Beautiful winter sun in Norefjell Ski Resort, Eastern Norway
A girl lights a candle in a snow igloo in Trysil in Eastern Norway
A woman skiing down an alpine slope in Hemsedal in Eastern Norway
Skårungen sauna under the northern lights in Lofoten, Northern Norway
Ice bathing in the Halden Canal
The Arctic Cathedral during the blue hour in Tromsø
A family on fatbike in winter in Geilo
Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel in Oslo, Eastern Norway
Two people sitting in a sofa in Eagle Nest Eco Lodge in Eastern Norway
A women taking a picture from the Old Town Bridge in Trondheim in winter, Trøndelag, Norway.
People studying "Vinternatt i Rondane" (Winter Night in Rondane) at the National Museum
Snow at the the Træna islands in Northern Norway

Joyful January

January = midwinter!

Low sun, northern lights, snowy adventures in the mountains and lots of indoor kos! Here are 12 reasons to visit in January.

1. our love for snow

A white blanket covers most of the country in January, although Southern and Western coastal areas are often bare.

Norwegians love to flock to the mountains to enjoy white magic and fun in the snow.

2. Downhill dreams

Can you hear the mountains calling? Freshly groomed slopes await you all over the country!

Explore our top ski resorts!

3. Northern lights

It is the truly unique, dark time of the year in Northern Norway, which provides great opportunities to experience the northern lights!

How about in one of Norway's steaming hot saunas and jacuzzis?

4. Ice bathing

After warming up thoroughly, go for a real energy boost!

Many Norwegians greet the new year with a refreshing (quick) dip in the water and are now hooked on ice bathing.

Try it for yourself!

5. The North Cape Express

Hunt the northern lights in comfort on a cruise with the Hurtigruten Coastal Express from Bergen to Kirkenes.

Did you know that there is a northern lights guarantee on this cruise? If the Auroras don't appear during your voyage, you can get a new cruise for free!

Sail from Oslo to The North Cape aboard Hurtigruten's new North Cape Express. On this cruise, you have more time in the ports and stops in different places than on the classic voyage.

On both cruises, you can enjoy ...

6. Lively Tromsø

Tromsø is the main gateway to Arctic experiences.

It's far from sleepy during this dark month! Several big festivals create an excellent vibe in January, including the Tromsø International Film Festival and the Northern Lights Festival.

Discover local musician Ida Tolou's insider city tips!

7. Winter in the fjords

Rugged, serene and magical! The fjords in winter have a truly special and tranquil atmosphere.

Take a winter journey from Bergen to Flåm!

Embark on a Norway in a nutshell® round trip from Bergen (or Oslo) on the world famous Flåm Railway down to the fjord village of Flåm, where you can go on a fjord cruise and spend a night or two.

You can also extend your trip with a Sognefjord in a nutshell trip, including a visit to the village of Sogndalsfjøra.

8. Fatbike adventures

Or how about cycling in winter? Rent an electric or manual fatbike. These bikes have broad tyres that enable you to "float" on top of the snow!

Available all over Norway, you can ride on your own or with a guide on designated slopes and trails.

9. Try tobogganing

Yeehaw! There are so many ways to have fun without skis on your feet!

Check out the longest toboggan run in Norway, from the Loen Skylift gondola at mount Hoven all the way down to the fjord.

Many ski resorts also offer tobogganing where the ski lift takes you back to the top.

10. Fairytale hotels

January is the month where you deserve to spoil yourself a bit.

Check in to a relaxing weekend break at one of Norway's exclusive hotels ...

... or an unforgettable night in one of our truly unique places to wind down and reconnect.

11. City breaks

Our compact big cities are open all winter. Vibrant and beautiful, with a winter wonderland just around the corner!

See local insider city tips.

This is also the perfect time of year to avoid the crowds in our most popular museums, like ...

12. The National Museum

Experience a winter night inside!

Harald Sohlberg's Vinternatt i Rondane ('Winter Night in the Mountains') is just one of the many treasures on exhibit in the stunning new National Museum in Oslo, the biggest art museum in Northern Europe.

Next up: February

Learn about the climate and discover more amazing winter experiences in Norway.

Winter climate in Norway

The Norwegian calendar

Find the best experiences in Norway, throughout the year!

The calendar of Norway, spring, summer, autumn and winter
Norway month by month

Winter skiing

Book your ski holiday now! 

Get inspired

Person skiing at Kirketaket mountain in Åndalsnes, Fjord Norway
Winter
Two girls clapping husky puppies outside Snowhotel Kirkenes
Fun winter activities
Woman taking selfies in Oslo
Oslo in winter
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    Northern Norway in winter
    Girls on sleds at Loen Skylift, Norway.
    Fun things to do without skis
    Two people alpine skiing on a sunny day in Hemsedal, Eastern Norway
    Snow magic guaranteed. Hit the slopes!
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    8 romantic winter getaways
    Kristian Dale/Hurtigruten
    Hurtigruten winter cruises

Take advantage of top offers

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

  • Skiing on finnmarksvidda
    Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    Sykkeltur i Hardanger
    Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
    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.
    Hardangerfjord - Authentic Scandinavia
    Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
    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.
    Standard Room -  Svolvær - Thon Hotel
    Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels 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.
    Eidfjord village - Go fjords
    Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
    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.
    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.
    Performancce Marketing
    CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
    Lit-up tent in snow with colorful northern lights and mountains behind it
    Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
    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.
    Food - Brim Explorer
    Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
    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.
    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.
    Valevåg Camping
    CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
    Woodward - Arctic Campers
    Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
    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!
    Auto Europe
    Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
    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.
    Aurora borealis Tromso - Fjord Travel
    Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
    Hop on hop off bus - Stromma
    StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
    Blazerbu -  Norgesbooking
    NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
    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.
    Shutterstock 4 - Rent-A-Wreck
    Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
    Campanyon - Arctic Dome Smiberget
    CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
    Malangen resort - My nordic travel
    My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
    Raumabanen - SJ Nord
    SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
    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.
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    Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.