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Norway’s top winter cities
So which cities can you recommend to your clients in winter? Seven safe bets for quality culture close to nature are Oslo, Lillehammer, Tromsø, Bergen, Ålesund, Trondheim, Bodø.
In Norway’s capital Oslo you’ll find an abundance of cultural events, exhibitions, and museums all over town. Just a visit to the new, 13-floor high MUNCH museum is worth the trip in itself. Not surprisingly, Oslo also offers the widest selection of restaurants and nightlife in the country.
Get into the Christmas spirit from mid-November with several cosy Christmas markets around the city. For the biggest and most unique Christmas fair, visit the Museum of Cultural History (Norsk Folkemuseum) at Bygdøy during the first two weekends of December. Besides numerous market stalls and workshops, you can experience a traditional Norwegian Christmas from different eras.
A fab thing about Oslo in winter is that you can combine urban pleasure with (free!) outdoor leisure. The city is surrounded by a vast forest area where you can go cross-country skiing on more than 2,000 prepared ski trails. Be sure to stop for a coffee and a bun in one of the forest cafes! Another tip is the hugely popular Korketrekkeren, a two-kilometre long toboggan run, which starts at Frognerseteren metro station. If you prefer to stay in the city, check out the public outdoor ice rink Spikersuppa where you can take a pair of skates (available for rent) for a spin.
Unlucky with the weather? Oslo’s indoor arena SNØ makes snow activities like cross-country skiing, snowboarding, alpine, freeski and ice climbing available to everyone – beginners, families, and pros. SNØ is just a short bus or train journey from the city centre.
If there was a competition for the best winter city in Norway, Lillehammer would definitely earn one of the top spots. The city rose to international fame during the winter Olympic Games in 1994, and found a new audience around the world thanks to the Netflix series Lilyhammer. One of the perks of Lillehammer is no doubt that it is situated next to some of Norway’s most appreciated ski resorts: Hafjell, Kvitfjell, Skeikampen, Sjusjøen and Gålå.
But the city itself has tons to offer in terms of restaurants, entertainment, shopping and art. Lillehammer Kunstmuseum is one of Norway’s leading art museums.
Another top tip is the Norwegian Olympic Museum, an adventure centre where visitors can travel back in time through Olympic Games history. If you need something that will delight the whole family, you’ve got the immensely popular Hunderfossen Winter park within easy reach. This activity-based theme park is based on Norwegian fairytales and even includes a snow hotel, where everything is made of ice.
Video: Sit back and relax
Widely known as the Arctic capital, lively Tromsø is another given winter destination. Tromsø is a university town with a buzzing nightlife. And with a winter season that can be up to eight months long, the locals have learnt how to lighten up the atmosphere even when the sun stays below the horizon.
For everyone who prefers more quiet entertainment, there are lots of galleries and museums to explore. Those with an interest in the Sami are wise to set aside several hours at the Arctic University of Norway. Their ethnographic exhibitions cover everything from prehistoric times to contemporary Sami culture.
At the aquarium and experience centre Polaria, you can say hello to seals, catfish and sharks. The Polar Museum has a lot to tell about local hunting life, which is an important part of Tromsø’s identity.
The Arctic Cathedral is appreciated for many reasons, not the least for its concerts.
Tromsø has a thriving culinary scene. The city centre abounds with exciting places to eat, so it’s literally a piece of cake to find a fantastic meal. Why not try local treats such as grilled stockfish, reindeer sirloin, or – if you dare – seagull eggs?
Last but not least, nature is practically on your doorstep. Almost everywhere you go, there are grand views in all directions and unlimited possibilities for nature-based experiences.
A great winter tip is to go to Norway’s second biggest city Bergen on the Bergen railway line, with wonderful views along the way from Oslo. Along the way, many people take the opportunity to go for a detour on the spectacular Flåm railway. Get off at Voss and take the bus to Myrdal, where you can catch the train to Flåm. Guaranteed wow-moments also in the winter!
Top tips in Bergen include the KODE art museums, the aquarium, and of course Bryggen – the UNESCO-listed medieval wharf. Today, Bryggen is lined with small shops, galleries and restaurants.
Bergen’s massive gingerbread town deserves a special mention. Constructed before Christmas every year, it’s the biggest in the world!
Video: Sit back and relax
Ålesund in Fjord Norway is just as stunning in the winter as the rest of the year. Located across several islands by the Atlantic Ocean, it is surrounded by the snow-capped mountain tops of the Sunnmøre Alps.
Known for its architecture in Art Nouveau style, Ålesund is the cultural center of the region. Culture vultures will enjoy KHÅK Kunsthall, which has a wonderful collection of graphics by Norwegian artists. It’s also worth checking out the live music and festival scene. Those who visit at the end of November can enjoy the annual music festival Jugendfest.
Ålesund is also a foodie paradise, especially for fish- and seafood aficionados. Many local restaurants serve up platters of succulent treasures from the sea.
Wintertime is the season for skrei, a special type of Arctic cod that is served as more of a delicacy than its common cod cousin. Also worth a mention is klippfisk, dried and salted cod that makes up the base ingredient for Norwegian bacalao.
Trondheim in central Norway is perfect for history buffs and foodies. With some 40,000 students, there is always something fun going on. Enjoy live music or look for bargains in the many niche shops in the city’s charming neighbourhoods. The Nidaros Cathedral in the centre is an impressive building that dates back to medieval times.
Some of the city’s most popular museums include Trondheim Art Museum, National Museum of Decorative Arts and Design (Nordenfjeldske Kunstindustrimuseum) and the Archbishop’s Palace (Erkebispegården). A museum with another kind of artistic expression is Rockheim, Norway’s national museum for popular music.
Trondheim has strong gastronomic traditions that can be enjoyed in numerous restaurants across the city. A new wave of microbreweries and several novel coffee shops completes Trondheim’s culinary scene.
Just outside the city centre, the vast outdoor area Bymarka is ideal for long walks and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Bodø is a real gem located just above the Arctic Circle. This fun city is currently gearing up to be the European Capital of Culture in 2024.
The city is famous for its spectacular light conditions, which gives a winter visit a special atmosphere. Even during the darkest month, glimpses of the sun create shades from dark blue through deep pink and pale yellow. Plus, there are great chances to spot the northern lights.
A top cultural attraction is the area known as “the culture quarter” (Kulturkvarteret Stormen), where you’ll find a concert hall and one of Norway’s best libraries. The Norwegian Aviation Museum right next to the airport (which is situated within walking distance to the city centre!) is also worth a visit. Keep your eyes open for cool street art, too.
Bodø is a great place to explore Northern Norway’s culinary traditions, including some of the freshest seafood you can imagine. Finish off the evening with a cocktail in one of the city’s beloved sky bars, where you have a panoramic view of the sea and mountains.
Awesome! The new MUNCH Museum opened in the Norwegian capital in October 2021.
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Awesome! SNØ is open all year.
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That's right! Apart from Lillehammer, Oslo has also hosted the Winter Olympics – in 1952. You'll learn all about it at Lillehammer's Norwegian Olympic Museum :)
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