For me, Norwegian Jul is the most magical times of the year. It’s a time when family comes together to share traditions that feel as old as the mountains themselves.

The smell of hearty Christmas food fills the house, advent candles glow softly, and the Christmas tree stands tall, adorned with ornaments collected over the years. And, of course, there’s the nisse — that mischievous little gnome-like figure. As a child, I believed he lived in the barn, watching over us, and I’d leave him porridge to keep him happy. Even now, the stories of the nisse bring a sense of wonder and nostalgia to the season. 

At Christmas, the days are short in Norway. You have to be quick to make the most of the daylight, but there’s something enchanting about that “blue hour” just before dusk. The snow sparkles, and the whole world seems to pause in a quiet, magical glow.  

A Magical Time of the Year

It’s the perfect time to head out on skis — cross-country trails winding through the forest or alpine slopes that make your heart race. And when darkness falls, the adventure doesn’t end. Skiing through the night with a headlamp is a special experience, where the narrow beam of light dances across the snow, and the silence of the forest feels even more profound.  

More than just Adventure

After hours in the cold, nothing beats returning to a warm cabin, where the fire crackles, and the smell of fresh-baked treats fills the air. 

Fotos: Simon Michalowicz / Terje Rakke – VisitNorway.com

A Christmas holiday in the mountains is something I cherish deeply. It’s not just about adventure — though skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding are definitely part of it. It’s also about breathing in that fresh, crisp mountain air, sharing long dinners with family and friends, and feeling the warmth of tradition all around you. For me, it’s a retreat for both body and soul — a time to recharge, reflect, and simply be present. These moments, surrounded by loved ones in a snow-covered wonderland, are what I hold onto all year long.

Glenn has been exploring Jotunheimen and its surrounding regions since he was a young boy. For the past 20 years, he has guided summit hikes, glacier tours, and ski touring adventures in this beautiful part of Norway. With a life spent in the mountains and a career in the region’s tourism industry, Glenn knows every trail, the local hosts, and the natural environment inside and out. Holding a master’s degree in biology, nature is his greatest passion, but he also loves sharing the region’s rich culture and history with his clients.

Glenn has chosen to live in the mountains to stay close to the activities he loves, such as cross-country skiing, mountaineering, ski touring, trail biking, gravel cycling, and fishing. Living there allows Glenn to connect with nature daily and offer his guests authentic, unforgettable outdoor experiences.