I know, I know, everyone wants to go to Norway in the summer to enjoy the warm(ish) weather, hike through the Norwegian fjords, and stay in a cottage on the coast. But I’m beginning to suspect that everyone has it wrong, because Norway in winter is amazing.
In fact, winter might just be the best season of all to visit Norway. If you’re unsure, I have a full guide to the best time to visit Norway here.
If I do convince you to visit Norway in winter, read what to pack for Norwegian winter here.
And if you’re planning a bigger trip through Norway, I’ve also gathered all my best tips in two 95-page ebooks that cover my top recommendations for places to visit (both on and off the beaten path), the best times of year to visit, how long to visit for, the best accommodation choices, transportation, what to eat, what to pack, and tips for planning a Norway itinerary that you will love. You can purchase my Norway travel guides here.
1. Magical sparkling snow
So you hate winter and all that awful heavy snow you are endlessly shoveling while it soaks right through your ‘waterproof’ boots? No worries, Norwegian snow is nothing like that!
It’s light and fluffy, and on particularly cold days it’s full of glitter! It’s basically fairy dust.
For the highest quality snow, visit Norway in January or in February for pure magic. And if you’re wondering where the best places to visit in Norway in winter are, head up – into the mountains, that is! While at sea level the weather in winter varies a lot and there can even be rain, if you go up to the Norwegian mountains in the winter you are guaranteed a winter wonderland.
Also be aware that farther north does not necessarily mean colder in Norway. Places near the coast will always be warmer than places inland, and the coldest places are in the mountains. So if you want to be guaranteed a white winter in Norway, head inland and up into the mountains!
I’ve lived in the mountains of Telemark and all the way up north in Tromsø, and I saw way more snow during winter in Telemark than in Tromsø.
2. Northern Lights
Unimpressed? There’s also that little natural wonder called the aurora borealis, best seen when it’s dark outside.
And if you want to chase the Northern Lights in Norway, I’ve written up detailed guides to the Best Place in Norway to See the Northern Lights as well as How see the Northern Lights on a Budget, 7 Mistakes People Make When Trying to See the Northern Lights in Norway, and the Best Northern Lights Hotels in Norway.
And for those of you who really want to make the best of your Northern Lights trip and make sure to cover every detail, I’ve written an in depth Northern Lights Guide, which you can purchase here. And since you’re coming from my blog, you can get 20% off with the discount code 20below.
3. People ski and sled everywhere
Horse-drawn sleighs may be a thing of the past, but in Norway you will still see plenty of people skiing to school or the post office. And what better way to make it to work on time than sledding down the hill into town?
I wish this were a joke, but at least where I live people totally ski and sled everywhere. In fact when I lived in Telemark I sold my car and bought a spark to get around on. A spark is a chair sled where one person can sit on the chair (or you can put your groceries here) and the other person stands behind and kicks and steers the sled. It’s super fun, but can also be a little dangerous!
Read also: 7 Ways Norway Isn’t as Expensive as You Think
4. Everyone looks prettier when they’re cold
I know a lot of people are fans of hot vacations, but they seem to be forgetting the realities of hanging out in a tropical oasis: heat rash, frizzy hair, and sweat sweat everywhere.
You won’t have to worry about any of that while traveling through Norway in the winter (or summer for that matter).
Sorry what was that? Freezing your toes off? Some call it frostbite, I like to call it nature’s blush.
5. It doesn’t have to be cold
Not convinced that rosy cheeks and obedient hair are worth all the chattering teeth? Actually, thanks to the magic of the Gulf Stream, the west coast of Norway doesn’t even get that cold in the winter, with temperatures in many areas rarely dropping below zero. Even living in Tromsø, which is in the far north of Norway, we have lots of mild winter days above freezing.
Read also: 11 Things You Should Know About Traveling to Norway in Winter
6. Winter sports!
Even if you’re not a fan of partaking in winter sports, it’s pretty hard to ignore the contagious excitement with which Norwegians follow any sport on skis. Especially when the Winter Olympics roll around!
Aside from women’s handball and that time we almost had a gold medal in fencing, Norwegians tend to pretend the Summer Olympics don’t exist. They are terrible at summer sports (notice how I switched from first to third person there? During the Summer Olympics I become American again).
But the Winter Olympics? GLORY.
7. Christmas forever
With many cold, dark days, Norwegians put extra effort into making their winter homes as cozy as possible. And what’s the coziest holiday? Christmas!
I’m not talking about the stress-filled, shopping-centered Christmas we all know and loathe. I mean chestnuts roasting in the fire, candles in the windows, and Christmas carols softly chiming in the background. It’s the best, and in Norway it lasts for several months – in a good way.
It also helps that Norway has the best Christmas cookies in the world. Read my list of the seven best Norwegian Christmas cookies (with recipes) here.
And yes, people here totally keep their Christmas trees up into January and sometimes even February. But I mean, when it looks this good, why wouldn’t you?
8. Cozy winter food
Norway may not be exactly famous for its haute cuisine, but it will top lists for some of the world’s best comfort food. And when is the best time to indulge in hearty comfort food? Winter of course! The colder outside, the better.
Norwegian food was traditional meant to sustain farmers through the cold winter, so we cook with a lot of butter, potatoes, and meat. Not sure if that sounds tasty to you or not, but I swear it is!
Read also: Norway on a Budget: Eating Cheaply
9. It’s dark
Okay, I know the whole 0 to 5 hours of daylight thing is usually a reason NOT to visit Norway in the winter, but bear with me.
We now know Norway as one of the wealthiest countries in the world, but before finding petroleum in the late 1960s, it was one of Europe’s poorest. Centuries in poverty along with some strong egalitarian values (the wage difference between a company’s lowest paid worker and its CEO is surprisingly small) have perhaps contributed to a certain shyness in displaying wealth.
Norwegian homes especially, wooden cottages built into the sides of mountains so they look much smaller than they really are, appear fairly simple and are usually one of about three color choices. It’s a bit of a reversal of another country’s love of elaborate mansions decorated with expensive cars out front, while the insides are left strangely bare.
But while pretty, Norwegians can also come off as a little cold and uniform, hiding away their warmth and personality for only a special few to see.
I’m sorry, did I write “Norwegians?” I meant “Norwegian houses.”
During the dark winter months, however, Norwegian homes positively glow with warmth. Norwegians love lamps, candles, fireplaces, and any other source of light, and are not afraid to use them all at once.
And I think there is nothing cozier than looking across a frozen landscape and seeing clusters of cottages twinkling through the snow.
10. Your friends will think you are crazy
I know we’re all too cool to say it, but don’t you feel a teeny bit awesome when your travel plans are met with surprise, skepticism, and good luck wishes?
Plus, since all the normal people will be heading to Norway in warmer months, you’ll pretty much have the country to yourself.
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Mike | Earthdrifter says
I’m now on my third straight winter away from winter. For that reason I was just telling someone how I feel like traveling in a winter wonderland, because I love sparkling snow.
Silvia says
Yeah this is technically my fourth year living in a place with a snow-less winter, so it was so, so nice to get that winter wonderland fix in Norway!
Aagot says
Thanks, the beautiful pics made me homesick !!!
Silvia says
I’m in Thailand now and already miss Norway too…
Bryce says
Give me a tenth and I will get on a plane tonight!
Silvia says
Really, I think rosy cheeks are enough reason to hop on that plane.
Agness says
Last year I visited Oslo in winter and I didn’t like it at all. Sorry to say that, but Norwegians were so unfriendly and cold plus the high prices just scared me off. Now I feel a little bit guilty as I’ve read this post and see that Norway has more to offer than busy and expensive Oslo. Hope to go skiing there soon!
Silvia says
That’s too bad you had such a negative experience there! Oslo can get depressing in the cold days of winter, especially as it isn’t exactly the most beautiful city, and I wasn’t completely kidding about Norwegians lacking warmth. I could probably also write 9 reasons not to visit Norway in the winter, but I do think a winter trip there can be totally worth it. Especially if you go skiing!
monica says
I’m considering to go to Norway in February. If Oslo is so depressing, and not so pretty.., on what part of Norway would you recommend to stay?
Michelle | Lights Camera Travel says
Norway is at the top of my places to see in Europe! Thanks for this post, it’s made me feel a little more at ease about seeing a place in the winter. The photos are beautiful!
Silvia says
That’s great – I hope you can make it there someday!
LaVerne says
Would absolutely love to visit. Norway! You’re right, you look stunning in the cold. Happy travels to you
Silvia says
Haha thanks, I at least look better than I do in the heat. Would absolutely love for you to visit Norway someday!!
Sarah says
Haha, reason number 9, so true! I’m in! 😀
Corinne says
After looking at my winter vacation photos in Borneo, ack!, I’m thinking Norway is looking pretty good…even with only nine reasons!
Silvia says
Oh phew, I was worried my only coming up with 9 was going to put a serious dent in Norway’s winter tourism. Though it looks as though you had a pretty fantastic vacation in Borneo.
Frederick A Hothan says
That’s why I love going to Norway during Winter.
Megan says
definitely agree with you on all points! 🙂
i was just walking to the store yesterday w/ my fiance and was telling him everything still just looks like christmas to me 🙂 it’s so nice. but, i will admit, im starting to get tired of the snow and no sun LOL!!!
let me know next time youre back!
Silvia says
Haha yeah, maybe I should have mentioned that while I can come up with 9 reasons to visit in the winter, I could probably come up with 30 to visit in the summer. Everyone’s always in such a good mood when the sun comes out! And yeah, I’ll definitely let you know when I’m back 🙂
Lauren Meshkin says
You honestly had me at “Magical sparkling snow”
Great post and lovely photos! Definitely adding Norway to my list now.
Happy travels 🙂
Silvia says
It’s seriously like walking through a glittery snow globe. And yay, hope you make it there some time!
Hitch-Hikers Handbook says
I simply LOVE Norway! I have visited it twice as a tourist (once travelled in the south and the second time in the north, reaching Nordkapp) and also lived near Lillehammer for 3 months. Stunning country and amazing people!
Silvia says
Aaaah the Nordkapp is amazing! I haven’t been since I was a child, but definitely definitely want to make my way up there some time soon.
Derek Freal says
Well that’s it, I’m spending my next winter in Norway. You convinced me with some amazing points — but you’re so right! People do look better in the cold than the hot, skiing to the store sounds like lots of fun, and nothing beats warm comfort food when it’s cold outside! Plus my non-traveling friends already think I am crazy so hey, might as well reinforce that perception, right? 😉
Silvia says
Yes!! Glad you’re on board, haha.
Kadri says
I’ve always wanted to visited Norway because it’s just seems so stunning place, and reading your post and looking those photos I want to visit it even more.
Madagascar vacations says
I agree with all the reasons you give, except the third. But that is enough to convince me that Norway is worth a visit.
Silvia says
Haha I’ll take it! Norway really is worth a visit, even if my reasons were a little silly/joking.
Traveling Ted says
I am all about cross-country skiing and Norway is the homeland for Nordic tradition. I would so love to explore Norway in the winter.
Silvia says
It really is so magical in Norway during the winter. Definitely worth the trip!
Dana (@WantedAdventure) says
My friends already think I’m crazy! 😀 I would love to go to Tromso in the winter and see the norther lights if possible, but also just to be able to see some STARS! There’s so much light were I live that I’ve never gotten a good look at the sky 🙂
Silvia says
I’m at a cabin in the Norwegian mountains right now and there’s only an outhouse for a toilet, which is a huge drag to go to in the middle of the night until I look up and see STARS! It’s so beautiful – totally worth the frozen bum 🙂
Dana says
OH MAN! That is awesome. Yeah, I hear you about that outhouse — I’m not a fan either, but I think my mood would also be swayed by a quick glance upward!
Silvia says
Right?! I’ve never enjoyed going to an outhouse so much, haha.
Geri says
Lovely post! I knew I should visit Norway as soon as possible but didn’t think about winter. 🙂 Now I believe is better, more unique experience.
Silvia says
I really think it is, you should come!
Abhishek Jain says
Hi,
I am from India and planning to go to norway in december.I have read your article and seems to be interesting one, still just want to confirm in case any extra things that need to be taken care of.
My questions are:
1. Is the famous train journey from bergen operational during winters.
2. Min temp in dec 1st week.
3. What not to miss in norway in winters.
Silvia says
I think the train journey still goes, but I’m not sure! The best thing to experience in Norway in the winter is the beautiful snowy landscape, so try to go up into the mountains if you can. Have fun!
Lucile says
Hi Silvia !
I’m starting to prepare a month-long trip to Norway (from France) and you convinced me, i’ll go in February (2018, an eternity !)
I’m so excited !
Thank you for your posts about the country, they’re very helpful 🙂
Silvia says
aah it’s going to be amazing!
Dominique Lorentz says
Hi,
I’m thinking going to Norway in February. Where did you exactely go? Because I want to find a landscape with a lot of snow as on your pictures 🙂
Dominique
Silvia says
If you want guaranteed snow then head to the mountains! Maybe try this place: http://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/rjukan-telemark/
Jordaan says
Hello
I’ve been moping around for a couple of years about wanting to go to Norway, but like many people say “It is too expensive”. The problem is that we live in South Africa, with a very weak Rand (our currency) and travelling anywhere out of SA is ridiculously expensive. So if I have to set foot out of my country at least once, I might as well do it with a bang (and possibly a lot of debt). Anway, my questions are:
* Is it worth it to visit Norway in December? Flights in that period are relatively cheaper, about R8000 per person return (Which is still a cr@p load of money for me). I see that most of the things you can do in winter are winter sports, is those type excursions very expensive? Like guides and equipment?
I’ve never been in snow, so do you think it would be too extreme for someone living in hot arid type of climate to visit a place with arctic climate?
*Do you know of locals who sort of help with cheap accommodation? Like a room in their house? We are probably only going to be two people that travel and it would be awfully lonely to spend every night held up in a cabin (Especially with it being dark most of the time). It would be so munch fun to spend some time with locals.
*A must see are the Northern Light – is December a good time? I think it would be due to the cold weather and the lengthy darkness. How far North do you need to travel to almost guarantee seeing it?
Sorry about all the questions, but I’m serious about going this time. …. thanks!!
Silvia says
December is going to be really dark, but it’s also very cosy near Christmastime! It’s not really when I would recommend going if you want to see the nature, but if you’re most interested in the Northern Lights it means you’ll have a much better chance of seeing them. And if you do want to see the lights, you really have to go up north to Tromso or farther north. Or you could go to Sweden – Abisko has the clearest weather above the Arctic in Scandinavia, so you’ll have way better chances there to see the lights than in Norway.
If you you want to stay with locals you can try Couchsurfing or Airbnb. I wrote about both here: http://www.heartmybackpack.com/shop/
I would maybe fly into Bergen or Ålesund first to see the beautiful nature (and have some light) and then fly up to Tromso to see the Northern Lights. Or you could go up to Narvik and then get the train to Abisko in Sweden.
Hope that helps! If you have more questions I’ve written all about travel in Norway here: http://www.heartmybackpack.com/life-travel-norway/
Jordaan says
Thanks for your feedback. I did some digging and found a really sweet airline deal for 27 Sept to 7 Oct to fly to Oslo and back. So I’m thinking of booking it and hire a car to explore a bit. I’m afraid I wont be able to see the Northern Ligjts then, because it wont fit in my budget. I thought of travelling to Andalsnes, Bergen, Hardanger,Stavanger and back to Oslo. Do some hiking and see what else there is. What is the current fuel price there per liter?
Viviane Feeney says
I’m thinking of going there in winter now, along with Iceland, but I’m afraid it will be too cold to enjoy. And it would be a huge deal to me as I live all the way in Australia. Open to it, if I have enough food, clothing and hygge (I know that’s Danish but close enough!)
http://dreamtraveleat.blogspot.com.au/2017/03/smoreo-slutty-brownies.html
Silvia says
Hygge is actually also a Norwegian word! Norway isn’t really that cold in the winter unless you go far inland or up into the mountains, since the coast is along the Gulf Stream, which keeps temperatures warmer. Might be cold coming from Australian summer though, haha.
Viviane Feeney says
definitely. I’m making my first trip to Norway this July (yay!) and my mother tells me I’m going to find the Norwegian summer when I’m there as cold as I find it here in the Aussie autumn. And last night I was under the covers clenched in winter pjs hot water bottle and a night gown… But the insulation is much stronger in Nordic buildings though right? 🙂
https://dreamtraveleat.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/7-day-hygge-challenge-recap.html (hope you don’t mind a link – it’s about hygge, in the spirit of Norway lol)
Sasha says
Whoa, I never would have thought to visit Norway in winter, but now I really want to!
Silvia says
You totally should!
Inês Leitão says
Hi!! I’m planning to visit Norway in december. But I had some doubts about this period. After read your post I definitely want to go. Do you recommend special fjiords near Bergen? I really would like to go to Trondheim but I’m not sure if I’ll have time to do it. Any advises?
Stacey says
Thanks for the lovely post. We did Iceland and Eastern Europe last winter and have decided on Iceland (stopover) and Norway for Feb 2018 and can’t wait! Looking forward to browsing your blog for Feb visit tips. I’m hoping you have some info on transpo in Norway in winter. 🙂
Denise says
Hi
We re thinking about joining the Ship from
Trims into Bergen from December 28th to the 31st Do you know anything about this trip we have an 18 and 20 and 15 year old with us Just worried about the darkness and rough seas ??
Many thanks
Denise
Silvia says
I did that boat trip as a kid – I think I was around seven – but in the summer. The seas did get really rough one night and everyone was quite ill, but the rest of the journey was smooth. And yes, it will be very, very dark when you get up north!
Luke says
Hey I’m thinking of doing a road trip up to Norway this December (from UK) for a couple of weeks. Spend about a week in Haugastol doing ski kiting (the main reason for the trip). A few days doing alpine or touring skiing around Hemsedel. And maybe a night out in Oslo. The question is what other places would you suggest for a winter sports and outdoorsy person to visit. I am on a budget and will be spending most my nights camping in my van so I can spend my money on fun things like beer and ski passes.
Morgan Weisman says
Hi! I’m planning a trip to Norway in February. Working from Oslo and then deciding where to go ski for a couple of days- we’re intermediate skiiers. Do you have recommendations on where to ski, and where to stay?
Mary says
Hi, I am planning to visit Norway to see the northern lights from 1st Nov 2018 to 10th Nov 2018. We plan to visit Oslo, Bergen, lofoten islands, Bodo and Tromso. Is Early November a good time to visit Norway ?
Silvia says
The weather will be unpredictable then (but isn’t it always here?) so be prepared for a lot of rain, just in case. Otherwise it should be a lovely time to visit!
Jelena says
Is it possible to get more information on hiking West coast in the winter? Thank you.
Tracey Jones says
I am a solo traveler, I started from SAfrica, then South Asia Esp Pakistan now in Czech. Been wondering for Norway and must tell you after reading your 9 reasons I’ve added Norway in my list. Thanks much for sharing this amazing reasons. <3
elissa says
I am Elissa from Malaysia, plan to travel to Norway in February or March next year to see aurora and travel around the country for 10 days. Is March the best month to see aurora?
Randiv says
This article is really amazing, thank you for sharing helpful article. very interesting and amazing details you provide. Thank you for such detailed description of the destination.