Spring in Norway

Known locally as vårfølelse, 'springfulness' is Norway's answer to the winter blues. It’s that uplifting feeling of renewal you get when you see the first wildflower peeking through the snow or turn your face to the first rays of spring sunshine.

Springfulness is also scientifically proven. The sights, sounds, and smells of springtime in April and May trigger your brain to produce more serotonin and dopamine, known as the 'happy hormones'.

You can smell springfulness in the fruit blossoms drifting through the air. See it in our fjords, sparkling in the sunlight and still framed by snow-capped mountains. And you can sense it in the joyfulness of people you meet.

Spring is Norway’s season of awakening. Fruit trees splash colour along the fjords. Waterfalls are in full flow, fed by the melting snow. And it’s the official start of puffin season in northern Norway.

It’s a season that starts with the Northern Lights still streaming across the night skies and that ends with the Midnight Sun illuminating our landscapes for most of the night.

April and May are also when the crowds of summer have yet to arrive. Even better, the longer days mean there’s plenty of time for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and skiing.

With Norway stretching over 1,000 miles and spanning the Arctic Circle, the coastal climate varies widely between southern and northern Norway.

But thanks to the warming waters of the Gulf Stream, it is milder than other places at a similar latitude such as Greenland and Alaska. As spring unfolds, temperatures rise into the double digits and the days get longer.

The further north you go, the faster the daylight increases. In southern Norway, daylight stretches from just over 13 hours in early April to over 18 by late May. North of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø sees 14 hours of daylight in April, and by mid-May, the sun never sets. On Svalbard, the Midnight Sun starts shining in mid-April.

If you are travelling along the coast in April and May, you could experience spring’s many faces, from the first of the year’s flowers in the south to the last of the year’s snow in the rugged north.

You could even experience all four seasons in one day. Don’t be surprised to see balmy sunshine, rain or snow showers, high winds, and calm seas within just a few hours.

Plan carefully for springtime in Norway. It’s best to double-check that trails are open and safe before you go on a hike or bike ride. You should also be prepared for conditions to change quickly and with little warning, whether you’re heading out for a day in the mountains or for an hour in the shops.

As a general rule, mornings and evenings can be chilly, with milder weather during the day. Layers are essential. You can add and remove them as required. If the sun is shining and it feels warm enough to go out wearing sunglasses and sleeves, be sure to carry a waterproof and windproof layer with you too. You might need them in an hour or two!

It’s wise to carry a warm layer, too. There’s a good reason why so many of us Norwegians choose woollen jumpers and socks. Wool is breathable, moisture-wicking, and temperature-regulating, making it practical as both a base layer and a sweater.

Spring is the time of year when you need to pack sunglasses, suncream, and swimwear as well as a hat, gloves, and a scarf. Bring sturdy waterproof shoes or boots and comfortable indoor shoes.

A waterproof and windproof layer is essential, as is a warm layer such as a thin down jacket, a fleece, or a sweater. Thermal underwear is useful, too, especially if you’re travelling to northern Norway.

An umbrella is worth carrying to shelter from fleeting spring showers in urban areas, but it’s unlikely to be practical in windy conditions if you're travelling by boat.

A small bag or backpack is useful for carrying those extra layers plus a water bottle, camera, and wallet when you’re out and about.

You could also pack binoculars if you want to spend time watching for spring wildlife such as puffins and whales.