Weather
Visitors heading to Norway in April can expect fickle spring weather: sometimes it comes early (the photo above errs on the optimistic side) and sometimes it comes late—on a whole, though, you'll likely find it more pleasant than March. In the southern portion of the country, the winter chill fades as temperatures start rising above the 40-50 degree Fahrenheit range.
In the north, spring arrives later than in the rest of the country, so depending on where you travel, you may experience changing seasons from winter to spring (or vice versa) in just a few hours. Don’t forget to pack sweaters, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes with good grip for all sorts of terrain.
Crowds & Costs
All businesses re-open for tourism as April makes the transition from low season to Norway's shoulder season, especially with the onset of Easter week and spring break. Flights and hotels will see a rise in prices, though they're still not as expensive as the peak summer months, making this a great time to come if you have a chunk of time off. Locals love their Easter family traditions, with roast lamb, candy exchanges, and spring skiing in the mountains, and many Norwegians will be traveling within the country during this period as well.
Where to Go
April's warming weather makes it a great month to explore Norway by foot, train, rental car, coastal steamer, and/or fjord cruise with more route options available after the winter season. Most travelers will either start or end their trip with a few days in the capital of Oslo—the fastest-growing capital in Europe. A classic next stop from here is Bergen, via the famous Flåm Railway, where you can check out the city's cobblestoned UNESCO World Heritage site, chic boutiques, and traditional restaurants.
While on the west coast, consider a trip on the iconic Hurtigruten coastal ferry between Bergen and the Arctic Circle along one of the world's most spectacular coastal journeys. Instead of going all the way to Kirkenes, stop in Ålesund, a city that received an art nouveau makeover after a devastating fire a century ago. From here, you can ferry through the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, which is known for its waterfalls. For more, read the Ultimate Guide to Norway's Fjords and Top Norway Road Trips.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
April is a great month for checking out Norway's urban museums, parks, restaurants, and cultural attractions. In fact, many visitors prefer to visit cafés and art exhibitions when the locals flee to the mountains for one more week of winter and spring skiing. There are also concerts, festivals, and other events going on all over the country around Easter.
For a relaxing road trip, you can explore charming villages and wooden stave churches all over southern and central Norway. More active types can head to central Norway's national parks in April that welcome trekkers to its well-maintained hikes. For instance, Jotunheimen National Park, ‘Home of the Giants’, offers 60 glaciers, 275 summits, and close proximity to the fjords for those who want to hit the trails before the summer crowds. Here's a guide to Norway's best day hikes.
No matter what you do, April is sure to bring temperatures warm enough for "utepils"—Norwegians pastime of enjoying cold beers outside on a sunny day.
Events in April
Holy Week. Expect various celebrations and business closures all over Norway, especially between Thursday through the day after Easter Sunday.
Voss Jazz Festival. This April festival in Voss (a small town between Flam and Bergen) offers three days of jazz and folk music performances by European and American artists.
Inferno Metal Festival. For hard-core music lovers, Oslo's unique festival held over Easter weekend of all times features a roster of heavy metal bands.
Traveling to Norway in April? Check out these great itineraries.
Western Norway Fjord Road Trip. Get ready to hit the open road on this self-drive adventure down Norway's stunning west coast. Starting in Bergen, you'll hike, bike, and take one of the world's steepest train rides through the country's villages, mountains, and fjords. Top off your well-rounded trip in charming Ålesund, a fairytale city renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture.
Discover Norway's Cities. This relaxing and unbelievably scenic 10-day summer itinerary checks off Norway's three biggest cities (Oslo, Bergen & Trondheim) traveling by train, ferry, and fjord cruise for a true Scandinavian adventure. An added bonus: there's even a night the Art Nouveau city of Ålesund. You'll experience these clean pedestrian-friendly hubs like a local, exploring cultural sites and cool neighborhoods with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding along the way.
More Helpful Information
Norway in March
Norway in May
Best Time to Visit Norway
How to Spend a Week in Norway