Winter in Norway

Winter is perhaps the most beautiful time to explore Norway's coastline, and is the best season to witness the Northern Lights.

Winter excursions What to wear in winter Our winter voyages

Snow-dusted mountains and markets. Crisp air that clouds from your mouth. Twinkling lights along the shoreline. And if you’re lucky, a festive display from the Northern Lights. The Norwegian coast puts on an unforgettable show for the most wonderful time of the year.

What to do in winter in Norway

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Witness the wondrous aurora borealis

Join us on an exploration of polar twilight that often also includes experiencing the elusive aurora borealis at night. Sailing with Hurtigruten, at sea and far away from light pollution, provides some of the best possibilities to view this magical celestial lightshow of ghostly green, red, and dark purple.

Experience the magic of Norway’s white winter wonderland

Sailing along Norway’s coastline in winter is a beautiful experience. The air is fresh, crisp and clear. Mountaintops silhouette against a backdrop of polar twilight, and clusters of cosy homes glow on the shoreline like fires in the distance.

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See charming Christmas markets along Norway’s coast

Norway lights up during Christmas. Stroll the charming lanes and browse the stalls of traditional Christmas markets in coastal towns and cities in late November and December.

Get into the Christmas spirit

What to pack for winter in Norway

It can get quite cold along the coast during winter, so we recommend you pack a thick winter jacket, hat, gloves, wool sweater, a scarf, winter boots with good grip, and pull-on spikes.

What to pack

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The best winter activities in Norway

Imagine crossing the snowy tundra on a snowmobile or sitting in a dog sled behind a team of barking huskies. For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, there are also introductions to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. These are just a few of the excursions Hurtigruten offer during winter.