Fun and cosy
WINTER ACTIVITIES

Norway is one of the best European destinations to visit during the winter months, with or without skis! Chase the northern lights, steam in a sauna, visit a vibrant city, or relax by a quiet and magical fjord.

Go skiing

Swap your shoes for ski boots!

  • Alpine skier at Strandafjellet, Fjord Norway
    Alpine skiing
  • Go skiing in Norway in winter
    Skiing
  • Alpine skiing in Trysil, one of Norway’s best ski resorts
    These are Norway’s best ski resorts
  • Three alpine skiing kids ready for action in the slopes of Hafjell
    Learn alpine skiing from the best
  • Woman climbing mount Himmeltind on a ski touring trip in Lofoten, Northern Norway
    Ski touring
  • Cross-country skiers in Valdres, Eastern Norway
    Cross-country skiing
  • Family cross-country skiing in Valdres, Eastern Norway
    Cross-country skiing for beginners
  • A person snow kiting on the Valdresflye mountain plateau in Valdres, Eastern Norway
    Kiting
  • Two people in skiing clothes sit in deck chairs outside Skarsnuten Hotel and enjoy the sunny weather and the wide views of the mountains of Hemsedal, Eastern Norway
    Spring: the downhill dream season
  • Two people going fjord skiing in Sunnmøre, Fjord Norway.
    The ultimate beginner's guide to ski touring

Winter fun without skis

No skis? No problem! We've got something for every winter traveler.

  • A person is riding a dog sledge during winter in Finnmark, Northern Norway
    Dog sledding
  • People snowshoeing in Møre og Romsdal, Fjord Norway
    Snowshoeing
  • Inside Tromsø Ice Domes in Northern Norway
    Stay in one of Norway’s cool ice hotels
  • Ice bathing in the Halden Canal
    Ice bathing
  • Girls on sleds at Loen Skylift, Norway.
    Fun things to do without skis
  • A woman on a fatbike in Geilo, Norway.
    Fatbiking on snow and ice
  • Friends going tobogganing at Dagali Fjellpark, Eastern Norway.
    Fun toboggan runs
  • Spark VM in Geilo 2023.
    Kicksledding
  • Hunderfossen winter park in Lillehammer, Eastern Norway
    Autumn and winter fun in the theme parks
  • Whale tale above the water outside of Andøya in Vesterålen, Northern Norway
    Whale watching

Chase the northern lights

Aurora is a shy diva, but if you're lucky, she'll dance for you in Northern Norway.

The auroras

Beyond the northern lights

Experience the unique Arctic vibe in Northern Norway and the magical polar night on the Svalbard Islands.

  • Dog sledding in the winter landscape on Kvaløya

    Northern Norway in winter

    See the magical northern lights, go on a whale safari, and catch some famous Norwegian skrei! Northern Norway is a paradise in winter.
  • Young Sami woman with a reindeer in Røros

    Experience Sami culture

    From ancient sounds, traditional handicrafts, and a long-standing reindeer culture to a modern, revitalised identity and a vibrant cultural scene. Discover the Sami – the proud indigenous people of the North.
  • Colorful houses and snow mobiles in front of a white mountain

    The polar night in Svalbard

    A night that lasts for almost three months? Visiting Svalbard and Longyearbyen in the dark season, from the end of October until the middle of February, is a very unique and magical experience. Go dog sledding, hiking and more, and make new friends in Norway's most social local community!
  • Two men in a kayak in Northern Norway

    Haill: A sexy trick for fishing luck!

    According to the Norwegian myth of Haill – great sex gives you good luck in fishing. In stunning and weather-worn Northern Norway, haill might even secure you more than a great catch.
  • Sami woman in Finnmark.

    Travel with respect – Sami stories

    How should we behave when we meet people form foreign cultures? See how Italian photographer Maria Di Stefano created some truly unique portraits of the Sami people in Northern Norway.
  • A man fishing skrei in Lofoten

    Skrei – In cod we trust

    Skrei is Norwegian cod at its best, and still the livelihood of many fishermen in Northern Norway. Fresh and dried skrei is one of Norway's most important export products.
  • Northern lights over Grøtfjord in Kvaløya, Northern Norway

    What are the northern lights?

    Aurora Borealis involves both science and myth. Learn all about what causes this extraordinary light display in the sky.
  • People learning how to photograph the northern lights in Gildeskål, Northern Norway

    How to photograph the northern lights

    Read our top tips on how to take pictures of northern lights – where to go, what camera settings to use, and how to get the most out of your smartphone.
  • A lit up church in front of a steep mountain.

    The polar night

    Conditions above the Arctic Circle change drastically when the polar night, known as mørketid in Norwegian, arrives. The sun remains below the horizon for a period each winter, when the nights become longer and magical lights appear in the sky.
Oslo opera house in Winter.

Winter city break in Oslo

Oslo is one of the hottest cities to visit – even in the coldest months.

Visit Oslo in winter

Winter destinations

Where to? The snowy Arctic cities of the north, or the usually snow-free cities in the south and west?

  • View from Mount Fløyen in Bergen, Fjord Norway, in winter

    Bergen in winter

    Bergen has something for every winter traveller. A mild winter climate, scenic landscapes, a World Heritage-listed medieval wharf, and vibrant culture!
  • The Nidarosdomen cathedral in Trondheim, Trøndelag

    Trondheim in winter

    Experience Trondheim, where frosty Viking history meets warm, creative energy. From Nidaros Cathedral to Michelin-starred dining, this city turns up the heat.
  • Woman taking selfies in Oslo

    Oslo in winter

    Oslo is one of the hottest cities to visit right now – even in the coldest part of winter! Discover world-class art, mouthwatering food, cosy cafés, freezing fjord swims, and steamy hot saunas.
  • Woman on top of the sightseeing boat from Ålesund to the Geirangerfjord in winter

    Winter adventures in the Geirangerfjord

    Some say the world famous UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord is even more majestic in winter. Discover this snow-clad fairy tale paradise for yourself!
  • The northern lights dancing across the sky above the city of Bodø, Northern Norway

    Bodø in winter

    Winter and autumn in Bodø mean northern lights, a mild coastal winter climate, and the perfect combination of cultural highlights in the city and outdoor fun.
  • Walking in Fargegata in Stavanger

    The Stavanger region in winter

    Escape the winter blues with a getaway to the Stavanger region! Explore Preikestolen (The Pulpit Rock), colourful streets, street art, cosy cafés, and exclusive Michelin-starred restaurants.
  • Girl throwing snow in the air by the floating saunas at Gausta, Telemark

    Telemark in winter

    Majestic mountains, frozen lakes, and charming coastal gems – Telemark has all that and more. Welcome to a winter wonderland!
  • Norefjell Ski Resort in sunset

    Winter in Eastern Norway

    Eastern Norway offers alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, kick sledding, and much more. Relax on a winter escape in Oslo with shopping, ice bathing, hot saunas, spas, and museums.
  • Tromsø in winter

    Tromsø in winter

    Tromsø lies far north where winter starts early and lasts for a long time. Experience the very best of the season with northern lights, whale watching, skiing, and reindeer sledding. Not to mention urban luxury!
  • Dog sledding in the winter landscape on Kvaløya

    Northern Norway in winter

    See the magical northern lights, go on a whale safari, and catch some famous Norwegian skrei! Northern Norway is a paradise in winter.
  • Four people with snowshoes at Trolltunga in Fjord Norway

    Winter in Hardangerfjord

    From the second longest fjord in Norway and snowshoeing to the top of Trolltunga to charming villages and ski resorts – discover the Hardangerfjord region in winter.

Merry Christmas!

Norway will put you in a festive mood!

Experience Christmas in Norway

Get into the holiday spirit

Enjoy a pre-Christmas break in Norway and visit one of our Christmas towns.

  • Santa Claus and a girl at one of Norway’s top Christmas destinations, Savalen
    Top Christmas destinations
  • Christmas marked in Kristiansand, Southern Norway
    Norway’s best Christmas markets
  • Two women at the Christmas market in Oslo, Eastern Norway
    The Christmas Town Oslo
  • Three girls walking between the Christmassy wooden houses in Bergen, Fjord Norway
    The Christmas Town Bergen
  • Two girls strolling in the Christmas decorated streets in Tromsø
    The Christmas Town Tromsø
  • The Christmas market in Trondheim seen from above, Trøndelag, Norway.
    The Christmas Town Trondheim
  • Castle in the world’s largest gingerbread town Pepperkakebyen in Bergen, Norway
    See the world’s largest gingerbread town
  • The Norwegian Santa, Fjøsnissen, at the Christmas market in Norsk Folkemuseum in Bygdøy, Eastern Norway
    Fjøsnissen: The Norwegian Santa
  • A girl at a dinner buffet at Hotel Alexandra in Loen
    Celebrate New Year's Eve in Norway
Three girls drinking hot chocolate at Aker Brygge in Oslo, Eastern Norway

KOS

What's the best thing about winter? It's nice and cosy inside!

Learn the noble art of "kos"

Heart-warming food

Here are some food experiences you can't miss, and a pretty cool cookbook!

  • Lofot lamb servet on a silver plate
    The Norwegian Cookbook
  • Norwegian pinnekjøtt at Christmas eve
    The taste of Christmas
  • A stone platter with smoked salmon and other food
    Food and drink
  • Dinner in Speilsalen, Britannia Hotel in Trondheim
    Norway's top restaurants
  • Shellfish feast of crab, shrimp and crayfish at Ansnes Brygger restaurant at Hitra island in Trøndelag
    Enjoy first-class seafood
  • Johnny Trasti cooking over a bonfire
    Arctic cuisine
  • A woman posing with cheese from the cheese factory in Røros, Trøndelag
    Top destinations for foodies in Trøndelag
  • A woman crabfishing in Fosen in Trøndelag
    Seafood heaven in the Northwest
The fishing village of Reine in winter, Northern Norway
Kristian Dale/Hurtigruten

Skrei heaven

Experience the vibrant fishing villages of the north.

Skrei adventures

Explore the entire coast

How about a winter cruise?

Hurtigruten winter cruises

Art, music, and festivals

Winter is museum time! See what's on!

  • The Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway, during sunset
    Explore the MUNCH museum
  • Exterior The National Museum of Norway in Oslo
    The spectacular National Museum
  • People walking across the roof of The Oslo Opera House
    Oslo Opera House: please walk on the roof
  • Palmesus music festival in Kristiansand, Southern Norway
    What’s on: events in Norway
  • A person looking at the view from inside the Viewpoint Snøhetta in Hjerkinn.
    Architecture
  • People watching an outdoor piano concert on Mount Keiservarden in Bodø
    Concerts
  • People looking at Edvard Munch’s Scream at The Munch Museum in Oslo
    Museums
  • Quirky museums
    Quirky museums

Get ready for Valentine's Day

Time for couples to create some great memories together.

  • Romantic weekend escape at Woodnest in Odda

    8 romantic winter getaways

    Stay in a treetop cabin or an ice hotel! Watch the northern lights or go on a weekend date to Oslo or Southern Norway. There are many ways to experience Norway with someone special!
  • Inside Tromsø Ice Domes in Northern Norway

    Stay in one of Norway’s cool ice hotels

    Snuggle up under warm reindeer skins for a night to remember! Ice hotels have become a hot travel trend in recent years. Don't miss this unique experience on your winter adventure in Norway!
  • The Soria Moria Sauna in Telemark, Eastern Norway

    Norway’s hottest saunas

    Check out cool saunas in Norway. Try outdoor saunas in the city and in the mountains or floating saunas on the fjord. Heat up before you jump in the water or the snow!
  • Woodnest tree top hut, Hardanger

    Romantic holidays in Norway

    Impress your sweetheart? Pop the question? Get married? Or just rekindle and reconnect? These 9 romantic adventures offer the perfect escape for couples.
  • Two feet coming out of a blanket in bed.

    6 places to have great sex

    Looking for a romantic getaway? Here is a list of places to visit for a different kind of holiday.
  • Couple standing on a boat.

    7 tips to boost your relationship

    Feeling stuck in your relationship? A romantic holiday in beautiful surroundings can really give you a boost. Escape to Southern Norway with these excellent tips from a relationship expert!
  • A couple staying at WonderInn Riverside by Huser Farm in Fenstad

    Unique places to stay

    Accommodation that is an experience in itself. Check out our selection of some of Norway’s most unique hotel alternatives, from yurts and lighthouses to parked trains and treehouses.
  • Two people walking with bikes to Refsnes Gods at Jeløya in Moss

    Norway’s most exclusive hotels

    From five-star luxury and chic boutique hotels to grand manor houses and historic gems – step inside Norway’s most exclusive accommodation.

Month by month

Norway is packed with things to do during the winter.

Three people riding a horse and sleigh at Røros a cold winter day

Things to do in December

Don't miss the magic of the holiday season in Norway! Take a break from the everyday rush and visit Christmas markets, go for a sleigh ride in beautiful winter landscapes, and taste local delicacies.
Four people skiing downhill in sunrise at Norefjell ski resort, Eastern Norway

Things to do in January

Northern lights, ski holidays, snow fun and tranquil city breaks combined with indoor cosiness. Here are 12 excellent reasons to visit Norway in January!
Guests in the ice bar at Snowhotel Kirkenes

Things to do in February

The month of love, – and slightly more sun! But still, there are a lot of fun winter activities waiting for you in Norway!

Planning your trip

...is half the fun!

A woman taking a selfie at Aksla in Ålesund, Norway.
Plan your trip
A woman taking a selfie on Gamle Bybro in Trondheim
Places to go
Cruising with Hurtigruten
Holiday packages
  • Autumn leaves and the hurtigruten steamer in the fjord
    Hurtigruten – the coastal highway to the north
  • A woman traveling with Flåm railway
    Some of the world’s most beautiful train journeys
  • Four people resting outside of a mountain cabin in Beitostølen, Norway
    12 tips for a budget holiday
  • A woman going off the train at Røra Station in Inderøy
    Travel tips A-Z

Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

  • Food - Brim Explorer
    Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
  • Performancce Marketing
    CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
  • Blazerbu - Norgesbooking
    NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
  • Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel in Oslo, Eastern Norway
    Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
  • The Thief - A lifestyle boutique hotel in Oslo
    StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
  • Standard Room - Svolvær - Thon Hotel
    Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
  • Valevåg Camping
    CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
  • Hotell Refsnes Gods - fasade
    Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
  • Two people sitting in a sofa in Eagle Nest Eco Lodge in Eastern Norway
    50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
  • Family in outdoor pool in winter at Radisson Blu mountain resort & residences in Trysil, Eastern Norway
    Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
  • Hardangerfjord - Authentic Scandinavia
    Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
  • Lit-up tent in snow with colorful northern lights and mountains behind it
    Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
  • Two women viewing scenic Norwegian fjord from a boat, with dramatic mountains reflected in calm water under blue sky.
    Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
  • Eidfjord village - Go fjords
    Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
  • The Hurtigruten ship MS Nordkapp in Geirangerfjord in Fjord Norway
    HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
  • Skiing on finnmarksvidda
    Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
  • Sykkeltur i Hardanger
    Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
  • Happy family taking a selfie in an airport after arriving to Norway
    Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
  • Hop on hop off bus - Stromma
    StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
  • Hikers approaching a small wooden cabin with grass roof in mountainous landscape
    Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
  • Woodward - Arctic Campers
    Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
  • Auto Europe
    Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
  • Buss bilde - NOR-WAY
    NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
  • Shutterstock 4 - Rent-A-Wreck
    Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
  • Raumabanen - SJ Nord
    SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
  • A bus driving along the coast in Norway, Vy express route vy146
    Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
  • Vy Train travelling on a scenic railway line between Bergen and Hønefoss, Norway
    Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
  • Malangen resort - My nordic travel
    My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
  • Campanyon - Arctic Dome Smiberget
    CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
  • Airplane
    NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
  • Elegant wooden hotel in mountain valley beneath snow-capped peaks.
    De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
  • A woman hiking in the summer mountains by the fjord.
    CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
  • Two women waving out the windows of a campervan with Benzini Campers on the hood
    Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.