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Norway, Europe

Norway's Fjords in April

Fruit trees start to bloom along the Hardangerfjord in some years late in the month. Many tourist services are still closed.

Quiet valueMild on the coast, highs near 51F (11C), snow in the mountains
Geirangerfjord, Norway's Fjords
Norway's FjordsPhoto: Ximonic (Simo Räsänen), CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

April is a quiet, good-value month to visit Norway's Fjords. Fruit trees start to bloom along the Hardangerfjord in some years late in the month. Many tourist services are still closed.

Weather
Mild on the coast, highs near 51F (11C), snow in the mountains
Crowds
2 of 5
Prices
2 of 5

What April is like in Norway's Fjords

April is mild on the coast, with highs near 51F (11C), while snow still covers the mountains. Fruit trees start to bloom along the Hardangerfjord in some years late in the month. Many tourist services are still closed, and the high mountain roads remain shut. Crowds are thin and prices reasonable for Norway.

It suits flexible travelers who want spring in the lowlands and snow above, and who do not need every boat and road open. Hikers should wait: most big trails are still snowy. If you want everything open, go in June. If you want the Hardanger fruit blossom, late April or May is the window.

Make the most of April

What is especially good about Norway's Fjords this month.

01

Early fruit blossom

In some years, orchards along the Hardangerfjord start to bloom late in April.

02

Snow on the peaks

Green shores below white mountains make for great contrast in photos.

03

Quiet Bergen

The city is calm, with easy access to Mount Floyen and the Bryggen wharf.

What to pack for April

  • A waterproof jacket
  • Warm layers for cool days
  • Waterproof walking shoes
  • A hat and gloves for the mountains

Our timing tip

Check which fjord boats are running before you plan a route, since many start their summer schedules in May.

Book Norway's Fjords for April.

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Things to do in Norway's Fjords

Full guide
01

Flam Railway

One of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world, from the mountains at Myrdal down to the Aurlandsfjord. Book ahead in summer.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

02

Naeroyfjord cruise

The narrowest arm of the Sognefjord, best seen on the ferry between Flam and Gudvangen. Go early before cruise passengers arrive.

Tickets and tours →

03

Geirangerfjord

Take the ferry to Hellesylt past the Seven Sisters falls, and drive up to the Dalsnibba viewpoint. Summer mornings are calmer.

Tickets and tours →

04

Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)

A 4 to 5 hour round trip hike to a flat rock 604 meters above the Lysefjord. Start early or late in summer to dodge crowds.

Tickets and tours →

05

Trolltunga

A long, demanding hike of 10 to 12 hours round trip. The unguided season is roughly June to September; outside that, only go with a guide.

Tickets and tours →

06

Bergen and Mount Floyen

Walk Bryggen early, then take the Floibanen funicular up for the city and fjord views.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

  • Check cruise ship schedules for Geiranger and Flam; on big-ship days the villages are packed from mid morning to late afternoon. Visit early, late, or on quiet days.
  • Start Preikestolen at dawn or in the evening in June and July. The midsummer light makes a late-afternoon start safe.
  • Stay overnight in fjord villages rather than day-tripping from Bergen; you get the fjords to yourself after the day boats leave.
  • Book the Flam Railway, popular ferries, and small fjord hotels months ahead for July and early August.

Know before you go

  • Many high mountain roads close in winter, including Trollstigen and the Geiranger road over Dalsnibba. Most typically reopen in late May or June, depending on snow. Check the Norwegian road authority before driving.
  • The unguided hiking season for Trolltunga and Kjeragbolten runs roughly June to September. Outside that, snow and ice make them dangerous without a guide.
  • Many fjord-village hotels, cafes, and tour boats are seasonal, open roughly May to September.
  • The Flam Railway and Hurtigruten ships run year-round, with reduced winter schedules.

Norway's Fjords in April, quick answers

Is April a good time to visit Norway's Fjords?

April is a quiet, good-value month to visit Norway's Fjords. Fruit trees start to bloom along the Hardangerfjord in some years late in the month. Many tourist services are still closed.

What is the weather like in Norway's Fjords in April?

Mild on the coast, highs near 51F (11C), snow in the mountains.

Is Norway's Fjords crowded in April?

April is one of the quieter months in Norway's Fjords; most sights can be done without long waits.

Keep planning Norway's Fjords.

The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.

  1. 01Norway's Fjords in MarchThe month before: Cool, Bergen highs near 44F (7C), longer daysQuiet value
  2. 02Norway's Fjords in MayThe month after: Mild, highs near 58F (14C), snow still on the peaksGood
  3. 03Norway's Fjords in JuneThe next best month: Pleasant, highs near 63F (17C), nearly 19 hours of daylightBest

Also at their best in April

Everywhere in April

Where else is good in April?

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