⭐ Helligtrekongersdag: the end of Christmas in Norway — when to take down the Christmas tree and how to spend 6 January 🎶
The 6th of January in Norway is Helligtrekongersdag (Trettendedagen), the day that traditionally marks the end of the Christmas cycle – how exciting! For travellers, now is the perfect time to experience the best of "quiet" Norway. Step away from the crowds and into the serene beauty of empty promenades and cosy parks. The steady city rhythm offers a tranquil escape, where you can truly unwind and enjoy the simplicity of "quiet" Norway. In this article, we'll give you the lowdown on everything you need to know: what's usually open, how and when to take down your Christmas tree and decorations, where to dispose of your tree, where to go for peaceful walks in Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Tromsø and Stavanger, how public transport works and where to grab a bite to eat without complicated reservations. And for those who need a little extra help, there's a comprehensive FAQ with all the frequently asked questions and handy checklists.
📅 What is Open on 6 January
| Category | If Weekday | If Sunday |
|---|---|---|
| 🛒 Supermarkets | Usually open (weekday hours) | Sunday mode; some closed or shortened |
| 🍷 Vinmonopolet | Open (weekday hours) | Closed |
| ☕ Restaurants / cafés | Widely open | Partially open (Sunday hours) |
| 🏛 Museums / culture | Open, but some have their own days off | Partially open (Sunday hours) |
| 🚍 Transport | Weekday schedules | Holiday/Sunday schedules |
| 📦 Post/services | Weekday hours | Sunday/on-call windows |
⚠️ Modes and schedules vary by network/municipality — always check location and operator announcements before visiting.
🎁 Home & Family: "Final Christmas" Checklist
- Carefully remove garlands, check cables/lamps, pack in labelled boxes.
- Do not throw the tree outside: check municipal collection dates or delivery points.
- Clean wax from candles/candlesticks, store separately.
- Review decorations: keep, give away or recycle.
- Mini-cleanup: air out, remove pine needles, wipe windows — January light is precious.
- Family ritual: short walk + hot drink — a gentle close to the season.
Quiet ideas for walks (no brands)
● Oslo: the embankments near the town hall and peninsula, winter paths in the large city park, scenic trails on the hill with views of the fjord.
● Bergen: the historic waterfront, a circular walk around the central lake, a climb up one of the city's hills along marked trails.
● Trondheim: old neighbourhoods by the river with wooden houses, a bridge with views, quiet alleys around the cathedral quarter.
● Tromsø: city waterfront and bridge, viewpoints on the mainland, short trail to viewing platforms.
● Stavanger: white wooden streets of the old town, coastal trail and city park with ponds.
What is Helligtrekongersdag and why is this date important?
Helligtrekongersdag (Trettendedagen), which is 6 January, marks the end of Norwegian Christmas. The "three kings" mark the end of the holiday season, when Christmas trees and lights are taken down. Today, the date is seen as a quiet return to normal life: shops are quieter, streets are calmer, and it's a good time for leisurely walks. If you are travelling in winter, use the day to relax: go for a walk in the sunshine, enjoy the comfort of your home, and plan your next trips. Below is a list of what is open, where to go, and how to end the season in a cultural way.
Is it an official holiday? Will there be closures "as on a holiday"?
6 January is not a public holiday, so you do not automatically get the day off. The schedule depends on which day of the week the date falls on. Most services run during normal weekday hours, but on Sundays, they run on a different schedule (some shops are closed, and museums and restaurants have shorter opening hours). Some museums and chains may have different opening hours, so it's best to check before you go.
What is usually open on 6 January? Is there a summary?
Yes, look at the table above. It shows the standard opening hours for supermarkets, Vinmonopolet and transport on weekdays. For Sundays, it shows the Sunday hours (Vinmonopolet is closed, some supermarkets are closed or have short opening hours, and museums and restaurants have reduced hours). Remember that small shops may have their own opening times, and public buildings may have different opening hours in winter.
What time do supermarkets and Vinmonopolet open on 6 January?
On weekdays, supermarkets and Vinmonopolet are usually open according to their normal schedule. If 6 January is a Sunday, many supermarkets are either closed or have shorter opening hours. Vinmonopolet is closed on Sundays. Do you want to cook your own dinner? Make sure you have plenty of drinks ready before you go. You can find the opening hours of your nearest store on the chain's website or with your local council. There may be "winter" adjustments in January.
What's the public transport like? Like buses, trams and trains? And what about airports?
On weekdays, normal schedules apply; on Sundays, there is a "Sunday/holiday" service with less frequent intervals. If you're travelling between cities, check trains (Vy) and the airport express (Flytoget). For flights, check the status with Avinor. On the day of your trip, allow extra time for the weather: ice, wind and short daylight hours can add minutes. Quick links: [Check Ruter/Bybanen] · [Flytoget] · [Avinor] · [Municipality: announcements].
Where should you put your Christmas tree and how should you dispose of lights and decorations?
Most local authorities arrange for free tree collection or accept them at recycling points. Look at your local council's website to find out when they are collecting rubbish. Sometimes they collect rubbish in different neighbourhoods at different times. Take off the decorations and pack the tree away if you can. Take your old Christmas lights and lamps to the recycling points. Clean the wax from your candle jars. Please do not leave trees in entrances or courtyards without asking the council first, as this breaks the rules about safety and how the area looks.
Which quiet routes would you recommend in busy cities?
Pick areas with big hills, parks and historic buildings — they look great and are nice and calm. In Oslo, you can walk along the seafront or up the hills. In Bergen, you can walk along the old wooden embankment and visit the nearby hills. In Trondheim, you can walk around the old part of the city next to the river and the bridge. In Tromsø, you can walk along the embankment, bridge and viewing platforms on the mainland. In Stavanger, you can walk around the old town and along the coastal path. Check the lighting and condition of the paths after snowfall.
What are the traditional things to do at home? Is there a short plan?
Yes: turn off the lights and decorations, take the Christmas tree apart, sort things for storage or donation, air out the room and tidy up after the pine needles. Have a family "finale" – a short daytime walk, then tea or hot chocolate. Make sure you follow the fire safety rules and light candles. This ritual helps you to gently end the season and go back to your normal routine without losing the festive feeling.
Are museums, libraries and cultural venues open?
Most of the time, yes – especially during the week. Please note that some museums have a traditional "day off on Monday"; libraries and swimming pools may also be open during "winter hours". On Sundays, many places are open for shorter hours. Look at the city's events calendar and the website of the specific venue on the day you visit. If you want to avoid queues, go in the morning or early afternoon.
Where can you eat on 6 January without waiting in long queues?
On weekdays, there are usually no problems: lots of cafes and bistros are open. On Sundays, some places are open late and close early. Look for family cafés, food courts and places along the riverbanks and in parks — you're more likely to find free tables there. If you are planning to cook your own dinner, check what food is available and when it's open. If you want to order a takeaway, check the apps to see if it's available.
What should you do if 6 January falls on a Sunday?
Shop in advance (especially for drinks and food), check transport and cultural venue schedules, and plan your day trip so you don't waste time during the short daylight hours. Sunday mode means there are fewer transport options and museums and cafés are shorter. On the other hand, there are noticeably fewer people in the city — it's a great time for leisurely routes and photos.
What should you wear and what should you remember in January, given the weather and light?
In January, it's all about ice, wind and slippery paths. It's also important to wear shoes with good tread (or spikes you can remove), warm gloves, a hat, layers of clothing and reflectors. Plan your walks for the daytime, take a flask and a charged phone. The wind is stronger on raised banks of earth (known as embankments), and the slopes in parks are slippery. If you are travelling with children, plan a shorter route and find out in advance where it's nice to go (like cafes or libraries).
Helligtrekongersdag is a quiet day in Norway. People light a little light, go outside for a little fresh air and tidy their houses instead of rushing around. On this day, the cities are especially nice and relaxing: there are no crowds on the promenades, the parks are covered in a light layer of frost, and the winter light is soft and warm. Now is the time to finish up Christmas, close the season and plan new routes. Norway is beautiful on these "non-parade" days.
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