Southern Norway in winter
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationEurope / Norway
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions83.77 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Travel off the beaten track and discover the snowy landscapes of southern Norway!
This self-guided trip begins in the heart of Oslo , the Norwegian capital, which stands out for its good life and its proximity to nature, nestled between fjord and forest.
You then travel to Innlandet, northeast of Oslo, a stunning region of lakes, forests, and national parks. There, you'll meet your local French-speaking guide and immerse yourself in Norwegian culture. You'll also have the opportunity to experience life as a musher by driving your own team of sled dogs.
You continue on to Rondane National Park to settle into a natural haven covered in snow. The park is renowned for observing local wildlife, including musk oxen.
The highlights
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Off-the-beaten-path route
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Unusual accommodations in the heart of nature
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A day immersed in Norwegian culture, with a local French-speaking guide
Photos
Sport
Level
Mushing
A dog sledding activity accessible to everyone, from beginners to experienced mushers. The sled team, route, and level of supervision are tailored to individual ability, conditions, and goals. Enjoy a safe experience, whether you are discovering the sport, progressing, or honing your skills.
The expert's opinion
This trip is accessible to everyone! The only skill required will be your curiosity about Norwegian life.
In figures
Dog sledding ride
- Average duration/day: 2h
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h
Management
Program
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Arrived in Norway!
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Welcome to Norway!
You will take the express train (included) to reach the city center. Check into your hotel and enjoy free time to explore Oslo.
Day 1 -
Discovering the capital
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Explore Oslo independently, at your own pace.
Norway is known for its fjords, and Oslo is no exception! You will sail on the Oslofjord during a 3-hour cruise, giving you a new perspective of the city and the many islands where the inhabitants of the capital live.
Then, like the locals, you'll alternate between hot and cold while enjoying the communal saunas floating on the Oslofjord. Will you take on the challenge of diving into the fjord?
Day 2 -
Installation in Eastern Norway
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
In your rental vehicle (which you must book yourself), you drive for 2-3 hours to reach the wilderness of Eastern Norway.
You pass through Lillehammer, known for having hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 1994.
Day 3 -
Friluftsliv - the Norwegian art of living
- Activity Dog sledding ride
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Today you'll meet your local, French-speaking guide who will introduce you to authentic Norwegian life! Literally translated as "outdoor living," the term Friluftsliv perfectly captures the Norwegians' relationship with nature. It's a way of life that draws you into the great outdoors and gives you the freedom to press pause and recharge.
Take control of your own sled dog and head through the forest for an unforgettable experience! Accompanied by a local musher, you'll learn how to handle your team while enjoying the surrounding snowy landscape. He will guide you (in English) throughout the adventure, ensuring you fully experience this incredible adventure.
You then enjoy an outdoor meal, organized by your guide.
Day 4 -
Rondane National Park
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h per day
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Head to Rondane National Park! A jewel of Eastern Norway, the park offers numerous activities. We recommend contacting the hotel reception to plan your day according to your preferences.
Your second day in the park is dedicated to observing musk oxen. These animals, survivors of the last ice age, are recognizable by their long horns and fur.
The excursion begins in the morning and lasts between 4 and 6 hours, depending on how close you get to the animals. The hike is not difficult but suitable for everyone; the goal is not performance but rather to gently approach and observe these animals.
Remember to bring your lunch so you can picnic in the heart of the park. You can rent binoculars to better observe the animals.
Days 5 to 6 -
Relaxing by Lake Mjøsa
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You'll descend gently back to the airport along the shores of Lake Mjøsa, Norway's largest lake. Enjoy your last full day trying out some must-do winter activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and more. Your host will be happy to advise you on the best activities for the day.
Alternatively, dedicate this day to culture and visiting the museums and monuments that are located along the route.
In the evening, head to the lakeside hotel where you can also enjoy the sauna (at an extra cost).
Day 7 -
Welcome back!
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Last day in Norway!
The tranquility of the country is palpable, and we hope you will leave feeling refreshed after your stay.
Thank you for your trust.
Day 8
Note
Please note that all winter activities are dependent on the day's weather and snow conditions. Some activities may not be possible if conditions are unfavorable.
Accommodation
These bed and breakfasts offer a variety of unique accommodations. You may not stay in the exact accommodation shown in the photographs. Bathrooms and toilets may be private or shared.
Magnificent lodge in Rondane National Park. We prioritize overnight stays in individual chalets; if these are unavailable, rooms will be offered instead.
Access
This tour is self-guided, so your arrival and departure times are flexible and can be adjusted according to your flights/trains/ferries etc.
Arrival at Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL). Note that there is a second airport further from the capital, Torp-Sandefjord Airport, not to be confused with it.
Airport transfers to the city center are included.
Starting in Oslo (day 3), car rental is not included in the trip and must be arranged independently. We recommend renting the car in the city center and returning it to Gardermoen Airport (OSL) on day 8.
Go to the starting point
Oslo Central Station is the largest in Norway and offers direct trains from Bergen, Stavanger, and Trondheim, Norway's major cities. Beyond Norway's borders, you can arrive from Sweden via Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, and other destinations.
Direct flights to Paris, Lyon, Nice, Toulouse, Montpellier and Bordeaux. Air France, Norwegian and SAS offer numerous options.
Bergen has many (paid) parking lots spread throughout the city centre.
Arriving in Oslo via the fjord is a wonderful experience! You can spend the night on the ferry leaving Copenhagen the day before (with or without a vehicle).
Price details
The price includes
- The 7 nights in hotels and/or individual accommodations
- The 7 breakfasts
- Transfer by express train from Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) to the city centre (day 1)
- The Oslofjord cruise (day 2)
- The communal sauna on the Oslofjord (day 2)
- The local French-speaking guide (day 4)
- The guided excursion with the sled dogs (day 4)
- Lunch during the excursion (day 4)
- Guided hike to observe musk oxen (day 6)
- Tips and advice from our local agency
The price does not include
- Return flights (Oslo Gardermoen OSL)
- Car rental from day 3 (Oslo city centre) to day 8 (Oslo airport)
- Meals not mentioned
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
Specific equipment for the activities will be provided by our partners, just remember your general equipment (waterproof shoes and overlayers, base layers, winter accessories...) for your comfort.
Clothing to bring
Norwegians love winter and have learned to adapt to it. The key is to layer: a wool base layer, a thick sweater, and a jacket.
Here's what we recommend you bring to do the same:
- Two pairs of base layers and thermal underwear (preferably wool, as it retains heat better). Having two pairs will allow you to change after physical activity and avoid getting cold by staying in the same clothes you wore while exercising.
- Pair of socks (also wool if possible).
- Pair of snow boots
- A pair of city cleats to prevent you from falling (you can find them at Decathlon, or directly in Norway).
- Heavy winter jacket
- A lightweight down jacket and a GORE-TEX type jacket allowing better breathability if you are doing a sporting activity.
- Scarf or buff, hat
- Gloves and liner gloves (made of wool).
- Ski-type trousers, waterproof and windproof.
- Pair of sunglasses and sunscreen (the reflection of the sun on the snow increases the impact of UV rays on the skin).
- Don't forget to bring your swimsuit if you plan on using the sauna.
The Sébastien team
Specializing in leisure travel, our local partner is a French-speaking destination management company (DMC) based in Gjøvik, on the shores of Lake Mjøsa. They organize tailor-made trips for groups and independent travelers (FITs). Thanks to their extensive experience in Scandinavia, they guarantee their clients optimal service and a highly responsive approach to planning each trip. Their in-depth knowledge of the region makes them an ideal partner for exploring it with complete peace of mind.
