Weather in the Norwegian Fjords - essential packing tips
Norway is known for breathtaking fjord landscapes, friendly people – and fish. But what about the weather? Are you planning a trip to Norway to visit our spellbinding, beautiful fjords? Here are some essential packing tips!
Working in the Norwegian tourist industry, we’ve seen every wardrobe malfunction out there. But while not being dressed for the occasion might seem like just a curious faux pas, it can quickly turn into a miserable holiday experience. While Huldra might get away with wearing nothing but a skimpy cotton dress any season of the year, we wouldn’t recommend you attempt it.
Follow these tips, and you’ll ensure you remember the Norwegian fjords for their beauty – not as that time you forgot to bring a warm jacket!
From Stegastein Viewpoint near Flåm. Photo: Gjertrud Coutinho
The transitional seasons in Norway are highly variable. Once again: Pay attention to the forecasts when planning your things to do! But seeing as you should err on the side of caution (and because you should always be prepared to layer, remember?) here are some essential tips:
A season for every fjord
The first thing you need to understand about the weather in Norway, is that we don’t understand it either. Especially not the weather in the fjords. So now that that’s out of the way, here are some things we’ve learnt over the years:
Climate variation in Norway is vast. Not only across the (at least!) four seasons, but also across the country. And our west coast, with Bergen in the centre of it, is a chapter on its own: Being fully exposed to Atlantic storm fronts, the Gulf Stream passing directly offshore, and colossal mountains preventing continental winds, all add up to a unique climate.
First off, you have to really know what you’re getting into: Major variation calls for major preparation.
Luckily, we have excellent weather forecasting services that make this job easier. Use them avidly, but be careful about treating them like gospel – they’re not always right on the money. Besides: Not only can you experience 4-season summers, there are sometimes 4-season days. Hence, the best tip is to prepare for the worst.
So what to pack, exactly? Here are some seasonal essentials:
Summer - plan for both sun and rain
The coastal areas of Norway are known for frequent precipitation. That does not mean you need to bring a Sou’wester (although their yellow raincoat counterparts are quite trendy!), but a good quality raincoat is a must.
While we do recommend bringing a comfy sweater and a light wind jacket for the occasional breeze, summer in Bergen tends to offer temperatures pleasant enough even for a dip in the sea.
Don’t forget non-wearables! With light clothing items such as shorts, skirts and t-shirts being your regular packing must-haves, a good camera might be what you’d appreciate the most.
Leave your crocs at home – if you’re planning on going hiking to see the fjords, you need a pair of sturdy, yet comfortable hiking boots.
Winter - fight the cold with wool
The keyword here is layers. Remember that the west coast of Norway is mild, so winters aren’t necessarily freezing cold. But they certainly can be, so in preparing for the worst (or best, if you’re into that!): Pack some woolly socks, a warm hat, woolly mittens and waterproof, insulated boots to keep warm.
Depending on the forecast, you might need a base layer of wool, a mid layer of wool – and a hooded parka to top it all off. The further north you are heading to catch a fjord cruise, the more layers you are likely to need.
"Ull er gull" is a saying in Norwegian and means wool is gold. Foto: Janusfabrikken AS
Are you planning on seeing the fjords from a boat on one of the many fjord cruises? While this can be an excellent experience, it can also be quite windy and chilly. Always pack a waterproof windbreaker.
You probably don’t need woolly mittens, but a pair of comfortable gloves is always a great idea.
Pack a variety of different and versatile fabrics – that way you’re always ready to create a layer combination that’s perfect for your activity.
Don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen. Protect your eyes and skin against the bright sunlight reflecting off of snow and water.
Oh, and lastly: Don’t worry about not looking your most magnificent – it’s hard to compete with the fjords.
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
