12-Day Winter Norway Itinerary: See the Northern Lights & Best Winter Destinations

Winter in Norway is magical—but lodging fills quickly around Christmas, New Year’s, and Northern Lights season.

Book at least 2–3 months in advance for the best options.

I’ll include hotel recommendations for each stop in the itinerary section below—all ideal for seeing the Northern Lights or staying near main attractions.

Norway is one of the most expensive countries in Europe—but you can keep costs manageable by:

• Booking flights, hotels, and trains 3-6 months early
• Traveling with points or miles if possible
• Choosing breakfast-included hotels or staying in guesthouses or Airbnbs outside city centers
• Using grocery stores (Rema 1000, Coop) for snacks
• Balancing splurges (like the Snowhotel Kirkenes) with budget-friendly stays elsewhere
• Prioritizing experiences that feel once-in-a-lifetime (like a glass igloo or husky safari)

Here’s a rough estimate of Norway winter travel costs based on our own itinerary:

The easiest option is to fly in and out of Oslo, Norway’s main international hub.

Evening flights from the U.S. often arrive the next morning—perfect for kicking off your adventure right away!

Alternative gateways:

• Tromsø: Ideal for Northern Lights seekers.
• Bergen: Perfect if you’re starting with fjords and west-coast scenery.

A Broad Recommendation: Consider open-jaw flights (e.g., fly into Tromsø, out of Bergen) to avoid backtracking. Though, Norway’s efficient train, flight, and ferry network makes it easy to connect destinations even in winter.

✈️ Route: Oslo → Kirkenes → Rotsund → Tromsø → Bergen → Flåm → Oslo
📅 Best time to visit: November – February (peak Northern Lights season)

Now that you know how to prepare, budget, and get around, it’s time for the fun part—mapping out your Norway winter adventure.

This 12-day Norway winter itinerary blends the country’s most iconic experiences: chasing the Northern Lights in the Arctic Circle, cruising the fjords near Flåm, and soaking up Oslo and Bergen’s cozy winter charm.

You’ll start in Oslo, fly north beyond the Arctic Circle, then work your way south along the coast—ending your journey in Norway’s storybook fjords before looping back to the capital. Thanks to Norway’s efficient network of flights, trains, and ferries, this route is both seamless and scenic.

To help you make the most of your trip, here’s the exact itinerary we followed during our February visit. It strikes the perfect balance of adventure, comfort, and Arctic wonder—while maximizing your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

12-Day Norway Winter Itinerary at a Glance:

• Day 1: Fly to Oslo
• Day 2: Arrive & explore Oslo
• Day 3: Fly to & explore Kirkenes
• Day 4: Stay overnight at the Snowhotel Kirkenes
• Day 5: Fly to Sørkjosen → Transfer to Rotsund → Stay in a glass igloo
• Days 6–8: Fly to & explore Tromsø
• Days 8–9: Fly to & explore Bergen
• Day 10: Travel to Flåm via the Norway in a Nutshell® tour
• Day 11: Explore Flåm → Ride the Flåm Railway → Return to Oslo
• Days 12: Fly home from Oslo

A Broad Recommendation: Always double-check availability and hours for winter excursions in Norway. Many experiences are seasonal or run on limited schedules during the colder months.

Ready to begin your journey? Let’s kick things off in Oslo, Norway’s vibrant capital and the perfect starting point for your winter itinerary.

Located on Norway’s southern coast at the head of the Oslofjord, Oslo is the perfect place to begin—and end—your winter Norway itinerary.

Dating back to the Viking Age, Oslo blends sleek modern design with deep Nordic roots. Against a backdrop of mountains and sea, you’ll find wooden houses, Viking museums, fjordfront saunas, and gourmet restaurants—all within a compact, walkable city center.

Flying in and out of Oslo is the easiest and most efficient option for this itinerary, and even if you only have half a day here, it’s worth taking time to explore.

Most flights from the U.S. to Norway are overnight, arriving the next morning or early afternoon. If possible, choose an evening departure so you land refreshed and ready to start your Arctic adventure.

If you arrive early, consider staying near Oslo Central Station or the Aker Brygge area for easy access to top sights and transit connections.

The next morning, fly from Oslo to Kirkenes, a remote Arctic town near Norway’s northeastern border with Russia—and one of the best places in Norway to see the Northern Lights.

At 250 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Kirkenes is the very definition of a winter wonderland. From the moment you step off the plane, the crisp Arctic air and snow-covered silence set the tone for your next adventure.

Temperatures often stay below freezing all day, and during the polar night, the sun barely rises above the horizon, giving the landscape an ethereal blue glow.

Kirkenes makes an unforgettable base for your Norway winter itinerary—especially if you’re chasing the aurora or craving true Arctic adventure.

Spend your first day getting a feel for this tiny frontier town and easing into Arctic life:

• Fly Oslo → Kirkenes (~2 hours)
• Drop off your luggage at your hotel & bundle up for a walk through town
• Stop by Kirkenes Church
• Admire the view from Thon Hotel Kirkenes
• Do a little shopping at AMFI Kirkenes
• Warm up with lunch at Bangkok Restaurant Kirkenes (we were shocked by how good it was!)
• Hike to Prestfjellet Viewpoint for sweeping views over the frozen fjord
• Join a husky-led Northern Lights safari with Snowhotel Kirkenes

Gliding silently through snow-covered forest trails behind a team of huskies was one of the most magical experiences of our trip. We even got to take turns driving the sled! Just be warned—it’s cold. Dress in layers, wear a thermal base, and don’t forget insulated gloves.

👉 Plan your own Arctic adventure in Kirkenes!

On Day 4, transfer to the Snowhotel Kirkenes—a sculpted world of ice and art surrounded by Arctic wilderness. This is easily one of the most unique places to stay in Norway and a highlight of our entire trip.

Here’s how to spend a full day here:

• Transfer to Snowhotel Kirkenes (arrange directly through the hotel)
• Join a King Crab Safari, where you’ll catch & feast on your own Arctic king crab (one of our favorite surprises of the trip—this was such a fun experience!)
• Explore the Snowhotel and have a drink at the Ice Bar
• Meet the resident huskies, puppies, and reindeer
• Try snowshoeing, relax by the fire with a warm drink, or play board games in the cozy lounge
• Enjoy a multi-course Arctic dinner (included with your stay)
• Hunt the Northern Lights by bus (optional add-on)
• Fall asleep in a room made entirely of ice or one of the cozy, glass-roofed cabins

Standing among the glowing ice sculptures was surreal—the walls shimmered under blue light, and we even got to watch an artist carving a new sculpture as we explored.

Later that night, we got to choose our own ice room (a fun perk since the hotel wasn’t crowded) before bundling up for a once-in-a-lifetime sleep surrounded by frozen art.

In Kirkenes, we split our stay between Scandic Kirkenes and Snowhotel Kirkenes—and highly recommend doing the same.

• Scandic Kirkenes is a warm, convenient base right in town, perfect for exploring before your Arctic excursions.
• Snowhotel Kirkenes offers an unforgettable stay surrounded by ice, huskies, and the dancing Northern Lights.

A Broad Recommendation: Book the Snowhotel Kirkenes well in advance—it fills up quickly in winter! If you have extra time, visit the Borderland Museum in Kirkenes, add a snowmobiling tour, or try more of the Snowhotel’s Arctic activities.

👉 Learn how to make the most of your stay at the Snowhotel Kirkenes!

Next, fly from Kirkenes to Sørkjosen (about three hours with quick stops in Vadsø and Tromsø), then take a private transfer (book in advance) to Lyngen North Igloo Hotel in Rotsund.

This remote Arctic hideaway is nestled between the Lyngen Alps and Lyngenfjord, offering one of the most peaceful and picturesque settings in Northern Norway.

Each glass igloo features floor-to-ceiling views of the surrounding mountains—and, if you’re lucky, the Northern Lights dancing right above your bed.

Here’s how to recreate our Rotsund itinerary and hopefully see the Northern Lights from your own glass igloo in Norway:

• Fly Kirkenes → Sørkjosen (~3 hours with short stops)
• Take a private transfer to Lyngen North Igloo Hotel
• Explore the surrounding fjord and snow-covered landscape
• Have lunch at Restaurant Solvind (the views are as good as the food!)
• Play board games or read by the fire in the cozy lounge
• Enjoy a delicious dinner at Restaurant Solvind (included in your stay)
• Relax in the outdoor hot tub with a drink under the stars
• Stay overnight in a 180° glass igloo—and hopefully catch the aurora from bed!

Rotsund was, without question, the coldest place we’ve ever been—the kind of cold that stings your face and freezes your eyelashes—but we couldn’t stop going outside to take photos and videos as the light shifted over the fjord.

When the sky finally came alive, we turned off all the lights in our igloo and watched the aurora swirl right above us. Green and violet ribbons shimmered through the glass ceiling—one of those once-in-a-lifetime travel moments that still gives me chills.

If you have more time, consider adding a dog-sledding, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling excursion through the surrounding Arctic wilderness.

We stayed at Lyngen North, a boutique Arctic retreat surrounded by mountains and sea. Each glass igloo has panoramic views of the Lyngen Alps, and if you’re lucky, the Northern Lights will dance right above your bed.

The on-site Restaurant Solvind serves local ingredients with stunning fjord views—making this one of the most romantic stays of our entire Norway winter itinerary.

👉 Read more about our stay at Lyngen North and learn what it’s like to sleep beneath the Northern Lights in a glass igloo in Norway!

After a somewhat “restful” night in Rotsund (haha, we were up half the night watching the aurora!), fly from Sørkjosen to Tromsø, Northern Norway’s largest city—and one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights.

Nicknamed the “Paris of the North,” Tromsø blends Arctic wilderness with city charm: a lively harbor, colorful wooden houses, cozy cafés, and plenty of opportunities to learn about Sami culture or chase the aurora across the night sky.

Here’s our 3-day Tromsø itinerary—exactly how we spent our time in this unforgettable Arctic city:

• Fly Sørkjosen → Tromsø (~25 minutes)
• Check into your hotel and/or drop off your luggage
• Visit the oldest house in Tromsø
• Walk across Tromsø Bridge for panoramic views
• Admire Tromsø’s historic churches
• Ride the Fjellheisen Cable Car for an incredible view of the city and fjord
• In the evening, join Best Arctic’s Northern Lights Safari

This was another one of the coldest nights of our trip, but also one of the most memorable. Bundled in layers, we followed our guide into the Arctic wilderness—and when the first streaks of green appeared, the entire group went silent. Pure awe.

• Visit Polaria to see the playful harbor seals
• Stop for a drink at Ølhallen Brewpub, Tromsø’s oldest pub
• Explore Norway’s first Troll Museum
• Learn about Sami culture and feed reindeer with Best Arctic
• End the day with drinks at Agenturet Øl og Vinbar, one of the city’s coziest cocktail bars

Feeding the reindeer was such a fun and heartwarming experience—they’re gentle, goofy, and endlessly curious. We couldn’t stop laughing at the seals at Polaria either, and had way too much fun at the Troll Museum, acting out our best troll poses like a bunch of kids.

A Broad Recommendation: Tromsø’s weather can change by the hour. Keep flexible plans and have indoor options like Polaria or the Troll Museum ready for snowy or windy days.

• Enjoy a relaxed morning exploring downtown Tromsø—grab a coffee, shop for souvenirs, or stroll along the waterfront
• Fly Tromsø → Bergen in the afternoon (~2.5 hours)

Our final morning in Tromsø was quiet and calm—the kind of soft Arctic light that makes even simple moments, like sipping coffee by the window, feel special.

If you have more time, consider one of more of the following:

• Search for Humpback, Fin, Sperm, and Orca whales on a whale-watching cruise
• Mush a team of huskies through the Arctic wilderness on a husky sledding adventure
• Try out a small-group snowshoeing tour
• Visit the famous Tromsø Ice Domes
• Explore the Arctic–Alpine Botanic Garden, the world’s northernmost botanic garden
• Sample local brews on a Tromsø Beer Safari

We stayed at Scandic Ishavshotel, perfectly perched on the harbor with panoramic views of the Arctic Cathedral and surrounding fjords.

The location couldn’t have been better—just steps from downtown cafés, restaurants, and Northern Lights tour pick-ups. We loved waking up to the soft morning light over the water.

From here, you’ll swap the Arctic wilderness for Norway’s colorful coastal charm as you arrive in Bergen, the next stop on your winter journey.

👉 Plan your own three days in Tromsø in the winter here!

After a short 2.5-hour flight from Tromsø, arrive in Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city—though it feels much more like a charming coastal town.

Nestled between seven mountains and surrounded by fjords, Bergen is one of Norway’s most photogenic destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We loved how walkable the city is, and with pastel wooden houses, cobblestone lanes, and a historic harbor, every corner looks like it belonged on a postcard!

Bergen is a must-add to your winter Norway itinerary! Here’s how I suggest spending one day here:

• Have breakfast at your hotel
• Join a Private Bergen Walking Tour, which includes:
  • Torgallmenningen Square
  • Bergen’s churches & museums
  • Street art and charming wooden neighborhoods
  • The infamous Fish Market
  • The colorful Bryggen Wharf (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  • Sweeping views of the city from Mount Fløyen
• Walk around Bergenhus Festning
• Grab lunch at The Daily Pot (another Thai spot & oh so delicious!)
• Visit the Bryggens Museum
• Have dinner at Bryggeloftet for traditional Norwegian food with fjord views

Bergen instantly charmed us! Even though Bryggen Wharf was under construction during our visit, we loved the colorful buildings, cozy cafés, and that ever-present drizzle that somehow made the whole city feel even cozier.

If you have more time, you could:

• Visit one of the KODE Art Museums or composer homes
• Explore the Hanseatic Museum and Schotstuene
• Stop by the Bergen Aquarium or the city’s famous gingerbread town (if visiting in December)
• Experience dark tourism at the Leprosy Museum
• Taste your way through Bergen on a Food and Culture Walk
• Take a guided fjord, hiking, biking or snowshoeing tour from Bergen

A Broad Recommendation: Bring a waterproof jacket—even in winter! Bergen’s coastal weather changes fast, and you might get rain, sleet, and sunshine all within an hour. We definitely got some rain during our visit.

We stayed at Hotel Norge by Scandic, a modern, stylish hotel right in the heart of Bergen.

It’s within easy walking distance of Bryggen Wharf, the Fløibanen funicular, and the city’s top restaurants.

The hotel’s warm interiors and great breakfast buffet made it the perfect cozy retreat after a day of exploring in the rain.

👉 See how you can explore the colorful city of Bergen in one day too!

From Bergen, embark on the legendary Norway in a Nutshell® tour, one of the most iconic experiences in the country—and for good reason. It’s a breathtaking journey through fjords, mountains, and frozen valleys, especially magical in winter.

Route Overview:

🚆 Bergen → Voss (via train) ≈ 1 hour & 15 minutes
🚌 Voss → Gudvangen (via bus) ≈ 1 hour
🚢 Gudvangen → Flåm (via fjord cruise) ≈ 2 hours

On the cruise from Gudvangen to Flåm, you’ll glide through Nærøyfjord, Norway’s narrowest fjord, and Aurlandsfjord, one of its most dramatic branches—both UNESCO World Heritage Sites surrounded by icy waterfalls and mountain peaks.

We were absolutely speechless. From snow-covered cliffs and tiny red cottages to waterfalls frozen in time, it felt like sailing through a winter dreamscape.

It was freezing, but we couldn’t help standing outside half the time, clutching champagne and cheering with the boys’ beers to one of the most breathtaking views we’ve ever seen.

A Broad Recommendation: If you’re traveling in winter, book your Norway in a Nutshell® tickets early and double-check departure times—some routes run on reduced schedules.

Tucked at the end of the Aurlandsfjord, Flåm is a small yet spectacular fjord village and the perfect finale to your winter Norway itinerary.

The village is surrounded by towering mountains and icy waterfalls, and even though we spent just 24 hours here, we could have easily stayed longer.

Here’s what we did in Flåm:

• Arrive in Flåm & check into your hotel
• Have lunch at Flåm Bakeri (they have yummy homemade pizza!)
• Stroll the Flåm Harbor and visit the Flåm Visitor Center
• Have dinner and a local brew at Ægir BrewPub
• End the evening playing board games at your hotel

We arrived in Flåm on Valentine’s Day, which made this stop feel extra special. After exploring the picture-perfect fjord village, we enjoyed a romantic three-course dinner at Ægir BrewPub, celebrating with two of our best friends by our sides.

After days of city-hopping and flights, Flåm felt like a breath of fresh fjord air—calm, cozy, and surrounded by Norway’s most beautiful scenery.

• Hike to Flåm Church
• Wander the Fretheim Cultural Park
• Have lunch at Furukroa Café
• Visit the Flåm Railway Museum
• Ride the world-famous Flåmsbana Railway, one of the steepest lines on earth
• Connect in Myrdal and continue by train back to Oslo for your last evening in Norway

The Flåm Railway is considered one of Norway’s greatest engineering feats and is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful railways in the world.

Along the 12-mile route, you’ll pass frozen waterfalls, mountain farms, and breathtaking views—including a stop at Kjosfossen Waterfall, which looks especially magical surrounded by snow and ice.

Watching the Norwegian countryside roll by through frosted windows was the perfect ending to our winter journey—a quiet, reflective moment before heading home.

A Broad Recommendation: Sit on the right side of the train for the best views when traveling uphill toward Myrdal.

If you have more time in Flåm:

• Visit Borgund Stave Church: one of Norway’s best-preserved churches
• Take in panoramic views from Stegastein Viewpoint
• Try the Flåm Zipline, the longest zipline in the Nordic region, for a thrilling end to your trip

We stayed at the Fretheim Hotel, a historic property overlooking the fjord and railway station. Its elegant charm and mountain views made it one of our favorite stays in Norway.

After a day exploring Flåm, we loved curling up with a glass of wine and watching the snow fall outside.

👉 Learn how to spend a magical twenty-four hours in Flåm!