Is it worth it to go to Norway in the winter if I don't do winter sports?

Question

Since it's mostly dark, would I be able to see the sights and get a lot out of the visit? I realize that the summer is a better time to visit, but my vacation is in December.

Answer 1

The biggest draw in Norway is the nature, which is still around in the winter, but it can be difficult to get around, because the road conditions can be bad, and some transportation routes (esp. ferries) operate at a greatly reduced schedule in the winter.

In the cities, most of the major museums stay open through the winter, but some have slightly reduced hours, and a lot of the guided tours and activities that are available in the summer are not offered in the winter.

To be honest, if you want to travel to Norway to see the fjords and the mountains (and you aren't a skier), you might be better off waiting for a chance to visit in the spring or summer when the weather is better and it's easier to get around.

However, Norway does have a major winter draw (besides winter sports) - the Northern Lights.  If you head to the northern areas of the country, the longer nights can really improve your chances of seeing the aurora.

Answer 2

Even in winter Norway is magnificent country with beautiful woods and fjords