FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT VISITING NORWAY IN NOVEMBER
If you’re wondering where to go in Norway in November and what to see and do, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn all about tours to Norway in November with these answers to commonly asked questions.
What are the best things to do in Norway in November?
November is a good time to enjoy winter tours in Norway. You can chase the northern lights and visit top sites with fewer visitors around.
Here are 10 of the best things to do in Norway in November:
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Spot the dancing aurora borealis in the night sky
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Visit fishing villages and head out on boat safaris in the Lofoten islands
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Admire the Bryggen wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bergen
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Enjoy a Havila or Hurtigruten coastal voyage along the west coast
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Cruise through Norway’s fjords in November
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Go whale watching in Tromsø
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Soak up the heritage of Norway’s former capital, Trondheim
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Travel from Oslo to Bergen with Norway in a Nutshell® in November
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Marvel at the majestic waterfalls such as the Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil
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Explore the vibrant capital, Oslo, with its festive Christmas market
Christmas markets in November
In November some Christmas markets open for the festive season in Norway. From mid-November, you can go along to Winter Wonderland in Oslo, which is open until the end of December. The Christmas markets in other Norwegian towns generally open at the end of November.
Get into the Christmas spirit by tasting local delicacies and browsing for souvenirs at the market stalls. If you’re travelling as a family, the kids might like to try ice skating or admire the views from the top of Ferris wheels.
Good to know: To enjoy activities like dog sledding, or to stay in one of the Nordic ice hotels, we recommend visiting Northern Norway between December and March when there are better snow conditions.
What are the best places to visit in Norway in November?
In November you can visit Northern Norway for aurora borealis tours and Arctic Circle landscapes. Meanwhile in Western Norway, you can visit the iconic fjords without the crowds.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Norway in November:
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Explore the capital
Oslo and its many highlights and museums
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Visit
Tromsø to chase the northern lights in Norway’s aurora capital
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Stroll through the “Gateway to the Fjords”,
Bergen
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Sail north to see jewels of Arctic Norway like the
North Cape
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Venture off the beaten path to soak up Sami culture at
Camp Tamok near Tromsø
If the northern lights are on your bucket list, November is a fantastic time to visit Norway. The “northern lights belt” (also called “aurora belt”) passes directly through Northern Norway. This means the best places to go for viewing the aurora borealis are the Arctic towns of Tromsø or Kirkenes.
What is the weather like in Norway in November?
November falls at the beginning of winter in Norway, so the weather is getting colder and the days are growing shorter. You can still see the colourful shades of autumn in southern locations, while the north experiences snowfall and very cold temperatures.
What is the temperature in November?
As the country spans such a large distance, temperatures in Norway vary depending on location.
In Oslo the average temperature is 1°C (34°F) in November, while in Bergen it is 5°C (41°F). In Stavanger the average temperature is 7°C (45°F), in Tromsø it’s -1°C (30°F), and in Longyearbyen, the main town of Svalbard, it is -8°C (18°F).
Does it snow in Norway in November?
Yes, it does snow in Norway in November. Snow is more likely at higher altitudes and towards the north of the country, whereas the coastal areas are prone to rain.
What are the driving conditions in Norway in November?
Driving in Norway in winter is likely to be different than what you’re used to back home, even if you’ve experienced snowy, icy conditions before. Winter storms can bring high winds, poor visibility and slippery surfaces.
Driving over mountain passes can also require extra caution in November. It’s important to note that some roads are closed over the winter months. If you want to take the wheel on a self-drive tour, we recommend you visit Norway between May and September instead.
Or, if you’d like to travel with a local guide and like-minded visitors, plan your trip for the summer to join a guided small group tour of Norway. The tour director will take you to the best spots and share their insider knowledge with you. Southern Norway is especially beautiful in the summer!
What to pack for a trip to Norway in November?
The weather in November is cold, so you must bring suitable layers and protective gear. That way, come rain or shine, you can enjoy the natural beauty of the country.
Here is a list of packing essentials for your Norway trip in November:
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Insulated and waterproof jacket
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Wool jumpers
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Waterproof or snow trousers
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Insulated boots with a good grip
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A warm hat, gloves and scarves
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Thermal socks and underwear
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Heat packs
What to wear in Norway in November?
In the Nordic countries, they have a saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing”.
When travelling to Norway in November, you can expect cold temperatures outdoors. They may feel even colder with the strong coastal winds (wind chill factor). To enjoy all your winter activities, come prepared with warm underlayers and insulated outer layers.
What are the daylight hours in Norway in November?
In November the days are growing shorter in Norway, as autumn turns to winter. In the south, you’ll experience 7-9 daylight hours. In the north, expect a maximum of 6 hours of daylight.
There is a big difference in daylight hours between the beginning and end of the month. In early November, the sun rises at 7:40 AM and sets at 4:20 PM in Oslo. In Tromsø, the sunrise is at 8:10 AM and sunset at 2:40 PM
By the end of the month, the sun rises at 8:50 AM in Oslo and sets by 3:20 PM. It reduces drastically in Tromsø, as by 1 December the sun does not rise at all.
Can I see northern lights in Norway in November?
Thanks to the long, dark nights of winter, November is a great time to chase the auroras in Norway. The darker and clearer the skies, the more chances you have of witnessing the incredible solar activity. That’s why winter is the best time of year to search for the northern lights.
The optimum place to look for the aurora borealis is towards the Arctic Circle. We recommend you head to Northern Norway with a stay in Tromsø or Kirkenes.
Is it better to visit Iceland or Norway in November?
Both Norway and Iceland have their own appeal and reasons to visit in November. The great thing about both is that there are fewer visitors at top attractions, as winter is the quiet travel season.
You can try your luck hunting for the northern lights in Iceland and Norway in November. Both of these Nordic countries are situated within the “aurora belt”, which means that they are prime locations for witnessing this natural phenomenon.
There are so many other exciting activities to enjoy in November. For example, both Norway and Iceland offer the chance to go whale watching and experience Nordic spa traditions.
In Norway you could explore stunning fjords, mountains, coastline and islands. In Iceland, on the other hand, you could marvel at staggering waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes and ice caves.
If you’re struggling to choose between visiting Norway or Iceland in winter, then don’t! You could easily combine them on a multi-country trip, hopping from one to the other on a short 3-hour flight between Oslo and Reykjavík.
As a Northern European tour operator, Nordic Visitor specialises in organising trips to this beautiful corner of the world. We have many more ideas and travel tips to help you explore the region your way!
Good to know: Nordic Visitor’s itineraries aren’t set in stone. Our travel experts know their destinations inside out and will tailor your tour to suit you.
You’ll always get the signature Nordic Visitor benefits. These include access to our 24/7 helpline, a detailed personal itinerary, helpful travel guide and daily breakfast. Your travel consultant will book all your accommodation, and you can add extra nights and activities to your itinerary too.
Scroll down to learn more about Nordic Visitor’s services.
