Top 5 best places to visit Norway in winter

Winter season is definitely not boring in Norway where tourists get a chance to enjoy the beauty of winter while participating in various activities as well as exploring different cultures. New sceneries dominate the country starting from the Northern Lights to the snow covered terrains, which is ideal for adventure and solitude. Being an adventurer, a history and art lover, or a person who is dreaming of the Northern Lights and the Aurora Borealis, everyone will find something interesting in Norway in winter.

For winter in Norway also means warm cities, cheerful Christmas markets, and untouched nature – with the mountains and fjords blanketed in snow. Winter in the country offers any kind of winter destinations starting from Arctic above the Arctic Circle, UNESCO towns, and the vibrant capitals. If you are thinking of going on a winter vacation to Norway, you should not miss out on these five destinations that will give you the best of Norway’s winter adventures.

Below are the best five locations to visit in Norway during the winter season that will enchant you.

1. Tromso – Port to the Arctic

Tromso is a city located in the Arctic circle, making it the perfect winter destination in Norway especially for anyone who wants to see the aurora borealis. As the ”Gateway to the Arctic,” Tromso is famous for the best conditions to watch the aurora borealis, which illuminates the winter nights from September 21 till April 21. Apart from the beautiful aurora borealis, visitors can engage in other winter activities such as dog sledding and snow mobile tours and whale watching.

The city itself is rather picturesque with modern activity, wooden architecture, and inviting cafes to warm up after the Arctic trip. Tromsø is also known for the Polar Nights and during this period of the year, people do not see the sun due to the location of Tromsø in the Arctic Circle.

2. Lofoten Islands – The land of Snow and Ice

Lofoten Islands – incredible landscape of peaks and shimmering villages surrounded by water, the best to be visited in winter. The islands are a perfect combination of snow-capped mountains, colourful fishing towns and an opportunity to see the Northern Lights. Still, the climate here is comparatively moderate because of the influence of the Gulf Stream even in the winter season.

In winter the place is good for trekking, sea-angling and other water-sports like kayaking and fishing in the Lofoten Islands. For accommodation there are such cabins as rorbuer – fishermen’s cabins where guests will be provided with a unique experience and beautiful scenery. The beauty of the islands in winter is a paradise for photographers and ideal for those who want to discover the beauty of Norway in winter.

3. Oslo – Capital Wrapped in winter’s Glory

Oslo, the capital of Norway, is a great place to visit during winter since it has a combination of winter activities, and attractions. The city looks stunning during the colder period when Christmas markets are set up, the lights are turned on, and cafés offer warm drinks and chocolate. There are also ski resorts within Oslo as Tryvann which is very close to the central business district and there tourists can engage in skiing and snowboarding.

Also, Oslo boasts of captivating culture through great art museums including Munch Museum and Fram Museum, and the architectural masterpiece, the Oslo Opera House. The highlighted features of the city are its natural resources, active recreation opportunities, and cultural attractions, thus people prefer it during the winter season.

4. Roros – the Town with World Heritage Status

Roros is a beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage town that should not be missed in winter. Roros boasts of houses made of wood and these look like they have been pulled right out of a fairy-tale especially when covered with snow. It has an interesting history being once a copper mining town and is perfect to visit in winter.

Roros is, however, particularly well known for its Winter Market where tourists can get an idea of the local crafts, foods and dances. The region in particular is ideal for winter activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ice fishing. Røros has beautifully paved streets, an interesting history, and winter attractions, so tourists who want to feel a traditional Norwegian winter are perfect for this place.

5. Alta – The City of Northern Lights

Alta is in Northern Norway and is also known as the “City of Northern Light” because of the excellent location for watching the aurora borealis. Renowned for its climatically balanced weather conditions and cloudless skies, Alta presents its visitors with the most spectacular views of the Northern Lights.

Apart from aurora watching, other major winter activities include dog sledding, snow mobiles and ice fishing in Alta. Tourists also can spend night in the ice hotels that are built completely of snow and ice providing fascinating experience of winter stay. The Northern Lights have a variety of activities that one can do in the cold Arctic climate, and the local heritage make Alta a great place to visit during the winter.

Conclusion

Winter Norway is the travel destination which may be attractive for those who are eager to see the beautiful landscapes, to have a wonderful active rest and to enjoy watching the Northern Lights. No matter if you are interested in the arctic landscapes of Tromso, the picturesque landscapes of Lofoten Islands or the historical setting of Røros, Norway will not leave you indifferent. Being a Scandinavian country, Norway Visa offers skiing on snow clad mountains, warm and friendly villages and bustling cities, all to be captured in your camera during the winter season.