When it comes to winter destinations, Northern Europe is one of the best places to go for many reasons. From the snowy weather to the cozy culture, there is a lot to love about this region in the cooler months.
For me, my favorite place for a winter getaway is the stunning country of Norway.
It seems that Norway is made for a winter wonderland vacation. From the Northern Lights to the snow-capped Fjords, there is so much to love here in the dreary winter months. It’s a great country for solo travelers, digital nomads, and just about everyone else (aside from the winter sun seekers and beach-goers).
The cities of Oslo and Bergen turn into something out of a postcard, and there are more than enough outdoor activities for those looking for some adrenaline. Not to mention, with more low-cost airlines, getting to Norway from the U.S. is shockingly cheap and easy.
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Here’s Why Norway Is My Favorite Winter Destination:
Winter Wonderland
Norway is one of those countries that is beautiful in any weather, when the sun-drenched fjords come to life in the spring, to the hot green summers, and the pop of colors in the magical fall. But in my opinion, if there is one season when Norway’s beauty really shines, it would be winter.
When the rest of Europe is gloomy and solemn, Norway turns into a winter wonderland. For anyone looking to try some snowy activities, this place is for you.
For those just looking for a chill holiday and enjoying some seriously stunning winter scenery while cozying up by a fire afterward, this place is for you as well.
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Fairy Tale Cities And Towns
Looking at a map, you will notice just how huge the country of Norway is, and therefore, the sheer number of villages and towns scattered throughout is mind-blowing. Some are more remote than others, some more magical looking, but they are all pretty and unique.
Even Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city and officially the rainiest city in Europe, is simply adorable with a small-town feel. With its charming harbor and funicular up the mountain for some epic views over the fjords, Bergen is a crowdpleaser in the winter weather.
But it’s the smaller villages and towns dotting the fjords that most come to see, with their bright colors standing out against the white wilderness, almost beckoning you to come to visit their village and hear their stories.
Epic Train Rides
Taking the train across Norway is one amazing experience, and in the winter it’s even more magical. The rail system is easy to navigate, and the stations are mostly spotless and efficient. While certain trains are more scenic than others, even the ones that go through the less stunning bits of the countryside are still spectacular.
One can’t-miss adventure is taking the Flåm Railway; you can connect in the town of Myrdal and head down on one of the steepest train tracks in the world. You snake your way down the countryside and into the fjords and end up in the postcard-perfect village of Flåm.
After, you can take a ferry such as The Hardangerfjord Express down the fjord into other towns, or stay the night at the local cozy hotel with its on-site brewery and Viking-style restaurant, which is an experience in itself.
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The Northern Lights
If you know one thing about Norway, it is probably that it is one of the best countries to spot the Northern Lights (although you don’t necessarily have to go that far), especially in the winter months. While they are visible throughout many parts of the country, it’s up north into the Arctic Circle where you will have the best luck.
One city that is a popular choice is the cozy fishing haven of Tromsø, where you can enjoy some special dishes, drink a beer at the world’s most northern brewery, and then set off on an epic tour to chase the lights when the sun goes down.
One Cool Capital
Oslo is an underrated Scandinavian city, often outshined by its more charming counterparts, such as Stockholm or Copenhagen, but there is a lot to love in this moody capital city.
First of all, getting around the city is a breeze thanks to the easy-to-use tram, connecting the cooler areas like Grünerløkka to the main part of town and beyond.
You can’t miss the iconic opera house jutting out of the water in angles and shades of grey and white that resemble ice sheets. Walk around the roofs and take in the views of the city; just be careful as it does get slippery.
The wharf district of Aker Brygge has some great waterfront restaurants, and you can walk along the water and marvel at the locals dipping in the ice-cold water, followed by their sauna around the fire.
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