FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT VISITING NORWAY IN SEPTEMBER
September might be the ideal month for you to visit Norway, depending on what you want to see and do. Read on to find out more about visiting Norway in September with these answers to commonly asked questions.
What are the best things to do in Norway in September?
There are plenty of things you can do during your trip to Norway. September is an ideal time to visit because the gorgeous natural sights are easily accessible via car, train or cruise, and there is a host of activities available to you.
Here are 10 of the best Norway travel experiences in September:
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Marvel at majestic waterfalls such as the Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil
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Explore the vibrant capital, Oslo
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Enjoy a Hurtigruten Coastal Voyage along the west coast
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Cruise through Norway’s fjords in September such as Nærøyfjord
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Drive the scenic Atlantic Ocean Road
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Board the Norway in a Nutshell® tour to experience breathtaking landscapes
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Hike in national parks for the country’s best vantage points
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See Arctic wildlife on boat safaris in remote Svalbard
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Admire traditional stave churches dating back centuries
Events in Norway in September
Visit Norway in September and you could experience some fun cultural events. For example, the Bergen Matfestival is a foodie feast taking place early in the month. Taste delicious local fare and sample beer from the country’s best breweries. There’s even a mini food festival for kids.
Or you could head to Kristiansund to experience the Nordic Light Photo Festival, a fantastic photography event on the west coast. September is also when the Oslo Marathon is held.
Good to know: Our Norway itineraries aren’t set in stone. Our Norwegian experts know the country inside out and will tailor your itinerary to create a tour of Norway that suits you.
What are the best places to visit in Norway in September?
September is a great month to visit Norway and explore its top attractions. Here are some of the best places to visit in Norway in September:
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Visit charming Norwegian villages like
Flåm
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Stroll through the “Gateway to the Fjords”,
Bergen, and the historic city of
Trondheim
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Hike up iconic landscapes like the
Pulpit Rock, or see them from the water
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Fly north to visit the kingdom of polar bears, remote
Svalbard
What is the weather like in Norway in September?
September falls at the beginning of autumn, so the weather in Norway is usually mild with cool evenings and mornings. It is colder further north, towards the Arctic Circle, and wetter on the west coast. You might experience lovely warm days in Southern Norway in September.
What is the temperature in September?
As the country spans such a large distance, temperatures in Norway vary depending on location.
In Oslo and Bergen the average temperature is 11°C (52°F) in September. In Stavanger it is 13°C (56°F), in Tromsø it’s 7°C (44°F), and in Longyearbyen, the main town of Svalbard, it is 1°C (34°F).
Does it snow in Norway in September?
It is unlikely to snow during your tour of Norway in September, as it’s only just the end of summer. If you’d like to experience snow, visit Northern Norway in winter.
What are the driving conditions in Norway in September?
If you decide to take on a road trip in Norway, you won’t regret it! It’s an excellent way to experience the country at your own pace. In September, the weather and road conditions are usually ideal to take the wheel and you have plenty of daylight for the journey.
In general, the roads in Norway are of a high standard and are well-maintained. It’s also good to note that Norwegians drive on the right side of the road, like in North America. Rural roads generally have two lanes, but can be narrow and winding, particularly in mountainous areas.
Would you rather take in the view and let someone else do the driving? You could discover Norway on a small group tour or travel via trains and cruises.
What to pack for a trip to Norway in September?
It can get chilly in Norway in September, especially in the mountains or on the deck of a cruise ship, so it’s a good idea to bring layers. That way, come rain or shine, you can enjoy the natural beauty of the country.
Here is a list of packing essentials for your Norway trip in September:
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Shorts and trousers
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Short and long sleeve shirts and at least one warm jumper or fleece
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Waterproof jacket
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Waterproof trousers
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Hat and gloves
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Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
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Sunglasses, sun hat and SPF lotion
An umbrella can also come in handy, and wildlife watchers may wish to bring binoculars.
What to wear in Norway in September?
In the Nordic countries, they have a saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing”.
Look at the forecast before travelling and dress appropriately. Bring summer clothes for any warm days, but make sure to bring layers to adapt to the wind, rain or sunshine. If you go hiking or are out at sea, make sure you bring waterproof and windproof clothing.
What are the daylight hours in Norway in September?
In September the days are still quite long in Norway, although the midnight sun phenomenon has passed. In the south, you’ll experience 11-14 hours of daylight in September. In the north, expect between 11-15 hours of daylight.
There is a big difference in daylight hours between the beginning and end of the month. In early September, the sun rises at 6:15 AM and sets at 8:20 PM in Oslo. In Tromsø, the sunrise is at 5:00 AM and sunset at 8:20 PM.
By the end of the month, the sun rises at 7:25 AM in Oslo and sets by 6:50 PM. It reduces as well in Tromsø, with daylight hours between 7:00 AM and 6:05 PM.
Can I see the northern lights in Norway in September?
It is unlikely you’ll see the northern lights during your stay in Norway in September, although not impossible!
If you’re keen to see the northern lights in Norway, you should visit between October and March. The long winter nights mean dark skies, which make it easier to see the colourful solar activity.
Head to Northern Norway with an aurora borealis tour in Tromsø or Kirkenes to chase the northern lights.
How to tour Norway in September?
Though many of Norway's top natural attractions can be visited in under a week from Oslo, September is a wonderful time to slow down the pace. Venture further into the Norwegian countryside – either on your own or with tour guides.
Travel independently around Norway
To travel at your own pace while soaking up all the fantastic views, you could explore Norway by train or cruise.
Your exciting rail adventure will take you through the mountains to cities like Bergen or Trondheim. If you want to embark on one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world – Norway in a Nutshell® – September is a great month to do it.
For an unforgettable Norwegian cruise, you could opt for a Hurtigruten journey to sail along the rugged west coast. You can add shore excursions to places like charming Ålesund and the Lofoten islands, or even combine it with a road trip or train travel.
A road trip in Norway
September is an ideal month for those who would like to take the wheel for a tour of Norway. Drive from Southern Norway to the western fjords at a relaxed pace. Experience incredible roads like the steep, twisting Trollstigen or the dramatic Atlantic Ocean Road.
At this time of year, the road conditions are excellent for touring, and you have decent daylight hours to drive and explore.
A small group tour of Norway
In September, you can choose from a range of guided small group tours to see the wonders of Norway. You could even discover other Scandinavian countries along the way.
These guided tours offer an enriching experience, allowing you to get the most out of your trip thanks to the expertise of a local guide. What’s more, you’ll be travelling alongside 15 people at most, so the trip is still personal for you.
Partially guided tours in Norway
A partially guided tour is a great way to combine solo travel with guided excursions. In September, you could head north to discover Svalbard. Explore the largest settlement, Longyearbyen, by yourself and join fun activities every day such as boat and husky safaris.
Good to know: Whichever of these travel styles you choose, you’ll get all the signature Nordic Visitor benefits. These include access to our 24/7 helpline, a detailed personal itinerary, helpful travel guide and daily breakfast.
Your Nordic Visitor travel agent will book all your accommodation, and you can add extra nights and activities to your itinerary too.
As a Northern European tour operator, Nordic Visitor specialises in organising trips to this beautiful corner of the world. We have many more ideas and travel tips to help you explore the region your way!
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