Norway in May is at its most beautiful. As winter’s snow and ice thaws, waterfalls thunder down mountains and into deep, inky fjords. Wildflowers carpet mountain meadows and snow still lies on top of the most dramatic peaks, offering travelers picturesque viewpoints.
May in Norway brings the chance to get active, kayaking in places like picturesque Olden and hiking to the mighty Jostedalsbreen glacier, the largest in continental Europe. This joyous time of year boasts fragrant spring blossoms in delicious hues of yellow, white, and pink blooming in botanical gardens. May also offers the chance to sip coffee alfresco and sample delicious springtime produce.
From what to expect from the weather, and how to dress, to some of the best springtime activities, here’s everything you need to know about visiting Norway in the month of May.
Mild Weather
Alesund
Norway in May tends to be mild, though because of its northerly location, the weather can also be unpredictable with cool mist and rain some days and warmth and sunshine on other days.
Temperatures vary considerably depending on your location. If you’re in Oslo, tucked into the Oslofjord on the south coast, you can expect temperatures to peak around 58°F. If you’re exploring the islands of Ålesund, on the windswept west coast, or high up a mountain near Geiranger, naturally, the temperature will be much cooler.
Oslo
When it comes to dressing for May in Norway, being prepared is key. Pack waterproofs and light layers, along with walking boots, a cap or a sun hat, and SPF. T-shirts, sweaters, and cargo pants are essential if you plan on an active trip.
If you’re keen to focus on Oslo’s cosmopolitan side, slacks, jeans, a shirt, lightweight jumpers, and a stylish jacket or blazer works well. You might also want to pack an umbrella, in case of a spring shower. Regardless of your activity, sunglasses will likely come in handy.
Powerful Waterfalls
Vøringsfossen
One of the biggest draws of May in Norway is seeing the many powerful waterfalls that form when winter’s snow melts away. If you’re exploring Norway’s breathtaking fjord region, there are waterfalls—many of which are unnamed—at almost every turn.
One of the most spectacular waterfalls in Norway is Vøringsfossen, around a two-hour drive north of Flåm. It crashes 597 feet into the Mabodalen valley from the Hardangervidda plateau. There’s a new viewing platform near the Fossli Hotel and a futuristic steel and concrete step bridge that crosses the river, over the waterfall and canyon.
Also near Flåm, Vettisfossen tumbles 900 feet at the lower end of the Utladalen valley. The Seven Sisters Waterfall near Geiranger is worth a visit, too. These photogenic falls drop around 820 feet and can be seen from the Geirangerfjord, putting on a dramatic show between May and July.
Langfoss
The foaming Langfoss, around a 90-minute drive northwest of Haugesund, is another must-see waterfall in Norway. Langfoss drops almost 2,000 feet into the Åkrafjorden, cascading beneath the E134 highway, which forms a bridge over the lower section of the waterfall.
If you visit by road, there’s a roadside parking area with a small viewing area where visitors can feel the waterfall’s cooling spray.
Snow-Capped Mountains
Skala
What makes May such a special time to visit Norway is that visitors will benefit from seeing many of Norway’s jagged mountaintops dusted in a light coating of snow.
While there is no guarantee of the level of snow that remains in May, you’re more likely to see white mountaintops in high altitude spots such as Skala, which peaks at around 6,000 feet near Loen in Stryn.
Skala offers one of the most spectacular hikes in Norway, with the path to the summit restored by Nepalese sherpas. There’s a more leisurely option to take in Skala and that’s via the Loen Skylift.
It’s one of the steepest cable cars in the world, whisking passengers 3,300 feet in just five minutes from the Nordfjord, near Olden, to Mount Hoven. As you’re transported to the top, gaze at towering, snow-capped peaks, including Skala, that surround the sapphire-hued fjord.
As well as over 40 miles of signposted hiking trails that lace Mount Hoven, facilities at the summit include a glass-enclosed restaurant, if you’d rather soak in the views over a pizza and a cold drink.
Stegastein
Elsewhere, the jaw-dropping Stegastein viewing platform, 2,133 feet above Aurlandsfjord, near Flåm, offers views that stretch for miles and miles, across serrated snowy peaks and emerald-green forests. Stegastein juts out 98 feet over the side of the Norwegian mountain and above the fjord.
A regular bus service operates between Flåm and Stegastein, taking roughly 30 minutes. The hair-raising journey covers several hairpin bends along Norway’s National Tourist Road.
Pretty Fjord Towns and Villages
Geiranger
A highlight of visiting Norway in May is exploring the country’s many pretty fjord towns, including Flåm, at the innermost point of the Aurlandsfjord. Picturesque Flåm is the location of the fjord terminal for the Flåm Railway, with a buttercup-yellow museum right next to the railway station.
There’s a microbrewery, a bakery, and a charming mall selling traditional and local souvenirs and outdoor wear. Once you’ve strolled around the pretty village, hop on the Flåm Railway—considered one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys—to travel to Myrdal station.
Flåm Railway
The scenery on the two-hour return route is spectacular, with mountains, rivers, and meadows visible from the historic train carriages, which chug through 20 mountain tunnels, stopping at Kjosfossen waterfall.
In Nordfjordeid, at the end of the Eidfjord, the streets are lined with white clapboard houses straight out of a fairytale. There’s a small Viking museum, a cinnamon-scented bakery, Minibakeriet, and a selection of independent stores to browse.
Geiranger
At the end of the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, Geiranger is another captivating village that’s surrounded by soaring mountains on either side. You’ll find a small waterfront gallery and a cluster of souvenir shops and restaurants here.
Follow the winding mountain road behind the village to Geiranger’s handsome church and you’ll be treated to dramatic views of the fjord and forests around the village.
Longer Hours of Daylight
Oslo
As the weeks creep toward summer, Norway basks in the midnight sun. In northern Norway, the sun doesn’t set at all between May and July, while further south also sees plenty of extra daylight.
In Oslo, for example, visitors will experience around 17 hours of daylight in May, while Ålesund, further north, will experience over 18 hours. Extra daylight offers plenty of time to enjoy the country’s breadth of outdoor activities.
Equally, you could kick back at Trosten, Oslo’s waterfront sauna, before enjoying drinks at the Munch Museum’s rooftop bar, Kranen.
Thrilling Hikes
Mount Fløyen, Bergen
Whether your goal is to breathe in the fresh Nordic air or to simply to keep active on vacation, Norway is known for having some of the best hikes in the world.
In Kristiansand, on Norway’s south coast, enjoy a breezy yomp around Odderøya. This former naval base is an island attached to the harbor with signposted paths leading to historic forts and lookout points with views of Oksøy and Grønningen lighthouses.
Surrounded by seven mountains, Bergen has some of Norway’s best urban hikes. Try the closest to the city center, Mount Fløyen, with the winding route taking around one hour each way. You could also opt to take the Fløibanen funicular to the top and hike down, or vice versa. There’s a lovely restaurant, Fløirestauranten, at the top, where you could treat yourself to a tasty lunch.
Briksdal Glacier
One of the most exhilarating hikes in Norway is to the Briksdal Glacier in Jostedalsbreen National Park, near Olden. There are several routes available, including an almost two-mile trail that leads from the Mountain Lodge, which takes around two hours round trip. You’ll follow the river, passing grazing mountain goats and waterfalls to reach Briksdal.
The sapphire-blue glacier towers almost 4,000 feet, with the compressed ice squeezing through the rock crevices and melting into a turquoise glacial pool.
Pulpit Rock
One of the best things to do in Norway is hike to Pulpit Rock, or Preikestolen, which rises 1,982 feet above the Lysefjord, a short distance from Stavanger. This strenuous hike requires a good level of fitness, since Pulpit Rock is a true mountain trek with rugged terrain.
At the top, hikers are rewarded with extraordinary views of the peaceful Lysefjord from Pulpit Rock’s flat plateau.
Café Culture
Cafe in Norway
Mix active days with more relaxed ones and give yourself a chance to indulge in Norway’s fabulous café culture in Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger.
UNESCO-listed Bryggen in Bergen—made up of 62 brightly-colored historic wooden buildings by the waterfront—has plenty of places to sip on coffee and people-watch. Once you’ve explored this former Hanseatic trading outpost, take a seat at Kaf Kafe Bryggen for a cinnamon bun and a hot brew. Across the harbor, Løvetann Café & Bistro is a cozy cafe with outdoor seating.
As Norway’s cosmopolitan capital, Oslo has no shortage of places to enjoy sipping on barista-made coffee. Visit Tim Wendelboe, a micro roastery and espresso bar in the creative neighborhood, Grünerløkka. Opened in 1962, Fuglen is another spot to try for silky coffee and fragrant warming tea.
In stylish Stavanger, pretty Gamle Stavanger, the historic neighborhood by the harbor, has the perfect spot at FrK Krag Café.
Spring Blooms
Oslo
Whether your vacation plans include exploring cities or the countryside, May in Norway means you’re going to witness some spectacular spring blooms, from pretty tulips to candyfloss-colored cherry blossoms.
Plan a trip to Sør-Hidle near Stavanger to visit the island’s family-run botanical garden Flor & Fjære.
This picture-book island garden has more than 50,000 gorgeous plants—Japanese banana trees, Spanish cork trees, and Australian eucalyptus—and a seaside restaurant. A ticket to Flor & Fjære includes a boat transfer and lunch at the restaurant.
Vigeland Sculpture Park, Oslo
Oslo is festooned with flowers during May, including vibrant tulips found at the Royal Garden, outside the National Theater, and in Vigeland Sculpture Park. A trip to Vigeland Sculpture Park will also be rewarded with 200 fascinating sculptures by Gustav Vigeland.
Oslo Botanical Garden is delightful year-round, but especially in May, when you could witness the many Japanese cherry trees blossom, just one of the 4,500 plant types among the greenhouses and themed gardens.
Open Water Swimming
Tjuvholmen, Oslo
Few things beat swimming in a glacial fjord or in the open ocean, adored for its raft of physical and mental health benefits, from boosting your immune system to improving your mood. The milder, more pleasant weather means open-water swimming is possible in Norway in May.
Pack your bathing suit and a dry robe and head down to Oslo’s waterfront. You can swim directly from the swimming pier at Tjuvholmen, by the Astrup Fearnley Museum Of Modern Art, or in Sørenga’s refreshing fjord pool.
For an even wilder spot, hop on Oslo Ferries’ regular boat service from City Hall Pier 4 to the pristine islands, such as Hovedøya, Lindøya, and Bleikøya. Each one offers picnic spots, secluded beaches, and bathroom facilities.
Hovedøya
Ølberstranden, a sandy beach on the North Sea coast near Stavanger, is another lovely spot for a swim. Wispy sand dunes flank the beach and there’s a lovely seafood shack next to the shore.
There are plenty more beaches to choose from for a swim, including Kyrkjetangen Beach a few miles from the center of Bergen. This crescent-shaped stretch has a diving board or you can wade straight into the invigoratingly fresh water.
It is not recommended to swim in natural bodies of water for 24 hours after heavy rainfall. It’s also worth packing water shoes to wear as some open-water swimming spots may contain mussels and sharp stones.
Seasonal Produce
Strawberries
Wild garlic, ruby-red rhubarb, and plump strawberries are among the fresh, seasonal produce available in Norway in May.
One of the best places to sample Norway’s sweet and juicy strawberries is Valldal, a village on the Tafjord, known to cultivate some of the best in the country, around an 80-minute drive from Ålesund. Here, there’s a farm shop, Storstova, selling strawberry jam and other seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Fish Market, Bergen
For some of Norway’s freshest seafood, go to Bergen’s famous Fish Market. It’s been located on the harbor for centuries, with an indoor market, Mathallen, that opened in 2012 that stays open year-round. The outdoor market opens May 1 for the summer season.
Admire the ice crates piled with a variety of ultra-fresh and smoked seafood and shellfish, including sea urchins, oysters, caviar, herring, and salmon. After browsing the goods, pick up some freshly-made sushi rolls and find a seat facing the waterfront to savor the umami-rich flavors of Norwegian food.
Pulpit Rock
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