Norway, Europe

Norway's Fjords in December

Bergen's Christmas lights and the gingerbread town are charming, but the fjord days are short and dim.

TradeoffsCold and dark, highs near 40F (4C), about 6 hours of daylight in Bergen

Geirangerfjord, Norway's Fjords — Norway's FjordsPhoto: Ximonic (Simo Räsänen), CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

December is a month of real tradeoffs in Norway's Fjords. Bergen's Christmas lights and the gingerbread town are charming, but the fjord days are short and dim.

Weather: Cold and dark, highs near 40F (4C), about 6 hours of daylight in Bergen
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What December is like in Norway's Fjords

December is cold and dark, with highs near 40F (4C) and only about six hours of daylight in Bergen. The fjord days are short and dim, and most seasonal services remain closed. Bergen's Christmas lights, market and gingerbread town are charming, and the Flam Railway still runs on its winter schedule.

It suits families and couples who want a cozy Norwegian Christmas in Bergen, perhaps with a quick fjord trip. It is not the month for road trips or hikes. For the fjords at their best, come in June. For the northern lights, add a trip to Tromso or Lofoten.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Norway's Fjords this month.

Christmas in Bergen

The market and famous gingerbread town make Bergen a lovely holiday stop.

Flam Railway in winter

The steep ride runs year-round, and snowy views are a treat.

Aurora side trip

Dark nights farther north mean good odds for the northern lights from Tromso or Lofoten.

What to pack for December

A warm winter coat
Insulated waterproof boots
Thermal layers
Hat, gloves and scarf

Our timing tip

Plan sightseeing for the middle of the day to make the most of the short daylight.

Book Norway's Fjords for December.

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Hotels in Norway's Fjords
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Hotels for December
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Vacation rentals in Norway's Fjords
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
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Tours and tickets in Norway's Fjords
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Norway's Fjords for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
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What's on in December

Northern lights season (farther north)

Late September to late March, best in dark, clear winter nights

The fjords are too far south for reliable aurora. Combine a fjord trip with Tromso or Lofoten in winter for a real chance.

Christmas in Bergen

Mid November through December

A Christmas market and the famous gingerbread town, built each year by local residents and schoolchildren.

Things to do in Norway's Fjords

Full guide

Flam Railway

One of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world, from the mountains at Myrdal down to the Aurlandsfjord. Book ahead in summer.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Naeroyfjord cruise

The narrowest arm of the Sognefjord, best seen on the ferry between Flam and Gudvangen. Go early before cruise passengers arrive.

Tickets and tours →

Geirangerfjord

Take the ferry to Hellesylt past the Seven Sisters falls, and drive up to the Dalsnibba viewpoint. Summer mornings are calmer.

Tickets and tours →

Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)

A 4 to 5 hour round trip hike to a flat rock 604 meters above the Lysefjord. Start early or late in summer to dodge crowds.

Tickets and tours →

Trolltunga

A long, demanding hike of 10 to 12 hours round trip. The unguided season is roughly June to September; outside that, only go with a guide.

Tickets and tours →

Bergen and Mount Floyen

Walk Bryggen early, then take the Floibanen funicular up for the city and fjord views.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Check cruise ship schedules for Geiranger and Flam; on big-ship days the villages are packed from mid morning to late afternoon. Visit early, late, or on quiet days.
Start Preikestolen at dawn or in the evening in June and July. The midsummer light makes a late-afternoon start safe.
Stay overnight in fjord villages rather than day-tripping from Bergen; you get the fjords to yourself after the day boats leave.
Book the Flam Railway, popular ferries, and small fjord hotels months ahead for July and early August.

Know before you go

Many high mountain roads close in winter, including Trollstigen and the Geiranger road over Dalsnibba. Most typically reopen in late May or June, depending on snow. Check the Norwegian road authority before driving.
The unguided hiking season for Trolltunga and Kjeragbolten runs roughly June to September. Outside that, snow and ice make them dangerous without a guide.
Many fjord-village hotels, cafes, and tour boats are seasonal, open roughly May to September.
The Flam Railway and Hurtigruten ships run year-round, with reduced winter schedules.

Norway's Fjords in December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Norway's Fjords?

December is a month of real tradeoffs in Norway's Fjords. Bergen's Christmas lights and the gingerbread town are charming, but the fjord days are short and dim.

What is the weather like in Norway's Fjords in December?

Cold and dark, highs near 40F (4C), about 6 hours of daylight in Bergen.

Is Norway's Fjords crowded in December?

December is one of the quieter months in Norway's Fjords; most sights can be done without long waits.

What is happening in Norway's Fjords in December?

Northern lights season (farther north) (late september to late march, best in dark, clear winter nights); Christmas in Bergen (mid november through december).