Eastern Norway transforms into a winter wonderland during the colder months. Explore winter activities like downhill and cross-country skiing, dog sledding, tobogganing, or visit the capital Oslo and try its steaming hot saunas, right on the fjord!
Winter in
Eastern Norway
Fresh air, rosy cheeks, and action all day!
Skiing, ice bathing, hot saunas, and a lot of other fun activities await.
Have a cosy time on a tranquil and serene winter escape.
...or go on a city break to the new capital of Nordic cool – Oslo!
In winter, Eastern Norway transforms into a playground for a wide range of wonderful activities and experiences, including alpine skiing and cross-country skiing on scenic trails, ice skating, and ice fishing on frozen lakes.
How about a winter escape to Norway's capital Oslo, with shopping, hot saunas, spas, and world-class art museums?
Why not combine the two? Eastern Norway is a great destination for families, adventure seekers, and art lovers — anyone who loves the good life!
Most of the biggest ski resorts in the country are located in the mountains of Eastern Norway.
A winter alpine skiing paradise for the whole family!
There are also kilometre after kilometre of groomed cross-country skiing trails.
Vidar Moløkken / Visit Norway
Stable winter temperatures
Eastern Norway stretches from Telemark and the Swedish border in the south, via Oslo and the Oslofjord region, and all the way up to the central mountain areas of Rondane. The region is home to half of the country's population, so it's safe to say that Norwegians are experts on how to take advantage of the snow.
The east usually has cold and stable winters with a lot of snow – especially in the mountains. Which is great, since you'll find most of the biggest ski resorts here. In addition to downhill and cross-country, ski touring has also become very popular. Always go with a local guide if you are planning to head off-piste.
Many ski resorts are within easy reach of Oslo, and Oslo Airport, by bus or train.
The climate can be much milder on the coast, including in the centre of Oslo.
Alpine skiing
Find your next skiing adventure.
C.H. / Visitnorway.com
Cross-country heaven
Norwegians have been skiing for thousands of years, and they still love it! Cross-country skiing is hugely popular, and thousands of kilometres with well-groomed slopes are to be found, particularly around Skeikampen and Sjusjøen, Hallingdal, and Beitostølen, and at other popular ski destinations like Trysil, Hemsedal, andGeilo.
From the capital, you can bring your skis on the metro or a local bus, and head straight to the trails in the fairytale-like Oslomarka forest, just outside the city!
Ski touring has also become very popular. Ride the unique cable car inside the Gaustatoppen mountain to the top and ski from there, or explore the home of the giants in the mountains of Jotunheimen. Always go with a local guide and check avalanche reports before venturing out into potentially risky terrain.
Cross-country skiing
Join what's considered Norway's national sport!
No skis? No problem!
There are plenty of fun winter activities you can do without skis in Eastern Norway.
Here are a few other ways to enjoy the snow:
Go for a ride with these happy fellas!
Try your hand as a dog musher or enjoy the ride as a passenger.
Dog sledding is available near Oslo, Lillehammer, Geilo, and Beitostølen.
Ride through the wintry landscape on a fatbike!
Thick wheels ensure good traction on both powdery snow and hard ice.
Ice bathing is Norway's new national sport! You'll now find steaming hot saunas all around Eastern Norway. Jumping into a frozen fjord before rushing inside a steaming sauna is a truly invigorating experience.
Do you dare to try it?
You can also fulfil your childhood dreams of living in a super-cool treehouse. Utsiktsredet is a treetop cabin in Brumunddal. It's just one of many unique places to stay in Eastern Norway.
Dog sledding
Fly across the snow with your own pack of eager dogs.
Saunas
Swim outside all year round!
Treetop cabins
Have an unforgettable night in a unique treetop cabin.
Alexander Henningsen / Hunderfossen
More winter fun
Hunderfossen winter park
Bring the whole family to magical Hunderfossen winter park, close to Lillehammer, and stay the night at Scandinavias southernmost Snow Hotel! See its spectacular fairytale castle made of snow and ice, where the light settings create a truly magical atmosphere.
Tobogganing
The thrill of sliding down snow-covered slopes on a sledge is just as delightful for adults as it is for children.
Eastern Norway you’ll find many alternatives, including frozen luge tracks and toboggan runs. Many resorts also have their own sledge trails that are prepped to perfection.
Snow rafting
Try exciting snow rafting at Beitostølen. It's like rafting on water but without getting wet!
The Wall Street Journal recently called Oslo the "Newest capital of Nordic cool". We can assure you that it's not just due to the city's winter temperatures.
Experience innovative architecture and world-classmuseums, including MUNCH and the National Museum.
Norwegians are used to city life in winter and love making it as koselig as possible.
Sip home-made hot chocolate at a café, or enjoy a meal at one of Oslo's many tasty restaurants...
... or stroll through charming neighbourhoods. Go shopping ...
... or head to Vigelandsparken sculpture park in Oslo. The park is home to 214 sculptures comprising more than 600 figures made by a single artist, Gustav Vigeland.
December is a great time to visit Eastern Norway. If you're lucky, you might experience a white Christmas!
You'll find several bright Christmas markets, especially in and around Oslo. The capital has become a very popular destination for a pre-Christmas adventure, so book early!
Feeling a bit like an icicle after being outside all day?
Relax in a spa hotel by the sea or in the mountains. Why not bring someone special for a romantic winter getaway?
Art and culture
Your guide to some of the best museums in Oslo.
Treat yourself to a spa
Relax in some of the most popular spas and spa hotels in Eastern Norway.
Discover Eastern Norway
Best holiday offers in Eastern Norway
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