This itinerary is created specifically for those travelling in winter with one dream in mind: seeing the Northern Lights.

You can witness the Aurora Borealis from September until the end of March in Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands, but if you want both the Northern Lights and snow-covered landscapes, winter is when the magic truly happens.

Winter in Norway is simply magical.

I’ve seen photos of Lofoten in every season — green summers, golden autumns, dramatic spring — and each has its own charm. But for someone like me, who has lived her entire life in a tropical country with only two seasons, seeing a world blanketed in snow was nothing short of mesmerizing. It felt surreal. Quiet. Cinematic. Almost unreal.

When to Go

We do not recommend travelling in December or January.

During these two months, daylight in the Arctic Circle is extremely limited, and temperatures — especially in January — can be brutally cold. Self-driving in Lofoten can also be more challenging.

Our favourite time to travel is mid-February to end of March, for two main reasons:

1. You still get a proper snowy landscape, but temperatures are generally milder — averaging between –5°C to 5°C, depending on how far north you are. By March, sunset is around 6:30pm, giving you longer and more enjoyable days.
2. Many children have short school breaks in March. This 12-day itinerary works beautifully if you’re travelling with kids.

Expect plenty of snow in Lofoten and Tromsø in February. By mid-March, snowfall may be less frequent, but the winter landscape remains beautifully white.

How to Dress (Layering Is Everything)

March is still winter in Norway and the rest of Scandinavia. Temperatures will mostly stay below 5°C — except in Bergen, where it may hover between 8–10°C.

The key is layering properly.

Base Layer

This sits closest to your skin and regulates body temperature. It keeps warmth in while wicking sweat away — especially important when you move between heated indoor spaces and freezing outdoor air.

Common materials:

• Merino wool (warmest)
• Silk
• Synthetic blends
• Bamboo

If your skin is sensitive to wool, opt for a good synthetic blend.

Mid Layer

This is what you wear between base and outer layers. Depending on the cold, you may need one or two tops. I personally wore two mid-layers when we were hunting for the Northern Lights.

Great fabrics:

• Merino wool
• Lightweight wool
• Cashmere
• Fleece

For bottoms, wear fleece-lined pants with thermal leggings underneath.

Outer Layer

Your outer layer protects you from wind, snow, and rain. Invest in an insulated, waterproof, windproof jacket that can withstand sub-zero temperatures. Breathability is crucial for the layering system to work properly.

Ditch your fancy coat. Get a proper winter down jacket.

I wore a Columbia jacket with Omni-Heat technology that performed beautifully below zero. Other reliable brands include North Face and 66°North.

Essential Accessories

• Waterproof hiking boots with good grip. You’ll be walking on icy and snowy ground — comfort matters more than aesthetics.
• Thick wool socks (bring several pairs). I doubled mine during the ice cave and Northern Lights tours.
• Spikes/Cleats for your boots — absolute lifesavers on icy pavements.
• Wool or cashmere scarves
• Wool hats or earmuffs
• Waterproof or wool gloves (with touchscreen-friendly tips)
• Hot hands/packs — lifesavers when standing outdoors waiting for the Aurora

You can buy many of these items in Norway if needed, but I prefer arriving prepared.

The 12-Day Itinerary

Day 0 – Fly to Oslo

We prefer night flights to Europe — sleep onboard and arrive the next day ready to explore.

Day 1 – Oslo

Land in Oslo and spend the day exploring the capital.
Stay either at an airport hotel (Radisson Blu or Park Inn) or within walking distance of Oslo Central Station.

Day 2 – Fly to Lofoten (Leknes)

Lofoten has three airports:

• Leknes
• Svolvær
• Harstad/Narvik (Evenes)

Harstad/Narvik has direct flights from Oslo but is about 3.5 hours by car from central Lofoten.

Flights to Leknes or Svolvær usually require a short transit in Bodø. From there, you board a small propeller plane — a scenic 30-minute journey.

You can also reach Lofoten by train to Bodø and ferry onward, but if time is limited, flying is most efficient.

Pick up your rental car and drive to your accommodation — the adventure begins immediately with dramatic Arctic landscapes unfolding around you.

Stay in a traditional rorbuer (fishermen’s cabin) in Reine, Hamnøy, or Sakrisøy.
Our favourite: Eliassen Rorbuer in Hamnøy, about one hour from Leknes Airport.

Stock up on groceries at Rema 1000 or Extra supermarket. If arriving Sunday, note that only limited stores may be open, and many restaurants close on Sunday and Monday.

Once settled, stroll around. And when darkness falls, look up.
Download an Aurora forecast app — you might get lucky on your first night.

Day 3 – Southern Lofoten

Visit Å, Reine, and Sakrisøy.

Day 4 – Western Beaches

Drive to:

• Ramberg Beach
• Nusfjord
• Haukland Beach
• Uttakleiv Beach
• Vikten Beach

Winter beaches in Lofoten feel wild and cinematic — snow meeting the Arctic Sea.

Day 5 – Northbound

Drive north. Visit:

• Lofotr Viking Museum
• Henningsvær village

Stay overnight in Svolvær.

If you have extra days, add 1–2 more days in Lofoten. Whale watching tours operate from Andenes during winter.

Day 6 – Fly to Tromsø

Fly from Svolvær to Tromsø.

Stay in the city centre so you can walk to:

• Tromsø Museum
• The harbour
• Tromsø Cathedral

Take the Fjellheisen Cable Car for panoramic views. On clear nights, you can even spot the Northern Lights from the top.

Day 7 – Arctic Adventures

Morning: Husky sledding
Evening: Guided Northern Lights tour (usually starts around 6pm)

Day 8 – Fjords or Whales

Choose between:

• Fjord and landscape road tour
• Whale watching boat tour

Afternoon free to explore Tromsø at leisure.

Day 9 – Fly to Bergen

Direct flight (approx. 2 hours).

Stay in central Bergen near the Fish Market or train station.

From the airport, take the Bybanen light rail or airport bus.

Explore:

• Bergen Fortress
• Bryggen
• Fløibanen

Enjoy fresh seafood at the Fish Market.

Day 10 – Norway in a Nutshell (DIY Version)

Travel from Bergen to Oslo via:

• Nærøyfjord cruise (Gudvangen → Flåm)
• Flåmsbana scenic railway
• Train from Myrdal to Oslo

Luggage transfer services are available if needed.

Alternatively, return to Bergen from Myrdal and fly home from Bergen.

Day 11 – Fly Home from Oslo

Day 12 – Arrive Home

Extending the Trip

You can easily extend this to 15 days by:

• Adding 2 extra days in Lofoten
• Adding 1 extra day in Bergen

Norway in winter is not just a trip — it is an experience. The stillness. The light. The snow. And if you’re lucky, the Aurora dancing above you.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your Arctic adventure — and I truly hope you get to see the Northern Lights. Because once you do, you’ll understand why people chase them across the world