip art galleries. Visit on 17th May, Norway’s National Day, and you’ll find both cities in a party mood, with parades, marching bands, traditional costumes and ice cream galore.
What to book: Up Norway’s 12-day ‘Bergen, Ålesund and Beyond’ is a captivating journey beginning and ending in Bergen. For more details see Bergen, Ålesund and Beyond - Heritage awakened.
‘Norway for Foodies – A Journey through Trondelag’ is a seven-day roadtrip in and around Trondheim.
2. The outdoor adventure
Wherever you go in Norway, you’re rarely far from a shimmering fjord and a beautiful hike. In springtime, Norwegians embrace their love of ‘friluftsliv’ (life in the great outdoors) and head into the country’s pristine countryside for a dose of fresh air. Up Norway’s curated 14-day journey, ‘The Discovery Route’, is a wonderful way to sample the country’s varied landscapes. Among the highlights are a thrilling abseiling experience in Voss, Norway’s adventure capital, hiking up to the famous Trolltunga rock formation, camping in an Arctic domed tent, drifting down a river in a drysuit and hiking through remote backcountry to reach a charming timber cabin.
What to book: ‘The Discovery Route’ is an unforgettable 14-day trip with an emphasis on sustainable travel.
3. The soul-stirring waterfalls
As the snow and ice melt away, Norway’s magnificent waterfalls roar into life. It’s a thrilling sight as you get close enough to feel the spray on your face and the thunder of the cascading water. Most famous of all is the suck-in-your-breath spectacular Vøringsfossen, near Eidfjord in Hardanger. Plunging 182 metres into a deep canyon, it also boasts architecturally-stunning new viewing platforms for that perfect photo. UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord is also well worth a visit for its prettily-named ‘Seven Sisters’ and ‘Suitor’ waterfalls, facing one another across the fjord, along with ‘Bridal Veil’, tumbling delicately over a ledge like lace.
How to book: ‘Modern Luxury in the Realm of Norwegian Folklore’ is an entrancing 13-day journey which includes a visit to Vøringsfossen.
4. The gourmet getaway
Spring brings the stunning spectacle of tens of thousands of apple trees bursting into blossom in the beautiful southwestern Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord area. The unique microclimate along these steep-sided fjords is ideal for apple growing, with dozens of award-winning artisanal cider farms dotted along their slopes. A lovely way to visit them is by boarding a boat for a cider safari, pausing at different farms for delicious cider tastings before cruising down the fjord to take in the majestic scenery. For true cider lovers, travel to Hardanger in May to experience the annual Hardanger International Siderfest, a lively celebration of all things cider-related.
How to book: Tailor My Journey
5. The scenic rail journey
As winter cedes to spring, there’s no better way to appreciate Norway’s changing landscapes than by embarking upon an epic rail journey. Taking in some of the country’s most swoon-worthy sights, Up Norway’s 12-day train ride is a box of delights. From wide open vistas backed by towering mountains to cultural highlights such as Bergen and Alesund, this trip delivers an enticing snapshot of the country. You’ll pause to get up close to nature with hikes, cruises and even a paddle in a kayak, along with the chance to eat like a local. Journeying north, the Nordland Railway whisks you into the Arctic Circle, a magical experience.
How to book: ‘Hop on the Arctic Circle Express Train’ is a 12-day rail journey around Norway’s highlights.
6. The bird-watching experience
Twitchers take note – as spring starts to warm Norway’s shores, its long coastline teems with bountiful birdlife. Migratory birds that left for milder climates in the autumn start to flock back as Norway’s temperatures rise. In the North, Varanger has become one of the most important destinations worldwide for spotting Arctic birds, with species such as Arctic sea ducks, white-tailed eagles, barnacle geese and Steller’s eider. Dedicated bird lovers should also consider a visit to the islands of Runde, Lovund and Røst, which are breeding grounds for thousands of Atlantic puffins from around mid-April.
How to book:Tailor My Journey
7. The Arctic swim and sauna
Do as the Norwegians do and take the plunge with your first dip of the year. While the water is more bracing than balmy, there’s nothing more invigorating than leaping into crystal-clear, icy water. Even better, combine your swim with a toasty sauna session afterwards – it’s a winning combination that will leave your skin glowing and your mind refreshed. While Norway has saunas galore, most fun are the floating saunas you’ll often find on fjords and lakes.
How to book: Up Norway’s ‘The Discovery Route’ includes an idyllic session in a floating sauna on Refsvatnet lake. Alternatively, ‘Bergen, Alesund and Beyond’ includes a stay in the pretty fishing village of Kalvåg, with its sleek floating sauna in the harbour.
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