In western Norway, locals say summer begins in spring, and autumn starts in summer. So, don't expect the traditional calendar to match the seasons across the whole of Norway.
But that doesn't mean autumn has to be gloomy, wet, or depressing.
READ MORE: Discover Norway: Five reasons to love Oslo in the autumn
By following these six local-approved hacks, you'll discover that autumn in Norway can be cosy, productive, and full of ways to enjoy both the outdoors and the comforts of home.
Buy a storm-grade umbrella
You might think you don't need a storm-proof umbrella, but in parts of Norway where rain is practically a way of life, many people treat them like a must-have accessory.
Norwegian autumns are infamous for strong winds and heavy rains, so a regular umbrella might not cut it.
In regions of the country which are particularly rainy, such as Bergen and Trondheim, locals swear by storm-grade umbrellas, like the Fulton Cyclone, designed to withstand gale-force winds.
If you can't find the Cyclone, Fulton's Typhoon model is also a strong contender. With one of these in hand, you'll stay dry and unbothered by the unpredictable weather.
Spending a little extra on a sturdier umbrella might seem pricey at first, but you'll be glad you did when a storm rolls in.
Investing in quality waterproof clothes to help you stay active
There's a popular saying that locals will share throughout Norway:
Det fins ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlige klær (There’s no bad weather, only bad clothes.)
That's why investing in high-quality waterproof clothing is essential for enjoying autumn outdoors.
Norwegian outdoor apparel brands like Helly Hansen, Bergans, and Norrøna specialise in gear built to endure the elements.
These clothes might seem like a significant investment upfront (with prices often reaching thousands of kroner), but they'll keep you warm and dry on cold, rainy autumn days.
Plus, their long-lasting durability is a key feature that makes them worth the price.
The Local has a guide on how to dress for the cold (and wet) weather, available here.
The autumn remains a fantastic time to enjoy hiking trips, and the trails are normally much quieter than the peak summer months. Having good quality gear will allow you to enjoy more time out in nature, or simply keep you dry and warm as you go about your daily business.
Embrace free outdoor activities (like foraging)
Autumn is peak mushroom season in Norway, and foraging is a great way to stay active, save money, and connect with nature.
So grab a basket, head to the nearest forest, and keep an eye out for these golden treats.
It's not just fun; it's a beloved tradition that Norwegians have enjoyed for centuries.
After a fun day of foraging with family or friends, there's something really satisfying about coming together to cook up a meal with your fresh mushroom haul.
Chanterelles are very popular in Norway, as they are perfect for simple dishes like risottos, stews, or just sautéed in butter with a bit of garlic.
The meal tastes even better knowing you've gathered your own ingredients straight from nature.
Psst! The Local has a guide on picking mushrooms in Norway, where we cover everything from boletes to hedgehog mushrooms. You can find it here.
Use commutes to pick up new skills
With the wet, windy weather, you'll probably find yourself spending a lot of time on public transport.
Make the most of it by picking up a new hobby or skill.
Many Norwegians use their commutes for practical activities like knitting or listening to language lessons via podcasts or audiobooks.
It's a perfect way to be productive while staying dry inside a tram or bus during your daily commute.
READ MORE: Just how reliable is public transport in Norway?
During the autumn, the time will come when its dark when you leave for work and then travel home so making a mundane part of your day a bit more enjoyable will help heaps.
Make use of essential Norwegian apps
Several apps can help make your autumn in Norway much smoother.
Too Good To Go lets you pick up discounted food from local restaurants and bakeries that would otherwise go to waste, offering a cosy meal to enjoy at home after a long, rainy day.
Dele is a great car-sharing app for longer trips that provides easy access to vehicles in most major Norwegian cities, perfect for planning an autumn weekend getaway.
To navigate public transport, download your local public transport app (for example, Skyss in Bergen or Ruter in Oslo), which is especially useful during the rainy season when knowing your next bus or tram arrival can save you from standing in the rain.
Finally, Vipps is Norway's go-to mobile payment app, making it easy to pay friends back after meals or split costs for group activities without relying on cash.
Join local online groups to stay in the loop
Even during the colder months, Norwegian cities come alive with cultural events and activities.
To stay up-to-date, join Facebook groups or follow local pages dedicated to your interests.
READ ALSO: Five overrated tourism spots in Norway and where you should go instead
Whether you're into jazz or theatre or just want to know about nearby events, these groups can help you discover exciting opportunities - and you can find them through a simple search on Facebook groups.
The local website iterations of Visit Norway also provide curated event listings to keep you in the loop.
So, if you're based in Bergen, check out the events/things to do section of Visit Bergen. If you're living in Stavanger, make sure to regularly browse through Visit Southern Norway.
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