Autumn Activities and Festivals in Voss, Norway
Voss in autumn is something special. The crowds of summer have faded, the hillsides turn orange and red from the changing leaves, and the town fills up with a different kind of energy though several festivals that lifts folk music, local food and comedy. All the summer activities are still available well into autumn, including rafting (until mid-October), hiking and indoor skydiving at Voss Vind, so there is plenty to fill the days with, even if you are not here for one of the festivals.
Here are the festivals that make autumn on Voss worth planning a trip around:
Comedy Festival in Myrkdalen
Every September, Myrkdalen Hotel hosts Fjellatter, a weekend comedy festival in the mountains. Some of Norway's best known comedians take the stage for stand-up shows, as well as comedy quiz nights and late-night DJ sets. By day, the surrounding mountains offer excellent biking and hiking opportunities. It is an unusual combination proper wilderness on the doorstep, proper comedy in the evening. The festival typically runs from Friday to Saturday, in early September.
Photo: Sendedalen at Vikafjellet
Smalahovesleppet: The Sheep's Head Festival
Yes, your read that correctly.
Smalahovesleppet is one of Norway's most distinctive food festivals and has been held in Voss every autumn for decades. The centrepiece is smalahove, a traditional Norwegian dish of salted and smoked sheep's head, served with mashed turnip and potatoes. The festival is a genuine local celebration, not a tourist performance: residents and visitors sit down together for the ceremonial dinner, complete with live music and dancing well into the night.
Beyond the dinner, the festival fills the town centre for a full weekend. There is a street market at the town square, local food stalls, a children's show (Badnasleppet) and a sheep's head eating competition. Tickets for the dinner sell out well in advance, booking early is recommended. The festival is held in late September or early October.
Smalahovesleppet in Voss. Photo: Åsmund Aarsand
Osafestivalen - Folk Music and Contemporary Sounds
Osafestivalen has been one of Norway's leading folk music festivals since 1992. Over four days in late October, the festival brings together traditional Norwegian folk music, new compositions and international artists in an intimate setting across several venues in Voss town centre. The venues vary from the historic Vangskyrkja church to the larger sports hall.
The programme mixes formal concerts with drop-in sessions, dance evenings, a visual art exhibition by a featured artist, and events for children. It is a festival that rewards wandering: the atmosphere in town during Osafestivalen is warm and unhurried, and it is easy to stumble into something memorable between scheduled events. Accommodation books up quickly, plan ahead if you are visiting for the festival.
Getting to Voss
The train is the easiest option from both Bergen (about 1 hour 15 minutes) and Oslo (about 6 hours). Voss station is right in the centre of town, within walking distance of most festival venues, restaurants and accommodation. A car is useful if you want to explore the surrounding valleys, but not necessary for the festivals themselves. For the festival in Myrkdalen (outside Voss town centre) there are shuttle buses before and after, or you can stay at the hotel.
We recommend getting an early train to Voss, so you have time to do an activity or expore town before the festival starts.
Buy your train and bus tickets here
Nature
If you are visiting Voss in autumn, set aside some time to experience the nature around Voss and in the surrounding mountains. There are plenty of good walks close to the town centre, so you do not need a car to enjoy the outdoors. See our tips for green mountain hikes here.
Bordalsgjelet is a naturally formed gorge and one of the most rewarding easy walks near Voss. The route passes through Prestegardsmoen, crosses the award-winning Tintra bridge and continues into the gorge, where the scenery opens up dramatically. The path is well marked with information signs and takes about 45 minutes each way.
The Panorama Trail at Hangurstoppen. Take the gondola and you are in the mountains within minutes. The top station is a perfect starting point for both short and longer walks. The Panorama Trail starts right outside the top station and is suitable for all fitness levels, including those with pushchairs. The trail is about 800 metres long and offers beautiful views of the Voss mountains, Lønavatnet lake and Voss town centre. Along the way you will find photo frames and the famous Hangurshusko swing. Read more about Voss Gondola here.
Top 10 Instaspots in Voss. A guide to the most photogenic spots in and around Voss worth a look whether you are after the perfect photo or just want somewhere new to explore.
A guide to waterfalls in Voss. The area around Voss has some spectacular waterfalls, and visiting one or two makes for a refreshing break between festival events.
Attractions
Need a pause between concerts or have a few hours to spare before heading home? These attractions are a perfect fit:
Food
Voss has a strong food culture, with many restaurants focused on local produce and traditional recipes passed down through generations. Set aside time for a proper meal — it is worth it.
If you enjoy wine, Park Hotel and restaurant Elysee are well worth a visit. Park Hotel has won several prestigious awards for its wine cellar, including World's Best Wine List 2020 and Best Overall Wine List 2022 by Star Wine List.
Explore cafés in Voss here: