Norway in winter is a wonderland of snow-clad landscapes, ethereal light, and cozy, welcoming communities. It’s a season that transforms the country into a playground for adventurers, nature lovers, and those seeking the serene beauty of the Arctic.
From the magical dance of the Northern Lights to the thrilling rush of skiing down pristine slopes, Norway offers a winter experience unlike any other.
Here are 21 must-do winter activities to add to your Norway bucket list, each promising to make your cold-weather getaway unforgettable.
We also have 21 things to do in the Summer in Norway here as well.
Chase the Northern Lights in Tromsø
Witness the awe-inspiring Aurora Borealis in one of the best viewing spots in the world. While the lights always have a chance of seeing seen you should give yourself the most chance by heading to North Norway during October to February when the nights are long.
It also gives you the chance to experience what all Tromso residents do every year: Days where the sun doesn’t come above the horizon at all.
Which, luckily, is also another bucket list item we ticked off for free when we saw the Northern lights.
As a top tip do a Northern lights chase early in your stay just in case you are unlucky and have a cloudy night, that way you can try to jump on on again – with some providers offering discounts or even freebies if you don’t see them on the first try.
While there are PLENTY of providers if you are looking for a recommendation then we went with Chasing Lights in Tromso on a big bus tour and it was awesome as you can see from the video below which is a mix of our videos and the guides. This is a bucket list item all over the world
Dog Sledding Through Arctic Wilderness
Mush your team of huskies across frozen landscapes for the ultimate winter adventure. This would be our tied number one must do activity for any trip to Norway in Winter.
Exploring the Wilderness of North norway with 6 to 9 dogs and a sled is one of the best experiences we have ever done, ever! It is so liberating, so exciting, and something i would love to do again. ( and we have done it twice!)
We went with Active Tromso who are a more hands on provider who allow you to control the sled and your own dogs.
This makes for a big difference even if you fall, but it is harder work than you may think so you will need to have a reasonable level of fitness. We have examples of our tip below – sorry no evidence of use falling though, which we did!
Reindeer Sledding with the Sami People:
If Dog Sledding doesn’t appeal then there are more accessible options to ride through the Norwegian wilderness. You can learn about the indigenous Sami culture while exploring the snowy plains by reindeer sled.
Its a little easier on the heart and legs than dog sledding through the snow, but still just as exciting.
Sea Kayaking Amidst Icebergs:
Paddle through Arctic waters, navigating between icebergs for a unique perspective of Norway’s winter seas. These are guided trips and all safety equipment and instruction will be provided. \
If you are extra lucky you may even get to see orcas, and humpback whales feeding in the Northern Fjords. Though you don’t wanna get too close to that!
Whale Watching in the Fjords:
Witness majestic orcas and humpback whales on a winter safari in the Norwegian fjords. During the winter huge humpback whales and pods of orcas call the Northern Fjords of Norway home and with the huge shoals of herring there is plenty for them to eat.
We went on the boat Aurora Explorer on both occasions with two very different results, we have a full report on that, but the Tl/DR on it is stay on the BIG BOAT, and do not go on the RIB! checkout the article for more.
However you get a good trip and this an awesome experience and a definite bucket list tick!
Snowshoeing Across Untouched Snow
Strap on snowshoes and trek through Norway’s serene, snow-laden forests and mountains. You will need a reasonable level of fitness for this, but taking a slow walk in the company of an experienced guide is a humbling experience.
Experience the Polar Night in Svalbard
\Visit Svalbard during the dark season for a unique winter experience under the blue twilight. Though you can experience this in more established towns like Tromso, you also get the chance to see Polar bears if you go to the Northern most town in the world! – Longyearbyen.
We haven’t made it quite that far North just yet, but we have a cruise in mind to tick it, Iceland, the Fjords and maybe greenland off as well.
Fjord Cruise in Winter
See the fjords dressed in their winter best, with snow-capped mountains and waterfalls turned to ice. This is not so easy to do on a cruise (which is the opposite in the summer) but if you go on whale watching trips you will by default get to travel through the Fjords in winter by boat.
However if you want the World famous Fjords further south you will have to travel to Bergen and the surrounding towns, to get local small boats and see them with their winter clothes on.
As pretty as they are in winter, we personally prefer to see the Fjords in Summer for those stunning views.
Ski the Slopes of Lillehammer:
Enjoy downhill skiing or snowboarding in the famed Olympic town, with trails for all skill levels. You don’t have to win any medals, but you can say you have followed in the footsteps of those famous skiers. !
Explore Bergen’s Winter Magic:
Wander the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf in Bergen, aglow with winter lights and dusted in snow. The town is stunning in both Winter and Summer, and although on a lot of Norway cruise itineraries, you might struggle to see it by boat, big boat at least, in winter.
You will be able to get trips round on local tours and we strongly recommend that!
Ice Fishing on Frozen Lakes:
Experience the tranquility of ice fishing in the remote, icy landscapes of northern Norway. Make sure you wrap up warm, and if you are not experienced in this it is worth going with a provider to make sure you stay on the ice, and not under it !
If you are lucky you might be able to cook and eat waht you catch. With the prices of restaurants in Norway this may be a great bonus!
Stay in an Ice Hotel:
Spend a night in a Norway hotel made entirely of ice and snow, such as Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Alta. Is definitely a bucket list worthy experience but it is a pricy one.
We looked at this and after the initial excitement of seeing a room for 100 USD dollars a night we realised that that price it was not one of the ice rooms.
Those room cost over 600 dollars a night. Unfortunately at the time we just didn’t have the money so if still remains on our bucket list!
Visit Tromsø’s Ice Domes:
Explore ice sculptures and enjoy drinks at an ice bar in Tromsø’s magical ice domes. You can also stay overnight during december to april though at a significant cost and a minus 5 temperature.
They also offer dog sledding trips, snow mobile and Northern light chases. Meaning you can tock off the big four Bucket list items in Norway with one trip!
Snowmobiling in the Arctic:
Speed across the Norway Arctic tundra on a snowmobile, exploring remote areas inaccessible by foot. Like the Dog Sledding this is an exhilarating experience both for the journey and the views.
There are plenty of providers who can offer this all over the country, but of course the further north in Norway you are the more chance of both wilderness and snow.
Attend the Tromsø International Film Festival:
Enjoy global cinema in a unique, snowy setting during this acclaimed film festival. As random as it may seem for the largest Northern Norway town, well one of them, to have things like film festivals, but they certainly do.
If you are in the area it is certainly worth trying to attend some of the local and international showings and as night life is not full of options in the North of Norway in Winter you might be thankful for this.
Take a Winter Hike to Trolltunga:
For the well-prepared adventurer, a guided winter hike to Trolltunga offers breathtaking views. It really is one of the most spectacular rock formations in Norway.
It is 700 metres above the Ringedalsvatnet lake and in winter can be covered in snow and ice making it dangerous. So make sure to go on an organised trip and not head over there if the wind is up, or the snow is snowing!
It is also great, and safer to do in summer as we mention in our Summer Bucket list ideas for Norway as well.
Cross-Country Skiing in Nordmarka:
Glide through the peaceful forests surrounding Oslo on well-maintained cross-country skiing trails.
Doing this outdoor activity gives you not only a great workout, it is also close enough to Oslo to be able to make it a day trip and base yourself in the city taking a look around there as well.
Svalbard Northern Lights Safari:
Increase your chances of Aurora sightings with a guided Northern Lights safari in Svalbard. The further North you are the more chances you have an it doesn’t go much further North than Svalbard!
You also get to tick off visiting the Northernmost town in the world, and if you are very lucky, or i guess unlucky, you may get sight of a polar bear.
Go on a King Crab Safari in Kirkenes:
Catch and feast on giant King Crabs from the icy depths of the Barents Sea.
As we mentioned above with the prices of eating out in Norway then catching your dinner on a day out can be a great cash saver, and king crabs would be a great meal to catch!
Celebrate Christmas in Røros
Experience a traditional Norwegian Christmas in the historic, snow-covered mining town of Røros. On everyone’s bucket list should be a Christmas in the snow, and if you are not to keen on doing it in Lapland with Santa, then Roros is a pretty good alternative.
Join a Sami Cultural Experience in Karasjok:
Immerse yourself in Sami traditions, including tented camps, reindeer herding, and storytelling. It is a great experience to step back in time (for you at least) and see a simpler way of life.
Norway’s winter landscape offers more than just breathtaking beauty; it provides a canvas for adventures that engage the body and soul.
Whether you’re gazing up at the Northern Lights or gliding through a fjord, each activity opens up a new dimension of the Norwegian winter experience.
These 21 activities are just the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable journey through the heart of Norway’s winter wonderland.
So, bundle up, step out into the cold, and let Norway’s winter magic take your breath away.
