Norway, Europe

Norway's Fjords in January

Short days, mountain passes closed. The Flam Railway and some fjord boats still run.

Quiet valueCold and wet on the coast, Bergen highs near 39F (4C), snowy inland

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

The straight answer

January is a quiet, good-value month to visit Norway's Fjords. Short days, mountain passes closed. The Flam Railway and some fjord boats still run.

Weather: Cold and wet on the coast, Bergen highs near 39F (4C), snowy inland
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What January is like in Norway's Fjords

January in the fjords is cold, dark and quiet. Bergen sees highs near 39F (4C) with plenty of rain, while the mountains inland are deep in snow. Days are short, high mountain passes like Trollstigen are closed, and many fjord-village hotels and cafes are shut for the season. The Flam Railway and some fjord boats still run on reduced winter schedules.

It suits travelers who love snowy scenery, cozy evenings and empty trains, and who are happy with a simple Bergen plus Flam route. It is not a month for road trips or big hikes. The fjords are too far south for reliable northern lights, so pair the trip with Tromso or Lofoten if that is the goal. For the full fjord experience, wait until June.

Make the most of January

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

Flam Railway in snow

The steep ride from Myrdal down to the Aurlandsfjord is a winter wonderland, and trains run year-round.

Empty Bergen

Walk Bryggen without crowds and ride the Floibanen funicular for wintry views over the city.

Northern lights add-on

Combine the fjords with a few nights in Tromso or Lofoten for a real chance at the aurora.

What to pack for January

A warm, waterproof winter coat
Insulated, waterproof boots with good grip
Thermal base layers
A hat, gloves and warm scarf

Our timing tip

Check winter schedules for the Flam Railway and fjord ferries before you book, since they run fewer departures.

Book Norway's Fjords for January.

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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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Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Norway's Fjords for January. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
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What's on in January

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.

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.