Last week while foraging for blueberries on the mountainside behind my cabin I stumbled on a bright red leaf. Confused, I looked around and realized what in my concentration on getting enough berries I had been completely missing: autumn has begun!
In mid August? It’s crazy, and definitely earlier than I expected, but instead of tearfully packing away my summer dresses I just smiled. Maybe even giggled. Guys, I’m so excited for autumn!
Because the truth is, I never had to unpack my summer dresses in the first place – summer in Rauland is like, really cold. And seeing everyone’s sun-filled, summery beach photos over the past few months might even have made me a tad grumpy, because I definitely wasn’t having that idyllic summer up here in the Norwegian mountains.
But autumn? Autumn here is going to be amazing. I’ve gone on about how magical Norway is in the winter, but I’d say it’s equally magical in autumn – plus it’s not totally dark or unbearably cold. In fact, now that I think of it, autumn might be the best time to visit Norway.
1. Norwegian autumn is absurdly colorful – even the ground turns bright red!
Last summer I had very low expectations for fall in Norway because I figured with all the evergreen trees here, fall colors probably aren’t a thing in Norway.
Lol, how dumb I was.
First, there are actually tons of deciduous trees here so I don’t know what I was worried about, secondly, hello, shrubs have leaves too! and thirdly, you know how pretty much everything outside in Norway is covered in thick, soft moss? Well, moss turns red and orange in the fall.
So basically autumn in Norway is the most colorful thing since Holi.
2.You can actually wear your new blanket scarf here
It’s the same story every year: September rolls around and suddenly you’re drinking spiced lattes, eating everything pumpkin, and buying too many new blanket scarves because, hello, it’s fall! Except that it’s still a million degrees out and you’re not going to be able to wear that scarf for months.
Well, come to Norway in September and you can live out your fall fantasy without soaking your new autumn clothes in sweat. You can even go crazy and order your apple cider hot.
3. The summer crowds disappear
Norway is an enormous country with few inhabitants, so it’s incredibly weird in the summer when suddenly I start seeing crowds. I was even in a couple of traffic jams! Dan and I purposefully scheduled our weeklong road trip along the west coast of Norway for the end of August because we didn’t want to deal with all the July crowds.
Though that said, I might hesitate doing a coastal tour of Norway later in autumn, as the rain and cold can be brutal – late autumn is maybe better in the cities and inland mountains, where you can spend rainy days in a coffee shop or cozy mountain cabin. Then again, if you aren’t afraid of a bit of weather, head to the fjords!
And if you’re into wildlife then fewer crowds is also a huge plus as quiet, empty national parks are ideal for spotting some of the amazing animals in Norway.
4. The nights begin to get dark again, which means starry skies and Norther lights!
I love the light summer nights in Norway, but now that darkness is making its return I’m remembering how much I adore the stars here.
5. It’s crab season!
Okay, this will only be exciting for you if you like crabs, but if you do then autumn in Norway is the place to be! In fact, some people are worried we have too many here, ha.
6. It’s also mushroom season!
And this one is only for the mushroom lovers out there. But I mean, who does not love chanterelles? Especially when they have such pretty hiding places.
7. Norway might not be big on the pumpkin, but oh does it nail the spice!
Cardamom is a favorite not-so-secret secret ingredient in Norwegian baked goods, and something about a sweet cardamom bun just screams autumn to me – especially if you pair it with some apple cider! Oh my goodness, cannot wait.
8. There’s nothing like a mountain hike on a crisp autumn day.
Especially if you bring a thermos of hot cocoa with you!
9. Norwegians are masters of cozy and isn’t that what autumn is all about?
I for one am pretty excited to snuggle by the fire this autumn with a mug of something hot and spicy, while still being able to set off on a beautiful red and orange hike before winter rolls around and I have to trade in my hiking boots for skis.
I mean, right? Who’s coming for a visit?
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My Two Week Northern Norway Road Trip Itinerary (with a dog!)
Flora says
Oh my, Norway looks SO gorgeous in Autumn!! Love your pictures, such pretty colours!! Reading your post made me want to visit Norway in Autumn 🙂 I actually love visiting new places during the off season to avoid large crowds xx
Flora
http://www.mademoiselleworld.com
Silvia says
I totally agree about off season! Definitely worth it to have a place to yourself 🙂
Jordan says
I went to Norway for the first time last October and definitely agree…autumn in Norway is the best time of the year!!!
Silvia says
Yeah!
Taylor says
This post just made me so excited for warm sweaters, autumn hikes, and my annual apple pie bake!
Is it possible to lust after a season? Autumnlust?
Silvia says
Mmmm an apple pie bake! Definitely sound like autumnlust to me!
the travelogue (by Anna & Vanessa) says
So ehm.. still have a place on your couch? 😉 because we’re absolutely willing to hop on a plane and come to Norway!
We’re still thinking about where to go in the end of September and Norway seems like a pretty damn good idea. Any recommendations on where to start as it would be our first visit?!
xx Anna & Vanessa
Silvia says
Oooh you should! I would recommend flying into Bergen and exploring around there. Depending on your budget you could also rent a car and drive around the fjords – or drive over Hardangervidda and visit me in Rauland! You wouldn’t have to sleep on the couch, we totally have guest rooms, haha. I’ve also heard that Ålesund and Stavanger are nice, if you find cheap flights to those airports instead, though I haven’t been myself (yet!).
Van @ Snow in Tromso says
We went on a Hurtigruten cruise to Lofoten last October and were so lucky with the weather! We had sunshine all the way and it was just so gorgeous to see the sunset on deck and explore the Lofoten Islands while being surrounded by orange forests – so beautiful! I have to admit, I’ve missed sunsets and dark nights during summer!
Silvia says
Oooh I forgot you guys did that in October! So a late fall cruise can be a success, haha. A bunch of people have asked me about it and I definitely don’t want to tell them to do it and then have them have a miserable trip, ah. I guess it’s just a gamble, really.
Cate says
I never realized that Norway and an autumn! Will definitely remember for the future
Silvia says
Right? I feel like it’s not talked about much, because before living here I definitely didn’t think it was a thing either.
Balqi says
Hi have you gotten a chance to see the northern lights in Norway? If so where in Norway and when?
Silvia says
I saw them when I lived in Trondheim, though it was a big storm that could be seen all over. I wrote about it here: http://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/northern-lights-trondheim/.
Joelle Lau-Hansen says
Oh thank you so much for sharing. I love your blog. I went to Norway in winter, fell in love with the country and am planning to visit in summer, but now I know that I will ALSO come back in Autumn, thanks to you!
Silvia says
Haha yesss you do!
Cátia @ A Pulgarita says
I am currently in Norway and I think it’s autumn already and magical! Lots of rain for sure which is a downfall, but the trees in the Naerofjord are already turning red and we’ve done so much hiking these days with perfect temperatures. Guess it will be strange when I come back to Portugal next Wednesday and it will still be a very hot summer there and I get off the plane with my raincoat and polar light jacket 😀
Silvia says
It does feel a bit weird how early autumn came to Norway this year – but it is beautiful!
Jeannie says
Totally feel the same way about autumn in Iceland – it’s my favorite season! For a lot of the same reasons you mention. Also, YES I would love to visit Norway in the fall <3
Silvia says
Oooh I bet autumn in Iceland is gorgeous!
Gabriela says
Beautiful pictures. Norway is on my bucket list and now I will try to go in autum.
Thank you!!!
Silvia says
I hope you love it!
Ronald says
You’ve really got me excited to visit. Guess I’ll be packing for spring, summer and fall. Then again spring and fall are probably pretty much the same.
Thanks,
Ron
Silvia says
Haha yup, just bring lots of warm clothing!
Kine says
Just came across this post on facebook and I felt like I just HAD to read it.
I am from Norway and it make’s me happy to see other’s post these beautiful picture’s and praising my country like this 😀
It surly warms a norwegian girl’s heart <3
I am from Bergen so yes I would really recommend to visit my town. There is a lot to see and you'll have a lot of fun!
Thank you for writing this 🙂 It makes me really happy
Silvia says
Your comment made me so happy! I’m always a bit nervous when Norwegians read what I write about Norway, like you’ll say that I got everything wrong, haha. So I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Martha says
I’m excited for our trip to Norway in October. I was wondering what it would be like that time of year. We’ll be there only about 3 and a half days from the 9th to the 12th, but I want to make the most of it. I want to see the fjords and take the flam railway but otherwise don’t have to see all the popular places. I want to relax and see gorgeous scenery. I liked your post about getting away from the regular tourist places, and staying in Norwegian cabins and or a farmhouse ect..and eat local foods although I’m not into seafood at all. I want to stay in a cute coastal town and was thinking Bergen but now I’m thinking maybe to choose a smaller town but one just as pretty and maybe even more quaint. Any suggestions you might have would be appreciated.
Silvia says
If you want to stay somewhere near Bergen, maybe choose accommodation in a town along Sognefjord. I have a bunch of suggestions here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/best-sognefjord-accommodation/
October is such a beautiful time in Norway, I think you will love it!
anu says
hi
am planing a trip to norway with elderly parents in 70s from india in september.
could u pls advise what shall be the best time to plan, i mean early or mid or late september?
I want to see the fall colours specially…
Silvia says
You can see fall colors in the mountains in early September, but down by the sea you might need to wait until mid or late September. September in Norway is really lovely (and personally I would choose early/mid September).
Shivam says
Hey you !
Nice article
I’m coming to Norway tomorrow. Everything seems great just a bit nervous about the rains. Totally up for wild exploring and living cheap.
Do you know any places where I could rent a cottage maybe you know for like a whole month and then just chill, cause that’s what I want to do. Also where do you live ?. I’d also like to come up to you and chill , say hi and have a cup of tea or warm coffee and have small chat.
Pleas recommend me some off track places or outdoor cabins in or near forests for like a whole month scingy.
And keep doing what you doing . It’s great.
Cheers thanks
Shivam
Silvia says
I’m actually not in Norway as I’m traveling for the rest of the month, but I think you can find cabins for rent on Booking.com. I hope you enjoy your stay and find a beautiful place to relax!
dhc says
2 years later, is the end of August still a good time to come without too big of crowds? We usually go places in the off-season to avoid crowds, but we’re attending a wedding in the UK the last weekend in August. Would coming before that (the last week of August( be late enough for us?
Silvia says
You’ll avoid the biggest summer crowd, though it will still be a bit busy (depending on where you go). The weather should be lovely though!
Roger Toll says
Would a camper (rented) trip from Tromso to Trondheim to Bergen to Oslo be good during first two weeks of September, or should it start a bit earlier? I can’t wait!
Silvia says
sounds like an amazing trip!
Preeti says
Hey Silvia!
Thank you for your post 🙂 I am planning to visit Norway end September, any tips or suggestions please? Which parts of Norway should I focus on – it’ll be a two weeks trip. Would there still be enough daylight for hikes and outdoor activities? I will be relying on public transport for my travel, hoping they still run regularly that time of the month.
Regards,
Preeti
Jee says
I plan go there in the begining of septembr. how is there?