The itinerary above is just one of many possible options for a Norway visit. Psst: Looking for more posts to help you prepare for your trip to Norway? Summer is pretty cool here, too! I'm extremely practical and also entirely addicted to travel, which I'm forever trying to reconcile. WoW you’ve given some really important information and tips about traveling Norway. vikings, polar bears, oil rigs, and trolls, Day 3-6:  Sami Homestay in the Arctic Tundra, Visit the Cathedral of the Northern Lights, Alternative Norway Winter Itinerary Destinations, 35 Photos of Norway in the Winter to Inspire your Wanderlust, 12 Long Haul Flight Essentials & Travel Tips for Economy Fliers, 12 Charming Things to Do in Copenhagen in Winter, Two Super-Detailed Winter Europe Itineraries (for Two Weeks), The 14 Best Weekend Getaways in Colorado: from Hiking to Hot Springs, 24 Tips & Essentials for Remotely Working: How to Work From Home … or Anywhere, 9 Things to Do in Jackson Hole, Wyoming in the Winter, 12 Must-Visit Paso Robles Breweries (& Distilleries), 9 Fantastic Things to do in Fort Collins, Colorado: A Local’s Guide, 42 Places to Go Whale Watching in California: The Ultimate Guide. While many of Norway's highlights can be seen from a train window or by bus, renting a car opens up a whole new set of opportunities. Book your stay or check the best prices in Brekke Gard Hostel here. There are five 2-hour direct flights per day at reasonable prices if you book in advance, and if you fly at night, you may even catch the northern lights from your plane window! Nesbyen is a small town, lying around 150 km from Oslo and 70 km from Geilo. We opted for the Flamsbrygga Hotel , which is attached to the Aegir BrewPub. On the way, you can experience a city life of the south, the famous Norwegian fjords, little traditional villages and the breathtaking snowy landscapes. Hitchhiker has been voted the best street food in Oslo for the past 3 years and offers an eclectic mix of food from all around the world with an Asian slant. Getting to the Lofoten Islands isn’t easy, but there are lots of options: here’s a detailed list. From the Leknes airport, rent a car and drive or take a 1-2 hour bus (from Evenes, it’s 3-4 hours). I was nervous about the treatment of the dogs – there is not much consensus about whether dog-sledding is ethical. I really like your friendly style of writing. While many of Norway's highlights can be seen from a train window or by bus, renting a car opens up a whole new set of opportunities. You would also normally need to have some money on your card, that will be ring-fenced by the company as a deposit in case the car is lost or damaged. But Norway in the winter sounds like it would be cool. Hi, I’m Aga. Thank you so much for sharing this we really loved it! Mid-layer, such as fleece or down jacket. During the ride, each time we stopped to take a photo or enjoy the view, the dogs barked and yipped and jumped, eager to get back on the trail. Your hosts will be a family of indigenous Sami reindeer herders who host visitors in partnership with the amazing Visit Natives program. This looks like the dreamiest winter trip! I’ve now ripped up this plan, because I want to do this trip!! If you’re planning a winter road trip up into Norway then you’re going to want a car with winter tires, especially if you’ll be heading up into the mountains. All of which made me feel warm and cozy, particularly when combined with an incredibly soft mattress and warm down comforter. We stayed at the Thon Hotel Alta, which had a lovely shower (much appreciated) and window views of the Cathedral of the Northern Lights, which is located a snowball’s throw away. $$$ Flåm Marina – Upscale hotel located just by the Flam Marina, with stylish rooms and amazing views to Sognefjord. Therefore, you can easily visit theOslo airport websiteand select a suitable car. The Ultimate 10 Day Norway Road Trip Itinerary. Make sure to add [email protected] to your address book so we don't end up in spam! There are also pretty Norwegian style churches, that I love visiting. In fact, just the thought of cruising through its complex fjords and dramatic landscapes makes me ecstatic! Save. The snow ploughs are running quite often on the main roads, but for a lot of time, you will be driving on pure ice, slush or snow. Another one of Alta’s claims to fame is Finnmarksløpet, the longest sled-dog race in Europe. Norwegian Airlines’, apparently. Book your stay or check the prices in Øen Turistsenter here. We recommend flying to Tromsø: from Oslo, it’s an easy flight on Norwegian Airlines. The famous little towns located around the fjord are Flåm and Aurland. Low key stalk us here and on social media. While the summer months are high season in Norway for people to go on hikes, sail the fjords, and bask in the midnight sun, don't discount a trip to Norway in the winter months. . Alta is best known for its stunning views of the Northern Lights, and it also makes an excellent entry point for an Arctic adventure. However, double-check if everything you need is included – the winter tyres, insurance, what happens for toll payment, etc. The church is beautiful to appreciate from the outside, but you can also tour the small church and the Borealis Alta exhibit in the Cathedral’s basement. It is not recommended for an inexperienced driver, especially on the mountain roads. Would love to see the cathedral of Northern lights. The city has two airports and good connections with many cities in Europe and in the world. Let me know in the comments! Plan your holiday in Norway with free guides and videos. If you’re up for an adrenaline-inducing activity, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are common activities in Alta for tourists and locals alike. Snow fell softly on woodlands and meadows outside the windows of our train as we sped towards downtown Oslo. Wonderful winter trip in Norway. Tickets are cheaper if you book well in advance, so if you are able to plan and book ahead, we’d recommend it! Gorgeous photos! Here’s what we recommend on your first full day in Norway: A great way to see Oslo is to put on your wool socks and winter boots and take a walking tour around the city. Winter Tours in Norway. I still can't believe that this was the view from the terrace of our wooden cottage in Aurland It was literally hanging above the water of the fjord! Or you can extend your stay for a bit longer and choose one of the many great hotels and cabins in the area. Visiting the sauna and hopping in the fjord is a must-do activity in Oslo, and you won’t see too many other tourists trying it. I recommend. Yes, it’s really worth visiting! Nærøyfjord, a part of the UNESCO World Heritage List, surrounded by the snow-covered peaks rising up to 1800 meters above the sea level, is said to be one of the most spectacular fjord landscapes in the world. South of Norway has good places for it too. We had a little over a week to explore Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, so we made our plan for a 9-Day Scandinavian road trip. Check my post for the best Norway winter clothing and what to pack for Norway in winter. Beautiful landscapes AND sustainability? Possibly a llama creating a spreadsheet. My Aladdin themed room was quite cozy, especially after I snuggled into two goose down sleeping bags on top of a pile of reindeer pelts. $ Brekke Gard Hostel – budget accommodation in Flam, located  1 km from Flåm Station and the Aurlandfjord shore. The menu changes constantly based on whatever’s available that week from local farms and hunters in Norway. Norway at anytime of year is high on my list, but especially in winter. YES, there is SO much to see and do in Norway! This experience will stick with you for the rest of your life, and you’ll be dreaming about it forever. What did I get myself into?? Make use of it as much as you can. This next destination is where our Norway winter itinerary veers off the beaten path and starts forging its way blindly through the Arctic chasing after herds of reindeer. Seeing the northern lights is one of the most awe-inspiring things I’ve ever done – and I only saw them for a few minutes through a camera lens. Since the Lofoten Islands were historically clusters of fishing villages, getting out on the water is one of the best activities you can do here in the winter. Click on the city you wish to start your road trip from and get the best car rental deals and prices: Oslo, … In addition to perks like early boarding and access to an airport lounge where I loaded up on pre-flight wine and chocolate cake, my seat was roomy and comfortable, with a reclining seat and footrest that had me drifting off to sleep under a cozy blanket in no time. 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