Winter in Norway: Where & how

Winter in Arctic Tromso

The mean temperature in January is only -3 degrees Celsius, while one would expect it to be far colder, considering its northern latitude. A few weeks from November to January the sun does not show above the horizon, but it is not completely dark – you will be amazed by the wonderful, Arctic blue light.

Heavy snowfall is a normal feature, even in late spring. The all-time record for snow depth was set on 29 April 1997, with 240 cm (94.5 in) of snow on the ground.

Tromso offers all kinds of winter & snow based activities such as dog sledding, snowmobile safaris & reindeer sledge, but most people visit Tromso in winter to experience the spectacular Northern Lights.
• View our Winter & Northern Lights Tours to Tromso
• See more pictures from Tromso

Winter in Arctic Kirkenes

This Arctic town is located far northeast in Norway, close to the Russian border. The winter climate in Kirkenes is colder and drier than in Tromso, with a mean winter temperature of approx. -8 to -10 degrees Celsius.
The amazing Snow hotel outside Kirkenes is one of the main reasons to make a visit, as well as chasing the magic Northern Lights!
You can also join a king crab fishing trip on a frozen fjord, Dog sledding to the Arctic wilderness and Snowmobile safaris.
• View our Winter & Northern Lights Tours to Kirkenes
• See our pictures from Kirkenes Snowhotel

Winter in Alta

The city of Northern Lights is the largest city in the county of Finnmark. The city lies in the innermost reaches of the stunningly beautiful Altafjord. During winter temperatures can drop to below -30 degrees Celsius, but the dry climate makes the cold all part of the experience. The Arctic winter light and Northern Lights are fascinating aspects of the dark polar nights.

The amazing Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel is located close to Alta. Away from town, it offers you a front row seat to view the fabulous Northern Lights. Every year the Igloo Hotel is decorated to a special theme. Sorrisniva is also one of the best places to dine in western Finnmark and there are many activities which will keep you busy during your stay!
Click here for your winter adventure in Alta

Winter on the Norwegian coast

Hurtigruten ship line offers cruises along the Norwegian coast throughout the year, with beautiful scenery along the western coast. Heading north past the Arctic Circle, chasing the Northern Lights at the open sea is the ideal location, with no city lights to pollute the visibility.

We have put together a selection of amazing winter cruise packages – hunting the Northern Lights at sea!

You can experience adventurous activities such as Dog sledding & Snowmobile safari, North Cape excursion & overnight stay in a real Snow hotel.
View our Northern Lights Cruise Packages

Winter in Fjord Norway

The fjords are beautiful in winter as well. You can join the extensive, 5 nights Norway in a Nutshell® round trip starting in Oslo, with the scenic Bergen rail line across the beautiful, snow-covered Hardangervidda mountain plateau to Bergen.

Spend 2 nights in picturesque Bergen, then by train and coach to the fjord village of Gudvangen. Here you board a ferry for a 2-hour fjord cruise on the amazing, narrow UNESCO Naeroyfjord & the Aurlandsfjord to the village of Flam. Continue on the famous Flam Railway & Bergen Line to Oslo.

You can add an exciting winter fjord safari in Flam. On this tour you have the chance to get close to small villages and waterfalls along the way, with a stop for hot drinks and a taste of the local goat cheese in the village of Undredal.
Read more about our Norway in a Nutshell winter tour

Unesco Roros

Unesco Roros, an exotic former mining town, is a real winter wonderland! The town is located far east in Norway, reachable by train from Oslo & historic Trondheim in mid Norway.

Roros is one of the oldest towns of wooden buildings in Europe, located on a gently sloping plateau 628 m above sea level.

We offer a magic Christmas trip to this winter wonderland, starting in Oslo, followed by 3 nights at Roros. A traditional Norwegian Christmas as well as Dog sledding & Horse sleigh is waiting for you. The trip continues north to historic for an overnight stay & a private sightseeing of the town before you return to Oslo by train.
Read more about Norwegian Christmas at Unesco Roros

Winter in Oslo

Normally Oslo has cold winters, with snow-covered hills from mid-December to April. Winter activities are important for the people of Norway, and in Norway’s capital Oslo it is a common feature to see people carrying their skis on the trams or tubes.

Oslo offers more than 2600 km (1600 miles) of prepared ski trails. 90 km are lit for the special atmosphere of evening tours. Oslo also offers excellent Alpine skiing facilities; the largest is Oslo Winter Park Tryvann with 14 slopes & 6 lifts. In Oslo you will also find ice skating and sledding facilities.

Most of our winter tours include a stay in Oslo:
View all our Christmas & Winter Tours