Wandering in a Winter Wonderland (Norway)
- Rebecca Rudd
- Dec 25, 2025
- 3 min read
If you are looking for impressive winter landscapes and festive charm, why not add Norway to this season's bucket-list places?
My Experience:
I visited Norway as part of a Christmas cruise back in 2023 and I loved it! There were four stops made in this beautiful country on the itinerary and each place was simply magical during this time of year.
We began our sightseeing amongst the rugged, natural beauty of Åndalsnes, before travelling up to the well-known tourist attraction of Tromsø. We then continued further north before arriving in Alta. Our final stop on this festive adventure was Haugesund. All four stops had something very different to offer- whether it was the scenic views or unique experiences- and it was a trip that I'll never forget!
Top Sights of Destinations Visited:
Åndalsnes (pictures below):
Characterised by dramatic mountains, stunning lakes and beautiful valleys, this is the perfect picture-taking spot when in Norway. The winter sun on a clear day creates ample opportunities for snapping those all impressive shots: with the lakes acting as glossy mirrors reflecting every little detail of those towering peaks. Another highlight was visiting the Rødven Stave Church- one of the oldest stave churches in Norway! This area really was a gem of natural beauty and once you've finished taking your photographs, don't forget to treat yourself to a delicious hot chocolate in the town to warm up your hands!
Tromsø (pictures below):
This city is Norway's Arctic gem; with its world famous cable car providing breathtaking views of the city and its array of fun and festive winter activities, you won't want to miss out on all Tromsø has to offer. The architectural masterpiece of the iconic Arctic Cathedral is a must-see and if you have time, The Polar Museum is both informative and interesting! If you visit in the winter season, be prepared for only a few hours of daylight but this just adds to the city's special, wintry feel!
Alta (pictures below):
Further north is the cosy town of Alta. Again, with barely any sunlight during the day (only a few hours) and minus temperatures with an abundance of snow, Alta really does give winter wonderland vibes! Like Tromsø, there are many bucket-list experiences on offer here. From the Alta Museum to hanging out with huskies, or reindeer sledding to searching for those illusive Northern Lights, there is something for everyone here! The Cathedral of the Northern Lights is also a must-see due to its iconic and futuristic architectural design.
Haugesund (pictures below):
This coastal town was the last port visited on our cruise itinerary. It is located it the southwestern part of the country so the weather was much less severe than the first three places visited and with it being the time between Christmas and New Year, it was quite quiet on our day here. Many of the main attractions were closed but I did enjoy a leisurely stroll along the high street, in the park and around the harbour.
Need to knows!
Currency: | The Norwegian Krone (NOK). |
Language: | Norwegian but English is widely spoken. |
Plug type: | Types C & F. |
Travel: | I visited all of these stops as part of a Christmas cruise. As a result, I spent a day at each place (apart from Alta, where we spent two days). Personally for me, I'd have liked to have spent more time in Tromsø and Alta. |
Cash or card? | Card is now king in Norway but I'd still recommend carrying a little cash for emergencies and for the more remote places. |
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