Spain has long been a favourite for Norwegians wanting to escape the cold and enjoy the sun, with Gran Canaria often at the top of their list.
But for the upcoming winter holidays (vinterferie in weeks 8, 9, and 10), more people are choosing to travel within Norway, according to data from FINN, the country’s largest marketplace.
READ MORE: Finn.no: How to get the most out of Norway’s most important website
While interest in Norway has jumped by 24 percent in clicks compared to last year, the reasons seem largely financial.
“Norwegians are quite predictable during their winter holidays. The same destinations come up year after year,” says Nora Vigen Stabell, communications manager at FINN reise. She adds that while people still want to travel, money matters more this year. Winter holidays are short but can be costly, especially for families with children.
Travelers have become “very conscious of price,” leading many to swap international flights for local options. The shift to domestic holidays is largely driven by a surge in rentals of the famous “hytte” (cabin), a term you will likely hear about often from your Norwegian friends or colleagues.
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READ MORE: What is a ‘hytte’ and how does it differ from a holiday home?
Bookings for mountain cabins are up 25 percent from last year. The most popular places are Trysil, Vinje, Bykle, Ringsaker, and Hol.
For those who still want to travel abroad, finding a good deal is the main goal. FINN has seen a huge 246 percent jump in searches for ‘last minute’ and package tours in the past three months, showing that families are looking for cheaper ways to get some sun.
READ ALSO: All the important holiday dates in Norway in 2026
Curiously, the data shows a decline in interest in travel to the USA this winter. While the US remained a consistent favourite in late 2025, it has recently dropped from 7th to 10th place in search rankings.
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Stabell suggests this drop is linked to the recent heated political discussions about Greenland, which may be making people unsure about short-term travel plans.
However, the summer tells a different story. The USA is climbing the charts for summer 2026 bookings, a rebound likely driven by the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
If you are planning a trip for Easter, you should act fast. FINN’s data indicates that people are planning their holidays earlier than before, so the best cabins and deals are already being reserved.
