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Norway in November? Is It Worth It?

Posted by on

Assume that I want to replicate the basic Norway in a Nutshell itinerary, but in November. I'm not trying to see the Northern Lights or hike this time. My goal is to appreciate the raw beauty of the fjords and the charm of Bergen. I know it will be cold and rainy with shortened daylight hours. I know it's not the ideal time to visit, that it would be better in May/June/September.

My question is for those who have been in November: will I still be able to appreciate the beauty of the fjords at this time of year? Will the rain ruin this? Will it still be worth spending the time doing this?

I have an opportunity to be close by already and I've never seen Norway. So I'm trying to sneak this side trip in for a week. I don't want to walk away thinking, "Well, that was a bust/waste." I am okay walking away thinking, "That was really beautiful and a great experience even if it wasn't ideal."

Posted by
11 posts

The first time I visited Norway was late November. We did Norway in a Nutshell. It was very beautiful. Many of the waterfalls were frozen. The next time we went was in May. A very different experience, but I’m glad I had both. It does get dark early, but that doesn’t stop folks from being out and about. We did have rain and snow, but just gave us a good excuse to buy Norwegian sweaters.

Posted by
32 posts

Kristin, thank you for taking the time to reply with your perspective. I really appreciate the positive attitude and encouragement to go even in winter!

Posted by
6372 posts

Why not? Make sure you wear clothes suitable for the weather and there won't be a problem. There will be less daylight compared to the summer months so you need to plan your sightseeing for when the sun is up, but apart from that I don't think it will be a waste.

Posted by
32 posts

Thanks, Badger! I definitely want to visit Norway, Sweden, and Denmark in the warmer months with the long daylight hours, but I have this opportunity so I'll just squeeze every ounce of daylight I can get...and then enjoy lingering in restaurants or finding music venues in the evening. If I am there late enough in November, hopefully I can take advantage of Christmas Markets in Stockholm and Copenhagen as well.

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