Autumn is well and truly here. For schoolchildren across Norway, and some of their parents, that means a week’s vacation. Here’s what you need to know about Norway’s ‘høstferie’.
The trees in Trondheim have been on the turn for a couple of weeks now, shifting from deep green to shades of gold, rust and red. But autumn never seems to last long in Norway.
Just as the colours reach their peak, the first big storms sweep through—this year it was ‘Storm Amy'—shaking the leaves loose before we’ve had time to properly enjoy them.
Maybe that’s why autumn feels so short here. One week it’s crisp and colourful, the next it’s grey, wet, and bare.
But for many Norwegians, that brief window between summer and winter has a special significance, especially if they have children. That's because of høstferie, the autumn break from school, which many adults also take off.
The Week That Sneaks Up On Me
As someone without school-age kids, these holidays have a habit of sneaking up on me. Like vinterferie in February, I usually only realise it’s høstferie once the morning bus is half empty or the swimming pool suddenly feels twice as busy.
The rhythm of daily life shifts ever so slightly: fewer people commuting, more families heading out of town, and the cafés filled with teenagers enjoying their taste of freedom before the long, dark months ahead.
When Is Høstferie?
The høstferie typically falls in late September or early October, varying slightly from region to region.
This week, from 6 to 10 October, 2025, is høstferie here in Trondheim. Meanwhile, other parts of the country take their break on a different schedule. For instance, in Oslo, the holiday ran the previous week, 29 September to 3 October.
Schools are closed for a week, and many parents use some of their paid vacation days to take a few days or the whole week off to match. It’s a small but welcome break that bridges the long gap between summer holidays and Christmas.
Originally, this week off wasn’t about leisure at all. It began in the early 20th century as a potetferie—a potato holiday—when schoolchildren were expected to help their families with the harvest.
In some rural communities, the tradition continued into the 1970s. Today, while the potatoes are left to the farmers, the name høstferie remains, a seasonal pause rooted in Norway’s agricultural past.
How Norwegians Spend the Autumn Break
For many families, høstferie means heading to the hytte. It’s the perfect time for long hikes through the forest before the snow arrives, berry picking, or simply lighting the fireplace and settling in with a mug of cocoa as the rain taps against the window.
The fresh air, changing colours and slower pace make it one of the most atmospheric times of the year to spend in the mountains. It's the time of year when ‘kos' really starts to make sense.
Those who prefer a bit more action might take a short city break, either within Norway or abroad. The autumn school holidays are a popular time for a quick trip to southern Europe before winter truly sets in.
Meanwhile, others stay close to home, enjoying local museums, swimming pools, and cinemas. Basically, anything that offers a cosy escape from the weather.
Autumn Adventures and Indoor Comforts
In larger cities, høstferie often brings a burst of local activity. Many cultural attractions and museums run family-friendly programmes, while sports clubs organise extra training camps for children.
In Oslo, the climbing walls and trampolining centre fill up quickly; here in Trondheim, the Pirbadet waterpark is busy all week.
Outdoors, the hiking trails are quieter than in summer but still inviting. If you don’t mind a little drizzle, that is. The air is cooler, the light softer, and the smell of damp forest and woodsmoke gives a real sense that winter is on the horizon.
A Brief Pause Before Winter
Even if you don’t have a høstferie of your own, it’s hard not to notice the change in pace this time of year. The buses are calmer, the supermarkets stock up on hot chocolate and firewood, and evenings arrive a little earlier each day.
Maybe that’s the real charm of høstferie: it’s a gentle reminder to slow down, take stock, and enjoy Norway’s fleeting autumn while it lasts. Because before long, the rain will turn to snow, and the darkness will deepen.
