Why You Should Visit Norway During Winter

When foreigners are asked about Norway, the first thing they mention is most likely snow, winter and freezing temperatures. The fact is that during the last years our winters have become warmer and shorter. While this might sound great to some people, I prefer having a white Christmas and I strongly believe that Norway has some of it’s most beautiful moments during the winter months. There is something special about the atmosphere in nature when the landscape is covered in a white blanket and you feel the crisp air pulling your face. 

This year we had a green Christmas. It’s the first green Christmas I have experienced in Norway. We had a couple days with some snow in the weeks before Christmas, but it always melted during the same day. I hate that time of year, when it’s neither summer or winter. Days are grey and non-photogenic. My camera is in the shelf waiting for snow and better conditions. 

Then, finally, as one year turned into a new, the snow came. First a little, then a little more, then buckets. We had days with heavy snow and complete whiteouts, which resulted in both interesting images and a landscape covered in the eagerly anticipated white blanket.

Even though winter is great and the landscape is beautiful during this period, there is still a lot of waiting for the “perfect weather”. Blue skies is rare, and when it first clears up it’s not many days until the snow will start falling from the trees. So the window to get the perfect image is rather short, unless you are high in the mountains though, then you have all the time you need. 

It’s important that you are prepared when heading out to photograph the winter. Temperatures can often be below -20c, and trust me you don’t want to go out hiking with enough clothes. Bring enough warm layers, preferably wool. Also you should use gaiters if you don’t have special winter/snow boots. Filling your shoes up with snow can be not only uncomfortable, but dangerous too. 

Regardless of the grey and cold days, wintertime in Norway offers some of the most beautiful scenery on earth. Instead of describing it with words, I’ll just show you with pictures. 

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