🎄 Romjul in Norway: what's open, where to take a quiet walk and how to arrange a workation 🌟

Romjul is the quiet period from 27 to 30 December, when cities take a break after Christmas and get ready for the New Year. For travellers, this is a rare chance to see a different side of Norway, where the days are short and the nights are long, and the shops and streets are quiet. Services are operating, but not on a regular schedule, so it's important to have a plan: where to eat without a reservation, which museums are worth visiting, how to catch transport "windows" and where to sit down with your laptop. This guide has useful tables, city routes without crowds and ready-made scenarios.

Work life in Romjul: where to work and how to stay focused

● Coffee shops on a "quiet day". Look for bright rooms with power outlets and moderate seating; check for possible time slots (90-120 minutes during peak hours).

● Libraries. Reading rooms, meeting rooms, good lighting. Check the hours — they are shorter than usual.

● Coworking spaces. Day passes are also available in Romjul; check with reception and access on holidays.

● Setup. Noise-cancelling headphones, extension cord/charger, warm layer for walking between sessions.

● Daily routine. Work in the morning/afternoon, and plan short walks along the illuminated embankments at dusk.

● Communication. Mobile internet is stable, but keep offline maps and downloaded tickets handy.

Transport: convenient travel times

● Trains/buses: the best time is in the morning and after 7:30 p.m. During the day, the interval is longer, but there are more seats available.

● Flights: 27–28/12 morning departures and late arrivals are quieter; 30/12 in the evening — higher demand.

● Public transport: runs less frequently; allow extra time for transfers, check last departures.

● Taxis/car sharing: available in the centre, order in advance in the suburbs.

● Tickets: buy online and keep an offline copy.

What is usually open from 27 to 30 December and what are the opening hours?

Most supermarkets, cafés and some museums are open, but with shorter opening hours. The best time to visit is between 10:00 and 15:00, when there is plenty to see, the queues are not too long, and the museums are still open. In the evening, most places are closed and there are fewer buses and trains. Most Vinmonopolet stores are open during the week, but some are open for shorter hours. To find out the opening hours for a particular store, check the "opening hours" page for that exact address on the morning you want to visit.

Where can you eat in Rome in July without making a reservation?

Try going during the day. You could go to a coffee shop that serves soup and sandwiches, a family bistro or a food court. On weekday evenings during Romjul, some kitchens close early, and "holiday menus" are less common than on 24–25 December. A good plan is to have a light lunch in the city and order a takeaway for the evening. You can check the menu by phone or in the app, but sometimes only the bar/cafe menu is available.

Is Vinmonopolet open during Romjul?

Mostly yes — lots of Vinmonopolet stores are open from 27 to 30 December, but some may have shorter opening hours. There may be local exceptions in some areas. Plan your shopping before 3 p.m. to avoid queues and a smaller choice of products in the evening. Please note that on 31 December, there are already holiday restrictions in place. We describe these in more detail in the article about Nyttårsaften.

Are museums, ice rinks and spas open?

Yes, but only in some places. Museums in Romjul are often open for a few hours a day. Ice rinks depend on the weather and schedules. Spas and swimming pools are open by appointment and with reduced hours. The best plan is to pick one place per day, check the times slots and arrive when it opens. If you want a quieter experience, look for small exhibitions and cultural centres run by the local council.

Where can you work with your laptop, and are there any time restrictions?

Look for libraries (they have stable Wi-Fi and it's quiet) and coffee shops with power outlets. In July, coffee shops may have time slots of 90-120 minutes, especially during busy times; check on site. Coworking spaces often sell day passes, but you need to register in advance. Bring headphones, a portable charger and a change of clothes so that after your session you can go for a short walk in the evening — the best "break" for concentration.

How can you plan a trip between cities without having to deal with crowds?

Look at the start times for the day: leave before 9:00 or after 7:30 at night. Take long-distance trains with seat reservations; on buses, check ticket availability and boarding in advance. For flights, the 27th and 28th are the best days: flights in the morning or evening are calmer than those in the day. On the 30th, after lunch, there are more returning travellers. Make sure you have your offline ticket and arrive at the station or airport with plenty of time to spare.

What about parking and paid zones in Romjul?

Parking rules are different in each town or city. Some have regular prices for parking during the week, while others have lower prices at certain times or on Christmas. On the day of your trip, check the signs and parking meters. You can also check the website of your local government for more information. You might have to spend a certain amount of time in shopping centres and museums (for example, two to three hours). Please allow more time, as popular parking spots fill up by midday.

Which quiet routes do you suggest in Oslo?

The path along Akerselva goes right by the water, and you can see graffiti and the fjord at the end. Ekebergparken has sculptures on a hill and you can see the city lights at dusk. Bygdøy Promenade — a walk along the shore, with the option of turning off to visit museums (even if they are closed, the outside of the buildings and the views are beautiful). Wear shoes that grip well and reflectors — it gets dark and early in Romjul, and the paths are wet in places.

And in Bergen — where to go for a short walk?

Nordnes is a peninsula with raised banks of earth and wooden houses, and it takes 45 to 60 minutes to walk there. The lower trails of Fløyen offer forest air without climbing to the top: The route is between 3 and 5 kilometres long and is made up of loops. The Bryggen to Sandviken route offers a quieter and more peaceful experience, away from the crowds and the shipyards. Remember the wind by the water — bring a windbreaker and a flask of tea. In the morning, the light is softer, which makes for great photos. In the evening, you can see the reflections of the lights in the bays.

What would you suggest we do in Trondheim?

Walk across Gamle Bybro to Bakklandet, where you'll find coffee shops, carved houses and views of Nidelva. If you go further on, you'll find the Ladestien trail. The path goes from 4 to 8 kilometres along the fjord, and there are benches and great views. Marinen Park near Nidaros is a great place for a family walk with children and photos by the cathedral. The soles won't slip, which is great as some parts of the trail freeze over. The days are short, so start your visit no later than 12 p.m. and finish before it gets dark.

And in Tromsø – what to choose without extreme cold?

The circle at Prestvannet is sheltered from the wind and well lit. Telegrafbukta is a great place for a short walk by the sea and for taking photos at sunset. The path for pedestrians across Tromsøbrua offers great views of the city and a chance to see the colours of the sky if it is clear. From November to January, remember to bring a hat, gloves, a buff, reflectors and non-slip shoes/soles. Check the wind: if it gets stronger, choose a more "indoor" scenario.

Do you have any ideas for Stavanger?

Gamle Stavanger & Vågen — white houses, lights from the ships and quiet streets. Møllebukta (Hafrsfjord) — "Swords in the Stone", dramatic landscape (windy — wrap up warm). Sørmarka — forest trails for 45-60 minutes without steep climbs. In the evening, go to the central loops. They have better lighting and it's easier to get back to your transport. A hot drink in a thermos is a bonus for Romjul walks.

Are there activities for children? What should you bring with you?

During Romjul, family centres and museums are sometimes open, but libraries often have quiet activities. Bring a flask, snacks, wet wipes, spare gloves and reflectors. When choosing a route, go for flat areas and parks for prams, and for younger schoolchildren, try a "task route" where you can count the lights, look for sculptures or old signs. Plan 60-90-minute loops so you don't get too cold.

Do I need to book tickets for museums and attractions?

Although there are fewer visitors, buying tickets online makes it easier to get in and you won't end up at a closed door. Look at the daily slots and "last entry" times — during Romjul, they may be an hour earlier than usual. It's better to book in advance because ice rinks and spas have limited capacity and short opening hours. If your plan can change, have another way to get there in case the first one is closed.

What equipment and safety considerations should you take into account in winter?

The weather can change a lot, so wear layers, wind protection, a hat or gloves, and non-slip shoes or grips. There is not much daylight, so it is a good idea to carry a torch and use reflectors. The wind is stronger on the raised banks of earth (embankments) than in the middle. Plan a "loop" with a warming point (like a café or library). Make sure your phone is charged and have an offline map ready. For children, make sure they don't spend too long outside and bring them a warm drink.

Romjul is a time when the city slows down: the streets are empty, the lights reflect in the water, and plans become less hurried. Take a walk along the embankments without the crowds, sit in a warm library, try the local food and arrange a short holiday in one of the quietest times of the year. Memories are made like this – they're simple, warm and very Norwegian.

Please leave a comment to tell us what you think. If you have interesting photos, personal experiences or questions about the topic of the article, please leave a comment. We will definitely reply, because we are making the most popular and useful blog about Norway!