Last Christmas in Norway

I've been meaning to write this as a way to remember the one trip I just can't stop thinking about — Norway.

The whole trip lasted about a week. I spent most of my time in Tromsø before heading to Oslo for a few days at the end.

Tromsø

What impressed me the most wasn't the snow—it was the light. I like the vibe. Since I visited during the Polar Night, the sun never actually rose above the horizon. Even so, there were still a few hours of soft blue twilight every day. It felt like the whole city was caught somewhere between sunrise and sunset.

One of my favorite experiences was taking the Fjellheisen cable car up to Storsteinen. From the viewing platform, you can see almost the entire city.

If you're planning to go whale watching in winter, my biggest piece of advice is to dress warmly. Once the boat starts moving, the wind gets incredibly strong. And don't forget a good pair of gloves if you're planning to take photos or videos with your phone.

And, do not forget chasing aurora at a clear night.

Oslo

I didn't plan too many attractions there. Instead, I walked around near the Opera House, visited museums in the city center, and enjoyed the Christmas atmosphere.

A Few Tips

If you're planning a winter trip to Norway, here are a few things I'd recommend:

• Don't worry too much about the Polar Night. I got used to it much faster than I expected.
• If you're visiting during Christmas, book your whale watching and Northern Lights tours well in advance.
• Staying warm is even more important than you might think, especially when it comes to a windproof jacket, warm boots, and good gloves.
• If the weather is clear, don't miss Storsteinen. It was easily one of my favorite places in Tromsø.

If I ever get the chance, I'd love to go back to Tromsø.

Author: Yinan_Zhou