Winter magic in the fjords

Winter is the magical season in Fjord Norway. Nature becomes rawer and wilder, and flavours are enhanced. The cities and towns offer a rich and varied cultural scene.

© Fjord Norway/Trolltunga Active

The Norwegian fjords are transformed in winter. They become rawer and wilder, and the landscape is dominated by a constantly changing mix of light, colour and sound. Winter is the season for magical experiences in Fjord Norway, which you can experience in lots of ways.

One moment, you can enjoy an enormous sense of freedom with the landscape of ice-covered fjords, crystal-clear air and snowy mountain peaks all to yourself, and, the next, find yourself in a lively city scene, surrounded by restaurants, markets and lots of cultural events. The contrast between doing exciting activities in beautiful winter scenery and then sitting in front of a roaring fire with a hot drink does something to you.

Høllesli, Lysefjorden
Høllesli, Lysefjorden

Great winter destinations to explore in Fjord Norway

  • Voss – A winter wonderland, easily accessible by train and the perfect base for exploring the heart of Fjord Norway. Enjoy a blend of adventure and relaxation with activities like snowshoeing through serene landscapes, unwinding in a sauna, and savoring cozy, local dining experiences​.

  • Haugesund – Why not experience Haugesund, the Viking destination in Fjord Norway, in winter? Enjoy a holiday of city life, culture and nature experiences where "hygge" is key. You can visit Haugesund with its charming city centre, Skudeneshavn in winter colours, or take the short trip to Åkrafjorden, a hidden fjord gem that's well worth a visit.

  • The Sognefjord area offers captivating winter experiences that highlight its stunning landscapes and unique culture. One of the most iconic winter activities is a fjord cruise on the UNESCO Nærøyfjord. The Flåm Railway provides a scenic train ride through snow-covered landscapes, while guided snowshoe hikes to the Stegastein Viewpoint or other fjord trails offer a more immersive nature experience.

  • Ålesund, Geiranger and the Sunnmøre region  Discover delicious details in the Art Nouveau town Ålesund, experience the wild landscape in the UNESCO Geirangerfjord and taste local cuisine in towns and villages where snow-covered mountain peaks go straight into the fjords.

  • Northwest – Experience the roaring ocean and the calm fjords, where friendly people share their local cuisine, history and activities. Drive the legendary Atlantic Road, climb aboard the Rauma Railway and discover our cosy towns

  • Stavanger – Experience winter at the Edge of Norway, where stunning nature, a lively city, and delicious seasonal food create the perfect winter destination. Cruise through the snow-covered Lysefjord with Rødne fjord cruise and soak in the magical scenery. For adventure seekers, a guided hike to Preikestolen offers breathtaking views along snow-covered trails. After exploring, warm up with fresh, seasonal seafood at cosy spots, capturing the true taste of winter by the fjords.

The fjord as your pantry

You can also taste unique fjord produce in the small towns along the fjords. Winter is peak season for Norwegian seafood, and Fjord Norway boasts world-class seafood, with a wide variety of fresh fish and shellfish. Why not immerse yourself in the history of dried and salted codfish? Sample clipfish in a stew or have it the traditional way in Kristiansund, the "capital of clipfish" on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. As well as enjoying the delicacies of the sea, delicious fruit, cheese and wild sheep are distinctive ingredients from the fjords, which you will find on many restaurant menus – whether you eat at a Michelin restaurant in the cities like Stavanger and Bergen, or order local food at a nearby restaurant.

The fjords are easy to get to

They may seem pretty remote but the fantastic experiences that await on the fjords are actually much closer than you might think. There are direct flights from big cities like Copenhagen, Amsterdam, London, Frankfurt and Paris to the fjord cities Stavanger, Bergen and Ålesund, and the magical fjords are just a short train, bus or car ride from there.
With Fjord Line, you can travel comfortably by ferry from Denmark to Stavanger and Bergen.

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