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.
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
![lofoten-norway-hgr-143507 1920-photo shutterstock](https://images.ctfassets.net/7mmwp5vb96tc/VEK7vpaNMeX8ypSrPLBav/3428412db1e2e7a36fef290af879fa95/lofoten-norway-hgr-143507_1920-photo_shutterstock.jpg?q=75&w=3840&fm=webp)
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.
![bergen-norway-hgr-143160 1920-photo shutterstock](https://images.ctfassets.net/7mmwp5vb96tc/bYlcFkhq0IMCnebQSU2q6/3a266befbde003aa455ef23e16286bbf/bergen-norway-hgr-143160_1920-photo_shutterstock.jpg?q=75&w=3840&fm=webp)
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.
![christmas-traditions-norway-hgr-120408 1920-photo shutterstock](https://images.ctfassets.net/7mmwp5vb96tc/4EvEN4kW67H46JLvFY2Lt1/83440170784c493c0570fc28b51b7a28/christmas-traditions-norway-hgr-120408_1920-photo_shutterstock.jpg?q=75&w=3840&fm=webp)
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.
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.
![A person standing on top of a snow covered mountain](https://images.ctfassets.net/7mmwp5vb96tc/27232/68e02b52616e4de7377a9d4867d8c308/2500x1250_ny-alesund_svalbard_agurtxane-concellon.jpg?q=75&w=3840&fm=webp)
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.
![Several Husky dogs that are part of a larger dog team](https://images.ctfassets.net/7mmwp5vb96tc/100163/f4837ecde4ecee83d042e8401a0cd03b/dog-sledding-coastal-expedition-norway-hgr-136538-photo_agurtxane_concellon.jpg?q=75&w=3840&fm=webp)
excursions
Dog Sledding (Tromsø)
![Skiing trip Coastal Expedition Norway HGR 136607 Agurtxane Concellon](https://images.ctfassets.net/7mmwp5vb96tc/7vH6B8UDVJydNPHb3pdsqf/de7399857dcce49321f3df76a6db23c2/Skiing_trip_Coastal_Expedition_Norway_HGR_136607_Agurtxane_Concellon.jpg?q=75&w=3840&fm=webp)
excursions
Cross-Country Skiing
excursions
Snowmobile Trip In The Arctic
![A couple on a snowshoeing excursion in Tromsø](https://images.ctfassets.net/7mmwp5vb96tc/4dFKKmziaon2sPpFQjXChL/e561f144da80965b43045185f3aa1ae7/Norway_The_North_Cape_Line_HGR_166350_Espen_Mills.jpg?q=75&w=3840&fm=webp)
excursions
Snowshoeing In Tromsø
Explore Norway in winter with Hurtigruten
- Buy 1 get 1 half off + OBCBuy 1 get 1 free12 days • 34 Places
The Coastal Express
Route
Bergen – Kirkenes – Bergen (Roundtrip)
Departure Dates
Regular departures
Price from
$2,440
Ships
Multiple
- OBC15 days • 39 Places
Follow the Northern Lights – Finland to Norway
Including The Coastal Express – South & Norway in a Nutshell
Route
Helsinki - Rovaniemi - Honningsvåg - Oslo (Southbound)
Departure Dates
December 2025 - March 2026
Price from
$8,454
Ships
Multiple
- OBC17 days • 40 Places
Follow the Northern Lights – Norway to Finland
Including The Coastal Express – North & Norway in a Nutshell
Route
Oslo - Honningsvåg - Rovaniemi - Helsinki (Northbound)
Departure Dates
September 2025 - March 2026
Price from
$8,297
Ships
Multiple