Winter in Norway

While most Norwegian sentences use the subject-verb-object (SVO) word order, like English does, Norwegian does have the V2 (verb second) rule. If an adverbial phrase or subordinate clause is at the front of the sentence, the subject and the verb have to switch places (this is called “inversion”) so that the verb stays in the second position. <!--more-→

If a sentence has more than one verb, the second verb will be in a nonfinite form (e.g. å finne). If the sentence has inversion, then the subject will come between the finite (i.e. conjugated) verb and the nonfinite verb.

Conjugating present tense of verbs in Norwegian is fairly simple. Most present tense verbs just add an -r to the end of the infinitive.

There are some exceptions / irregulars:

Past tense conjugation is a bit more difficult, however there are some guidelines (but keep in mind there are exceptions).

For future tense, typically the present tense verb is used with a time adverbial to clarify it is a (near) future action. Modal verbs can also be used to express future actions.

Adjectives typically have to agree with the gender and the number of the noun.

When the noun is in the definite form, the adjective takes an -e ending (like in the plural indefinite above).

Winter officially starts in December and ends in February, however, it is not uncommon to see snow in November in Norway (sometimes even as early as October). Furthermore, snow can linger into April, depending on the area in Norway. Typically, the temperatures during the winter months are below the freezing point (0 C / 32 F) with the temperature in some areas dropping as low as -40 C / F. The coldest months tend to be January and February. If you’re not particularly fond of cold weather, then Oslo has some of the warmer temperatures during the winter months.

Winter days are very short and the nights are long. In areas north of the Arctic Circle, the sun doesn’t even rise from November til January. Winter is a good time to see the Northern Lights (nordlys) in areas of Northern Norway, especially around the coasts of Tromsø.

There are a number of things to do and see in Norway during the winter. Of course, one of the most popular things to do in the winter is skiing, whether it be cross-country or alpine. If you don’t want to ski, you can strap on some snowshoes and go on a hike. If you’re going to go skiing or hiking, however, make sure that you check the weather forecast and also follow the Norwegian mountain code (fjellvettreglene).

If you enjoy fishing during the summer, why not fish in the winter also? Fishing spots aren’t as busy or crowded, allowing for better chances of catching fish. Due to the Gulf Stream, a lot of the fjords remain ice-free and the waters that are frozen, you can drill a hole in the ice, put your line in and wait for the fish to bite. After winter fishing, many will relax in a sauna or in front of an open fire.

Dog sledding is another activity one can experience during the winter in Norway. As part of many dog sledding tours, one can pet and feed the huskies. You can either choose to be the musher yourself or you can just enjoy being a passenger along for the ride. Just be aware that it can be a work out, if you choose to drive your own team of dogs.

If you’re looking at unique places to visit or stay the night, you can see the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel and the Kirkenes Snow Hotel, both located in Northern Norway. Both hotels are built over the course of a number of weeks in November / December, and feature ice and snow sculptures, beautiful lighting, and different themes each year.

One of the most important aspects of Norwegian winters is the concept of “kos.” The word loosely translates into English as “coziness” but can be explained as that warm feeling you get when you’re with family and / or friends, having a relaxing and enjoyable time. The word might bring to mind the image of sitting in front of a fireplace, with a warm cup of hot chocolate (or tea or coffee), wearing a warm marius sweater, and enjoying the company of one’s friends. Of course “kos” can also mean sitting on the couch, snuggled closely with a significant other, watching old movies, or having a game of cards with some friends. It’s a feeling of closeness, happiness, kindness, and belonging.

No matter what winter activities you are enjoying, be aware that when traveling, there will be a lot of closed roads due to the weather. Furthermore, if you are driving, make sure that your car has studded winter tires or snow chains, etc. It’s also a good idea to keep a blanket, snacks, and a shovel, just in case you get stuck someplace.