Winter wonderland in Nordmarka forest, Norway. Surrounding the capital of Norway is a large forested area dotted with lakes. This protected nature area, only 20 minutes away from the very center of the city, is a very popular recreational area both during summer and winter.

Snow covered tree, Norway. The Christmas tree that stands in Trafalgar square in London every year is a gift from the city of Oslo to the people of Britain. The tree is given as a token of appreciation for the British support during the Second World War. It is shipped across the North Sea to England.

Tryvann ski resort in Oslo, Norway. Few capitals in the world have an alpine ski center, but Oslo does. The Tryvann ski area which is only 20 minutes away from the city center normally opens from November or December to April.

Trees covered in snow along lake Øyangen, Norway. Most lakes in Norway freeze over during the winter, and they don't open up again until april. Each year about 4 persons die after falling through the ice, especially at the start and at the end of the winter, when the ice is thinner.

Cross-country skiing in Oslo, Norway. Norwegians are said to be born with skis on their feet. In the vast forests surrounding the capital Oslo, a network of 2600 kilometres of cross-country ski trails are continuously being groomed throughout the winter period.

Snow clad trees in Oslo, Norway. In Norway the largest snowfall ever recorded was 132 cm in a single day. It was set on February 4th 1960, in Vennesla (Southern Norway).

Kobberhaughytta cabin in Oslo, Norway. This cabin situated in the forest around Oslo was built by volunteers in 1931 and it has hardly changed since then. It has a cafe and offers accommodation for up to 40 persons. It is open all weekends of the year, except in July.

Snow scenery in Oslo, Norway. In Norway you can experience really distinct seasons with a snow rich winter, lush green spring, warm summer and colorful autumn.

Snow-covered cabin, Norway. Many Norwegians own a cabin in the mountains or along the coast. For the holidays they head to their cabins to enjoy outdoor activities like cross-country skiing, hiking, fishing or sailing.

Trees covered with snow along lake Øyangen, Norway. Lake Øyangen is situated at 562 m altitude. During winter, several marked cross-country ski trails cross the lake.

Beautiful winter scenery, Norway. In the Northern hemisphere the midwinter solstice occurs either December 21st or 22nd. This is the day with the shortest amount of daylight. In the northern part of the country the sun disappears completely from the end of November to the end of January.

Winter in the boreal forest, Norway. The large boreal forest or taiga forms a belt stretching across the Northern hemisphere. To the north the boreal forest merges into the circumpolar tundra. The forests are dominated by conifers and are therefore also referred to as the coniferous forest.

Winter landscape from Ringkollen, Norway. The area around Ringkollen, 600 to 700 m above sea level, is popular all year long. During winter it is a popular starting point for cross-country skiing and during summer it is popular for biking and hiking. There are also many good places for swimming and fishing.

Norway spruce covered in snow, Norway. The Norway Spruce is a spruce species native to Europe. Those large evergreen coniferous trees grow 35 to 55 m tall and the trunk can be up to 1,5 m in diameter. It grows in Norway up to a latitude of about 70° north, just north of the Arctic Circle.

Snow scenery, Norway. A layer of snow protects plants from the frost and wind, but at the same time it shortens the growing period.

Freshly fallen snow, Norway. Trees native to regions that get heavy snowfall have flexible branches that make it less likely that they will collapse or break under the weight of the snow.