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Norway in Christmas week. Good idea?

Posted by on

Hi, my friends and I want to travel to Norway during December last week. Our primary purpose is to see the Northern lights, & whale watching. We would love to visit some fjords as well. My questions are:

  1. Is December last week a good idea, weather wise? (Northern lights viewing etc.)
  2. Any suggestions on places to catch the Northern lights? Tromso is on the list, but I would love to hear more suggestions!
  3. Which fjords can we visit during the winter?
  4. Any other general suggestions on places & activities we can do in December in Norway are very welcome!

Thanks so much!

Posted by
5835 posts

I haven't visited in December/Christmas but have been in Norway during Easter. Norwegians enjoy family and persional life and the towns shut down between Easter Thursday and the Monday After Easter holiday period. Locals leave the city and head for their holiday cabins filling trains etc. I would suspect the Christmas holiday period could be similar.

Norwegian TI website on Northern Lights:
https://www.visitnorway.com/things-to-do/nature-attractions/northern-lights/

The Norwegian coast is warmed by the Gulf Stream and is relatively mild and generaly ice free. The Norwegain Hurtigruten boats run year round.
https://bjerknes.uib.no/en/article/ipcc/gulf-stream

Daylight hours will of course be short.

Posted by
2230 posts
  1. Same answer as always. Weather in Norway is unpredictable. may be 24 hrs before: www.yr.no
  2. https://www.visitnorway.com/things-to-do/nature-attractions/northern-lights/
  3. You can visit every fjord that can be reached by car and boat. Be aware that a lot of mountain passes are closed during winter and some more on special conditions. Best is to ask at local tourist office at beginning of your stay. Winter is definitely not the best time to visit the fjords.
  4. https://www.visitnorway.com/plan-your-trip/seasons-climate/winter/?lang=primary

Be prepared for very short daylight time windows.

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