Norway, Europe

Norway's Fjords in November

The wettest, grayest stretch. Short days, most seasonal services closed, not yet winter scenery.

Think twiceDark and very wet, Bergen highs near 44F (7C)

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

The straight answer

November is a month to think twice about visiting Norway's Fjords. The wettest, grayest stretch. Short days, most seasonal services closed, not yet winter scenery.

Weather: Dark and very wet, Bergen highs near 44F (7C)
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What November is like in Norway's Fjords

November is the wettest, grayest stretch of the year. Bergen highs sit near 44F (7C), days are short and most seasonal services are closed. It is not yet winter scenery, so you get neither summer green nor snowy beauty. The one bright spot is Christmas in Bergen, with the market and gingerbread town starting in mid month.

This is the month to avoid for a fjord trip. If you are set on going, keep it to Bergen and the Flam Railway. For fjord scenery at its best, plan for June. For winter beauty and the aurora, come in February or March and head north.

Make the most of November

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

Bergen's gingerbread town

From mid November, the famous gingerbread town opens, built by local residents and schoolchildren.

Christmas market

Bergen's Christmas market starts in mid November, adding cheer to gray days.

Northern lights farther north

If you want the aurora, fly north to Tromso or Lofoten, where the season is in full swing.

What to pack for November

A fully waterproof coat
Waterproof boots
Warm layers and a hat
A sturdy umbrella

Our timing tip

If you go, plan the trip for late November, when Bergen's Christmas season is underway.

Book Norway's Fjords for November.

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Hotels in Norway's Fjords
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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.
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Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Norway's Fjords for November. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
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What's on in November

Northern lights season (farther north)

Late September to late March, best in dark, clear winter nights

The fjords are too far south for reliable aurora. Combine a fjord trip with Tromso or Lofoten in winter for a real chance.

Christmas in Bergen

Mid November through December

A Christmas market and the famous gingerbread town, built each year by local residents and schoolchildren.

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 November, quick answers

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

November is a month to think twice about visiting Norway's Fjords. The wettest, grayest stretch. Short days, most seasonal services closed, not yet winter scenery.

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

Dark and very wet, Bergen highs near 44F (7C).

Is Norway's Fjords crowded in November?

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

What is happening in Norway's Fjords in November?

Northern lights season (farther north) (late september to late march, best in dark, clear winter nights); Christmas in Bergen (mid november through december).