Norway: A-Broad Overview

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Welcome to my Norway page! Norway is one of the most magical places I’ve ever visited—especially in winter.

Over 12 days, my boyfriend Tim and I traveled with our friends Allison and Ryan from Oslo to Kirkenes, Rotsund, Tromsø, Bergen, and finally Flåm before looping back to Oslo for our flights home.

Between Arctic nights filled with Northern Lights, reindeer encounters, fjord cruises, cozy saunas, historic cities, and even a snow hotel (yes, really!), this trip was unforgettable from beginning to end. Norway truly has a way of exceeding expectations at every turn!

And while winter in Norway is absolutely breathtaking, it does come with unique challenges—cold temperatures, limited daylight, and sometimes unpredictable weather. With the right gear and planning, though, it’s one of the most rewarding winter destinations on earth.

Below, you’ll find everything you need to plan your own Norway trip, including what to expect, what to pack, where to go, and helpful tips I learned along the way.

Table of Contents

    My Norway Blog Posts

    Whether you’re planning a full winter Norway itinerary or just looking for inspiration, here are all of my Norway guides:

    Before Traveling to Norway

    Here are some important things to know before your trip:

    Norway Basics

    • Language: Norwegian, but almost everyone speaks excellent English.
    • Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK), but credit cards are widely accepted. I recommend taking out around $200 USD worth of local currency from your bank before traveling, so you have some cash on hand for tipping drivers, tour guides, etc.
    • Safety: Norway is one of the safest countries in the world, and we felt safe everywhere we went here!
    • Transportation: Trains, ferries, and domestic flights are efficient—even in winter.

    Winter Weather & Daylight

    Winter in Norway (November–March) is stunning but unique:

    • Oslo: ~28°F / -2°C
    • Tromsø: ~25°F / -4°C
    • Kirkenes: ~14°F / -10°C
    • Bergen: ~36°F / 2°C
    • Flåm: ~32°F / 0°C

    Expect short daylight hours, especially above the Arctic Circle, but the deep blue “polar light” makes everything look otherworldly.

    Best Time to See the Northern Lights

    Northern Lights season in Norway runs from late September through early April, but your best chance to see them is between November and March.

    To boost your chances:

    • Spend 3–4 nights above the Arctic Circle
    • Use Aurora forecast apps like NorwayLights or SpaceWeatherLive
    • Stay somewhere with minimal light pollution

    We saw the Northern Lights multiple times in both Tromsø and Rotsund—and each experience was totally unique and wonderful!

    Consider Travel Insurance

    Weather in winter can be unpredictable, especially in Arctic regions.

    We invested in travel insurance for our trip through AAA, since we were traveling during the tail end of Covid, as things were starting to open up in Norway and testing was still required to get back into the U.S.

    While I haven’t used SafetyWing personally yet, their Nomad Insurance Essential plan is another great option that I’ve researched heavily and recommend because it’s affordable, designed for international travel, and great for multi-stop itineraries like ours.

    While You’re in Norway

    Essential Winter Travel Tips

    • Plan your sightseeing during the limited daylight hours
    • Keep your schedule flexible in case of weather changes
    • Charge camera batteries often (the cold drains them fast!)
    • Carry snacks, especially in rural areas
    • Embrace the cozy culture—Norwegians are BIG on saunas, coffee, and hygge

    General Budget Expectations

    Norway is expensive, but manageable with planning.

    Average costs (per person for 10–12 winter days):

    • Flights: $600–$1,000
    • Domestic flights/trains: $250–$400
    • Hotels: $150–$250 per night
    • Meals: $60–$100 per day
    • Activities: $400–$800

    A Broad Recommendation: Book rail tickets, fjord cruises, and Northern Lights experiences early.

    Norway Packing List

    Packing correctly is key to enjoying Norway in winter! Here are some items you won’t want to forget:

    Essential Clothing

    Electronics & Gear

    Toiletries & Health

    • Medicine + feminine products
    • Sunscreen & SPF lip balm (yes, you can still get sunburn!)
    • Hand sanitizer

    👉 See my full Norway Winter Packing Guide here and get my free printable packing checklist delivered straight to your inbox!

    Final Thoughts on Traveling to Norway

    Norway in winter is peaceful, dramatic, cozy, and unforgettable—and it quickly became one of my favorite destinations ever!

    From the dancing aurora in the north to the calm fjords in the west and the culture-filled cities in between, every stop felt magical in its own way.

    If you’re planning your own Norway adventure, I hope this guide helps you feel prepared and excited. And if you’ve already been, I’d love to hear some of your travel tips and stories!

    👉 Check out more of my travel tips here (especially for women)!

    XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads