Foto:Petr Pavlicek
Winter holidays in Norway
Have you dreamt of spending your winter holiday in thick snow and crisp air? Of riding a dog sled through winter wonderland? Of skiing on freshly prepared tracks amongst majestic mountains? In short: Experiencing real winter again?
We got you!
BOOK YOUR WINTER TRIP IN NORWAY NOW
Whether it is a laid-back family trip or a more sporty, challenging ski tour, we offer you a wide range of winter activities in the beautiful Jotunheimen and Valdres region. Enjoy good local food, cozy accommodation in the mountains, and the amazing bright night sky with a lot of stars and low light pollution.
Check out all our winter holiday options here:
Cross-Country Skiing Holidays
Join us on a cross-country trip in Valdres and Jotunheimen! Glide on groomed trails through a winter landscape with majestic views of Norway’s most powerful mountains. Combine this with accommodation in the coziest mountain lodges in a cozy atmosphere and local dishes.
See all cross-country holidays ›
Winter Activities
Join the winter adventure in snowy Valdres and Jotunheimen! Experience a sparkling winter landscape from the dog sled, feel mastered by getting to the top on snowshoes, enjoy freshly groomed cross-country trails and airy white peaks. We offer trips with a length of 1 til 6 days.
See all of our winter activities ›
Backcountry Skiing
Embark on one of our most adventurous winter trips! Whether you’re seeking a multi-day ski tour or shorter, exhilarating routes – backcountry skiing in Jotunheimen promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of Norwegian nature.
See all backcountry skiing holidays ›
Snowshoeing Holidays
This fantastic winter activity is the perfect alternative to skiing or snowboarding. It’s easy-going yet adventurous and a great way to stay active. Also it is quicker to learn than skiing and a more affordable sport. Explore the marvelous winter landscape at your own pace!
See all snowshoeing holidays ›
WHY YOU SHOULD TRAVEL WITH US
With us, you enjoy a carefree adventure to let your mind relax and focus on nothing but making memories in the beautiful nature of Jotunheimen. We take care of everything regarding your trip: itinerary, transport, accommodation, local food, luggage transport to and from your destination, packing list, and more. No compromise between adventure and safety!
JVB being a company with over 100 years of history within our region of Valdres and Jotunheimen, our fleet includes busses, snow coaches and boats. All of those work together to make all kinds of exciting trips possible for you.
Do you want to feel safer with a guide? Or you want to combine several activities in one trip? Add another overnight stay? Don’t worry, we tailor your trip according to your needs.
With us, you get:
- Full inclusive travel package with accommodation, transport, luggage transport in some places, travel documents, map and much more
- Delicious local food
- Cozy accommodation
- Great winter activities in beautiful Norwegian landscapes (also guided)
- Taylor-made packages according to your wishes
WINTER IN NORWAY – WHAT IS IT LIKE?
Contrasting – this word probably describes winter in Norway best of all. Expansive, green moorlands, birch forests, and rolling landscapes transform in winter into an endlessly vast snowy wilderness. A huge playground for all those who want to experience a true winter in peace. Somewhere between solitude and cozy activity, winter life in Norway unfolds – an excellent place to slow down and escape from everyday life.
Winter - the longest season
Especially in the Jotunheimen region, home to the highest mountains in the country, winter in Norway actually makes up a large part of the year. As early as mid to late September, the first snowfalls are expected here. It can then remain in the high altitudes until June. From December on, it is time to get the skis out and hit the slopes, when the snow has settled a bit. All through the end of April (some years early May), we have a wonderful time for all kinds of winter activities, with increasingly longer days, rising temperatures and longer daylight hours.
As beautiful as our winter wonderland sparkles on sunny days, the conditions can be just as challenging on other days – speaking of contrast. Rapid weather changes, strong winds, and sudden temperature drops are not uncommon. Therefore, it is essential to be well-prepared with the right clothing and good equipment. Make sure to check our packing list, which is included with every booking.
THINGS TO DO IN NORWAY IN THE WINTER
Of course, it is more than cozy to spend time in a cabin, sitting by the fireplace with some coffee or tea, enjoying the candlelight and warmth. But as you maybe know, Norway is the country of endless outdoor options, all year round. So there are plenty of possibilities to get out, breathe in the crisp air and marvel at the absolutely beautiful wintery landscape.
Here is a summary of things you can do in Norway in winter.
1. SNOWSHOEING
If you are not born on skis, like most Norwegians, snowshoes are a great and easy way to explore your surroundings. You don’t need much for this activity, just some hiking poles (which we will provide for you), and a stable pair of hiking or winter boots.
2. SNOW COACH
In our region, the JVB snow coaches by lake Tyin are really popular as a vehicle to get to the more remote mountains in winter. It is a really special experience to get on the snow mobiles that have been running between Tyin and Eidsbugarden since 1948. Your luggage will be stored on top of the roof while you enjoy the winter landscape through the windows of a famous «beltebil».
3. HORSEBACK RIDING
We have been collaborating with Myhre Gård to get our guests to enjoy wintery Norway from a horseback perspective. It is a special pristine experience to sit high up on the back of such a majestic animal, taking in the fabulous views and snowy landscapes.
4. DOG SLEDDING
A dog sledding trip is a very «northern» experience to have, and so special, since you connect with the animals quickly. Seeing the highly motivated dogs doing what they do best, while being surrounded by a beautiful winter scenery, will be something to cross off your bucket list.
5. ICE FISHING
Ice fishing has a big tradition in Norway, and it is actually not so hard to learn. The only thing you really need – besides the equipment – is a bit of patience and good thick clothing and boots, so you can keep warm when sitting in front of your drilled hole on the ice.
6. STARGAZING
Being far away from any source of light pollution, you can witness an amazing night sky not only in the mountains of Jotunheimen, but also in the whole region of Valdres. Dress yourself in the warmest clothes possible and enjoy! And yes, we sometimes we are lucky to have Northern Lights as well, but not as frequently as our Northern fellow citizens do.
7. KOS
Aside from all the fun activities to do in the winter, this must be mentioned: Kos is a very special Norwegian thing which is not exactly an activity but then again, it is. It is all about making yourself cozy and nice wherever you are, just enjoying life and having a good time – whether it is outside in the snow or in a comfy cabin.
5 FUN FACTS ABOUT NORWEGIAN WINTER
While the cold can be intense, Norwegians have adapted to embrace the season, celebrating the winter months with resilience and warmth. Here are five fun facts that capture the essence of winter in Norway.
1. POLAR EXPLORING HERITAGE
The winter in the north has always been a training environment for polar explorers because of the authentic, polar-like, harsh conditions in the mountains. Amundsen practised in Hardangervidda, Scott stayed at Fefor near Jotunheimen to test his famous snow vehicles to reach South Pole.
2. CABIN SYSTEM
The cabin system of the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) is a big part of Northern mountain culture, also here in Jotunheimen. It includes about 600 cabins all over the country. A lot of them are usable in the wintertime as well, providing a safe and warm place for skiers to use on their trips.
3. EASTER CRAZE
Easter has an especially big meaning for Norwegians. So late in the winter season, the often sunny, warmer and longer days are inviting for people to spend their holidays on mountain skitours and multi-day skiing trips (påsketur). Basically everyone is outside enjoying nature at that time – of course with a Kvikk Lunsj (chocolate bar) and Solo (orange softdrink) in their backpacks. And if you happen to see people skiing in their underwear, this is absolutely normal!
4. UNIVERSAL WOOL SWEATER
Although you might see people out in the winter wearing down jackets or other functional clothing, the famous wool sweater is what so many Norwegians like to rely on. Whether it is out skiing or working around your cabin, the comfy warmth of this almost undestroyable garment is what makes it totally unique. Most times nice colors and traditional knitting patterns make it also a quite fashionable piece to wear – and a great souvenir to take home with you from your winter holiday in Norway!
5. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES TO SKI
In Southern Norway alone, we have literally thousands of kilometers of marked ski routes. The Tourist Association marks 4300 km (!) of tracks every winter with long twigs called «kvister». This adds to your safety when you head out on your next skiing holiday in the backcountry.
WHO ARE WE?
Jotunheimen Travel is specialized in nature-based experiences. Our vision is to create mind-changing and sustainable journeys for our guest along the route Oslo – Bergen with the core region around Valdres and Jotunheimen National Park. We are a part of the Fagernes-based company JVB, which has a tradition of over 100 years.
