Norway is known for its dramatic fjords, epic hikes, and stunning natural beauty. But as we quickly learned, the weather and logistics can make travel there a bit tricky. After a few misadventures of our own, here are my top five tips to help you plan a smoother and more enjoyable trip!
1. Bring Layers and Rain Gear
Weather in Norway can change quickly. It wasn’t raining before we started the Pulpit Rock hike, but started pouring during the hike. We only wore rain jackets and our pants got soaked by the end of the hike. Make sure to bring full rain gear and sturdy shoes! Even in the summer it can get windy and chilly (especially on the ferries), so pack warm layers too.
2. Leave Plenty of Buffer Time
I’m not sure if it was bad luck or Norway’s unpredictable weather, but every flight we took was delayed (one so badly that we missed our connection). Leave generous buffer time in your itinerary to account for the unexpected. Norway’s attractions are also far apart and often separated by layovers, ferries, or long mountain drives, so it’s best to focus on one region instead of hopping around too much like we did.
3. Skip Hikes in Heavy Rain
When it started pouring during our Pulpit Rock hike, we should’ve turned back instead of trying to finish. It was miserable and not even worth it, because when we finally reached the top, we couldn’t see anything through the clouds and fog. My husband also got sick from being wet and cold, which affected the rest of the trip. If the forecast looks bad or the weather changes, it’s better to skip hiking. If we had left more buffer time, we could’ve done it another day.
4. Be Prepared for the Drive
Norway’s scenic routes are gorgeous but winding, narrow, and full of tunnels. Follow the speed limits, as cameras are common and fines are steep. Also don’t forget to download offline maps and entertainment as cell service can be spotty in fjords and mountains.
5. Ferries can be Scenic
The 10-minute ferry we took between Linge ↔ Eidsdal wasn’t just useful for getting our car across the water, it also offered great fjord views. Most ferries have both open-air decks and indoor seating with large windows, plus small cafés for snacks. Some routes like Geiranger ↔ Hellesylt are considered scenic cruises in themselves, so don’t forget to step out of your car and enjoy the scenery!
Looking for things to do in Norway? Checkout the top 5 spots that made my trip worth it despite multiple setbacks!