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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 fun culture, there is a lot to experience in this region in the colder months.
For me, my favorite place for a winter holiday is beautiful Norway.
It seems Norway was made for a winter wonderland holiday. From the Northern Lights to the snow-capped fjords, there is so much to enjoy here in the gloomy winter months. It’s a great country for solo travelers, digital nomads, and pretty much everyone else (aside from winter sun seekers and beachgoers).
The cities of Oslo and Bergen turn into something out of a postcard, and there are plenty of outdoor activities for those looking for some adrenaline. Not to mention that with more and more low-cost airlines, traveling to Norway from the US is shockingly cheap and easy.
@norway.explores @explorewithjohan tips us about his top 6 winter activities in Norway 🇳🇴❄️ 🎥: @explorewithjohan 📍: Norway #Norway🇳🇴 #Norway #outdoors #norwaywinter #traveling ♬ original sound – Norway
This is why Norway is my favorite winter destination:
Winter Wonderland
Norway is one of those countries that is beautiful in all weathers, when the sun-drenched fjords come alive in spring, the hot green summers and the riot of colors in the magical autumn. But if there is one season where the beauty of Norway really shines, in my opinion it is winter.
When the rest of Europe is somber and solemn, Norway turns into a winter wonderland. For anyone who wants to try some snowy activities, this place is for you.
For those who are just looking for a relaxing holiday and want to enjoy breathtaking winter scenery while cozying up by a fire afterwards, then this place is also for you.
@damon.beckford Blue hour in Henningsvær, Lofoten Islands 💙 Winter in Northern Norway is something very special. White snow-capped mountains and the blue ocean provide a stunning contrast. 🏔 And what about all those perfect wooden houses? 😍 Is this place on your bucket list? 🫶🏻 8 MILLION VIEWS ON MY INSTAGRAM! 💙💙 #lofoteislands #Norway #viralvideo #henningsvaer #bluehour #lofoten #dji #dronevideo #dronetictok #trip #travelbucketlist #restiktok #winter #to put away #viraltravel ♬ original sound – ViOLiNiA
Fairytale towns and villages
If you look at a map, you will notice how large the country of Norway is, which is why the sheer number of towns and cities spread across the country is staggering. Some are more remote than others, some look more magical, but they are all beautiful and unique.
Even Bergen, Norway’s second largest city and officially the rainiest city in Europe, is simply adorable and has a small-town atmosphere. With its charming harbor and cable car up the mountain for some epic views over the fjords, Bergen is a crowd pleaser in winter weather.
But it is the smaller villages and towns along the fjords that are most visited, with their bright colors standing out against the white wilderness and almost inviting you to come visit their village and hear their stories.
Epic train rides
Traveling through Norway by train is an amazing experience, and in winter it is even more magical. The rail system is easy to navigate and the stations are usually spotless and efficient. While certain trains are more scenic than others, even those that travel through the less stunning parts of the countryside are still spectacular.
An adventure not to be missed is taking the Flåm Railway; You can change in the town of Myrdal and go down one of the steepest train tracks in the world. You’ll wind your way through the countryside and fjords and end up in the postcard-perfect village of Flåm.
Then you can take a ferry like the Hardangerfjord Express across the fjord to other towns, or stay overnight in the local, cozy hotel with its own Viking-style brewery and restaurant, which is an experience in itself.
@norway.explores Train rides in Norway: a journey through nature’s gallery! 🚂🏞️🇳🇴 @WanderJess #TrainRidesInNorway #ScenicTravels #WanderlustReis #Discover more #ReislandDiscover #Norway #restiktok ♬ be Love is Beautifully Painful (Remix) – Ghost Duet
The northern Lights
If you know one thing about Norway, it’s probably that it’s one of the best countries for spotting the Northern Lights (although you don’t necessarily have to go that far), especially in the winter months. Although they are visible in many parts of the country, north to the Arctic Circle is where you will have the most luck.
One city that is a popular choice is the cozy fishing port of Tromsø, where you can enjoy some special dishes, have a beer at the northernmost brewery in the world and then go on an epic chase-the-lights tour as the sun sets.
One cool capital
Oslo is an underrated Scandinavian city, often overshadowed by its more charming counterparts, such as Stockholm or Copenhagen, but there’s a lot to love about this moody capital.
First of all, getting around the city is a breeze thanks to the easy-to-use tram, which connects the cooler areas like Grünerløkka with most of the city and beyond.
You can’t miss the iconic Opera House that juts out of the water in angles and shades of gray and white that resemble ice caps. Walk around the rooftops and enjoy the city views; be careful because it gets slippery.
The Aker Brygge wharf district has some great waterfront restaurants, and you can stroll along the water and marvel at the locals taking dips in the ice-cold water, followed by their sauna around the fire.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
