16 Places to Visit in Norway in Winter (That Aren’t Tromsø!)

Are you considering booking a trip to Norway in winter? There are many amazing places to visit in Norway during winter, but for some reason, everyone seems to pick Tromsø.

I get it, Tromsø is awesome. I’ve traveled to Tromsø in winter (and in summer). But you can have the ‘Tromsø’ experience in other destinations in Norway during winter.

This guide is not to deter anyone from visiting Tromsø in winter!

It is just letting you know that other options do exist if you get stuck with price, activities, or flights. And trust me, many of these Norwegian cities, towns, and villages are incredible during the winter.

These are the best places to visit in Norway in winter… beyond Tromsø.

Where to Go in Norway during Winter

This list is hand-picked and I’ve chosen some very mainstream and popular places as well as some unconventional places. Some require a bit of effort to get to, and others like Oslo, simply require a flight or train ride in.

I have also listed the area of Norway, the daylight situation (is it completely dark in winter?), as well as unique experiences that will entice you to travel to the Norwegian winter destination.

I also list a few pros and cons of the destination, and I give some of the resources on this site that may help you plan your Norway winter trip. If you have any winter tips for Norway, please drop them in the comments!

Things to Consider Before Booking a Norway Winter Trip

There are some things to consider before booking a trip to Norway during winter.

• Are you visiting Norway for snow?
• Are you traveling to Norway for adventure?
• On the hunt for the Northern Lights?
• Really… why are you coming?!

When you figure out what is most important to you, personally, for your trip, then you can decide on which destination(s) are the best.

But one thing I can assure you is that no matter which place you choose on this list, you will absolutely fall in love with Norway.

Daylight in Norway in the Winter

Another big thing to consider when planning a trip to Norway is the daylight situation. It is poor in winter. I say that with a laugh because in some places, it virtually doesn’t exist.

However, as you probably guessed, the further south you are, the more daylight you will have. Oslo, for example, will still have nearly 6 hours of daylight on the winter solstice.

But if you venture far north to Nordkapp, Hammerfest, or Svalbard, you won’t get any daylight. 

I have spent a lot of time in Lofoten during winter, and the sun doesn’t actually ‘rise’, but there are a couple of hours of the day that look like a never-ending sunset. So, plan accordingly.

In this guide, I have also included an area that details the sunrise and sunset times. I generically picked December 21 as an indicator, as that is the winter solstice (the longest day of the year!).

Temperatures in Norway During Winter

The average temperatures in Norway vary during the winter. It depends on what month as well as the location. 

Generally speaking, the coastal areas are warmer than the inland areas. For example, Bergen is warmer than Oslo. 

I will list the average December temperatures for each destination (since holiday travel is the most common).

Map of Places to Go to in Norway in Winter

Winter Destinations in Norway

These fourteen places have been hand-selected, and I will start with some of the popular destinations first and then move on to lesser-known places. 

I think they are all fantastic picks for winter travels in Norway… but for very different reasons!

1. Oslo

Average Temperatures (December): High: 1C/34F  Low: -4C/25F
Sunrise and Sunset on December 21: 9:18am and 3:12pm
Pros of visiting Oslo in winter: usually gets snow, capital city so lots to do, cross-country skiing options
Cons of visiting Oslo in winter: no northern lights or ‘Arctic’ feel, no dramatic fjords like you may imagine from Norway

I spent a little over three years living in Oslo, and I know that city like the back of my hand (I still go back a lot, so I learn all of the new things to do in Oslo). 

While it may not be everyone’s ‘cup of tea’ when it comes to a magical wonderland winter visit, hear me out…

You can ski and snowboard right in Oslo. Seriously… you take the t-bane (metro) right up the mountain to Frognerseteren and you can ski, snowboard, cross-country ski, and sled. 

There are Christmas markets in Oslo that also give it a cozy feel during winter.

While visiting Oslo during winter may not be for travelers hunting down the northern lights, it definitely has its appeal. 

In addition, Oslo has the best museums in Norway and you can find everything from the Nobel Peace Prize Center to Viking Museums.

2. Bergen

Average Temperatures (December): High: 5C/41F  Low: 1C/34F
Sunrise and Sunset on December 21: 9:44am and 3:29 pm
Pros of visiting Bergen in winter: the fjords don’t freeze and you can cruise on them, mild temperatures, Pepperkakebyen
Cons of visiting Bergen in winter: not much snow (if that is what you’ve come for), lots of rain, fewer tour options

Bergen holds a special place in my heart as it was where I first lived in Norway and the very first place I visited in the country before even deciding to relocate there.

However, Bergen is often overlooked as a winter destination in Norway. Is that warranted?  Not totally. Bergen doesn’t always get snow during the winter and when it comes, it often melts. But it will get rain. At least around 20 days a month of the stuff.

So, what makes Bergen in winter appealing? I think it is a fantastic option if you want to take a few day trips to other places in Fjord Country. 

Some of my favorite road trips in Norway were departing from Bergen in winter. I really loved Vøringsfossen, Kvamskogen (winter wonderland!), Flåm, Folgefonna, and more.

If you rent a car for these trips, you will need to be sure you’re capable of driving through undesirable weather, but usually, the roads are clear enough to be confident driving on them (the larger highways).

However, if you’re planning to stick around Bergen, just don’t expect sun… or snow. 

The city still offers fantastic food (especially the Norwegian Christmas dinner of pinnekjøtt with kålrabistappe and potatoes), breathtaking views, and cozy cafes. So, if you have a chance to book a winter getaway to Bergen, do it!

3. Lofoten Islands

Average Temperatures (December): High: 3C/38F  Low: -1C/31F
Sunrise and Sunset on December 21: the sun doesn’t rise
Pros of visiting Lofoten in winter: many adventurous activities available, fewer crowds, cheaper prices, northern lights are visible (weather permitting)
Cons of visiting Lofoten in winter: possibly no snow but lots of rain and winter storms, exploring islands is better with a car

Visiting the Lofoten Islands during winter might just be one of Norway’s most unexpected delights. 

My first visit to the islands was in winter, and I was surprised at how beautiful they were and how many winter activities existed, despite all of the tourists flocking north to Tromsø.

When I arrived on the islands, there was a large winter storm, making a bus journey from Narvik to Lofoten a random route that took an insane amount of hours through the Vesterålen Islands… but once I arrived in the islands, the weather stayed fairly calm throughout my trip.

During winter, the activities in the islands range from a sea eagle safari through Trollfjorden to snowshoeing through mountainous forests. You can also go horseback riding on Gimsøy under the northern lights.

Can you see the northern lights in the Lofoten Islands? Yes… and no. If you don’t book a tour, I reckon finding them would be difficult as the weather patterns are a bit funny over the islands.

But with an expert tour guide and private tour, you can drive around until you see them, and it is a phenomenon worth seeing.

However, I am not sure I would book to go to the Lofoten Islands without renting a car, and I am not sure I’d rent a car in Lofoten without feeling comfortable driving in any conditions.

4. Voss

Average Temperatures (December): High: 1C/33F  Low: -4C/24F
Sunrise and Sunset on December 21: 9:42am and 3:22pm
Pros of visiting Voss in winter: skiing opportunities, can take the train there
Cons of visiting Voss in winter: no northern lights and you’ll miss many of the cool summer activities

Voss has been aptly named ‘Norway’s adrenaline capital’ and for very good reason. It is a small area with SO many cool activities and things to do.

Vossevangen (Voss) is known for its skiing opportunities and its close proximity (25 kilometers away) to Myrkdalen, one of Norway’s most famous skiing resorts. 

During the summers, you’ll find everything from white-water rafting to skydiving and more.

In winter?  It will still feel adventurous… don’t worry! There are opportunities to go snowshoeing, visit an ice igloo near Myrkdalen, snowmobiling, and more.

My favorite thing about Voss was its location, however. It is ideally situated and is near other fantastic regional trips like Steindalsfossen, the Stalheim Hotel, Gudvangen, and is the halfway point on a trip from Bergen to Flåm.

5. Alta

Average Temperatures (December): High: -3C/33F  Low: -10C/24F
Sunrise and Sunset on December 21: the sun doesn’t rise
Pros of visiting Alta in winter: adventurous activities, ice hotel, and northern lights
Cons of visiting Alta in winter: you have to get there

I had a meeting with Northern Norway’s tourism board during one of my visits (which was in summer), and the woman I was meeting with looked at me and said, “Alta is the region’s best winter tourism destination.” She was serious and meant it.

First of all, Alta is home to one of Norway’s ice hotels called Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel. It offers the whole experience and is reason in itself to flock to Alta in winter.

But… there is so much to do in Alta during the winter months that you’ll have plenty more reason to add the town in the north of the country to your Norway winter bucket list.

Some of the most popular sights in Alta are the petroglyphs at Hjemmeluft Bay (you can’t see them in winter, but you can go to the museum where they have some of them!), the Northern Lights Cathedral, and the gorgeous Altafjord on which the town sits. 

Aside from the sights, there are so many activities and excursions to keep you occupied on your Alta trip. You can go whale watching, dog-sledding, snowmobiling, and so much more. Alta might just be Norway’s best winter destination, and it certainly is an adventurer’s paradise.

6. Karmøy

Average Temperatures (December): High: 6C/43F  Low: 3C/38F
Sunrise and Sunset on December 21: 9:33am and 3:41pm
Pros of visiting Karmøy in winter: no crowds, looks like an idyllic Norwegian fairytale, many sights
Cons of visiting Karmøy in winter: you have to get there, not much is open, no northern lights

I have to say, this is a far-fetched place to visit in winter for a foreigner. But, if you can make it happen and the weather plays friendly, it is pretty magical.

Karmøy is an island that is located in Rogaland and is known for being a summer holiday place for Norwegians. 

I first visited Karmøy around fifteen years ago and it easily became one of my favorite places in Norway. 

It is a great day trip from Haugesund (even the local airport is on the island) and you will find a huge variety of things to do on Karmøy. Below are some of my favorites:

• Skudeneshavn: This is a summer holiday destination… and while it lives up to the hype in summer, there is something so perfect about the quietness there in winter. Not much is open, but you can wander about and it looks like a postcard.
• Visnes: Visnes is a small village that has played a large part in US history. This is the village where the copper for the Statue of Liberty came from. The property was owned by a French businessman and the rest is history. There is a museum there and a small replica of the Statue of Liberty.
• Vikinggården: So, technically, this is located on a small island off of Karmøy called ‘Bukkøy’, but it is only accessible from Karmøy. Head to Avaldsnes, a historic area with Viking roots. There is a large open-air museum there and while it is only open during the summers, you can still walk around during winter. 

Aside from all the aforementioned sights, you can still find trails and beautiful views all over Karmøy and if you find yourself in this part of Rogaland, I recommend a trip to Karmøy during winter (or summer).

7. Nordkapp

Average Temperatures (December): High: -2C/29F  Low: -5C/24F
Sunrise and Sunset on December 21: the sun doesn’t rise
Pros of visiting Nordkapp in winter: fewer tourists, northern lights
Cons of visiting Nordkapp in winter: driving on Magerøya can be problematic (or require a convoy), so a tour may be needed, weather can play a factor

I must admit, I took my trips to Nordkapp in summer and spring, not winter. However, I know quite a few people who visited in winter and they said it was an incredible experience, even if it was dark and ominous.

One thing you must know about visiting Nordkapp during winter is that you may need a tour to get there. Or be prepared for a vehicle convoy.

Since you’ll be dealing with convoys there, you will definitely need to plan your trip ahead of time (and be flexible). It is dark then and the weather on Magerøya is absolutely unforgiving, but if you can make it to Nordkapp during winter, I imagine that it will probably be one of your life highlights. 

Be sure to read up on it before considering Nordkapp as one of your places to visit in Norway in winter.

8. Røros

Average Temperatures (December): High: -5C/24F  Low: -14C/7F
Sunrise and Sunset on December 21: 9:49am and 2:39pm
Pros of visiting Røros in winter: Christmas vibes (markets and festivals), snow
Cons of visiting Røros in winter: it is very remote and difficult to get to, very cold, no northern lights

If you search for the most picturesque places to visit in Norway, you will likely stumble upon the town of Røros in Central Norway.  It is one of the coldest places to visit in Norway in winter, but easily one of the most charming!

Røros is a historic mining town that is famous for its wooden buildings and throwback feel. It was even granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1980.

The mountain village sits in Trøndelag and is kind of a living, open-air museum brimming with narrow streets and exuding Norwegian charm. It is one of the oldest towns built with wooden buildings in all of Europe.

Dating back to 1644, Røros is known for its stunning church, Røros Church, as well as a flat pastry called ‘Pjalt’, traditionally served with brown cheese (brunost).

There are plenty of winter activities in Røros to keep you occupied, from dog-sledding to skiing, and more. They are also famous for their Christmas market, which is one of Norway’s best Christmas markets.

9. Kirkenes

Average Temperatures (December): High: -5C/24F  Low: -11C/11F
Sunrise and Sunset on December 21: the sun doesn’t rise
Pros of visiting Kirkenes in winter: snow hotel, northern lights, other winter activities
Cons of visiting Kirkenes in winter: a bit remote and likely requires a flight (or Hurtigruten journey)

If you go to the north of Norway, and you keep going… you will end up in Kirkenes, a Norwegian town along the Russian border. Kirkenes is a fantastic winter destination (pending you can find your way there!).

You can visit the Russian/Norwegian border, see the Soviet Liberation Monument, and stop by the Andersgrotten Bomb Shelter which is symbolic today of how much Kirkenes was bombed during WW2.

Aside from learning about the city’s Soviet relations and history, you can also partake in a copious number of winter activities in Kirkenes. Some of the things to do in Kirkenes in winter are King Crab safaris, snowmobiling, northern lights tours, dog-sledding, and more. 

One of the best ice hotels in Norway, the Kirkenes Snow Hotel, is also located there.

It really is a fantastic place to visit in Norway during winter and a viable alternative to heading to Tromsø. The hotels in Kirkenes tend to be cheaper than in Tromsø during winter, too.

10. Rjukan

Average Temperatures (December): High: 1C/35F  Low: -5C/24F
Sunrise and Sunset on December 21: 9:26am and 3:21pm
Pros of visiting Rjukan in winter: see the sun mirrors, many adventurous activities
Cons of visiting Rjukan in winter: difficult to get there, no northern lights

If you’re visiting Rjukan during winter, don’t fear- there will be plenty to keep you occupied! It is located in a fantastic place for winter activities and you can experience winter at Gaustatoppen (a beautiful mountain), go cross-country skiing, or even do one of the most famous winter activities- ice climbing.

Rjukan even has an annual ice festival, attracting adventurous tourists from all over the world!

But, what makes Rjukan very famous, aside from its WW2 history, is that it is one of the darkest places to visit in Norway in winter. Because of the mountains and position of the town, it truly is DARK.

So dark that they made international headlines for putting up sun mirrors to give the residents a bit more light during these darker months.

While getting to Rjukan may not be as seamless without renting a car, it still is a must-visit place in Norway during winter and one of the best weekend getaways from Oslo!

11. Hammerfest

Average Temperatures (December): High: 1C/34F  Low: -4C/25F
Sunrise and Sunset on December 21: the sun doesn’t rise
Pros of visiting Hammerfest in winter: northern lights, adventurous activities
Cons of visiting Hammerfest in winter: difficult to get to, experiences heavy snowfall

Hammerfest is the northernmost town in the world and was made famous by Bill Bryson’s book many years ago.

During the winters, the sun never pops over the horizon in Hammerfest and it is dark. However, winter activities in Hammerfest are in abundance and it is a great time to experience the town for adventurous souls.

Hammerfest is also along the chain of the Struve Geodetic Arc, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you can see it at Fuglenes in the town.

One of the best reasons to visit Hammerfest in winter is that the city has a nice little bar and restaurant scene, as well as some great museums. Don’t miss the Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society, a museum detailing the extensive history of hunting in the Arctic.

WW2 definitely wreaked havoc on the Northern Norway destination and you can learn more about the history of WW2’s impact on Hammerfest at the Museum of Reconstruction (Gjenreisningsmuseet).

If you’re interested in Sami culture, Hammerfest is a fantastic place to learn about it in Norway and you can go to Mikkelgammen, a Sami turf hut, to learn more and have an interactive experience.

12. Bodø

Average Temperatures (December): High: 3C/37F  Low: -2C/29F
Sunrise and Sunset on December 21: 11:36am and 12:26pm
Pros of visiting Bodø in winter: possibility to see northern lights, many local activities, cozy bars and cafes, good food
Cons of visiting Bodø in winter: northern lights are not always visible

If someone asked me what the most underrated city in Norway is, I would likely tell them Bodø. It took me years to visit Bodø and when I finally did, I was completely shocked at how inaccurately it was depicted by my Norwegian friends.

Bodø is in Nordland county and it is the launchpad for some of the most beautiful spots in Norway, such as Sjunkhatten National Park and Rago National Park. 

It is also near Svartisen glacier, one of the most famous glaciers in Norway. But, what makes Bodø a great option of a place to visit in Norway in winter? 

Well, the food… for one. I had one of the most incredible meals at Lyst På in Bodø and they offer seasonal ingredients with a unique twist and one of the best wine selections in Norway.

You can also hop for a cozy drink at Hundeholmen bar- a microbrewery with bars overlooking the Atlantic. There is also no shortage of cafes and artisanal places around the city.

Be sure to take day trips to Kjerringøy for cultural heritage and Saltstraumen, the world’s largest maelstrom. 

Nevertheless, another plus to visiting Bodø is that it is accessible. It is the last stop on the train line in Norway. And the train runs year-round. 

13. Senja

Average Temperatures (December): High: 0C/31F  Low: -4C/24F
Sunrise and Sunset on December 21: the sun doesn’t rise
Pros of visiting Senja in winter: northern lights, adventurous activities, whale watching
Cons of visiting Senja in winter: can be challenging to get there depending on the weather

Senja has some of the most dramatic scenery in all of Norway… but I reckon it is some of the most astonishing. It is one of the best places to visit in Norway in winter and for many reasons.

If you’re heading to Norway to see the northern lights, Senja has you covered. It is one of the top northern lights destinations in Norway and a totally viable alternative to Tromsø (or you can visit both…).

Senja also has a plethora of winter options for those visiting. You can go snowshoeing through some of the world’s craziest landscapes, take a snowmobile tour, go dog-sledding, and more.

Another fantastic thing to do in Senja during winter is to take a northern lights and whale watching tour. You have the chance to see both together and it truly is a one-of-a-kind experience. 

14. Lillehammer

Average Temperatures (December): High: -3C/26F  Low: -8C/17F
Sunrise and Sunset on December 21: 9:31am and 3:01pm
Pros of visiting Lillehammer in winter: ski destination, easy to get to, family-friendly destination
Cons of visiting Lillehammer in winter: no northern lights, high-season (more expensive)

My first memories of Lillehammer take me all the way back to 1994 and watching the Winter Olympics that took place there. I believe these memories piqued my interest in Scandinavia as a whole and I never could have imagined, at least then, that I’d end up moving to Norway one day.

Nevertheless, here we are many years later and Lillehammer is still a fantastic winter destination in Scandinavia and Norway. 

There are so many activities going on in Lillehammer that it truly is the ultimate place in Norway to visit in winter.

You can visit the Olympic sights in Lillehammer or take to the slopes. There are many downhill skiing opportunities as well as cross-country trails. You’ll also find Hunderfossen Winter Park, a fantastic place for families to visit.

If you’re into more extreme activities, Lillehammer definitely has you covered. You can go bobsleighing, snowshoeing, and much more when visiting.

If seeing the northern lights isn’t your priority and you’re traveling with young kids, Lillehammer is one of Norway’s best winter spots.

15. Flåm

Average Temperatures (December): High: 5C/42F  Low: 0C/31F
Sunrise and Sunset on December 21: 9:42am and 3:17pm
Pros of visiting Flåm in winter: fjord tours, not as many tourists, mild temperatures
Cons of visiting Flåm in winter: no northern lights

Flåm may not strike one as a Norwegian winter destination, but I have visited several times during the winter months and I beg to differ. It is so mysterious and alluring during the winter months that I prefer it over visiting during the summer when the crowds are in.

One of the best things to do in Flåm in winter is to take the Flåmsbana, or a train that runs between Flåm and Myrdal.

It is constantly rated to be one of the best train rides in the world and is a can’t-miss thing to do in Flåm when visiting.

You will be close to some UNESCO World Heritage fjords and you can take a cruise from Flåm to Næroyfjord and Aurlandsfjord. These are narrow and captivating fjords and everyone should see them on their Norway winter vacation.

Another reason to visit Flåm is that it is a great launchpad for some day trips. One of the best is to venture to Stegastein and take in the epic Norway views. There are also snowshoeing tours that you can take to reach the viewpoint.

If you’re not an active traveler, Flåm is home to Ægir Microbrewery and restaurant… which should definitely be on your Flåm bucket list!

I highly recommend visiting Flåm if you’re in the area and winter is a great time to go if you don’t mind the shorter days.

16. Svalbard

Average Temperatures (December): High: -8C/18F  Low: -14C/7F
Sunrise and Sunset on December 21: the sun doesn’t rise
Pros of visiting Svalbard in winter: fewer crowds, northern lights, unique tour options, cheaper
Cons of visiting Svalbard in winter: long flight there, not many activities depending on the month, super cold

Svalbard is warming up at a much faster pace than anywhere else in the world. It’s a fact. Is traveling to Svalbard ethical? 

I think if you plan your Svalbard trip correctly, it can be… but I definitely think you should give some consideration to what you do on Svalbard and visiting in winter is a fantastic option now.

The archipelago is far above mainland Norway and it is very dark during the winters. 

But, this darkness lends itself to unique tour opportunities, and seeing the northern lights in Svalbard is one of them! While it may not be the optimal place to view the lights due to how far north it is, it is still possible and you can book tours to do so. 

There are also other tour options during Svalbard in winter, such as visiting old mines and joining a Svalbard snowmobile trip.

Many people flock to Tromsø during winter, but I think that Svalbard is a fantastic alternative if you want something very different. Do be aware that to do anything in Svalbard during this time of year, you pretty much need a tour, so plan your trip accordingly!

Still planning to visit Tromsø in winter?

This post was not to deter you at all from visiting Tromsø in winter; it was merely to give you alternative options that could be suitable for your desires for a winter trip to Norway.

If you are still keen on a Tromsø trip, here are guides that will help you plan!

• Tromsø whale watching guide (one of the best activities in Tromsø)
• Tromsø winter travel guide (tips, things to do, and more)
• Tromsø dog-sledding guide (what to know and how to book a tour)
• Tromsø Sami experience reindeer guide (what to know and how to book one)
• Tromsø northern lights guide (what to know and how to book a tour)
• Tromsø winter itinerary (how to see the most in a short amount of time)
• Tromsø accommodation guide (best hotels for any budget)

Should you still visit Norway in winter? YES! Daylight may not be optimal in many locations, but where daylight lacks, the northern lights don’t! I recommend you take some time to plan your trip so that you end up visiting the right places in Norway during winter.

Otherwise, you’ll just have to book a return trip to check off some of the other places to visit in Norway in winter during the next season. Not a bad alternative.

If you have recommendations of places to visit in Norway during winter that I didn’t mention, please leave a comment letting me know!

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