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Why Your Next Summer Getaway Should Be Above the Arctic Circle

By Mallory Farrugia

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It’s a perfect 70-degree day at the beach: turquoise water glimmers under a warm, unfettered sun. Verdant green peaks are flanked by ribbons of white sand. This kind of island paradise could easily be Hawaii , or the Caribbean; but instead, it is off the northwest coast of Norway, above the Arctic Circle.

Located on the island of Andøya, part of the Vesterålen archipelago, this idyllic place is further north than Reykjavik, Iceland ; further north than St. Petersburg, Russia; further north than Anchorage, Alaska. In theory, this place should be covered in an ice sheet. But thanks to the Gulf Stream, the area’s climate is far milder than its northern neighbors. In fact, this region of Norway is the warmest place on earth at this latitude.

Vesterålen seems to be excepted from reality—a lush mirage in a landscape that should be cold and barren. The beautiful summer days are also exempt from another reality: night. The sun doesn’t set for two months—from May 23 to July 21—making summer one long day. (Which means: pack an eye mask .)

Aside from necessitating artificial darkness to sleep, the midnight sun has a broader effect on visitors’ sense of time. Cycles of light and darkness give structure to our days and relevance to timekeeping; but when it never gets dark, the clock and meaning of its hours is upended. To this end, the region garnered media attention in June 2019 when Sommarøy, a nearby island, moved to abolish conventional time-keeping altogether during the summer months. Although this was later revealed to be a publicity stunt coordinated by one of Norway’s tourism agencies, the sentiment behind it is authentic to the local way of life, in which business opening and closing times are all relative.

Another surprise? Summer—in its round-the-clock sunlit glory—is low season in this part of Norway. The region is a popular winter destination for tourists seeking aurora borealis , but summer is mainly for locals, climbers, car campers, and other adventurers. This makes some sense, given the notable lack of easy beach access, one of the hallmarks of summer tourism.

In Vesterålen, you have to work for the best beaches—many are reachable only via hiking trail, some of which are quite demanding. As a result, you’ll often have these oases to yourself. On the island of Andøya, the most spectacular beach is nestled in between two coastal peaks, accessible by a cliffside scramble or a steep hike down the side of a mountain. But the exertion is worth it when you glimpse Otervika’s crystal-clear water lapping calmly against the shore.

The hike to Otervika is an offshoot of the island’s most popular day hike, Måtinden, a 1,350-foot peak that offers sweeping southward views of Høyvika beach and the flatlands beyond it. The ascent is an experience to be savored: the wildflower-studded mountainside is flocked with grazing sheep, whose tinkling bells lure you up. Including ample stops for photos and a picnic lunch—complete with gravlax and a schmear of Norway’s goaty answer to cream cheese, Snøfrisk—you can hike the the 8.5-mile loop in about six hours.

By Philipp Wehsack

By Elise Taylor

By Christina Holevas

A spot on a deserted, picture-perfect arctic beach is hard to leave—making camping under the midnight sun a genuinely appealing option for those who prioritize natural beauty over creature comforts. Wild camping is permitted throughout Norway, so if you’re up for carrying supplies to the beach, pitching a tent is fair game. Glamping is also an option.

The weather can be unpredictable, so a cabin with a water view is a safer bet. In Bø Andøya, south Måtinden, boutique property Marmelkroken sits just off one of Norway’s 18 national scenic routes , surrounded by farmhouses and facing a rare flat expanse of marshlands and beach. The furnishings are spartan but functional, and the hotel’s restaurant offers breakfast with a view of the water. Homes are also available via Airbnb, but inventory is limited, so book far in advance.

Much of Vesterålen’s allure is its isolation, so accordingly, it’s no easy feat to get there: you’ll lay over in Oslo , catch a flight into one of the region’s small airports, rent a car, and need a tolerance for incredibly narrow roads. (Pro tip: slow down and pull aside onto the non-existent shoulder for oncoming traffic.) But taking it slow is part of the experience—and there is plenty to see along the way.

One option is to fly into Tromsø, the region’s largest city. From there, you can access Vesterålen via the islands of Kvaløya and Senja, which are connected via ferry. Ferries in this part of Norway usually run twice per day—once in the morning and once at night. Space is very limited onboard, so arrive at least one hour early to secure your place in the queue.

This route affords you the option to do several spectacular hikes, or to detour to Sommarøy, a low-lying island that has some of the region’s more accessible beaches (read: you don’t have to climb over a mountain to reach them). If you like bagging peaks, Senja’s most popular hike is Segla, a small but steep mountain with a nearly 1,000-foot vertical rock face. But the most stunning view is had from the summit of nearby Hesten, which faces Segla’s dramatic cliff. For lodging along this route, skip the pricey resort in Sommarøy in favor of a night at the Yggdrasiltunet Farm Hotel , where you can soak in a jacuzzi with a view of the farm’s flocks of sheep and goats.

Alternatively, you can fly in to the city of Svolvaer, to the south. If you choose this route, spend a night in Henningsvaer, a fishing village with a vibrant arts scene, before heading north. The KaviarFactory is home to international contemporary art, and the cod liver oil factory turned cultural space Trevarefabrikken , which hosts DJs and small weekend festivals in the summertime.

Located on the south coast of the adjacent archipelago, Henningsvaer is the gateway Lofoten, which narrows and stretches west into the Atlantic Ocean.

The entire region can be explored in a week, so make your car rental one way, stop looking at the time, and see it all.

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Oslo in 9 essential hotspots

By Jade Simon

Somewhat in the shadow of Stockholm and Copenhagen, Oslo continues to gain a reputation as a destination for experienced travelers. A green city turned towards design, Nordic cuisine and the Scandinavian cozy lifestyle, here's your chance to discover our best addresses for exploring the Norwegian capital.

The must-visit hotspots in Oslo

Amerikalinjen

Opened last March, Amerikalinjen is the new boutique hotel that is shaking up the Norwegian hotel scene, which until now has been reluctant to change. Located on Jernbanetorget Square, in a neo-baroque building that once belonged to the Norwegian shipping company Norwegian America Line , the venue showcases the best of Oslo's creativity. Proof of this is the clothing label Holzweiler , which makes the staff's uniforms, the Sprekenhus beauty products have taken their place in the bathrooms, the lamps come from Hadeland and the tableware is designed by Porsgrund . With 122 cozy rooms, there is also a deli cafe, a brasserie and a New York style bar.

While in Oslo, it's impossible not to visit the Mathallen . A giant food court, installed in Vulkan, which is bursting with culinary delights. To take away or eat in, you can find a little bit of everything, from oysters and shellfish to burgers, tacos, pizzas, dim sums and pastries. As a bonus, there is the opportunity to take cooking classes.

By Lilah Ramzi

By Lolita Mang

Oysters at Mathallen

Located opposite the Opera House, this floating sauna is one of Oslo's must-see attractions. Heated thanks to solar panels, this small detox hut offers, at first, to warm up inside while observing the Norwegian fjords in front of its large windows. Then, for the more daring, you can jump into the cold water.

Tim Wendelboe

Led by the world champion barista, Tim Wendelboe turns coffee into an art form. Simultaneously a coffee roaster, a barista training center and an espresso bar, each drink is prepared here with meticulous attention to detail and a great deal of know-how. The speciality? Cappucino Alfredo, a blend of organic whole milk, ice cream and strong coffee.

Kollekted By

Oslo is full of beautifully curated shops and Kollekted By is one of the most famous. With a strong emphasis on Scandinavian design, the place compiles furniture by great designers, alongside ceramics, mirrors, beautiful books, candles and more. In other words, everything you like to have at home.

Munch Museum

An ode to the work of Edvard Munch , this museum brings together the largest collection of the artist's paintings. Bequeathed by testamentary decision to the city of Oslo, these creations include more than a thousand paintings, 3,000 drawings and 18,000 engravings, including the most famous such as The Scream , Jealousy and Madonna .

The Scream , Edvard Munch

The Opera House

Designed by the Snøhetta studio, the Oslo Opera House is one of the city's architectural gems. It is located on the waterfront and can be visited with a guide and has a fabulous viewpoint on its roof. Not to mention the ballets performed there, which are worth booking online.

Oslo Opera House

Arakataka  

Arakataka is a friendly bistro with a cozy atmosphere and is one of the best places to dine in Oslo. Facing the huge windows, around dark wooden tables, visitors share plates that celebrate Nordic cuisine. On the menu? Spaghetti with bleak eggs (Scandinavian caviar), blue ling (a Norwegian fish), oysters and more. Another option is to sit at the food bar, located in the middle of the restaurant, where you can sip a cocktail while tasting an appetizer.

Territoriet

An intimate wine bar nestled in the Grünerløkka district. Sitting in cognac leather armchairs or on duck green velvet benches, visitors pick their glass from a wine list that includes 400 varieties, from sparkling and grand cru to organic. And, as a bonus, they are also available for purchase from all over the world. The best part? Cheese platters are provided which can accompany the tasting, as desired.

Translated by Freya Doggett

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9 things to know before going to Norway in 2024

Mar 18, 2024 • 6 min read

These insider tips will help you plan the Norway trip of a lifetime © Alexander Spatari / Getty Images

Norway is a wonderful country to experience as a first-time visitor – an efficient and extensive transport network, incredible attractions, breathtaking scenery and relaxed locals all add up to the trip of a lifetime.

But there are still some things that are good to know in advance. For example, Norway is one of the most expensive countries on the planet, so money-saving tips will make all the difference to your travel budget.

Another major influence on your trip will be  the flow of the seasons ; the differences can be extreme and will have a major impact on what you plan to do while you're there, both in terms of climate and strange Arctic phenomena such as the midnight sun and the northern lights .

Here are nine things you need to know to ensure a wonderful trip to Norway.

1. Outdoor activities are seasonal so plan carefully

Seasons are everything in Norway. Each long summer day might feel like it lasts forever, but the window for many activities rarely lasts longer than the June-to-August (sometimes just July-to-August) periods. This especially  applies to hiking – Norway’s intensely beautiful Besseggen Ridge Trail, in Jotunheimen National Park , can draw 30,000 hikers in just two months.

Some trails remain open beyond summer, but you run a serious risk of extreme weather rolling in with very little warning while you’re out there. Cycling just about anywhere, and white-water rafting on the Sjøa River, are also strictly summer-only.

Winter sports like skiing, snowmobiling and dog sledding have a similarly narrow opening, although dog sledders can sometimes take a summer ride on a sled with wheels. It all means that planning is essential, and local tourist offices are an excellent resource for knowing what’s possible and when.

2. Eat well on a budget

Prices for a meal in Norway can be eye-wateringly high: in a decent restaurant, a main course for Nkr500 is somewhere close to the norm. Thankfully, the best Norwegian cooking is almost always worth it, but keep these sorts of prices for a special occasion, or even just dinner. 

Most Norwegian hotel buffet breakfasts are extraordinarily good, overflowing in generous proportions, and – best of all – usually included in your room rate. Take full advantage and you may well not need to eat again until the evening. If, on the other hand, you’re hungry again by lunchtime, many cafes have cheaper lunch specials and lighter meals, or you could plan for a picnic with food sourced from a supermarket and its delicatessen.

Snacking at fish markets, or with one of the hot dogs sold at every Norwegian petrol or gas station, could also fill you up without sending a torpedo through your daily budget. Saving money on other meals will make that dinner bill a little less painful.

3. Buy train and bus tickets online

Norway's transport network is efficient and extensive. If you’re traveling by rail, you’re in for a treat with some of northern Europe’s most scenic rail journeys . But whatever you do, don’t pay full fare: Norwegians rarely do. On almost every route, Norwegian state railways  set aside a limited number of discounted (minipris)  tickets. How much you pay has everything to do with how early you book, so start planning as soon as you have firm dates for your trip, even if it’s months in advance. Of all the bus services on offer across the country, Lavprisekspressen is known for its rock-bottom fares along major routes – book online and book early.

4. Join a hotel loyalty scheme

The overwhelming majority of Norwegian hotels belong to a hotel chain, or at least to some more loosely affiliated groupings. Joining one of their loyalty programs is always free, so choose as many as you like. Better still, join one and then find hotels along your route that belong to your program. The best such programs have a simple offer: the more nights you stay – just how many varies from one chain or program to the next – the more free nights you get as a reward for your loyalty.

Another option that is becoming increasingly common, especially in cities, is budget hotels. Before it was just the hostels (vandrerhjem) that promised reasonable prices, but increasingly, slick hotel-hostel hybrids like Citybox  and  Smarthotels  provide respite from the sky-high room rates.

5. Bring a sleeping mask in summer

Let’s face it, Norway’s midnight sun (which can mean 24 hours of daylight for months on end) and polar night (the same, but with endless darkness) can be confusing or frustrating. At first, it can be exciting to walk alongside a beautiful fjord in brilliant 3am sunshine and there is considerable novelty to eating lunch under a night-dark sky. But how do you sleep in summer? Many hotels, particularly in Norway’s north, have heavy-duty, light-blocking curtains, but bring a sleeping mask in summer to ensure you get some shut-eye.

6. Norwegians are tolerant, but always be considerate

Norwegians are pretty relaxed about most things, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a more tolerant nation of people. In cities in particular, the guiding principle seems to be to have a good time as long as you’re not hurting anyone. In rural areas, it’s slightly more complicated, but only slightly. There are always exceptions, but Norwegians in small towns and remote areas tend to be more socially conservative. Loud and loutish behavior is rarely welcome in such places, and if you have an all-night party in a small village, you’ll have misread your surroundings and taken Norwegians’ famous tolerance too far.

7. Driving will take longer than you expect

Many of Norway’s roads are engineering marvels, taking you places no road should go. Norway has the longest tunnels in the world and curvaceous bridges that render water obsolete as an obstacle, and car ferries take care of the rest. So rare are potholes, that people take photos of them. Just don’t expect to go very fast.

Part of that has to do with the terrain. It’s also because, apart from a short distance on either side of major cities, freeways are as rare as potholes. Throughout much of the country, especially in summer, you’ll share the road with trucks and campers with only semi-regular overtaking lanes to ease the frustration. Count on slowing down, enjoying the view, and averaging no more than 60km/h (37mph) on most journeys, longer if you stop along the way.

8. Take basic safety precautions

Norway is an extremely safe place in which to travel, possibly even one of the safest in Europe. Like any large modern city, pickpockets are always a possibility in popular tourist areas, especially Oslo and around the Torget area of Bergen . Here and elsewhere, keep your valuables hidden, and never leave them visible in an unattended car. As long as you’re sensible in ways such as these, you and your personal belongings may well be safer in Norway than they are back home.

9. Watch the weather

Watching the nightly weather bulletin with rapt attention isn’t some quirky little pastime in Norway: it could just save your life. Even in summer, wild weather can roll in without warning, which is fine if you’re curled up next to a roaring fire, less so if you’re hiking in Hardangervidda or Jotunheimen, or snowmobiling in Svalbard .

Whenever you’re heading out into any Norwegian wilderness, wise precautions include always carrying warm wet-weather gear, as well as emergency water and food. And always let someone (either your hotel or the local tourist office) know where you’re going and when you expect to be back.

This article was first published July 2023 and updated March 2024

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As Succession Goes Scandi, Here’s How To Follow In The Roys’ Footsteps In Norway

By Kate Lloyd

Jagged mountains, bright blue fjords, roads that snake out towards the sea... It’s Norway’s exhilarating landscape that drew the producers of Succession to film there. The next episode of series four, in which the Roy siblings make the trip to fight for the deal , won’t just capture Norway’s dramatic scenery – it’s an enticing glimpse into a country that, from its rugged west to its buzzy capital, is becoming a thrilling destination for a trip spent indulging in long Michelin-starred lunches, exploring fairy-tale surroundings and relaxing at cool, contemporary spas. Here’s what you need to know.

By Taylor Antrim

The Day Trip

If you’re going to spend an afternoon escaping into nature, make sure it’s some of the most beautiful in the world. Geirangerfjord, a Unesco-listed fjord in western Norway, is surrounded by towering cliffs and the roar of waterfalls, and is renowned for its spectacular views.

The Country Retreat

When you imagine a rural Scandi hotel, Juvet Landscape’s futuristic villas and spa probably isn’t what comes to mind. Extremely chic and private, it’s obvious why the minimalist spot, in Alstad, attracted Succession ’s producers.

Rooms from £378.

The Cultural Escape

By Philipp Wehsack

By Hayley Maitland

By Kiana Murden

A 1930s landmark transformed into a decadent hotel, Oslo’s Sommerro opened its doors last year. Handily close to the National Museum, it’s an ideal base for a cultural break. Top tip: join locals trying to get a booking at restaurant TAK.

Rooms from £174.

The Must-Try Menu

Dotted with Michelin stars, Trondheim is arguably becoming the country’s food destination. Leading that charge is Heidi Bjerkan. Her restaurant, Credo , is known for its seasonal, 22-course tasting menu. Think: fragrant crab with fig.

Sauna In Style

A Saturday morning at the pretty coastal town of Ålesund should be spent at the Hotel Brosundet , first with a sauna, before breakfast at its stylish restaurant.

Rooms from £178.

Where To Shop

Envelope 1976 Stretch Leather Trousers

For fashion, Oslo should be your destination. Moniker Oslo , a hip concept store, is where cool Norwegians go to shop. Isabel Marant has an outlet there too, but check out Norway-based Envelope 1976. It’s building a cult following in the capital.

What To Wear

OAD Mohair Sweater

Norwegians know good knitwear and OAD is their merino brand of the moment.

By Emma Spedding

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Norway Winter Travel Itinerary – Magical (and Unique!) Winter Road Trip

There are tons of things to do in Norway in winter . Want to discover the real Norway winter travel and go on an epic road trip accessible by self-drive from Oslo? Fancy finding out some of the best places to visit in Norway in winter with thrilling winter activities and without many people? The Norway winter itinerary below will help you do just that!

Norway winter travel made differently

Norway winter travel is an amazing experience. I’m sure you’ve heard about people going up north to Tromsø to chase the Northern Lights , go dog-sledding , and rave about all those awesome things to do in Norway in winter . Luckily, the southern part of the country is equally beautiful, but less visited by tourists in winter.

Picture the white, hilly landscape, frosty trees, and fluffy snow. Joyful fireplace in the wooden cabin or a cottage with the terrace hanging just above the fjord. Winter outdoor adventures, cross-country skiing, dog sledding , and everything snow-related. Yes, the Norway winter travel experience is a special one.

Read more: Norway winter clothing – what to pack for Norway in winter

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. More details here .

Magical Norway Winter Itinerary

After my recent move to Norway, a winter trip for a New Year’s Eve break was a must. To go and explore the amazing Norwegian landscape, visit stunning destinations and connect with nature. In five days, we drove to some of the most scenic routes in Norway, tried various outdoor activities, and discovered some of the best places to visit around Norway in winter, including part of Norway in a nutshell on our own.

The Norway winter itinerary below is perfect for New Year’s Eve or Christmas break or just any type of winter holiday. We tried to balance the peaceful stay in nature with some outdoor winter adventures and exploring some beautiful places. As a bonus, they happen to be off-season in the winter, which basically means – no people, only nature and you, so the best time ever.

You can switch things around and adjust them to your needs, but I wanted to give you some ideas on the best places to go in Norway in winter, especially when you start your trip from Oslo .

However, remember, that travel in Norway in winter is more difficult than in any other season. You always need to account for the bad weather and early dark hours when you calculate the driving time. More about how to drive in Norway in winter, what to expect, and the details about car rental in Norway are below. Don’t forget to pack proper Norway winter clothing with you, to make sure you are prepared for any type of weather.

Read more: The best things to do in Oslo in winter

Driving in Norway in winter – Norway Winter Road Trip

Driving in Norway in winter conditions is a wonderful experience, thanks to the beautiful snowy landscape, but it is also a big challenge. It is not recommended for an inexperienced driver, especially on mountain roads. The snowplows are running quite often on the main roads, but for a lot of time, you will be driving on pure ice, slush or snow. With the snowstorm blowing into your windscreen and early-coming darkness, those are not the best driving conditions. Some of the scenic routes in Norway are also permanently closed in winter , which can mean as late as May/June or as early as October.

You need to have winter tires and I doubt that you can find the car without them, but better check if there is an additional payment needed or if it’s all included. The spuds also help, but only if you travel outside the cities. Be prepared for bad weather and a slowdown in your journey or convoy driving. Have the necessary supplies in the car, which include food, warm Norway winter clothes, a torch, a reflective vest, an ice scraper, and snow shovel.

However, don’t let this scare you off. If you know what you are doing and you’ve driven in wintery conditions before – you’ll be fine. The whole experience with wonderful winter scenery will definitely be worth it! We even saw a moose on the road!

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How to rent a car in Norway

There are many car rental agencies in Norway and it’s quite straightforward. I can recommend using Rentalcars to check for the lowest prices and choose the best car there.

However, double-check if everything you need is included – the winter tires, insurance, what happens for toll payment, etc. Usually, a normal car should be fine, if you stick to the main roads, but in case you go into the mountains or smaller roads, I recommend a 4×4. 

Remember about the insurance and add the cost of petrol and tolls. Many roads in Norway have automatic tolls , that just scan your car as you pass through and send a receipt to the rental company, which they will then forward to you. You would also normally need to have some money on your card, that will be ring-fenced by the company as a deposit in case the car is lost or damaged. After you return the vehicle, it all comes back to you.

Awesome things to do in Norway in winter, and places to visit

Norway is a big country and there are many places to visit in Norway in winter.  If you want to discover the south of the country and visit unique winter destinations, the below itinerary will take you through the roads between Oslo and Bergen . On the way, you can experience the city life of the south, the famous Norwegian fjords, little traditional villages, and the breathtaking snowy landscapes.

Read more: Norway on a budget – Local tips

Day 1: Oslo – Nesbyen

Start your Norway winter itinerary in Oslo. The city has two airports and good connections with many cities in Europe and in the world. There are many things to do in Oslo in winter , with outdoor activities, several museums, great restaurants, cafes, and modern architecture. If you have time, spend a day in Oslo. And if you have more time, you can even take one of Oslo’s day trips , as well. 

After you visit the capital head north-west in the direction of Nesbyen .

Nesbyen is a small town, lying around 150 km from Oslo and 70 km from Geilo. If you prefer, you can head straight to Geilo and spend more days there, but I recommend stopping in the little town of Nesbyen first. Filled with culture and history, kilometers of cross-country skiing tracks (it’s so Norwegian!), alpine slopes, and a beautiful quiet landscape, it’s a perfect winter holiday destination to get away from it all.

It’s even better if you manage to get there the previous evening, so you have the whole next day for activities in the snow. Visit the old part of town, called Gamle Nes, and stroll among 19th-century houses, stopping by the cute cafes. There are also pretty Norwegian-style churches, that I love visiting. Who doesn’t like Scandinavian architecture?

The nearby Hallingdal Museum dating to 1899 is classified among the oldest open-air museums in Norway. It’s a great place to get to know the history of the region.

On the way to Geilo, you can also find an interesting  Gardnos Meteor Park. It tells the story of a 300 meters wide meteorite, that struck the earth near Nesbyen 546 million years ago. The forces created 5 kilometers wide crater. The park is closed in winter, but it might still be possible to go to the crater. We didn’t check it, as it was full of snow and we didn’t have time, but let me know if you do!

Where to stay in Oslo?

I wrote a detailed post on where to stay in Oslo , that explains different Oslo districts and recommends specific places, so check it out. Otherwise, here are two suggestions:

$ Saga Poshtel Oslo Central – one of the cheaper hotels, located in Oslo city center with beds starting from € 39 and very high reviews.   Check prices and availability.

$$$  Oslo Guldsmeden – an eco-friendly hotel with Balinese decor and organic breakfast (so delicious, yum) is one of the best hotels in Oslo. I stayed there for several days on one of my visits and loved it. Check prices and availability.

Looking for more activities in Norway? Check here for the best offers!

Day 2: Nesbyen – Geilo

The next day, you can drive to another wonderful winter sports town – Geilo. Geilo was one of the first ski areas in Norway and it grew from there. It’s located close to two national parks – Hallingskarvet and Hardangervidda and is surrounded by beautiful mountains. With 500 km of cross-country skiing trails and 39 slopes for downhill skiing, you won’t be bored.

There is also another fun activity, that you can try in Geilo – dog sledding . Many people are not aware, that you can do dog sledding in Norway not only in Tromsø or far north. South of Norway has good places for it too.  I love dogs and the Huskies running with the sleds are so excited about every trip. To read more about this fun activity go here.

From Geilo, you can also take a 45 minutes train to Finse.  It’s a remote mountain village, only connected with the world by the railway, with no road. It looks like a great place to visit, perfect for various winter activities. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time for time. Maybe you will?

Where to stay in Geilo

Tiny house in Geilo – get in touch with nature in the traditional wooden cabin with huge windows. Check prices and availability here .

$ Øen Turistsenter   – This is one of the cheapest options in Geilo. You can rent the apartment or the cottages with access to the sauna and outdoor hot tub. Book your stay or check the prices in Øen Turistsenter here .

$$ Geilo Hotel – an affordable option for a trip to Geilo with steam rooms, a sauna, and amazing views. Book your stay or check the prices at Geilo Hotel here .

$$$ Geilo Mountain Lodge – traditional Norwegian 5-star hotel with sauna, terrace, and a garden. Book your stay or check the prices in Geilo Mountain Lodge here . 

Read more: Traditional Norwegian Hytte – 10 cute cabins in Norway to stay at

Day 3: Geilo – Aurland, and Flåm

It’s time to leave the country’s interior and move closer to the fjords. Winter by the fjords feels so mystic and special. Nærøyfjord, a part of the UNESCO World Heritage List , surrounded by snow-covered peaks rising up to 1800 meters above sea level, is said to be one of the most spectacular fjord landscapes in the world. The famous little towns located around the fjord are Flåm and Aurland.

The area is one of the most popular in Norway and the journey to get there is called “ Norway in the nutshell “. Luckily, winter seems to be off-season there, so you can appreciate the peaceful feel of the fjords without the crowds. God knows why, because everything looks so beautiful covered with snow! There are so many fun things to do in Flam in winter , too, so make sure to check them out.  

On the way, you will pass through the longest tunnel in the world – the Lærdal Tunnel , measuring 24.51-kilometers. It wasn’t my favorite part of the journey, though. How long can you stare at the concrete walls? I need my views 😉

Where to stay in Flåm and Aurland

$ Brekke Gard Hostel – budget accommodation in Flam, located  1 km from Flåm Station and the Aurlandfjord shore. Book your stay or check the best prices in Brekke Gard Hostel here.

$$$ Flåm Marina – Upscale hotel located just by the Flam Marina, with stylish rooms and amazing views of Sognefjord. Book your stay or check the best prices in Flåm Marina here .

Vangsgaarden Gjestgiveri . – probably the best hotel in Norway that I stayed in. Located in Aurland, a short drive away from Flam. I can recommend the beautiful cottages hanging by the fjords. Book your stay or check the best prices in Vangsgaarden Gjestgiveri here.

Want even more arctic experience? Check the best things to do in Svalbard High Arctic

Day 4: Explore Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjorden

I recommend you spend the whole day in this wonderful part of Norway. Admire the views from the Stegastein viewpoint and hike the hills above it. Visit tiny Flåm village with its famous railway, do some shopping for typical Norwegian gifts and souvenirs , take a fjord cruise or try the delicious goat cheese in Undredal. For the overnight stay, I recommend stopping in the quiet Aurland. You can find there the best view from the cottages overlooking the mountains by the fjord in  Vangsgaarden Gjestgiveri – book here.

Even though visiting this part of Norway is famous to be done by train, you wouldn’t be able to go to some of those places in winter without a car. Make use of it as much as you can. You can read more about   Norway in a Nutshell in winter here.

If you would rather do Norway in a Nutshell tour with a train and visit Nærøyfjord as a part of a train trip from Bergen, this self-guided tour from Bergen through the fjords to Oslo includes pre-organized travel by train, bus, and boat with all the needed tickets .

Day 5: Back to Oslo through Hemsedal (or further to Bergen)

With more time, you can extend your Norway winter itinerary and include Bergen in winter . You would need two or three more days in order to make the most of it. The distance from Flam to Bergen is around 170km, which in winter can take much longer. It is also worth staying in Bergen at least for a day.

If you decide to go back to Oslo, prepare yourself for a long drive. It’s around 300 km, which can take between 4,5 – 5,5 hours or even more in bad weather, so set off quite early.  On the way, you can take a break in Hemsedal  and try skiing in Scandinavian Alps. We had there our first cross-country skiing experience and it was so much fun! There are also several ski slopes and ski resorts, where you can rent the equipment and have a very nice meal to help you get more energy for the drive back to Oslo. Or you can extend your stay for a bit longer and choose one of the many great hotels and cabins in the area.

Map of the Norway winter road trip – 5 days itinerary

What to pack for Norway in winter?

Check my post for the best Norway winter clothing and what to pack for Norway in winter . Here are some must-haves that you need to pack for Norway:

• Warm, moisture-absorbing base layer. I recommend a merino wool top and merino wool bottoms .
• Mid-layer, such as fleece or down jacket.
• Waterproof and windproof outer layers. For the top, I always recommend the Goretex jacket , and for the bottom, the waterproof pants .
• Warm and waterproof boots, with solid soles, that will not be slippery on the ice. I often use my trekking shoes with very warm socks.
• Warm, wool socks .
• Thermal socks, hat, and scarf.

Read more about Norway:

• Norway on a budget
• Norwegian gifts and souvenirs to bring back from your trip
• Best Norway winter clothing – what to pack for Norway in winter
• Norway in a Nutshell in winter
• Dog sledding in Norway
• The best things to do in Oslo in winter

Published: 2019 Updated: 2022

Would you like to try and do the Norway winter road trip yourself? Where would you go first? Let me know in the comments!

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Related posts:

• Discover Magical Norway in a Nutshell in winter & on your own
• Fun & Unique Things to Do in Oslo in Winter (By a Local)
• 22 Best Things To Do In Flam, Norway – Ideas For Every Season
• 16 Undeniable Reasons Why You Should Visit Norway In The Winter

19 thoughts on “ Norway Winter Travel Itinerary – Magical (and Unique!) Winter Road Trip ”

Cool pics, but I am no fan of the snow. How warm is a typical summer day?

Thanks! Summer is pretty cool here, too! You can even swim in the fjords 🙂 It can be around 20-25 degrees

oh my goodness, what a gorgeous winter wonderland – I’ve never been but I am DYING to go! xx Shannon || http://www.champagneatshannons.com

Thanks, Shannon! You should definitely come by one day 🙂

Norway looks like a winter paradise! I can’t wait to see views like this for myself one day! I also love your photographs! They are stunning! Thanks for sharing and also adding to my wanderlust.

Thank you Mike! It really is winter paradise, come and check for yourself 😉

WoW you’ve given some really important information and tips about traveling Norway. Those pictures are wonderful too. Will pin this post surely.

This itinerary looks fantastic and your photos are magical! I love the view from the hut you stayed in. What app do you use to edit your photos?

Thanks, Tasha! Those photos were edited using Lightroom.

This looks like a winter wonderland! I’ve always wanted to try dog sledding!

Thanks! The more detailed post about dog sledding is coming soon 🙂

Thank you so much for sharing this we really loved it!

Great to hear that 🙂

Your photos are beautiful and really highlight the beauty of the place. I rarely co sided a wi yet destination but I think you have changed my mind!!

Thank you! Yes, it’s really worth visiting!

It was a pleasure to read the article you shared with us, and I found it extremely helpful.

Hi Aga, superb write up.

I’m just wondering if you feel I would be missing out if I didn’t visit Odda? Lot’s of people seem to have it high on their list.

I would definitely visit Odda and surroundings, but preferably in the summer since there is a lot of cool hikes to do there (like Trolltunga or Reinanuten ). But if you have more time in winter, it’s also nice to visit!

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Why Vogue is launching in Scandinavia now

By Kati Chitrakorn

Condé Nast is launching Vogue Scandinavia, with the first print issue set to publish in spring 2021, under a license agreement with Four North Stockholm, of which editor-in-chief Martina Bonnier is also the founder and chief executive. The fashion title will cover Scandinavian countries like Sweden, Norway and Denmark, and the wider Nordic region that includes Finland and Iceland.

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Vogue Scandinavia is Vogue ’s 28th edition, following the respective launches of Vogue Hong Kong and Vogue Greece in March 2019. Instead of being headquartered in one place, staff will be split into small teams across Copenhagen, Helsinki and Oslo.

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