Norway is perceived as a winter wonderland by millions of people around the world, and as a Norwegian native, I get it – Norway in winter can be magical. I have traveled almost everywhere in Norway, summer and winter. 

To answer the specific question “What is a Norway winter holiday like?”, you have to bear with me. Norway is a long country, over 2000 kilometers (1242 miles) from south to north, and that does not include all the fjords and islands on the coastline. 

My point is that winter in southern Norway is completely different from the winter in northern Norway, and the winter along the coast will feel quite different from the winter season in the dry inland regions. Let me explain. 

What Is Norway In Winter Travel Like?

Visiting Norway in winter can be a magical experience as long as you do your research, pack smart, and know what you are getting yourself into. This true winter wonderland offers fun challenges with snow, slippery ice, low temperatures, and short days with limited daylight, and being prepared for all this is an undeniable advantage. 

Norway will be a great Arctic winter destination for you as long as you have the right clothes and boots, know that the days only last for a few hours (we call it the blue light), and want to experience the polar and arctic regions of the world. 

This is also the season for the incredible northern lights in Norway; the Aurora Borealis. These are most common in the north of the country, and if you venture up there, it will be spectacular. 

Norway In Winter Temperature

In Oslo and the southern and western regions along the coast, the temperatures do not get ridiculously low in winter, but because of the proximity to the coast and the sea, the air can feel a lot colder than the temperatures indicate. Also, there is no polar night south of the Arctic Circle, so you will see the sun.  

The temperature in Norway varies a lot in winter. in the inland up north, the temperatures can be dramatically low, up to 40-45 degrees Celsius below zero. As it is far away from the coast, the air is dryer, and it might not feel that cold. This is also where the sun stays below the horizon for from a couple of weeks to a couple of months a year, depending on what latitude you are on. 

So, along this long, narrow, rugged country, what is it like, and where should you go? Let’s explore the most popular destinations in Norway’s winter wonderland, starting with the capital, Oslo. 

Oslo In Winter

Winter in the capital and largest city Oslo, as well as the central areas, is “not so bad.” There is rarely a lot of snow in the center of Oslo, but still, having to do the “penguin walk” balancing on the icy streets is not uncommon. 

Despite being a city that is open and bright with lots of street cafes, city beaches, and green parks in the Oslo summer, the city in winter is not somewhere where you spend more time outdoors than you have to.  

The city center of Oslo has an ice skating rink along the main street between the Royal Castle and the Stortinget all winter, which is super charming, especially in December when there are Advent lights and music everywhere! 

There are also lots of great shopping centers, restaurants with fireplaces, and pubs with cozy candlelight and live music, making the winter months feel warmer to make up for the temperatures outside. 

Just half an hour outside the capital, you will find yourself in “Marka,” the city forest where you find pristine snow great for cross-country skiing. You can easily get here with the city tram in less than half an hour (bring your skis with you on the tram like the locals do), a perfect way to spend a cold, sunny Sunday.

There are a variety of museums and art galleries you can visit in winter, as well as cultural events like concerts, theater performances, and the iconic National Opera House shaped like a glacier sliding into the fjord. Stroll across the roof before you attend a performance inside the modern, elegant building.

Things to do in Oslo in winter

• Ice skating in Spikersuppa
• Visit the Munch Museum
• Downhill alpine skiing in ski resorts around Oslo
• Snow sledding from Holmenkollen
• Go cross-country skiing in the Marka forests (north, east, and west)
• Have hot chocolate in a local bakery
• Go to a concert at Rockefeller or John Dee
• Watch a ski jumping competition at the Holmenkollen Ski Jump Arena
• See a theater performance at the National Theater
• Visit the Opera House to walk on the roof and/or see a performance

Bergen In Winter

Bergen Town is situated on almost the same latitude as Oslo, on the western coast of Norway, and is famous for being the home of majestic mountains and beautiful fjords stretching for miles inland. The town is also known for its old town, the iconic fish market, and the huge aquarium famous far outside the borders of Norway. 

Bergen does not get too much snow in winter, and temperatures are not very cold (it can even rain) – but as it is a coastal city, the winter here can still feel steely cold at times due to the moist sea air.

During winter in Bergen, you can still enjoy a guided fjord cruise in the famous western fjords, head out for great shopping and local cuisine (seafood, of course), or explore the cultural scene in the Capital of the West. 

Bergen is particularly well known for its classical music scene, with the Grieghallen Hall, and the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, which classical music lovers will love. 

One must-see fjord (if you need to choose one) is the Nærøyfjorden, which was inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, and has also been voted the “most unspoiled tourist destination” by National Geographic!

Another super popular activity in Bergen is snowshoe hiking in the snow-covered mountain plains and peaks. If that is not for you, you can still enjoy mountain views from the Fløybanen funicular or the Ulriken cable car for spectacular views without breaking a sweat.

Things to do in Bergen in Winter

• Go to a classical concert with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra
• Get fresh fish and seafood at the Fish Market
• Visit Skostredet and the old parts of Bergen
• Take the Fløybanen Funicular or the Ulriken cable car
• Do a fjord cruise outside Bergen city
• Join a day trip to Nærøyfjorden UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Go shopping in one of the unique niche shops in the center
• Take sauna and frisky sea baths at Nordnes Sea Bath
• Visit the Bergen Aquarium
• Go skiing in iconic Voss (where the water comes from), one hour from Bergen

Trondheim In Winter

Trondheim is the “last town” below the Arctic Circle in Norway, but still quite far north in the country. This is the original capital of Norway, around 1000 years ago, which is also the time the famous Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim was built. 

Trondheim is a great destination for cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, winter hiking, kayaking, and lots of outdoor activities even in winter. As the combination cafe/sauna/swimming in the sea has become more and more popular in Norway, you can also find this experience with Haven Arena in Trondheim in the winter months. Or what about ice skating or going for a sleigh ride with a horse and carriage? 

In Trondheim town, which has about 180.000 inhabitants, there is also a vibrant cultural life, lots of students attending NTNU University, great dining, nightlife, and a super charming old town called Bakklandet where you can take in the ambiance of centuries past here below the Arctic Circle.

Things To Do In Trondheim In Winter

• Go downhill skiing at Granåsen Ski Park
• Kayaking in the fjord
• Winter hiking
• Go swimming in Pirbadet indoor waterpark
• Visit the Christmas market in December
• See the northern lights (it is possible here too!)
• Go cross-country skiing in Bymarka
• Head out for ice skating at Solsiden
• Enjoy a concert with the Nidarosdomen Boy Choir
• Walk the Ladestien Coastal Path

Tromsø In Winter

The Arctic town of Tromsø, often referred to as the Paris of the North, is a super charming biggish town above the Arctic Circle. The town is situated mainly on a small island, super famous for its Ishavskatedralen Cathedral and one of the best places to spot the epic northern lights. 

I studied in Tromsø for three years, and I loved living there. In summer, I basked in the midnight sun, and in winter, I marveled at the blue winter light and the northern lights (although the winters got a bit long in the end). You can also visit the iconic Lofoten Islands from Tromsø, which has emerged as a more and more popular winter destination in Norway.  

A great winter destination for lovers of the Arctic, Tromsø is surrounded by snow-covered mountains on all sides and also just a few short hours’ drive from epic alpine destinations like the Lyngsalpene Mountains. In town, Tromsø also has an aquarium, a cable car, a museum, an old wooden town church, and a charming main street with lots of cafes and restaurants. 

Not least is Tromsø known for great shopping, the Mack Beer Brewery, amazing dining (especially seafood), and vibrant cultural life and nightlife. You will find a variety of concerts and festivals here throughout the year, like the Tromsø Film Festival, which normally takes place at the end of January every year.

Things To Do In Tromsø In Winter

• Chase the Northern Lights
• Attend the International Film Festival in January
• Savor great seafood at Dragøy
• Visit the Mack Brewery – the northernmost brewery in the world
• Have coffee or wine at Tøllefsenhjørnet
• Visit the Ishavskatedralen Cathedral
• Take the cable car Fjellheisen for spectacular views
• Visit the Tromsø Aquarium Polaria
• Have a cocktail at the Magic Ice Bar
• Visit the Troll Museum (yes, a museum over trolls)

The North Cape In Winter

I can not write an article about Norway in winter without mentioning the iconic North Cape Plateau, which is not just on the top of Norway but also at the northernmost point in the entire mainland Europe. 

The North Cape is in Finnmark County, the northernmost county in Norway, home of the indigenous Sami people along the Barents Sea. This is where we have the Russian border as well as borders with Sweden and Finland in the east. The next stop after the North Cape, is the North Pole! 

Situated on the northern tip of Magerøya Island, the nearest town to the North Cape is Honningsvåg, a place that is home to about 2900 people year round. I spent six summer months up here, enjoying the Arctic summer, the midnight sun, and thousands of reindeer roaming the wild nature. 

Visiting the North Cape in winter is no less than epic, as long as the road is not closed due to snow storms or fierce winds in the winter. You can get to the North Cape from Honningsvåg on a comfy bus, or you can choose to do a winter tour with an ATV. There are also other fun things to do here, not just the northernmost rock in Europe.

Things to do at the North Cape in Winter

• A frisky ATV tour to the North Cape
• Cross-country skiing on Magerøya Island
• Sightseeing & bus tours to the North Cape
• Visit the North Cape Museum
• Join a Northern Lights chase
• Visit East of the Sun Art Gallery
• Snowmobile safari
• Snowshoe hike
• Ice fishing adventure
• Perleporten (Pearly Gates) culture center and pub 

Svalbard In Winter

About 1000 kilometers north of the Norwegian mainland is the Arctic island group called Svalbard, which is a one-of-a-kind destination on the planet. The nature and scenery in Svalbard are unprecedented, with its particularly shaped mountains, roaming polar bears, and long polar night that lasts for over three months. 

When I visited, my two favorite activities were dog sledding and venturing down into a deep ice cave in the middle of the wilderness. Apart from that, Svalbard offers multi-day expedition boat tours around the islands (this is a vast area), snowmobile safaris, and more. For many travelers, visiting Svalbard is a bucket-list trip of a lifetime. 

In Svalbard you can also stay at really luxurious hotels, despite the rugged climate and environment, but also a simple hostel-like accommodation if you are traveling on a budget. Generally, traveling to Svalbard, staying here, and having epic adventures does require a not-too-tight budget, but by doing the research and planning well, you don’t have to break the bank.

Things to do in Svalbard in winter

• Seeing the northern lights (outside your door!)
• Go for expedition boat trips
• Join a dog sledding adventure
• Take a snowmobile tour
• Explore ice caves
• Join a cross-country ski trek
• Visit Barentsburg
• Have a gourmet dinner at Huset Restaurant
• See the Arctic World Archive and the Global Seed Vault
• Visit the old coal mines

3 Best Skiing Destinations In Norway

There are A LOT of great skiing destinations in Norway, even right outside Oslo, as I mentioned earlier. So in this paragraph, I am going to focus on the most popular destinations for downhill alpine skiing. 

Their winter destinations are also great for cross-country skiing, and have a myriad of great places to stay, ranging from high-end hotels, so-called “hikers-homes”, and rental cabins ranging from luxury to quite simple. 

Hemsedal

Hemsedal ski center is situated about 3,5 hours drive from Oslo. With 20 lifts and 52 downhill courses to choose from it is a popular destination for Norwegians as well as international ski enthusiasts. This ski center is especially popular among young adults and friend groups, because it has a high “party factor”, but many families and couples also enjoy skiing here. 

In Hemsedal, you can also live like a king and queen if you want to, eat gourmet dinners, join the vibrant nightlife, and of course, head out for epic after-ski parties after a day exploring the mountain. 

Geilo

The ski destination Geilo is situated approximately in the middle of Oslo and Bergen, so there are about half and half “Westerners” and Oslo people skiing here, as well as international visitors. Geilo skiing center has 20 lifts and 46 downhill courses, so it is only marginally smaller than Hemsedal. You can take the beautiful train journey here from both Oslo and Bergen. 

Geilo is considered a more “high-end” ski resort and also has high-end hotels, cabins, great dining options, after-ski activities, and everything you need for a great high-altitude skiing getaway. 

Trysil

In Trysil, which is about 4 hour’s drive from Oslo, the mountains are not as steep, but they have the most lifts and courses, with a whopping 31 lifts, 69 courses, as well as more than 100 kilometers of prepped cross country tracks ready to welcome you. 

The average annual snowfall here is 230 centimeters, and Trysil is especially popular among families with children and has a more calm, family-friendly atmosphere. You also find great hotels and rental cabins in Trysil. 

Norway In The Winter Months December Through February

Norway’s winter formally runs from December through February, although it starts getting noticeably colder and darker in October. The first snow appears in most areas sometime in November. 

But what is winter like in the three winter months in Norway?

The Polar Night in Norway

First, I need to tell you about the Polar Night in Norway, which you might have heard of. This is the opposite of the midnight sun season (when the sun never sets). During the polar night, the sun never rises, which means that there is no real daylight during this period. 

The polar night is longer in the north, and shorter in the south. In Oslo, there is no real polar night (as the sun rises all three winter months) – but the days are still super short, you will only have around 3-4 hours of daylight. 

Above the Arctic Circle is where the polar night sets in, and the further north you get – the longer it lasts. In Svalbard, the polar night lasts for around four months of the year, so you probably sympathize with the huge party the people up there throw in the middle of February when the first rays of sunlight start peeking above the horizon again! 

Norway in December

December is Norway’s first formal winter month, and it is always a welcome month for Norwegians after October and November when all we have to look forward to are darker days, colder rain, and longer nights. 

After September in Norway, all the colors disappeared, as the trees lost their leaves, and everything turned gray and glum. This is when Norwegians start having long evenings on the couch, with hot chocolate and red wine, lighting the fireplaces and candles, and preparing for the polar night. 

But December is a short relief, as it is Advent, and during this period, there are lights everywhere. Glittering Christmas markets, gløgg (a typical Norwegian Christmas drink with hot berry lemonade mixed with red wine), chocolate calendars, and Christmas parties make December a wonderful month to visit Norway. 

The snow has fallen in most places, and temperatures are, on average, from +2 to 3 degrees Celsius below zero around Oslo, about 12 below zero in the central mountains and highlands, and minus 7-10 below zero in the northeast. Mind you, the temperatures can vary greatly from day to day, and in the high midlands, it can get down to 45 degrees Celsius below zero!

Norway in January

January in Norway is divided into two parts. The first two weeks are still cold and dark, but towards the end of the month, we can see and feel the sun coming back again! 

Towards the end of January, we have bright days and crispy white snow in most places, and this is when Norwegians start waking up again and going for walks in the cold, pale sunlight with steaming breath and huge jackets and boots. 

Norway in February 

February is the best winter month in Norway in many ways. This is the month when most destinations have plenty of snow, great for winter sports and outdoor activities. The days are getting longer, and sunglasses occasionally become necessary again. 

February is a great time to visit for anyone who loves outdoor winter activities, like skiing downhill or cross-country, ice climbing, ice skating, snow sledding, or just playing in the snow in Norway. 

Packing list for Norway in winter

Please prepare for Norway in winter! You are going to need warm clothing, wool or thermal fabrics, layering your clothes, and you will need rain- and windproof jackets and coats. Here is my must-have packing list for Norway in winter. 

• Wool or thermal socks
• Warm gloves, and mittens
• Thermal long underwear for outdoor activities
• Warm sweaters, fleece or wool
• Warm hat and scarf
• Thick winter boots
• Warm jacket or coat (down jacket)
• Cold cream for your face

FAQs Norway In Winter

Does it snow in Oslo?

Yes, it does snow in Oslo. The first snow will arrive in late October or early November and will disappear in April or May. 

Does it snow in Norway?

Yes, it snows in Norway. The only possible exception is all the way south in Norway, which has a warmer climate along the Norwegian coast, where the snow might not stay put all winter. 

When is winter in Norway?

Technically, winter in Norway is the three months of December, January, and February. In reality, snow and cold weather arrive sooner and leave later. The further north you travel, the longer the Norwegian winter. 

What is the coldest place in Norway?

The lowest registered temperature in Norway was in Karasjok, in the northernmost county of Norway, in 1986. On this day, the temperature was registered at 51.4 degrees Celsius below zero (-60.52 Fahrenheit). 

Wrap-Up Norway In Winter

If you still feel a burning desire to visit Norway in winter after reading this article, my job here is done! 

Norway is a spectacular destination for winter travel if you love exploring epic nature, and are not scared away by low, Arctic temperatures, snow, polar night, and short winter days. Traveling to Norway is a great place to feel the fierce Arctic winter, and the elements, and connect with nature. 

And you can also find great dining, nightlife, concerts, cultural experiences, epic historic sites, museums, and art if you prefer to stay indoors. Welcome to Norway in winter!