Why go to Norway in winter: 8 things to do in the snowy country of the fjords. Where to go, what to do and what to see, weather and air temperature.
Fjords, Vikings, Valkyries, the incredible colors of the Northern Lights - whatever association comes to mind at the mention, in any case, it will be a vivid memory of the true Nordic character of the country. The proximity to the desert Arctic expanses largely determines the Norwegian climate, making the winter in Norway one of the best travel seasons.
Holidays at the Kirkenes Snow Ice Hotel and dog sledding are the most popular activities, but the list is not limited to them. We counted eight holiday options in Norway in winter - both for adults and children.
Excursions in Oslo and surroundings
The most interesting excursions are routes from local residents to Tripster. It’s more interesting to start with (to see interesting places and outline routes for future walks). And then either go or choose a gastronomic route - there is something to try in Norway!
Winter holidays in Norway: 8 things to do
1. Skiing and snowboarding
The amount of snow in winter has contributed to the fact that people in Norway learn to ski before they learn to walk. Here it is not just a form of leisure, but a long tradition and way of life. Skiing in Norway is a national treasure. There are even Ski Museum at Holmenkollen Stadium, which is dedicated exclusively to winter sports - smooth skiing, biathlon, ski jumping and others. Fortunately, there are also plenty of Olympic champions in the country: Bjorn Daly, Ole Einar Bjorndalen and Emil Hegle Svendsen did everything so that the museum's exposition did not disappoint tourists. Naturally, getting into such an atmosphere, I want to immediately get on skis. Even if the last time I did it was at a school physical education lesson.
Ski Museum (Holmenkollen, Oslo)
Lillehammer - the capital of the 1994 Olympics
The ski season in Norway lasts half a year, which, combined with a huge selection of ski resorts and ski slopes for any level (from beginners to confident extreme pros), allows you to find a suitable option for introducing Norwegians to the national winter sport. Norwegian ski centers are famous not only for ideal conditions for skiing, but also for impressive landscapes, against which it is even more interesting to join such a sport.
Three hours from Oslo is Trysil- one of the largest ski resorts in the country. Not inferior to him in popularity and the Alpine center Aikedalen, located an hour away from . Also, lovers of winter sports should not underestimate Lillehammer where the 1994 Winter Olympics were held. More experienced skiers can visit other interesting places in Norway, where there are many non-equipped routes for skiing.
2. Dog/reindeer sledding trips
Skiing is interesting, but the country of the fjords is famous not only for this leisure. Another popular winter activity with long Norwegian roots is dog sledding. This type of recreation is most common in the northern part of Norway, where the longest dog sled race in Europe takes place. You can go on an excursion from Tromso to the center of the Sami, where you can taste traditional Sami dishes and admire the herds of deer. At the same time, ride with the breeze no longer on dog sleds, but on reindeer sleds.
Norwegians claim that their country is the birthplace of this type of leisure. Therefore, you should not miss this opportunity when relaxing in Norway in the winter.
How to get there
- symbol of Norway
- what to see
3. Northern lights in Norway
A visit to Scandinavia would not be complete without observing the most spectacular natural phenomenon in the Arctic -. Formed by solar flares attracted to the magnetic circle of the North Pole, this wonder of nature mesmerizes with flashes of bright green and purple flashes in the sky. Of course, the aurora borealis is at the mercy of nature, and there is no guarantee that you can admire it every time you travel around the country. But in the northern part of Norway there are many popular viewing platforms for observing (if you're lucky) this unique natural phenomenon.
The chances of admiring this natural wonder are great from December to February. Although rare "outbreaks" have been happening since October.
4. Winter festivals in Norway 2019
Holidays in Kirkenes Snow set you up for visiting similar places: for example, one of the unique ice festivals in Norway. On the last weekend of February, the country hosts Rjukan ice festival. This is a popular ice climbing event that attracts hundreds of climbers from all over the world to Norway to climb the country's frozen waterfalls.
Interesting and Ice Music Festival, which takes place on the first weekend of February in the city of Geilo. It's about half way from Bergen to Oslo. The ice festival is truly unique: there is not only a stage, but also all musical instruments - guitars, harps, pipes, drums - are hand-made (!) Of ice. At the same time, the “technique” not only looks appropriate, but also sounds no worse than the real one. The impromptu concerts are performed entirely on ice musical instruments. From the Norwegians, the event received the nickname "Sounds of Winter".
5. Ice hotel Kirkenes Snow
Creation tradition ice hotels literally swept the world. It would be strange if such an institution had not been created in the most Scandinavian country in Europe.
Standard room at Snowhotel Kirkenes Norway
In Norway, the ice hotel is located in the Arctic city of Kirkenes (almost on the border with Russia). Every year the building is rebuilt from lake ice and decorated with ice compositions. You don't have to worry about getting frostbite while relaxing in a cute ice house. The insulating properties of snow provide reliable protection from the cold outside, and special mattresses and sleeping bags allow you to comfortably sit on an ice bed.
A stay at the Kirkenes Snow Ice Hotel costs €550 per day. The price includes breakfast, dinner and a lot of activities on site (for example, sauna, bar, snowmobiling and dog sledding).
To brighten up the stay of the guests, an ice bar is equipped, where before going to bed you can warm up with a glass of strong alcoholic drink. The main thing is to consider the season and popularity when booking a room at Kirkenes Snow. Firstly, it operates only from the end of December to April. Secondly, the rooms in the ice hotel are selling like hot cakes at the station.
6. Snowkiting
Extreme entertainment in Norway during the winter abound. Snowkiting is one of the most popular among them. This kind of winter sport allows you to forget about the laws of gravity and, using the power of the wind, rush on a board under the dome of a kite (analogous to a kite) along snow-covered tracks, ice plateaus and take off over mountain peaks. The speed develops up to 100 km / h, so the entertainment is clearly not for the faint of heart. You will have to go for the Norwegian extreme to the northern outskirts of the country or to one of the equipped places for kiting near Oslo.
Varanger, Hardangervidda, Geilo are the most popular winter sports spots in Norway. The world championships in snowkiting are also held there.
7. Visit the Santa Claus Village
Often travelers with children face a dilemma: go to the residence of Santa Claus Rovaniemi to please the kids, or to winter Norway, so as not to offend yourself. So the problem can be solved by compromise. From the northern part of Norway, there are many sightseeing tours to the Finnish village of Santa. Although his place of residence is constantly disputed, all Scandinavians are sure that the real residence is located in Lapland.
Residence of Santa Claus in Rovaniemi (Finland)
Santa's Residence in Savalen, Norway
If you decide to go on such an excursion, in addition to meeting with Santa Claus, do not forget to send postcards from the post office - as a gift to friends and relatives. At the same time, admire the reindeer and the lights, if you're lucky!
Alternatively, you can go to the Norwegian "branch" of the residence. In the northern city of Savalene lives Norwegian Santa. It is not as popular as the Finnish one, but it is also quite real. There, the reindeer are the same, and the post office with postcards, and even Christmas gingerbread, which you can stock up on for the year ahead.
8. Winter horseback riding
It is generally accepted that horseback riding is possible only in the expanses of grassy meadows. And only in the summer. But Norwegian horses do well in the cold, and in terms of their endurance they could outdo the Vikings themselves. Therefore, horseback riding through snow-covered fields and icy paths in Norway is of little surprise - horseback riding is popular here at any time of the year. Experienced riders can ride a horse right through the snow-white expanses. For beginners, instructors recommend choosing quieter routes: through the countryside, with the possibility of contemplating the winter landscapes of Norway.
Route popular in winter
- symbol of Norway
- on one's own
Rest in a ski resort is a real holiday for people who are attracted by active pastime. It is no secret that winter resorts have become increasingly popular in recent years. What is the secret of this phenomenon? I think the answer is extremely simple: people are looking for variety. Yes, something unusual can significantly brighten up the life of every person. This is becoming especially relevant now, when the pace of life is accelerating and there is so little time left for yourself.
Going to a ski resort, absolutely all the little things and details should be foreseen. Believe me, there are no unimportant or secondary factors in this matter. You should pay attention to exactly where it is best to go, as well as when it is best to do this. Answering the second question, we recommend that you plan your trip to the ski resort for the New Year holidays. There are a number of pretty good reasons for this.
First of all, just before the New Year, many ski resorts arrange promotions that will allow you to relax at the highest level at an affordable price. This is true for those who seek to visit such a resort, but do not have a large sum of money. In addition, during the New Year holidays you can take advantage of the opportunity to participate in an extensive entertainment program. Do not doubt that the management of the resort is interested in entertaining you in the most original and unusual way possible. At the same time, most of the events are planned by the organizers for the New Year, because according to statistics, most tourists visit ski resorts in December-January. Finally, do not forget that during this period, at most resorts in the world, the air temperature is optimal for people in our climatic zone. This means that you will not experience any discomfort from being outside your native country, while getting the opportunity to relax properly.
In search of the best place to relax, be sure to pay attention to Norway. This country seems to have been specially created in order to please people who cannot imagine their life without snow and skiing. Beautiful landscapes are combined with skilfully equipped ski trails. Both lovers of extreme sports, for whom there is nothing more beautiful than steep turns, and those who prefer to ride on a flat track as calmly as possible will be able to find a track to their liking. On the tracks in Norway, professional athletes are trained for competitions. In addition, there are experienced instructors and extremely safe trails that will help you quickly and correctly learn skiing even for people who had nothing to do with winter active recreation before. If you are not interested in skiing, then by all means appreciate the benefits of bobsledding or snowboarding.
It is generally accepted that it is Norway that is the country in which skiing appeared as such. More than 50 years ago, downhill skiing has already appeared in this state at a number of ski resorts. Experienced outdoor enthusiasts rightly consider the slopes of Norway to be the best in all of Scandinavia. Tourists here can find beautiful views, as well as high-speed, but at the same time the safest mountain slopes. Of course, the natural opportunities of Norway were noticed by many wealthy people, and therefore it is not strange that winter tourism is developing quite actively in this country. That is why, having arrived here, you can count on settling in a comfortable hotel, visiting ski schools equipped with the latest technology and using lifts that allow you to fully appreciate the delights of Norwegian nature. In addition, of course, the resort program is enriched with entertainment events traditional for any holiday. Those who wish can visit local bars or cafes, where visitors are always welcome. Among the original activities, one can single out dog sledding or participation in winter ice fishing. Entertainment in Norway, indeed, a lot. All you need is your desire to celebrate the New Year in a special way, and everything will surely turn out as well as possible.
If we talk about specific resorts, then first of all you should pay attention to. The best thing to say about this city is only one thing - it was here that the Winter Olympic Games were held in 1994. Since then, and to this day, the ski resorts of Lillehammer have been very popular. In this city, there are 5 large ski centers at once, ready to offer their services to vacationers. It is noteworthy that during the New Year holidays the weather here is beautiful. If many resorts use the so-called snow guns due to the lack of natural snow, then there is practically no such need. There is always enough snow so that you can ride comfortably and for a long time.
No less attractive is one of the largest ski centers in Norway, which is territorially located quite close to Sweden. From Oslo, this place can be reached in just 3 hours. Trysil is also famous for its stable weather - you can ride here from November to May, but it's especially nice to do it in December-January, when there is the most snow and the temperature is as close as possible to that which is familiar to us. Separate tracks are specially designed for skiing at night - they are equipped with additional lighting devices that allow you not to worry about your safety. Rumor has it that skiing at night can give tourists an unforgettable experience, because at this time the Norwegian landscapes are especially attractive.
If you love mountain landscapes and appreciate fast descents, Geilo is the place to be. This mountain town is located between Bergen and Oslo. According to historical reports, skiing competitions were held here back in 1935. Not only skiing slopes are waiting for you here, but also specialized roads for snowboarding. We also note the presence of schools in which experienced specialists can teach beginners any tricks of outdoor activities in the mountains. Note that Geilo is located close to the city with all its charms. So welcome to all lovers of relaxation in nightclubs or restaurants.
Not far from there is also a skiing center called Hemsedal. It is no coincidence that he received the unofficial name "Scandinavian Alps". There are three peaks here, each of which is located at more than a kilometer above sea level. It is not surprising that just here the organizers of the World Cup Slalom hold one of the stages of the championship. Particular attention should be paid to snowboarders - special tracks are equipped here for them.
Vacation time or just the opportunity to set aside a few days to take a break from work and enjoy life periodically puts us in a dilemma of choice. If you decide to unwind after a hot summer, a holiday in Norway in winter will be an ideal option.
New Year in Norway
The mysterious country of the Arctic will offer a winter holiday for every taste and budget. Here you can perfectly celebrate the New Year, feel the local flavor, get acquainted with the traditions of the descendants of the Vikings. It is best to organize a holiday in Norway for the New Year in Oslo or Bergen. You will be amazed by the beauty of the decorated streets and houses, the variety of fireworks. Go to museums, visit numerous excursions, where you will learn more about the origins of the development and prosperity of this northern country. In Norway, New Year's holidays begin on Christmas Eve and last until January 13, where the final chord is St. Canute's Day.
Supporters of a non-standard New Year's Eve will like a meeting at the resort of Voss, one of the most famous ski resorts. Here you can plunge into the holiday atmosphere and enjoy skiing and snowboarding. Accommodation at the hotel, original local cuisine. 
With the independent organization of winter holidays in Norway, an extensive network of small campsites with warm, cozy houses with comfortable rooms for living and relaxing will be very useful. Numerous slopes of the ski resorts of Hemsedal and Geilo, which are located 4-5 hours drive from Oslo, will delight you with the opportunity to ski down, fly with the breeze in a sleigh.
Vacation with children
The cottages, decorated with local color, will completely immerse children's imagination in the atmosphere of a fairy tale. The northern lights will add magic to the nights spent in the bosom of the virgin snow cover. Supporters of sports can visit the biathlon center in Holmenkollen, Norway, to get a closer look at all the greatness and scale of the scenery of the track.
A well-planned vacation in Norway in winter with children will bring a lot of unforgettable impressions. Many stunning attractions during the New Year holidays, the opportunity to visit Santa, see the mysterious glow of the northern sky.
Winter fishing in Norway
It is a well-known fact that Norwegian waters are an exceptional place for fishing. The Lofoten Islands, Senya Island, Sørøya Island will give you and your families a lot of adrenaline and pleasant moments of joy when you fish for 40 kg cod, which are not uncommon here. Winter fishing with access to the Barents Sea will show family members where salmon or halibut come from.
We recommend planning a long vacation in winter in February and March. During this period, the "breath of winter" is no longer so acutely felt. Small chamber campsites will satisfy the wishes of most tourists. Friendly hosts will always prompt and indicate where it is better to spend time. After walking in the frosty air, satisfy your hunger with hearty dishes of local cuisine and spend the evening by the heartily crackling coals of the fireplace.
What else to see in Norway in winter
In Norway, a service has been established for organizing hiking and dog sledding. You and your family members will feel all the charm of communicating with nature at the sight of deer, hares, wolves, foxes, driving on sleds through the snow-covered expanses.
The winter period in Norway includes many other extraordinary events that affect aspects of life around the world. On December 10, Oslo annually hosts the Nobel Prize, one of the most prestigious international awards.
An annual festival featuring musical instruments from the ice of the Geilo ski resort. This is a fabulous event: the instruments, the stage and the festival arena are made of ice and snow. The three-day event is accompanied by sales of goods from local manufacturers and famous brands.
After satisfying the need for shopping at sales, local old-timers advise heading to the Hunderfossen amusement park. First of all, you should understand that you are going to rest in the most expensive country in Europe. In return, each tourist receives a sea of positive emotions, undying memories of the friendly land of Norway. Hospitable Norwegians carefully treat the nature of their state, which is also required from numerous guests.
The Norwegian climate should logically be subpolar due to its geographical position, but it is officially characterized as temperate thanks to the warm Gulf Stream that washes the entire coast of Norway. As a result, the country's coastal surface waters never freeze. And the general air temperature is quite moderate. Therefore, any region of Norway (and the capital even more so) is a real paradise for those who love skiing, skating and other winter sports.
Weather in Oslo in December
Snow in Eastern Norway usually falls as early as November, and in December winter is already fully in its rights. However, in Oslo, frosts are much less severe than in the north. The mountains are covered with snow first. In December, temperatures in Oslo usually hover around 0°C, sometimes dropping to -20°C. In general, winters are mild compared to Siberian frosts (Siberia and Alaska are at the same latitude). Severe storms, rain and cloud cover are not uncommon.
Weather in Oslo in January
This month is traditionally the coldest: sometimes in Oslo there are severe frosts even down to -40 ° C, but this happens extremely rarely. The Norwegian winter is constantly gloomy and overcast. January is a great month for skiing. In the middle of winter there are often polar nights. In winter, there are ski slopes for kilometers within the city, and avid skiers visit the 14 nearest slopes. The average January temperature rarely drops below -10 ° C, so skiing even in January will be a pleasure, and dog sledding will bring anyone into indescribable delight.
Weather in Oslo in February
At this time, there is still a lot of snow in order to make ski trips, severe frosts have already passed, and the days have already become longer. Luxurious ski slopes, illuminated by lanterns, with numerous slopes and jumps, will conquer any, even the most experienced skier. February temperatures rarely drop below -4°C. However, winter in Oslo continues into March.
Never go to Norway light, because its cool climate requires warm clothes even in sunny good summer weather - for the morning and evening. Winter even more so suggests clothes in the Russian manner, characteristic exclusively for this time of year. Vast areas of Norway are covered with snow for at least four months of the year, so dress warmly and get ready to conquer the mountain peaks!
The climate varies greatly from season to season and you need to choose the time of travel. The weather in Oslo varies from month to month. it is very far from the equator. The cool average annual ambient temperature is +10.0°C during the day and +5.2°C at night. The city is the capital of the state of Norway and it is very visited among tourists. Below is the climate and weather in Oslo in winter, spring, summer and autumn.
The best months to travel
High season in Oslo in July, June, August with excellent weather +18.8°C...+25.5°C. During this period, in the capital, this popular city has the least rain, about 4 days a month, from 66.4 to 81.1 mm of precipitation falls. The number of clear days is from 12 to 15 days. Monthly climate and temperature in Oslo are calculated based on recent years.
Monthly air temperature in Oslo
The warmest weather in Oslo by months and in general in Norway is in June, August, July up to 25.5°C. At the same time, the lowest ambient temperatures are observed in January, December, February down to -2.2°C. For lovers of night walks, the figures range from -4.2°C to 13.8°C.
Number of rainy days and precipitation
The most rainy periods are August, July, May, when the weather is bad for 7 days, up to 81.1 mm of precipitation falls. For those who do not like humidity, we recommend January, November, December during this period it rains on average only 2 days a month and the monthly rainfall is 31.4mm.
Comfort Rating
The climate and weather rating in Oslo is calculated by months, taking into account the average air temperature, the amount of rainfall and other indicators. For a year in Oslo, the score ranges from 2.3 in February to 4.8 in July, out of a possible five.
Climate Summary
| Month | Temperature air during the day |
Temperature air at night |
solar days |
Rainy days (precipitation) |
|
| January | -2.2°C | -4.2°C | 9 | 2 days (45.6mm) | |
| February | -0.6°C | -2.8°C | 5 | 2 days (38.9mm) | |
| March | +7.2°C | +1.8°C | 10 | 2 days (31.4mm) | |
| April | +11.5°C | +5.5°C | 11 | 2 days (33.0mm) | |
| May | +14°C | +8.5°C | 11 | 7 days (73.8mm) | |
| June | +18.8°C | +11°C | 12 | 4 days (69.8mm) | |
| July | +25.5°C | +13.8°C | 15 | 6 days (66.4mm) | |
| August | +19.2°C | +13°C | 13 | 5 days (81.1mm) | |
| September | +15.3°C | +9°C | 12 | 3 days (62.0mm) | |
| October | +8.4°C | +6.5°C | 11 | 4 days (53.2mm) | |
| November | +4.8°C | +3.5°C | 8 | 2 days (42.0mm) | |
| December | -1.6°C | -3.5°C | 11 | 2 days (48.5mm) |
Number of sunny days
The greatest number of sunny days is noted in September, August, July, when there are 15 clear days. During these months, the weather in Oslo is excellent for walks and excursions. The sun is least in February, November, January when the minimum number of clear days is 5.
