Norway in Winter/without self drive
Jan 31st, 2016, 01:09 AM
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Norway in Winter/without self drive
Hey all,
I was wondering if it is suitable for someone living in the tropics to visit Norway in late November/Early December. Weather is obviously a concern because we aren't used to snow and sub zero temperatures. Because of the short daylight, I feel that sightseeing opportunities are somewhat diminished. There is limited time to go hiking to various spots, but a higher chance of seeing the Northern Lights(?). From what I've read, people tend to focus a bit more on the nightlife of Norwegian cities in the winter. However, I'm more interested in the rugged landscapes and fjords Norway has to offer rather than planning a trip around the cities. Would it be advisable to visit Norway in early winter? (We won't be doing a self drive either because of the icy conditions of the roads) The trip should last around 2 weeks so I'm pretty certain I am only going to be able to see the highlights of this amazing country.
Thanks
I was wondering if it is suitable for someone living in the tropics to visit Norway in late November/Early December. Weather is obviously a concern because we aren't used to snow and sub zero temperatures. Because of the short daylight, I feel that sightseeing opportunities are somewhat diminished. There is limited time to go hiking to various spots, but a higher chance of seeing the Northern Lights(?). From what I've read, people tend to focus a bit more on the nightlife of Norwegian cities in the winter. However, I'm more interested in the rugged landscapes and fjords Norway has to offer rather than planning a trip around the cities. Would it be advisable to visit Norway in early winter? (We won't be doing a self drive either because of the icy conditions of the roads) The trip should last around 2 weeks so I'm pretty certain I am only going to be able to see the highlights of this amazing country.
Thanks
Jan 31st, 2016, 01:55 AM
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If you can afford it consider a Hurtigruten voyage, either the full round trip, or one way. You will sail up the coast, visiting towns and villages all the way. In the far north it will already be the Arctic night at that time, but further south you will get some daylight.
Although it seems expensive bear in mind it is full board, so all meals are included (or breakfast and dinner if you opt for the cheaper half board option) as well as your accommodation.
Although it seems expensive bear in mind it is full board, so all meals are included (or breakfast and dinner if you opt for the cheaper half board option) as well as your accommodation.
Jan 31st, 2016, 04:23 AM
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Thanks hetismij for your suggestion! I'm open to the idea of a cruise because it seems much more convenient and the price isn't too outrageous either. However, will I be very limited to the coast if I take a cruise? Am I able to get further inland before the cruise leaves for the next port? Because right now I see that the cruise only stays at a port for a couple of hours.
Jan 31st, 2016, 04:45 AM
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You can book excursions which take you a bit further, or you could opt to stop off somewhere and explore before carrying on on a different boat. That would mean booking a more complicated trip but the folks at Hurtigruten are helpful in that respect.
There is probably little to see inland at that time of year, with cold, darkness and potential bad weather further limiting what you can do.
Alternatively do a one way trip and use the rest of the time inland, or maybe go up and back to Tromsø, and get off there to explore inland from there, or get off on the Lofoten and explore those.
Also it isn't a cruise - no entertainment or at least not much - the scenery, the journey is the entertainment. It is a working ship, and doesn't hang around.
One excursion which I know everyone who has taken it has loved is the snowmobile trip. Expensive (which is why I haven't done it despite doing the trip 3 times) but everyone is really enthusiastic about it.
The trip also has the advantage that you can warm and dry most of the time if you choose, or out on deck most of the time (which is my choice).
There is probably little to see inland at that time of year, with cold, darkness and potential bad weather further limiting what you can do.
Alternatively do a one way trip and use the rest of the time inland, or maybe go up and back to Tromsø, and get off there to explore inland from there, or get off on the Lofoten and explore those.
Also it isn't a cruise - no entertainment or at least not much - the scenery, the journey is the entertainment. It is a working ship, and doesn't hang around.
One excursion which I know everyone who has taken it has loved is the snowmobile trip. Expensive (which is why I haven't done it despite doing the trip 3 times) but everyone is really enthusiastic about it.
The trip also has the advantage that you can warm and dry most of the time if you choose, or out on deck most of the time (which is my choice).
Jan 31st, 2016, 05:21 AM
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Ah, okay. Thanks for the reply.
"There is probably little to see inland at that time of year, with cold, darkness and potential bad weather further limiting what you can do."
If that is the case, do you think June would be a better time to go? I'm not sure if it is worth travelling in the peak season, paying more for an already expensive trip (is it?) and having a lower chance of viewing the Northern Lights( Have read differing viewpoints on this...... is it true for summer months?). I'm going to Norway mostly for the landscape and climbing up the fjords or even glaciers for the vast scenery. Viewing the scenery from the water would already be spectacular, but I really want to have the aspect of interacting with the landscape itself and not just view it passively. If winter time severely diminishes the opportunity to experience that, then I may have to consider booking a trip in the summer season.
Again, thanks for the help, hetismij!
"There is probably little to see inland at that time of year, with cold, darkness and potential bad weather further limiting what you can do."
If that is the case, do you think June would be a better time to go? I'm not sure if it is worth travelling in the peak season, paying more for an already expensive trip (is it?) and having a lower chance of viewing the Northern Lights( Have read differing viewpoints on this...... is it true for summer months?). I'm going to Norway mostly for the landscape and climbing up the fjords or even glaciers for the vast scenery. Viewing the scenery from the water would already be spectacular, but I really want to have the aspect of interacting with the landscape itself and not just view it passively. If winter time severely diminishes the opportunity to experience that, then I may have to consider booking a trip in the summer season.
Again, thanks for the help, hetismij!
Jan 31st, 2016, 05:27 AM
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For Northern Lights visit Tromsø where there are many tour operators offering light chasing tours - you need to be away from city light polution and an area with clear skies, so often involves a drive out of the city.
Forget hiking, glacier walking and other activities in winter - the country is covered in snow - http://www.visittromso.no/en
Forget hiking, glacier walking and other activities in winter - the country is covered in snow - http://www.visittromso.no/en
