Things to Know About Traveling in Norway in the Off-Season

Norway benefits from incredible scenery and outstanding accessibility. It’s possible to travel much of the more populous parts of the country — as well as access a great deal of the small towns in remote areas — via public transportation. The country’s network of fjords can be maze-like if you’re just looking at a map, but they’re fairly easily navigated via train, bus and ferry.

That being said, Norway’s public transportation system goes into hibernation promptly on Sept. 30. Entire bus and ferry routes that existed the month before disappear until early summer. There is no such thing as a shoulder season. Ferry, bus and train routes that do still run have very limited availability.

Icebreaker in the Greenland Sea, Svalbard Islands © Steve Allen | Dreamstime

You’ll benefit, though, by avoiding the growing crowds that visit Norway in the summer. Cruise ships unload thousands of passengers in tiny towns, taking away from the enjoyment of the scenery and culture. But in the off-season, these ships are nonexistent.

Off-season travelers may experience unpredictable weather, however. Norway has a beautiful but short summer, and as August comes to a close, clouds envelop the mountains and temperatures begin to drop. Still, visiting the southern and middle parts of the country (with the proper gear to deal with weather unpredictability) can bring rewarding weather with few other people.

Bergen, Norway © Noracarol | Dreamstime