From the Art Nouveau streets of Ålesund to a quiet winter fjord in Geiranger, from great skiing in the Sunnmøre Alps to warm saunas in Molde, from winter waves along the Atlantic Road to soft cultural rhythms in Kristiansund – here are seven ways to combine winter adventures with wellbeing in one of Norway’s most remarkable regions.
Winter in Møre og Romsdal: 7 ways to explore Norway’s frosty season
Winter
Last updated: 04.12.2025
Northern lights in Smøla.|© Kurt Sivertsen
In Møre og Romsdal, winter is all about contrasts. You don’t have to choose between city- and culture life, nature experiences and adventures in the fjords. Whether you’re travelling for a holiday, a long weekend or a midweek escape – find your way to experience the contrasts in the northern part of Fjord Norway.
1. Culture in winter landscape
Storms, shifting light and snow-covered mountains set the winter scene, while cultural life adds calm, warmth and contrast. While in Møre og Romsdal, discover Geiranger during the annual Light Art Festival in February. Visit Normoria in Kristiansund, a new cultural hub with opera, theatre and a modern historical museum. Don’t miss out on Norway’s largest opera festival 29th JAN to 14th FEB 2026. In Molde, culture, a vibrant city life and local history unfold with a winter panorama as the backdrop.
Experience opera and culture in Kristiansund’s new cultural home, Normoria. | © Operaen i Kristiansund
2. Skiing and spa in the Norwegian fjords
Few places combine skiing with fjord views like Møre og Romsdal. The region boasts a dynamic landscape, where mountains and fjords crisscross in every direction. This natural diversity ensures prime snow conditions somewhere in the area, and skilled guides know exactly where to take you for the ultimate runs. Check out:
- Stranda Ski Resort – worldclass powder skiing with a fjord view
- Tusten Ski Center – fjord-facing slepes in Molde
- Bjorli Ski Resort - one of Norway's most snow-secure ski areas
After a day in the snow, warmth awaits. Hotel Union Geiranger and Angvik Gamle Handelsstad blend historic character with modern spa facilities, while Hotel Brosundet in Ålesund offers wellness in atmospheric waterfront surroundings.
Winter calm at Hotel Brosundet in Ålesund. | © 62°NORD
3. Winter bathing, saunas and sea adventures
In Møre og Romsdal, the shift from warm to cold is never far away. Warm up in saunas facing the open Atlantic Ocean or find warmth in a peaceful fjord where steam rises into crisp winter air. For travellers curious about cold-water swimming in Norway, this is the place. Wet winter adventures are for the brave ones! Take a refreshing dip by the sauna or go for more action with winter coasteering in Ålesund or on Runde. You can also join a guided kayak trip through Ålesund’s Art Nouveau harbour and end the journey at a floating sauna.
A fresh and energising winter bath at Svai sauna in the heart of Ålesund. | © Visitnorway/Maverix/Fredrik Ahlsen
4. Ålesund and the Geirangerfjord
The Art Nouveau town Ålesund changes with every shift in the winter light. Walk along Brosundet and watch colours change in the water, enjoy seafood straight from the ocean, and take in the view from Aksla Viewpoint. From here you can follow the light as it moves across islands and mountains – a panorama that shifts by the hour.
Coastal gastronomy in the Art Nouveau city
World-class fresh seafood:
Further into the fjord lies another world altogether. From the town of Ålesund you can join a winter fjord cruise into the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord – where waterfalls freeze into sculptures and the fjord lies silent in the winter landscape.
5. The Atlantic Road and sheltered coastal villages
At the coast you’ll find the Atlantic Road – one of Norway’s most famous drives. It’s easy to sense how the natural forces have shaped this coastline throughout millions of years.
Nature at its wildest – the Atlantic Road meeting the winter winds. | © Svein Erik Knoff
Nearby you can visit cosy coastal villages and coastal communities offering warmth and shelter: Veiholmen, Bud, Ona, Alnes and Kristiansund – perfect places to explore the coastal culture, clip fish heritage and local hospitality.
6. Unique places to stay in winter
Across Møre og Romsdal, you’ll find hotels and truly special places to stay in both towns and small villages. Close to the fjords, the mountains and at the coast. Explore Hotel Union Øye – historic hideaway in Hjørundfjord. Or Storfjord Hotel – a boutique lodge with sweeping views of the fjord and the Sunnmøre Alps. Both hotels are Michelin recognised. Another adventurous place to stay is Speilet at Grautaneset. A mirrored cabin where the sea, sky and shifting light melt together.
Unique accommodations
In Møre og Romsdal, you will find a number of accommodation options that stand out. Here are some that are worth noting.
Guided winter experiences add even more to your adventure. Try snowshoeing through a peaceful landscape and learn how to read nature in new ways – or paddle a kayak across a calm winter fjord. In Møre og Romsdal, unique stays meet experiences far from your everyday life.
A snowshoe trip with a guide gives you safe access to snow-covered summits. | © Fredrik Ahlsen, Maverix - Visitnorway.com
7. Gondolas and local food
The gondola at Strandafjellet and the Romsdal Gondola are the shortest ways to panoramic winter views. In just minutes, you rise hundreds of metres above the fjord, to viewpoints where alpine mountains, fjords and rivers stretch out below you.
See the alpine winter panorama here
Take the fastest route to the view.
When the adventurous day fades, slow down and taste what makes Møre og Romsdal a winter food destination. Along the coast, seafood goes straight from boat to kitchen. Restaurants in Ålesund serve everything from king crab to fish in season, while small producers supply local beer, cider, and cheese. Here, fast-paced adventures meet slow enjoyment of carefully grown ingredients.
Plan your winter holiday in Møre og Romsdal
Whether you’re dreaming of skiing, fjord cruises, winter saunas or raw coastal nature, Møre og Romsdal brings together the best of winter in Norway. Distances are short, experiences are many – and the contrasts make every day a new adventure.
