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.
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!
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.