During the months of September, October and November, the days get shorter, the air crisper, the food richer and the colors more dazzling. The Norwegian autumn equals a wide range of temperatures and weather types. Summery vibes may last well into October, while the rain sometimes turn into snow in early November. A sure sign that autumn is here is when the trees and heath turn yellow and red and the leaves start falling off the trees.
The splendid colors mean that nature is at its most dazzling in autumn. The mountain areas are especially beautiful this time of the year and many Norwegians go hiking or biking in the mountains with their family during the yearly school holiday in October.
The autumn season is also a time for gathering together inside with hot chocolate and lit candles. The feeling of “kos” – the kind of instant happiness you get when you feel safe, warm, and good together – is very important when the days get shorter and cold rain drum against the window.
Another important aspect of the season: It’s harvesting time. The Norwegian food culture takes some subtle turns this time of year, favoring local ingredients and slow-cooked and rich dishes suited for chillier climate.
Here we have gathered some of the best places in the Norwegian mountains – where you can experience the splendor of Norwegian autumn, exciting adventures, food, people, culture, architecture, history and welcoming hosts.
Skåbu Mountain Hotel. Jotunheimen
Skåbu Mountain Hotel is a family-run hotel in the centre of Skåbu – a hospitable and authentic small mountain village at the steps of the beautiful Jotunheimen National Park. The area is rich in Norse history and local culture. The majestic mountains offer a wide range of activities all year-round, and in autumn hiking, biking, rafting, mushroom picking, hunting, and fishing, either on their own or with local guides.
The hotel’s kitchen emphasizes the taste of the Norwegian mountains and local produce with the most pure and natural ingredients. The brand new hotel re-opened in 2018 with 12 double rooms and 5 apartments. Every fall Skåbu organizes their own marathon and half marathon.
Website: https://skabufjellhotell.no/en/
Bortistu, Trollheimen
The Bortistu Guest Farm is situated in the heart of Trollheimen in the middle of Norway. The farm is rich in history, with the oldest building dating back to 1648, and the first visitors started to arrive already in 1887.
The building were turned into modern accommodation and a restaurant offering a menu based on local produce. One of their specialities is Basstu – smoked leg of lamb, but courses vary with the seasons and availability of produce.
All accommodations are in well-equipped cabins where guests can make their own meals if they chose not to eat in the restaurant. Bortistu offers all year-round activities, and in autumn hiking, biking, fishing, and they also have a treatment center for relaxing after a day of activities.
Website: https://www.bortistu.no/welcome-to-bortistu
Steinbergdalshytta, Aurland
Steinbergdalshytta is a traditional Norwegian “turisthytte” (tourist lodge) with a long history of being a place for hikers and other guests to seek warm refuge from the outdoor elements.
The cabin was built in 1895. The location was picked because many passed there, and high quality food like fish, meat and dairy products were abundant. Today there are approx. 50 beds in the main building, the annex, the barn and two smaller cabins.
All year round, the surrounding nature offers spectacular adventures and experiences, such as fishing, hiking, trail running, but also cooking classes and cheese tasting.
Website: https://www.steinbergdalshytta.no/
Bjerkeløkkja, Oppdal
History on the outside, modern inside. Bjerkeløkkja is perfect for those looking for a private party, such as weddings, anniversaries or smaller events, but of course also for regular travelers.
The property offers accommodation in several charismatic buildings, varying from small houses with one double or single rooms, to larger houses with up to nine bedrooms. In total Bjerkeløkkja has 35 rooms, all with private bathrooms. Some of the oldest building are dating back to the 17th and 18th century.
The Oppdal region offers a large selection of exciting activities, and Bjerkeløkkja can tailor-make both more exciting and energetic programs as well as more relaxing ones. Some of the activities are hiking, rafting, canoeing, musk ox safaris, and also historic guiding and beer tasting.
Website: https://www.bjerkelokkja.no/en/
Geilo Mountain Lodge, Geilo
Geilo Mountain Lodge has a 104 years long history. The lodge started as a private residence, which in 1917 was turned into a guest house with 14 beds. In 2004 the owners decided to turn the property into an English styled accommodation with the goal to create an atmosphere of the 1920’s England, including hand picked furniture, doors, fireplaces, crockery and textiles.
Today the lodge offers accommodation in 10 large double rooms and suites. The restaurant focuses on the traditional Norwegian cuisine with base in local produce such as birds, wild meat, fish, mushrooms and berries from the Hallingdalen highlands.
The hosts can assist visitors with a wide range of activities and excursions to some of Norway’s most well-known attractions.
Website: https://www.geilomountainlodge.no/
Elveseter, Bøverdalen
The old family farm estate Elveseter has received visitors since the 1870’s. In the last century the estate has been gradually transformed into a beautiful hotel with modern facilities. Throughout the years guests from all social backgrounds – including kings and queens, heads of state and internationally acclaimed explorers have stayed at the hotel.
The hotel is situated in a side valley to Bøverdalen, which is considered the entrance to Jotunheimen National Park. This large mountainous region contains 29 of the highest mountains in Norway, and Elveseter is often used as starting point for hikes over the spectacular Besseggen. In addition the hotel offers horseback riding, caving, fishing, rafting as well as visits to the Climate Park, wine tasting and also a well-known art galley.
Website: https://elveseter.no/en/hotel-elveseter/
Hindsæter Hotel, Sjodalen
The first guest arriving to Hindsæter came in 1898. Hindsæter used to be a old summer farm dating as far back as the 1600’s, but has turned into an hotel with modern facilities set in historical surroundings. The hotel is situated along the scenic road over Valdresflya, at 950 metres above sea level, close to the Jotunheimen National Park.
Hindsæter is a relaxing getaway where visitors can enjoy excellent dinners in historical dining rooms, and fresh mountain air on hiking trips. Highly recommend are dishes made from local reindeer. The hotel offers 10 “summer farm suites” and seven double rooms, all with private bathrooms.
The nature and cultural landscape have many hiking as well as biking trails both in forests and on mountain plateaus.
Website: https://www.hindseter.no/en/
