Norway, Europe

Norway's Fjords in May

Hardanger fruit blossom, roaring waterfalls, and May 17 celebrations. Some high roads still closed until late month.

GoodMild, highs near 58F (14C), snow still on the peaks

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

The straight answer

May is a good month to visit Norway's Fjords. Hardanger fruit blossom, roaring waterfalls, and May 17 celebrations. Some high roads still closed until late month.

Weather: Mild, highs near 58F (14C), snow still on the peaks
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What May is like in Norway's Fjords

May is a good month. Highs near 58F (14C), snow still on the peaks and waterfalls roaring with snowmelt. The Hardanger fruit blossom is in full swing, and May 17 brings Constitution Day parades and traditional dress everywhere, with a big celebration in Bergen. The Bergen International Festival starts late in the month. Some high roads, including Trollstigen, typically reopen late in the month.

It suits travelers who want waterfalls, blossom and festivals before summer crowds. Hikers should expect snow on higher trails. If you want every road open and nearly 19 hours of daylight, June is the best balance.

Make the most of May

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

Constitution Day on May 17

Parades, children's marches and traditional dress fill every town. Shops close, but the celebration is the point.

Hardanger fruit blossom

Orchards along the Hardangerfjord bloom pink and white against snowy peaks.

Roaring waterfalls

Snowmelt makes the Seven Sisters and Steinsdalsfossen at their most powerful.

Bergen International Festival

Music, theater and dance start in late May, one of the oldest festivals in the Nordics.

What to pack for May

A waterproof jacket for spray and showers
Warm layers for chilly evenings
Waterproof hiking shoes
Something festive for May 17

Our timing tip

Book Bergen hotels early for May 17, and plan shopping for the day before, since stores close.

Book Norway's Fjords for May.

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Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
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What's on in May

Constitution Day (Syttende Mai)

May 17 every year

Norway's national day: parades, children's marches, and traditional dress. Bergen puts on a big celebration. Shops close.

Bergen International Festival

Late May into early June

Music, theater, and dance across Bergen, one of the oldest festivals in the Nordics.

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.

Norway's Fjords in May, quick answers

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

May is a good month to visit Norway's Fjords. Hardanger fruit blossom, roaring waterfalls, and May 17 celebrations. Some high roads still closed until late month.

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

Mild, highs near 58F (14C), snow still on the peaks.

Is Norway's Fjords crowded in May?

Crowds in Norway's Fjords are moderate in May; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Norway's Fjords in May?

Constitution Day (Syttende Mai) (may 17 every year); Bergen International Festival (late may into early june).