The winter is an excellent time to visit Norway. With snow-capped mountains, frozen waterfalls, unique outdoor activities, and the Northern Lights, Norway truly turns into a winter wonderland.
I was lucky enough to spend almost three weeks exploring the snowy landscapes and seeing the best of what this magnificent country has to offer.
In this guide, I’ve shared all my knowledge about a winter trip to Norway. This includes what to expect, how to get around, the best places to visit and the best winter activities in Norway.
While visiting Norway in winter promises to be a wonderful experience, it does come with some challenges. It’s important to be aware of a few restrictions to ensure you’re prepared for your trip.
Winter in Norway: What to expect
Norway winter weather and temperature
The winter months in Norway can be long, cold and, quite frankly… bleak. Typically, Norway’s winter begins in November. Depending on where you are in the country, spring normally starts in March/April.
Norway is a large country, and the weather and average temperatures vary depending on where you are. As a general rule, the further north you are, the colder it will be.
For those looking at a winter trip to Oslo (Norway’s capital city), the average temperature in January is around -4°C/24.8°F. In Tromso, it’s around -6°C/21°F.
Having said that, I visited Oslo in January, and it dropped to -16°C during the day! Tromso went as low as -19°C in January. Basically, prepare for it to be cold!
There is also snow in Norway during the winter, and lots of it. The landscape turns white as thick snow sets in for the winter. I’ve never seen anything like the amount of snow I saw in the very north of Norway, it was so deep.
Daylight hours
There’s not much daylight during the winter. In Oslo, there are a few hours each day which gives you enough time to make the most of the city.
For those going further north, you’ll get to experience something called the Polar Night. This is a natural phenomenon that happens within the Arctic Circle. Essentially, the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon meaning little to no daylight.
The polar night occurs from the end of November through January. To experience it, you’ll need to visit Tromso or go even further north to places such as Svalbard or Alta.
The polar night lasts much longer in Svalbard and there’s no daylight whatsoever!
I didn’t find the lack of daylight impacted my experience. In fact, it only made it better! The Tromso region still gets a bit of daylight, although it’s more like twilight.
If it’s a clear day, the sky can be beautiful as it lights up with pinks and purples.
How busy is Norway in the winter?
Norway is a popular winter destination in Europe. It’s one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, so it tends to get busy in the Tromso area.
Despite its popularity, I didn’t find it too busy at all. The Tromso city centre was busy, but it never felt too crowded. It’s also very easy to escape the city and get away from the crowds.
The summer months are also a popular time to visit Norway. The high season for places such as Oslo and the Lofoten Islands is between June and September.
I went to Oslo in January and it felt like a ghost city. There were very few tourists but everything was still open. It’s a great time to visit.
How to get around during winter
Getting around Norway in the winter can be a challenge. With heavy snow, bad weather and poor visibility, Norway’s roads can be treacherous.
Driving
Personally, I don’t think winter is the best time to go on a road trip in Norway. While the Norwegians are well-versed in dealing with heavy snow, it’s not uncommon for roads to be closed due to heavy snow and avalanche risks.
Of course, if you’re familiar with winter driving, it might not be so much of an issue.
The law in Norway requires all cars to be equipped with winter tyres between November and April. The specifics of this vary depending on where you are in the country, but your rental company will be able to help.
Public transport and ferries
For the most part, using Norway’s public transport system is the best way to travel around the country in winter.
Norway has an excellent public and private bus network which connects various areas of the country.
From Tromsø, it’s possible to use the buses to reach destinations such as Skjervoy, Narvik and even Finland.
There are also several ferry services which connect various parts of Norway. For example, Svipper operates ferries between popular destinations in Northern Norway.
Here are some useful travel apps for Norway:
- Entur (general planning for getting around Norway)
- Ruter (Oslo public transport)
- Vy (best for finding trains around the country)
- Svipper (public transport in the Troms region)
Flying
Depending on your Norway itinerary, flying could also be an option.
For example, if you’re visiting both Oslo and Tromso, it makes sense to fly between the two.
There are several airlines which operate domestically in Norway. These include SAS, Norse Atlantic, Widerøe and Norwegian Air.
Hurtigruten Cruise
Another option to consider is Hurtigruten’s Port-to-Port option.
Hurtigruten is a well-known cruise company, but they also offer a hop-on, hop-off style cruise in Norway.
This means you can travel up through the Western Fjords and jump off in the ports you want to see. It’s a great way to explore Norway and something I’m considering for next year.
Most of the ferries have the option to book a room so you can sleep overnight and explore during the day.
You’ll need to book your trips in advance, either as a set package or as individual trips. You can spend as long or as little time at each destination, but the ferries operate on a strict timetable (and are sometimes infrequent).
I met someone who had done this from Lofoten up to the North Cape. They were spending a few days in each place.
Best places to see in Norway during the winter
Norway is a fantastic year-round destination, but some destinations are particularly special during the winter.
If you’re looking for ideas of where to go in Norway in winter, here are a few ideas.
Tromso
Tromso is the capital of the north and an excellent winter destination.
Located within the Arctic Circle, Tromso is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). And winter happens to be the best time of year to visit here.
Tromso is an incredibly popular destination in the winter. It’s the city’s peak season, and there can often be lots of tourists visiting.
Having said this, Tromso is surrounded by incredible scenery. Most of the best activities here involve day tours to explore the snowy landscape.
With ice domes, Northern Lights, dog sledding, and reindeer feeding, Tromso is a winter wonderland.
Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten Islands are often considered a summer destination, but they’re a great place to explore in the winter.
You can make the most of the mountains by joining a snowshoeing tour or cruising through the majestic fjords!
Seeing this area of Norway in winter is an incredible experience.
Oslo
Oslo is Norway’s wonderful capital city and one of my favourite cities in the world.
Summer tends to be the high season in Oslo, but winter is an ideal time to visit. While some of the nearby hiking trails might be inaccessible, there are fewer crowds and still plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy.
If you want to get in the Christmas spirit, December is the perfect time to visit Oslo. Norwegians LOVE Christmas, and the city is decorated with lights. There are also several Christmas markets to explore.
As Oslo is in southern Norway, you don’t tend to see the Northern Lights here. However, it’s still a magical place to visit in the winter.
Bergen
Bergen is another excellent place to add to your Norway winter itinerary.
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Bergen tends to be milder than other regions. It’s a great place for those who want to experience Norway in winter but are a little worried about the cold.
When in Bergen, don’t miss visiting the colourful Bryggen (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and riding the cable car up Mount Fløyen.
Best winter activities in Norway
Here’s a quick overview of things to do in Norway in winter.
I’m also working on a more detailed activities guide to help you plan your trip. In the meantime, check out my guide on what to see in Oslo in winter.
Whale watching: During the winter, Norway has some of the best whale watching in the world, with several species including humpbacks, fin whales, orcas and even sperm whales making an appearance. You’ll need to head to Tromso or Skjervoy to go whale watching (check back soon for my complete guide).
Northern Lights hunting: Searching for the Northern Lights is one of the best things to do in Norway in winter. I have a whole section on this below, but you’ll need to head north for your best chance at seeing this natural wonder.
Dog sledging: This is a popular activity in Norway’s north. Ride on the back of a sledge as Huskies pull you through the snow.
Hiking: Winter might not be the best time to hike in Norway, but it’s still an option. If you want to make the most of the snowy landscape, consider a snowshoeing tour in Tromso, one of the best outdoor activities.
Reindeer feeding: If you want to learn more about Norwegian culture, consider joining a tour to learn more about the traditional Sami people culture. Most of the tours take place from Tromso and often include feeding reindeer.
Fjord cruise: Cruising through the Norwegian Fjords is an incredible experience all year, but there is something so magical and special about it in the winter. You can book tours all around the country, including from Oslo, Tromso, Lofoten and Bergen.
Outdoor winter sports: Norway’s winter season is a haven for winter sports lovers. Grab some skis or a snowboard and hit one of the many slopes. You can ski and cross-country ski all over the country.
Ride a snowmobile: If you want to explore your adventurous side, consider joining a snowmobile tour and riding through the winter landscape. This can sometimes be combined with seeing the Northern Lights.
How to see the Northern Lights in Norway
Seeing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) is on most people’s bucket list. Let’s be honest, this natural phenomenon is absolutely breathtaking.
Where to see the Northern Lights
Northern Norway is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, with Tromso being a particularly good choice.
Other popular places to see the Northern Lights in Norway include the Lofoten Islands, Alta, Kirkenes and Svalbard.
Tromso is especially popular thanks to its accessibility and the wide range of other activities available. It’s also possible to quickly get to other countries like Finland during the tours.
Due to Tromso’s proximity to the ocean, it’s not uncommon for thick cloud coverage to disrupt Aurora viewings. Northern Lights tours from Tromso regularly take their guests to Finland to try to escape this.
When to see the Northern Lights
You can usually see the Northern Lights in Norway between October and March. This is when the days are short and there is plenty of darkness.
A local told me there can be a lot of cloud coverage in December and January, so November and February tend to offer better viewings.
For those thinking about visiting Norway to see the Northern Lights, I would plan to book as soon as possible. The next couple of years are set to be some of the best in our lifetime.
How to see the Northern Lights
Depending on where you are, you don’t always need to join a tour to see the lights. If there’s solar activity and a chance to see the lights, the best thing to do is get away from any artificial lights.
This can be difficult in places like Tromso as the city is well-lit. However, if the lights are strong, it’s still possible to see them. I saw them right in the city centre from my hotel!
For the most part, you’re going to have a better experience by getting away from the city. If you don’t have a car, the best option is to join a tour.
Other things to know
It’s worth noting that there needs to be solar activity in order for the lights to show. While the next couple of years are set to have high activity, there’s never any guarantee.
Clouds and poor weather can also disrupt viewing. If seeing the Northern Lights is high on your list, spend a few days in Norway to allow flexibility with the weather.
What to wear and pack
Struggle with what to pack for Norway? Don’t worry, I’m here to help!
The Norwegian winter can be extreme, and knowing exactly what to pack can be a challenge.
My simple advice for those visiting cities is to pack for a regular winter city break, but ensure you have sensible shoes and plenty of warm clothes.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, you might need to consider a few other items.
Here are a few of my Norway packing essentials:
- Snow boots: First up, make sure you have waterproof shoes that are warm with good grips. I went in my regular hiking boots, and boy, did I regret not investing in some proper snow boots. Once your feet get cold, they’re so hard to warm up.
- Snow pants or waterproof trousers: I suggest packing a pair of ski/snow pants or at least waterproof pants. If there’s heavy snow, you don’t need to worry about your trousers getting wet.
- Thick coat: I’m usually all about thin, warm layers. However, if you have a thick coat, take it to Norway. It keeps you nice and warm so you don’t need to wear 10 layers.
- Thermal tights or leggings: It’s a sensible idea to wear a pair of thermal tights or leggings underneath your trousers/jeans. I never left the house without mine.
- Thermal tops: Even if you have a warm coat and cosy fleeces, it’s still important to pack some thermal layers. It can get SO cold in Norway, like… unbelievably cold. A thermal layer (like merino wool) will help to keep your heat in.
- Buff and hat: Keep your neck and head warm with a buff/gaiter and a warm hat. They just help to keep you that extra bit toasty.
- Waterproof gloves: I recommend packing some waterproof ones along with regular gloves. I found my gloves were constantly getting wet from the snow, and I wish I had taken some waterproof ones.
- Microspikes or shoe grips: These handy little contraptions attach to your shoes and help you grip the ice, stopping you from falling. I found them SO incredibly useful in Tromso. The streets were like an ice rink. My hostel was also up a steep hill, so there’s no way I could have done it without them. Some people will say they aren’t necessary, but I found them very useful. You can buy them from most outdoor shops in Norway.
Other tips for your winter trip to Norway
Here are a few other tips to help you plan your trip to Norway.
- Prepare for changeable weather: The weather in Norway can be very unpredictable. Even if no snow is forecast, make sure you’re prepared. It can change very, very quickly.
- Plan in advance: If you’re heading to Tromso, try to book everything you want to do in advance. Hotels and tours often sell out weeks in advance, especially during the Northern Lights season.
- Be flexible: It’s important to be flexible when travelling in Norway in winter. The weather may disrupt your plans, but this is just part of the Norwegian winter. Roads can close, activities can be cancelled, and the weather can cause chaos.
- Don’t take risks: The winter is no joke in Norway. The weather can be extreme, especially above the Arctic Circle. When it comes to driving or outdoor activities, use your best judgement as to what’s safe and what you’re capable of. If you’re unsure, you can ask a local. They know the roads better than anyone.
- Plan around daylight: There is very minimal daylight in Norway during winter. The further north you go, the fewer hours there are. In Oslo, you’ll have a few hours of sunlight a day. However, in Tromso, there will only be a couple of hours of twilight. If you go to Svalbard, it will be pitch black the entire time. Utilise any daylight you have as much as you can, and save indoor activities for when it’s dark.
Summary: Is it worth visiting Norway in winter?
Yes, winter is a great time to visit Norway. It’s one of my favourite places for a winter trip. The frozen landscape is beautiful, there are so many fun outdoor activities, and it’s an ideal place to see the Northern Lights.
While winter might not be the best time for a road trip or to go hiking, Norway still has so much to offer.
If you’re looking for the perfect winter destination in Europe, look no further than Norway!
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