Posted on Thursday, 13 October 2022

It is surprising how hot and sunny the Norwegian summers are, but winter trips to Norway are growing in popularity - a period when snow often blankets mountains and towns alike, creating a very special atmosphere. A visit to Norway in November or December is especially unforgettable since the Christmas markets and light displays are sure to give you that festive feeling.

Oslo in winter

Before we dive into Norway's Great Outdoors, it’s important to highlight the buzzing city of Oslo. Many visitors choose to eschew the nation’s capital and head for the mountains and fjords near Bergen and Tromso, but Oslo is a fascinating and cosmopolitan city steeped in history.

Aside from the plethora of museums (don’t miss the Viking Ship Museum) and art galleries, it also boasts a beautiful baroque cathedral, and many other iconic landmarks. While particularly enjoyable in the lead-up to Christmas, Oslo is ideal for a city break in January, or to use as a starting point for a wider winter adventure.

 

 

The Northern Lights

Thousands visit Norway's north to experience the glorious light show that is the Northern Lights. Also known as the aurora borealis (‘dawn of the north’ in Latin), the spectral play of green light is caused by electrically-charged particles entering the planet's upper atmosphere at speed.

Clear skies and an absence of light pollution from urban centres are essential to get a good view of the Northern Lights - qualities that Norway's northern regions have in spades.

A number of experienced tour companies offer Northern Lights excursions. Some Tromso firms may cross into Finland to access the best vantage points.

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Norway?

February is the best time to see the aurora borealis in Norway because it has the longest nights. However, you can still enjoy the lights between September and March, with March having the clearest skies of all.

 

How much is a Northern Lights tour?

A single bus tour to a prime Northern Lights viewpoint costs 100 - 150 euros, while a 5-night tour can cost upwards of 1,000 euros. There are also three-hour catamaran tours from Tromso (around 80 euros).

 

Senja island

Located in Norway's north, above the arctic circle, Senja is the country’s second-largest island. It's another prime location to witness the Northern Lights from, made even more special by the jaw-dropping mountains that rise up out of the sea.

It's possible to rent a car in Tromso and then drive to Senja (2h 40m). Once here you can hike the mighty Segla, from where you can enjoy amazing views of the jagged mountains and, if you're brave, stay up late to see the aurora borealis (a blanket or sleeping bag is recommended).

While on Senja don't miss Tungeneset, a formation of vast, smooth rocks at sea level that offers astonishing views across the fjord to soaring rock formations.

Lofoten islands

Lapped by clear turquoise waters and fringed with white sand, the Lofoten islands look positively tropical. Only the low temperatures remind us that it isn't (especially on a trip to Norway in November, December or January!).

Highlights include the fishing village of Henningsvaer, surrounded by dozens of rocky islets - one of which is home to a full-size football pitch - surely one of the most spectacular soccer venues on the planet.

Reine is another ‘must-visit’ while on the Lofoten islands. Located on a placid fjord surrounded by sea mountains, this charming town is quintessentially Norwegian.

Enjoy hiking? Don’t miss the spectacular Kvalvika beach. The 4km trek will be worth every minute once you clap your eyes on the Caribbean-esque beach with its crystalline blue waters, surrounded by lush greenery and sheer cliff faces. Again, it's hard to believe this beach is above the Arctic Circle.

 

Saltstraumen whirlpools

110 billion gallons of water pass through the Saltstraumen strait every six hours, accelerating the water to around 37km/h and generating vast whirlpools when the tides change. You can watch the dizzying display from the bridge overhead, or even take a boat trip along the strait - if you're brave enough!

Atlantic Ocean Road

Such is the visual drama of a trip along the Atlantic Ocean Road, one might think a James Bond car chase would have been filmed here sooner. Indeed, completed in 1989, the road has almost as many unexpected twists and hard-to-believe visuals as a 007 flick!

The most famous stretch is 8.3km long, although the full length runs from Molde to near Kristiansund. Built to connect Averøy with the mainland, the road features eight bridges spanning eight coastal islands.

Easily one of the most spectacular road trips on Earth (see below for car rental information).

Trollstigen

The Ocean Road's only rival in the cinematic-road-trip-stakes is Trollstigen - or the 'Troll's Path'. This route snakes and zig-zags down mountainsides and across valley floors, bypassing two awe-inspiring waterfalls.

Trollveggen

Trollveggen, or the 'Troll's Wall' is like a backdrop from Game of Thrones. At 3,600 feet, it's Europe's tallest overhanging rock face.

Geirangerfjord

Two hours' drive south of Trollveggen is Geirangerfjord, one of Norway's tourist hotspots. Surrounded by sheer cliffs and cascading waterfalls, the fjord ends in the town of Geiranger, where a procession of cruise ships stop off at peak times.

A highlight of the fjord is the Seven Sisters waterfall - seven streams of ice-cold water pouring 400m down the rock face.

The best views are from a cruise ship or the local ferry (around 30 euros).

Lovatnet

Stunning Lovatnet lake is a short drive from Geirangerfjord, boasting otherworldy blue-green water and a heart-stopping mountainous backdrop. Despite its dramatic surroundings, Lovatnet is one of the most tranquil places you could visit anywhere. That said, the village has had its fair share of tragedy: in 1905 a huge rock fell from the mountains creating a wave that wiped out the village and killed many inhabitants.

Trolltunga

In keeping with naming geographical features after trolls, the Norwegians named this vast jutting rock Trolltunga (Troll's Tongue). This natural balcony of rock juts out over lake Ringedalsvatnet, almost 700 metres below.

But it's not only vertigo that visitors need to worry about: a demanding 18-mile round-trip hike is necessary to reach the viewpoint. You'll need to be sufficiently fit and give yourself enough time (up to 18 hours), but the vistas will be worth the aching muscles.

Lysebotn

Lysebotn is another stunning town located by a fjord - but what makes it special is the 27 hairpin bends you'll need to navigate to reach it. You'll then be rewarded with an astonishing view down the fjord. It's a six-hour drive from Oslo.

Kjeragbolten

As pleasant as strolling around picturesque Lysebotn is, you may want something more challenging. A case-in-point is Kjeragbolten, a 12km hike from Lysebotn. Alongside breathtaking views, you can see the famous Kjeragbolten boulder, wedged between two cliff walls. Some folk even leap onto it and pose for Instagram snaps - but we don’t recommend it!

Pulpit Rock

Further down the fjord from Lysebotn is Pulpit Rock, a flat-topped wedge offering yet more amazing views. Positioned 600 metres directly above the water, it's a pulse-quickening experience - as is the 6km hike required to reach it from the car park. Beat the crowds and enjoy a stunning sunrise by arriving early.

Svalbard

Going offshore again, Svalbard is an archipelago located between Norway's mainland and the North Pole. In truth, it's a less-visited part of the country, not least because it's so far from Norway proper.

But it's a place like no other. Its capital Longyearbyen - population just 2,000 - has a frontier town atmosphere, and the entire arghcelegao has a ‘Wild-West-in-the snow’ feel. For instance, you're required to carry firearms in some locations due to the threat of polar bears!

The settlement of Barentsburg is another fascinating location. Set up by a Dutch mining company and leased to Russia, most of the inhabitants are now migrant workers from the motherland and the Ukraine. Thanks to all the Soviet-era statues and paraphernalia, it feels like a town from another age.

Svalbard is also home to a vast seed depository - built to restart agriculture in case of a global catastrophe.

And if you fancy moving to Svalbard after your visit, you can do so without a visa - so long as you have a job lined up first. However, most of these are in the energy sector.

Arctic Cathedral, Tromso

Tromso's Arctic Cathedral is actually a Lutheran church. Its iconic triangular design was the brainchild of Jan Inge Hovig, who was inspired by icebergs and the tents of the indigenous Suomi tribe. While it may look extremely modern, it was completed in 1965.

It looks fabulous in a blizzard with its lights on, but even better from the inside on a sunny day, when the stained glass windows are illuminated in all their glory.

An imposing yet beautiful building - don't miss the "floating" organ.

It’s also a great place to seek refuge from the elements!

You can visit the Arctic Cathedral between 1pm and 5pm most of the year, or between 9am and 6pm in the summer period.

 

Things to do in Bergen, Norway, in winter

If you only have time to visit one or two places in Norway - or you don’t want to rent a car - then Bergen could be your ideal destination.

Located in the west of the country, Bergen is a hub for Norway's winter adventures and is two hours or less from most UK airports. And while it’s wonderful in summertime, when it comes to visiting Norway in November or December, Bergen should be at the top of your list.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a city with a small-town feel. Alongside fjord boat trips, you can hike one of the seven surrounding mountains, go cycling, or enjoy a guided glacier walk.

 

Christmas time in Bergen

Bergen's tourist board works hard to make Bergen a premier destination for those seeking the spirit of Christmas. Concerts, a Festival of Lights, fireworks, and a vast Christmas market in Festplassen square are some of the highlights. There's even an entire mini-town built from real gingerbread - made with tasty contributions from the locals! Norway in December doesn't get much better than a visit to Bergen.

How to get around Norway

 

 

Mostly on foot

If you're only visiting Norway for a few days, you may be able to explore your chosen destination by foot, bicycle and the occasional boat trip - plus local public transport.

 

Train

For a longer stay, you can easily get around on the country's excellent rail system. As well as getting you from A to B, much of its 2,000 miles of track take in some glorious scenery - so it's an experience in itself.

For instance, the Bergen Railway takes you past Hardangervidda plateau, while the Dovre Railway connects Oslo to Trondheim - both offering splendid scenery. Travelling by rail can be costly, but some great-value rail passes are available.

 

Car rental

For a true sense of freedom, you might rent a car. You can then stop off at places that pique your interest along the way, and you can even legally wild camp (although this could be a chilly option in winter). If you want to visit multiple locations on your visit, a car rental is the way to go. Prices are surprisingly reasonable - costing around 35 euros a day for a small car based on a week-long booking.

When it comes to driving around Norway in November or December, be aware that conditions can be challenging. Winter tyres must be fitted from October to May (although the hire company will provide these), and you should leave more space between you and the vehicle in front. Ideally, you would have experience of driving in snowy, icy conditions beforehand.

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