I have a last minute tour from Helsinki to Vilnius which allows me time starting October 22 to add on an experience somewhere else. Having never traveled to Scandinavia I am wondering if I can cobble together something. I’m aware of Norway in a Nutshell. I’m also aware of coastal cruises. Havila would br my line of choice. Would I regret visiting in the fall? Would I miss too much? I can travel at least until November 1st or 2nd. This is very last minute for me to research and truly understand what I’m getting into. Some people praise the coastal cruises. A few others say they’re too fast moving with little port time. I’ve seen fantastic October fall photos from someone who took the cruise last year. I’m just wondering if someone who has traveled more in Norway can share his or her experiences and insight. Feel free to suggest other alternatives of which I’m presently unaware.
Posted by
Bay Area SF & Uppsala Sweden 🇸🇪
1888 posts
Late October is not ideal for a coastal cruise, it's do-able but it will likely be grey and rainy, and sunset comes EARLY! Had you thought about adding Stockholm & Copenhagen? Cities have the advantage of there being so much to do indoors in poor weather!
Posted by
Citizen of the World
3956 posts
The weather up north in Norway allows for a limited tourism season from June through August. By mid-September, transportation and accommodations outside of the cities begins to wind down for the year as the weather deteriorates with more rain and colder temperatures. In Alesund, for example, October average highs are 51 degrees and lows are 41 degrees; rain falls during 17 days during the month. You will find some operators still open for business, but how much the weather is going to cooperate with sightseeing is another matter.
I second the idea to include Copenhagen in your itinerary as it’s one of Scandinavia’s best cities to visit.
Have a great trip!
Posted by
Lake District, England
12005 posts
The weather up north in Norway allows for a limited tourism season from June through August. By mid-September, transportation and accommodations outside of the cities begins to wind down for the year as the weather deteriorates with more rain and colder temperatures.
I don't agree with that assertion. North of about Trondheim there is little or no transport which is tourist oriented. What transport there is is primarily for the locals and runs all year. There is the odd exception, like the Trollstigen road.
All the elements of the Norway in a Nutshell run all year (trains, ferry and bus), and the vast majority of hotels in the country stay open. I say that in spite of having a hotel in Bergen close on me unexpectedly on New Years Eve- but had no problems finding another by literally walking the streets of Bergen, as night fell. Yes I paid way over the odds, so be it.
It's not just international tourists who use hotels.
I've been up to the North Cape when the tour buses had to travel in a snowplough convoy- ploughs to front and rear.
I've also done Hurtigruten at Christmas- seeing the north in the almost ethereal half light of short 3 to 4 hour days is quite something.
I've also seen Geirangerfjord when all the waterfalls were frozen solid- quite a sight.
I can understand how you would get great fall photographs. As long as you understand that port calls are generally 15 minutes or less with just a few being substantial- up to 4 hours at a few. Even Kirkenes (the turn round point) is only 3 hours.
Alesund northbound is the only long call at 10 hours but in the fall I suggest you stay on the ship for the treat of a daytime diversion into the Hjorundfjord.
Of course the weather can be a factor, but you aren't in the Caribbean. I've been in a Force 12 or more in winter on the Hurtigruten, when we've been confined to cabins for safety for a few hours. It's all part of the fun/experience.