Winter Wonderland: A Native’s Travel Guide to Norway in February (2025)

Did you know that Norway in February offers some of the best winter conditions in Northern Europe?

We might not have exactly as cool mountains as the central European Alps, but we have the Arctic elements, the fjords, the Wales, the puffins, and the mountains to offer.

As a native Norwegian born and raised, I will show you why Norway can be pure magic in February.

In this article, you will also find tips to help you plan the trip, choose what things to do, and make an itinerary tailored to you for a holiday I am pretty sure you will not forget any time soon.

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Quick Facts Norway In February

• Norway is over 2000 kilometers long, south to north
• Weather and temperatures vary greatly between south and north
• Average temperatures in Oslo: -1°C to 0°C (30°F to 32°F) (colder at night)
• Average temperatures in Tromsø (north): -1°C to -2°C (28°F to 30°F)
• Daylight hours in Oslo in February: 9 hours of daylight (8 am – 5 pm)
• Daylight hours in Tromsø in February: 7 hours of daylight (9 am – 4 pm)

Can You Do Anything Cool In Norway In February?

Of course, you can! One disclaimer, though: of course, you can, as long as you love WINTER!

Most people hear “Norway in winter” and picture darkness and freezing temperatures. While that’s partly true, December is actually the darkest month in Norway, and in January, the sun has changed direction, and it is coming back!

This means that February is the month when Norway transforms into a magical winter wonderland, with snow, sun, daylight, a perfect canvas for amazing experiences.

Here’s why:

• Northern Lights season is still in full swing
• The Polar Night is over in most places, and you will have brilliantly light days
• The snowiest month in winter is in February (ski enthusiasts?)
• Winter sports are available everywhere, from skiing to snowshoeing and dog sledding
• Unique winter accommodations like glass igloos and snow hotels offer unforgettable stays

Even in the north, there will be decent daylight, still magic dark nights where you can see the aurora; you can have hygge with fireplaces, mulled wine, candlelights, and thick woolen socks on the sofa (mandatory in Norway).

Even if the sun has returned and grazes us with its golden but distant rays (sigh), it is still creating brightness in the days again and golden sunsets, which we love.

Snow will come and go in February, winds and storms, too, and to be happy in Norway in this winter month, you need to appreciate all this…. weather!

So, I will give you an overview of what you get to do in Norway in February, the winteresty winter month, and I suspect there might be more amazing things to keep you amazed and entertained than you probably think!

1. Chase Northern Lights Above The Arctic Circle

February is still a really good month to chase the Aurora Borealis in Norway.

Lately, there has actually been a lot more activity of northern lights in southern Norway as well, but the region above the Arctic Circle is still the best place to go for optimal chances of seeing the dancing lights.

Please don’t pay too much attention to statistics saying the best time is September and October; that is technically correct but with modifications. Northern Lights conditions are still really good for the rest of winter, including February.

You also need clear skies and a starry night, which is actually a bit more likely to come in February with more stable temperatures than during the unpredictable autumn storms and changing temperatures in September through November.

So, to see the Northern Lights, you should head to northern destinations like Lofoten, Bodø, Senja, Tromsø, Alta, Lyngenfjord, or even the North Cape for your best chance.

If you are traveling in remote areas off the beaten path, you probably just need to step out of your cabin at night and look up. If there is Aurora, you will see it! No real need to go “chasing” it!

In other areas, it might be a bit more difficult, as urban areas like Bødo, Tromsø, or Alta have a bit more light pollution, so you need to get a little bit outside the town centers.

Light pollution is your enemy in this scenario, so from most of the town hubs (or if you just want a really cool Arctic Adventure), you can join a guided tour with a local who knows all the best and most spectacular spots and viewpoints.

2. February In Norway Is Perfect For Epic Alpine Skiing

Whether you’re a skiing pro or a total beginner, Norway has a wide variety of ski resorts to offer in The Mountains (which is what we call the central mountain area not too far from Oslo).

Even right outside of Oslo, you can go cross-country skiing in Marka, the nickname for the vast forests outside Oslo. Or hit the slopes in Wyllerløypa, a small alpine skiing center right outside the capital.

To reach “Marka,” you simply get on almost any city tram (with your skis and poles in your hands like the locals) and take it to the last stop. Whether you have gone west, north, or east, you will now be in Marka.

Just put your skis on and head out (the trails are marked, and there will be locals who can help you).

If you want more serious alpine mountains, you need to go a bit further, but not too far! Some of the best alpine skiing resorts are only a few hours away from Oslo.

You can take a winter road trip here if you are up for it or a relaxing train journey through spectacular nature if you prefer that.

I can tell you right away that the train journey from Oslo to Bergen is about 5 hours, and it is SPECTACULAR, and you can abandon the train anywhere while crossing the Hardangervidda Mountain Plains.

Whether you are someone who starts the black course mocking death or prefer to zigzag your slow way along the green course enjoying the views!

Top Spots for Alpine Skiing in Central Norway:

• Trysil: Perfect for families and beginners.
• Geilo: A mix of slopes for all levels.
• Hemsedal: Known as the “Scandinavian Alps.”
• Røldal in the west not too far from Bergen

Feeling adventurous?

If you head to the Arctic Northern part of Norway, you can try backcountry skiing in some of the wildest mountains up north. Check out the Lyngen Alps, Senja Island, and areas outside Tromsø for great backcountry options.

Or go dog sledding in Finnmark or even Svalbard, the iconic island group far north of the Norwegian mainland.

3. Embrace The Cozy “Hygge” Culture

Embrace Norway’s love of hygge, the ART of coziness. Norwegians are experts in creating hygge, especially in the wintertime when it is dark and cold outside.

I did not know this was a thing other cultures do not consciously embrace for a long time; it was just what we always do in winter.

When I met cultures that (claim to) have winters, but they are not really cold, you know, just… damp and annoying. Not WILD and taking your breath away. And they don’t do the hygge thing like we do, elaborately.

So yeah, we are really good at coziness and hygge in Norway in winter.

Naturally, this very often includes a crackling fireplace, candlelights, sofas with lots of blankets and pillows, music, and a hot drink – or a glass of red wine (white wine is for summer).

You will find that hygge is not only something Norwegians embrace in their own homes (or mountain cabins), but many bars and restaurants go to great lengths to create a cozy atmosphere in the winter with a warm and inviting interior.

So how and where can you find hygge?

Well, first, make it yourself! In your cabin or house or hotel or whatever, light a candle, get a glass of red wine, and put on something soft and warm like a cute hat or colorful woolen socks.

Then, cuddle up on the sofa, looking into the flames (or someone’s eyes) – and there you have it.

You can also:

• Stroll Oslo’s Grünerløkka with Instagram-worthy cafes with roaring fireplaces
• Head up to Frognerseteren cafe and restaurant on top of Oslo (the tram goes here)
• Book a cozy mountain cabin in the Norwegian wilderness
• Visit local bakeries that serve hot chocolate and freshly baked cinnamon buns

4. Experience Unique Winter Accommodations

When you visit Norway in February, you should aim to stay at least a night or two in a spectacular place that only exists in winter in Norway.

There are numerous completely unique, spectacular places scattered around Norway that are not just places to sleep for the night.

Some are super high-end with luxurious surroundings; others are in the middle of nature or even in nature – like the ice hotels (that only exist during winter, naturally).

Here are some top picks you should check out scattered around Norway:

• Glass Igloos in Lyngenfjord: Sleep under the stars (and the Northern Lights!).
• Snowhotel Kirkenes: A magical stay in a hotel made entirely of ice and snow.
• Restored Farmhouses: Traditional and charming accommodations scattered across rural Norway.
• Rorbuer, Fisherman cabins in the Lofoten Islands, Northern Norway

5. Unforgettable Festivals and Experiences

Believe it or not, you will find a variety of festivals and cultural events around Norway in February, from South to North.

Not only in the capital, where there are lots of concerts and events all the time (check out Rockefeller, John Dee, and Sentrum Scene for a start).

But around the long country, there is interesting events going on, and here is a short list.

Visit The Northern Lights Festival

Dates: January 24 – February 1, 2025

Location: Tromsø. A renowned music festival featuring a blend of classical and contemporary performances set against the Arctic backdrop

Indigenous Sami National Day Celebrations

Date: February 6, 2025

Location: Various locations across Norway. Celebrations honoring the Indigenous Sami people featuring cultural events, traditional music, and ceremonies

Ice Music Festival

Dates: February 13 – 16, 2025

Location: Finse. A unique festival where instruments made of ice are played, creating an otherworldly musical experience in the heart of winter

Norrøna Ice Festival

Dates: February 27 – March 1, 2025

Location: Rjukan. An event for ice climbing enthusiasts featuring unique ice climbing experiences, ski touring, competitions, and presentations

Arctic ICE Festival

Dates: February 27 – March 3, 2025

Location: Various destinations in Northern Norway. A festival celebrating Arctic nature with ice and snow sculptures, workshops, and cultural activities

6. Taste The Best Winter Delicacies From The Sea

In February, the fishing season for the seasonal type of cod, called skrei, starts in the north of Norway, especially in spectacular Lofoten.

So one thing you should definitely have to eat is fresh skrei, which is a white fish that melts on your tongue when you have it straight from the sea, with simple but tasty tilbehør.

Also, you need to try stockfish or king crab north of the Arctic Circle.

Especially in Honningsvåg town, the gateway to the North Cape (where I spent a six-month summer season) – you can have amazing king crab meals.

7. Visit a Sauna with a Fjord View

So, this is a really cool thing for a capital. You can SWIM in the inner fjord of Oslo, most of the time, and that is not very common.

Right across from the famous modern Oslo Opera House, you can just slip into a floating sauna five minutes from the main street and just hang there. Dip in the fjord if you feel like it, and there are plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants nearby to visit before or after (or during, like at Salt).

Even if you are not a Viking, you can be one for a day if you have the guts to jump in the fjord in Oslo in February! Lucky for you, you will climb right back into the steaming hot sauna.

8. Learn Cross Country Skiing

From any destination in Norway, including the capital, Oslo, there are miles and miles of pristine cross-country skiing opportunities close to you. The only area where you might not have “secure snow conditions” in February is the far south of Norway, which has the highest winter temperatures.

In most other places, you find prepared tracks close to the town centers, many of which are lit at night for a magic evening skiing experience.

In the central mountainous areas I listed in section 2, you can often put on your cross-country skis outside your cabin door and just go skiing from there: ski in – ski out.

• Oslo: take the city tram to Sognsvann, Frognerseteren or Sognsvann
• Bergen: The mountain plains atop the Fløyen Funicular
• Trondheim: Explore Bymarka on skis
• Tromsø: Trails on Tromsøya, Kvaløya, and

Never been cross-country skiing before? It will take a bit of practice; the skis are slim and light and do not provide a lot of support, unlike alpine skiing with heavy boots and steel edges to the skis.

So expect to feel clumsy at first, but take it slow and don’t give up – and you will soon be able to have the silky smooth sensation of gliding through incredible winter surroundings.

You can also book an instructor for a few hours in your destination to help you start out the right way and learn the best technique from the get-go.

9. Go Stargazing In Eastern Finnmark

Just recently, at the end of 2024, Norway is home to one part of a really cool community called Dark Sky, the only Dark Sky location in Norway.

So what is this concept?

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Have you heard about Øvre Pasvik National Park? It’s actually Norway’s very first certified International Dark Sky Place tucked away in the Pasvik Valley, about 100 km south of Kirkenes, way up in the northeast corner of Norway in Sør-Varanger Municipality.

What makes this park extra special is its location at 69 degrees north. Thanks to that, the Polar Night lasts two months, creating the perfect conditions for stargazing.

If you’re planning a visit, there are two main spots to check out: the Øvre Pasvik National Park Visitor Centre at NIBIO Svanhovd and a Visitor Point at Gjøken, which is closer to the park itself.

And if you’re into chasing the Northern Lights, you’re in luck up here.

From September to March, the park is one of the best spots to see the Aurora Borealis dancing across the sky.

Plus, there’s hardly any air traffic this far north, so you’ll get a crystal-clear, light-pollution-free night sky.

The park itself doesn’t have any artificial lighting, which helps keep that pristine night sky intact.

Also, the team behind Øvre Pasvik is pretty dedicated to keeping it that way, too, and they are working with local schools and communities in the Sami Region to spread the word about dark sky preservation.

And over at the NIBIO Research Center at Svanhovd, they’re hosting nature schools for kids, citizen science projects, and even open lectures for adults—all focused on protecting these incredible skies.

Just a heads-up if you’re visiting in winter: it gets seriously cold—like, minus 30°C or lower—so come prepared for some hardcore Arctic weather!

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How to get there: Fly with Wideroe to Kirkenes, or choose the long haul bus with snelandia.no.

Stay in Kirkenes

Practical Survival-In-The-Norway-Winter Travel Tips

What to Pack

When you travel to Norway in the winter, you do not want to underestimate the elements, weather, and temperatures.

Not bringing enough warm clothes can, if not ruin your holiday, at least make it less comfortable as you want to be warm to be able to enjoy the incredible winter nature that surrounds you in Norway.

So at a minimum, make sure you pack the following:

• Thermal underwear (merino wool is best).
• Waterproof and windproof winter coat (long down jacket/parkas)
• Thick outerwear trousers
• Snow boots with excellent grip.
• Warm hats and mittens, hand and foot warmers.
• Cold cream for your face
• Extra camera batteries (cold weather drains them fast).

Weather Expectations for February

• Daylight Hours: About 8 hours in Oslo; expect polar nights up north.
• Temperatures:
  • South: Can range from -5°C to 5°C.
  • North: Can range from -2°C to – 20 °C and colder.

Getting Around

• Trains: The Oslo-Bergen Railway offers jaw-dropping winter views. You can also take the train to Trondheim and Bodø from Oslo. Check out vy.no.
• Flights: Domestic flights are quick and reliable for longer distances. Domestic flights are not too pricey, and between small airports in the north, check out Wideroe Airline.
• Public Bus Transport: Norway has a developed network of long-haul buses both in the south and in the north. In February, you must be prepared for delays due to weather.
  • Norway Bus Express
  • Northern Norway
• Road Trip: If you feel comfortable driving in winter conditions, this is a really good option, too. I often find the best rental car deals on DiscoverCars

Budget Considerations

While Norway isn’t cheap, February (which is a peak winter month) is a bit more affordable than the peak summer months.

The exception is the most popular skiing destinations, where cabins and alpine skiing passes will take a chunk out of your budget.

Here is the range of costs you can expect:

• Accommodation: $120–400 per night.
• Meals: $40–100 per day.
• Activities: $500–1,000 for tours and experiences.

Money-Saving Tips:

• As always, early booking will probably score you the best deals
• Last-minute trips can also be a place for great deals
• Stay in guesthouses or Airbnb for a cozy, budget-friendly experience
• Book accommodation with a kitchen and cook at home
• If you don’t mind sharing, you can also check out Couchsurfing in Norway
• Look up “free things to do in (your destination)

So, Are You Ready to Plan Your Trip?

Norway in February is GREAT! Apart from September, February is one of my three favorite months in Norway, with the best winter conditions in the winter season normally showing up in February.

Start planning today, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

FAQs About Norway in February

1. Can you see the Northern Lights in February in Norway?
Yes! February is a really good month for Northern Lights viewing, especially in northern regions like Tromsø or Alta.

2. What is the weather like in Norway in February?
Expect cold temperatures ranging from -5°C (or sometimes zero) in the south to -20°C or below in the north, with very few daylight hours.

3. Is Norway in February expensive?
While Norway is a high-cost destination, February is often cheaper than summer. The exception is mountain destinations that have high seasons in the best skiing period. Budget wisely and consider early bookings to save.

Wrap-Up Norway In February

February in Norway is perfect for anyone looking for a wonderful winter getaway. Yes, it’s dark. Yes, it’s cold. But it’s also breathtakingly beautiful, culturally rich, and unlike anywhere else on the planet.

You will find amazing nature experiences, wildlife encounters, and normally great skiing conditions across our country, and still some of the best conditions for spotting the iconic Northern Lights!

Pair that with cozy winter vibes, temperatures below zero, pale blue skies with a striking sun (fingers crossed), and thrilling outdoor adventures, and you’ve got the ultimate winter destination.

Are you ready to embrace the Norwegian winter? Pack your warmest layers, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare for the journey of a lifetime.

PS: My third most favorite month in Norway is May :).