Norway, Europe

Norway's Fjords in August

Still full summer. Crowds thin after Norwegian school holidays end mid month.

BestMild, highs near 65F (18C), rain picking up

Geirangerfjord, Norway's Fjords — Norway's FjordsPhoto: Ximonic (Simo Räsänen), CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

August is one of the best months of the year to visit Norway's Fjords. Still full summer. Crowds thin after Norwegian school holidays end mid month.

Weather: Mild, highs near 65F (18C), rain picking up
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What August is like in Norway's Fjords

August is still full summer, with highs near 65F (18C), though rain picks up. Crowds thin noticeably after Norwegian school holidays end in mid month, and everything remains open. Waterfalls are lower than in June but still impressive. Days are shorter than midsummer but still long.

It suits families, hikers and road trippers, especially in the second half of the month when crowds ease. Trolltunga and Preikestolen are in season. If you want the quietest summer trails, plan for late August, and pack for rain. September is the next step if you want even fewer people.

Make the most of August

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

Late-summer calm

After mid August, Norwegian families head home and the trails and ferries ease up.

Trolltunga in season

It is still prime hiking season for Trolltunga and Kjeragbolten before snow returns.

Geiranger viewpoints

The drive up to the Dalsnibba viewpoint is open and the views over the fjord are wide.

What to pack for August

A good rain jacket and rain pants
Warm layers
Waterproof hiking boots
A headlamp for longer hikes

Our timing tip

Plan long hikes for the second half of August, when crowds drop but trails are still snow-free.

Book Norway's Fjords for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Norway's Fjords
Opens a hotel search for Norway's Fjords in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
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Vacation rentals in Norway's Fjords
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
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Tours and tickets in Norway's Fjords
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Norway's Fjords for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Norway's Fjords

Full guide

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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.