7 romantic winter getaways in Norway

Winter in Norway offers adventurous days and dark nights. And there are some places where the romantic vibe is more powerful than others, both in big cities and on hidden islands.

Odd Roar Lange has explored many of these destinations during his journeys all over Norway. He is a widely travelled journalist and the founder of The Travel Inspector, one of the most powerful blogs of its kind in the Nordic countries.

Here, Odd Roar Lange has picked seven getaways that will captivate you during your winter break in Norway. This is your ticket to those special moments you and your loved one will talk about in the years to come.

Odd Roar Lange.
Photo: Private

Keep each other warm at Kirkenes Snow Hotel

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A couple in their room of the Snow Hotel in Kirkenes, Northern Norway

Kirkenes Snow Hotel.
Photo: Terje Rakke / Nordic Life / Visitnorway.com

Heat it up at SALT in Oslo

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Stargaze in Trysil

Escape your everyday life and walk hand-in-hand into the cold, dark wilderness in Trysil. Here, far from both the village and your wooden cabin, you can experience a starry sky that is so bright, it lightens up the snow under your feet. Romantic, right?

This scenic holiday spot close to the Swedish border is known for its clear sky, and stargazing tours are actually a thing here.

“If you are really lucky, you might even witness the northern lights”, Lange says, and also points out that Trysil is Norway's largest ski destination.

That means slick slopes and groomed trails, several eateries serving local food, and hotels that suit your budget.

Odd Roar Lange.
Photo: Private

The Travel Inspector’s rules for a romantic getaway

1. Don’t drink too much alcohol.

2. Make a travel budget you both agree on.

3. Turn off your phones and do things together.

4. Be responsible – and take initiative.

5. Don’t be alone all the time – get to know other people.

More tips on The Travel Inspector

The northern lights above a winter landscape near Trysil, Eastern Norway

Trysil.
Photo: Ola Matsson

Svalbard – an adventurous destination

Find a map and slide your finger from Northern Norway and towards the North Pole. Do you see the group of islands halfway across the Arctic Ocean? That’s the Svalbard Islands – a haven for adventurous couples. Here, you will experience rich wildlife, Arctic nature, and old mining towns with a stark and eerie beauty.

“A romantic getaway to Svalbard and the town Longyearbyen is something you’ll never forget”, Lange says. He recommends a stay at Basecamp Hotel, where you can enjoy an informal atmosphere and rooms decorated with driftwood, sealskin, and slate.

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The white wilderness at Svalbard also offers lots of adventurous activities such as dog sledding and northern lights safaris. Maybe you will spot a polar bear from a distance? Just remember that if you do, never ever try to approach it.

Find time for each other at Skrova island

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View on the Skrova lighthouse and the snowy mountains, Skrova, Northern Norway from the sea

Skrova.
Photo: Ernst Furuhatt / www.nordnorge.com / Vågan

Fall in love with Lillesand

This coastal town in Southern Norway is famous for being one the best places to experience the Norwegian summer vibe. However, Lillesand is a great place to get lost for a few days in the wintertime as well.

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View of the white houses and church near the water in Lillesand, Southern Norway

Lillesand.
Photo: Elisabeth Høibo / Visit Sørlandet

Take part in a folk tale in Kvitfjell

Surrounded by steep mountains and wooden houses with snowy roofs, Kvitfjell looks like a scenery from a Norwegian folk tale. Here in the middle of the Gudbrandsdalen valley, you will find everything you need for a weekend with your loved one by your side.

Gudbrandsgard Hotel is popular amongst couples and is situated just a short walk from groomed trails and a top-class ski resort.

“This is a place where you can enjoy fresh food, spa facilities, and an evening in front of the fireplace”, Lange says.

The Travel Inspector’s rules for a romantic getaway

1. Don’t drink too much alcohol.

2. Make a travel budget you both agree on.

3. Turn off your phones and do things together.

4. Be responsible – and take initiative.

5. Don’t be alone all the time – get to know other people.

More tips on The Travel Inspector

Local weather and climate

In winter, the average temperature in Norway is 19.7 degrees Fahrenheit, but the conditions may vary quite a lot. In Oslo and the surrounding areas, snowfall is common and the average temperatures are just below 32 degrees.

The lower inland areas of Finnmark, Troms, Trøndelag, and Eastern Norway can have very cold winters with lots of snow. The inland areas of Northern Norway have an Arctic type of climate with snow, strong winds, and severe frost.

The coastal areas of Fjord Norway and Southern Norway enjoy a milder climate. But large parts of the region is still snowy and cold, and that means good opportunities for skiing, especially in the mountains.

Find your romantic destination

Check out and read more about romantic getaways in Norway. In this map, Odd Roar Lange has added even more options for you and your loved one.

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Romantic experiences

Basecamp Hotel

Welcome to Basecamp Hotel, an honest and authentic hotel concept that will set the perfect mood for your Svalbard adventure. Inspired by the… Read more

Basecamp Hotel

Finse 1222

Finse1222 is the hotel which is located on the highest point of the Bergen Railway, 1222 meters above the sea level. Finse is only reachable by train… Read more

Finse 1222

GudbrandsGard Hotell

GudbrandsGard offers an unique experience, whether you come to relax with your family and friends, or you come to find inspiration with your… Read more

GudbrandsGard Hotell

Huset Restaurant

Huset Restaurant is regarded as one of Norway's best restaurants, with its focus on Nordic techniques, local raw materials and critically acclaimed… Read more

Huset Restaurant

Snowhotel Kirkenes

Welcome to Winter Wonderland. 20 dreamlike rooms uniquely carved by master ice sculptors from around the world. The ultimate challenge to tick off on… Read more

Snowhotel Kirkenes

Lillesand Hotel Norge

Lillesand Hotel Norway is a full service hotel located in the middle of Lillesand city center, just a stone's throw from the pier and the skerries. Read more

Lillesand Hotel Norge

SALT

Nomadic art project overlooking Oslo's famous Opera House Read more

SALT

Stokkøya Sjøsenter

Stokkøya Sjøsenter and The Beach Bar is situated near one of Norways finest beaches, and has both excellent food, comfortable accommodation and… Read more

Stokkøya Sjøsenter

Skrova Lighthouse

Skrova Lighthouse is located in the municipality of Vågan in Nordland, Norway. Today, you'll find a restaurant, 8 rooms for rent and atelier… Read more

Skrova Lighthouse

Trysil

Family-friendly Trysil is Norway’s largest ski destination. Surrounded by unspoilt nature, Trysil was one of the first holiday spots in Europe… Read more

Trysil

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