The Ultimate Norway Winter Holiday: From Northern Lights to Ice Hotels

Experience Norway’s winter charms

Norway offers a wealth of winter experiences, from dramatic fjords to snowy peaks, all set beneath the captivating Aurora Borealis. Whether seeking adventure or a peaceful retreat, Norwegian holidays are ideal for families, couples and groups alike. With activities like snowshoeing, dog sledding and relaxing in charming cabins, there's something for everyone. Promising a memorable and enriching escape.

The Aurora Borealis – Nature’s Spectacle

Seeing the Aurora Borealis is a dream for many and Norway offers some of the best vantage points. Witness this natural phenomenon in Tromsø, Kirkenes or Alta, each offering a unique opportunity to experience nature's most captivating light display. Norwegian family holidays can include activities like snowmobiling and ice fishing, ensuring an exciting and memorable experience for all. For a more immersive stay, consider a traditional Rorbu (fisherman's cabin) in the Lofoten Islands. These waterfront cabins offer an idyllic base for exploring the Arctic wilderness, with spectacular landscapes and opportunities for winter activities and wildlife watching.

Ice Hotels – Stay in Rooms made entirely of ice, crafted fresh each year

Staying in an ice hotel provides an extraordinary experience where you can stay in rooms made entirely of snow and ice. In addition to overnight stays at the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Alta and the Snowhotel Kirkenes, it is possible to incorporate a stay at Sweden’s ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi as part of a tailor-made, multi-country holiday. Both hotels offer fantastic opportunities for Northern Lights viewing and additional winter activities. Visitors can enjoy an Arctic journey that begins in Norway’s Lofoten Islands or Tromsø and continues into Sweden for an extended winter escape.

Unique Experiences

Beyond the overnight stay in ice-sculpted rooms, Sunvil’s package holidays to Norway include culturally enriching experiences such as encounters with the Indigenous Sami people and their reindeer, king crab safaris, dog sledding, fat biking, snowshoeing and more. Wilderness dining - One of the most memorable experiences is wilderness dining in a traditional lavvu (Sami tent), where you can enjoy a meal cooked over a roaring fire, surrounded by nature’s beauty. Combining an Ice or Snow Hotel with Norway’s stunning landscapes and activities provides the ultimate memory-making winter experience.

Winter holidays on Svalbard – An Arctic adventure

For seasoned travellers seeking an extraordinary winter experience, Svalbard stands as one of the most awe-inspiring destinations on Earth. This high Arctic archipelago, located just 1,000km south of the North Pole, is a place of unparalleled beauty and raw wilderness, offering a unique and magnetic pull for those who visit.

Svalbard spans over 62,000 square kilometres and includes islands such as Spitsbergen, Bear Island, Kvitøya and Kong Karls Land. Despite its vast size, much of this frozen landscape remains uninhabited, with only a few settlements like Longyearbyen (the capital) and Ny-Ålesund (a scientific research centre)

For adventurous travellers, Svalbard is an ideal destination for winter holidays.

• Longyearbyen: The northernmost year-round settlement, Longyearbyen, is a hub of activity and serves as the main focus for visitors. With a population of just 2,000, this small community attracts residents from all corners of the world, each with their own unique connection to the polar environment. Longyearbyen offers the perfect balance between civilisation and wilderness, with modern amenities set against a backdrop of vast, untamed nature.
• Winter Activities: For those looking to explore Svalbard’s stunning winter landscapes, activities such as snowmobiling, dog sledding and ice caving are popular. The winter months also provide an incredible opportunity to witness the Northern Lights as they dance across the dark Arctic sky.
• Extend your Arctic adventure into the summer : The Sunny Winter (1st March – 16th May) offers a fantastic time to visit, with daylight increasing daily. While still fully immersed in winter, the landscape transitions from the long winter days of the pastel winter light of early March to the bright days of the Midnight Sun in late April. While the winter months offer the most exhilarating time to explore Svalbard, visitors can also extend their Arctic journey into the summer months. Summer cruises around the archipelago offer access to regions only reachable by boat, where visitors can discover ice-capped shores and observe abundant wildlife, including Puffins and Kittiwakes. These cruises provide a captivating extension to your Svalbard adventure, showcasing a different side of the Arctic. 

Svalbard is a truly unique destination, whether for a short winter break or as part of a longer Arctic adventure. Its raw beauty, sense of isolation and connection to the natural world are guaranteed to captivate any explorer’s heart.

Embrace Norway’s culture and cuisine

In addition to outdoor adventures, a winter holiday in Norway offers a chance to connect with local traditions. Visit Sami communities, learn about their way of life and discover unique cultural festivals such as Sami Week in Tromsø, which celebrates Sami culture and language and the Reindeer Race Festival in Karasjok, where you can experience traditional reindeer races and Sami music. During your trip, be sure to sample traditional Norwegian dishes, such as reindeer stew and cloudberry jam, along with festive treats found in the Christmas markets of Oslo and Bergen. In Bergen, a visit to Pepperkakebyen, the world’s largest gingerbread town, offers a glimpse into Norway's cherished holiday traditions. Families and couples alike will enjoy the blend of culture, cuisine, and pristine landscapes that make Norwegian holidays truly memorable.

Why book your winter holiday in Norway with Sunvil?

Sunvil has over 50 years of experience crafting personalised holidays, ensuring each trip is perfectly tailored to your preferences. Whether you’re planning a couples holiday to Norway or a family getaway, Sunvil’s local expertise and sustainable approach ensure an authentic, responsible travel experience. Our winter holidays to Norway focus on supporting local communities while giving you access to Norway’s most beautiful locations.

Speak with our Norway destination specialists

For tailored holiday options and expert advice, speak with Sunvil’s Norway specialists. We can help you plan the perfect itinerary, from Arctic summer and winter tours to staying in Ice Hotels. Contact our general reservations line at 020 8568 4499 or use our live chat for support.