Norway is beautiful! And winter Norway is even more beautiful! In principle, New Year holidays have always brought some warm and heartfelt atmosphere, these trips or travelling around your own city, this New Year’s hustle and bustle and feeling of happiness – it’s all a special time. Today we will talk about the birthplace of Santa Claus, this city is a great choice for those who want to feel the New Year time especially strongly. Interesting fact: in 2017 the UN recognised Norway as the country with the happiest people (we think it’s about the same there now). This is about the interesting places you can visit here.
But before we start the review, we want to give you one more piece of advice. Often when we travel somewhere, our time is taken up by all sorts of organisational issues, such as transport. So that you do not have to wait for a taxi for a long time after you arrive, that there are no problems with transporting animals or very small children, we advise you to hire an Oslo airport transfer in advance in your country and not to think about transport anymore. Why do we recommend it? There are 2 reasons: most travellers get to know Norway by flying into Oslo and also, this is the first point in our article!
Let’s get started!
Oslo – get to know the capital
As mentioned above, the capital of Norway will be the first on our list. It is the very heart of this winter country and you should walk around there. Walk around the City Hall (a historical and one of the main places in Oslo), walk along the main street Karl-Johans-gate (where all the main shops, restaurants and in general many local attractions are located), don’t forget to visit the Viking museum (it will be very atmospheric), the royal palace and the opera house.
And since you’re here for the Christmas season, don’t forget to visit the Jul and Vinterland fair (which means Christmas in Winterland). Take a ride on the big observation wheel, have delicious drinks and buy good and quality handicrafts.
Travelling by railway
This is a very interesting kind of holiday, just would be logical to write after the point with Oslo. Travel from the capital of Norway to Bergen. You’ll traverse the mountains on the Flom Railway and take a ferry ride through some of the narrowest and most beautiful fjords: the Aurlandsfjord and Neroyfjord. You will also pass through charming villages between Gudvangen and Bergen.
And overall there will be a very aesthetically pleasing atmosphere because you will also see waterfalls, snow-capped peaks and even local wildlife.
Husky safari
It will be unreal cool emotions! Firstly, huskies are cute, and secondly, can you imagine how beautiful the views will be as you drive? You can find this type of holiday in different regions of Norway, we advise you to consider Tromsø, Finnmark and Hedmark.
Catch the Northern Lights
Going back to the town of Tromsø, it is said to be one of the best places where you can catch the northern lights. We advise you to go on holiday to this place, watch the aurora, go to the polar zoo (very cool place, you can watch polar bears, foxes).
Spend your holiday in a snowy hotel
Head to the Snowhotel Kirkenes, Kirkenes. It will be an unforgettable experience! Because it is the first hotel that is made entirely of snow and ice. The hotel itself has a very different design with cool lighting. Among other things, you will have access to: breakfast and dinner (but if you choose a summer stay, only breakfast is available), access to reindeer, huskies, a yard with puppies, a warm thermal bed, sleeping bag, sauna, luggage service, ski hire and shuttle service to and from your hotel.
Sámi peoples
Learn about the culture of this ancient people who have been living in Norway (and beyond) for a very long time. It’s an interesting culture whose life you can learn more about in the northernmost region of the country. Their settlements still exist, they have their own unique language, walk in traditional clothes (mostly reindeer skin), are actively engaged in reindeer herding (it is a very important economic component for them) and also they have their own religion (which combines elements of shamanism and animism, they respect nature and its spirits). You can find out more details by booking an excursion!
Also at the moment, there is a problem with the fact that in the conditions of globalisation this nation is constantly losing territory and its uniqueness. That is why nowadays this issue is being solved in order to recognise the rights of indigenous peoples and to preserve this great historical value!
Luciana joined our team as a mum blogger in 2020. A dedicated mum to a lively daughter and a dog, Luna, Luciana brings authenticity and passion to every post. Her expertise in parenting and lifestyle topics offers practical, relatable advice for real-life situations.