Chasing Northern Lights & Deadlines: A Month Working Remotely in Norway

Ever since I can remember, seeing the Northern Lights has been at the top of my bucket list. So when the opportunity came to work remotely in another country for a month, I jumped at it—no hesitation. Norway, with its epic landscapes, cozy cities, and strong digital infrastructure, was calling.

As a QA engineer in IT, I kept my regular work hours (Eastern Time), which synced surprisingly well with Norwegian time. My mornings were free—perfect for sightseeing, slow breakfasts, or a warm coffee in a local café—before logging in around 2–3 p.m. local time. This routine gave me long, uninterrupted stretches of time to explore while still staying productive.

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First Stop: Oslo – Art, Architecture & Cozy Cafés

I spent my first two weeks in Oslo, and immediately fell in love with how walkable, clean, and art-filled the city is. Every corner seemed to hide a sculpture, a quirky shop, or a quiet park. My favorite experiences:

• Vigeland Sculpture Park – A surreal and massive collection of human-form sculptures. The peaceful paths made it the ideal spot for a morning walk.

• The Oslo Opera House – I climbed to the rooftop for panoramic views of the Oslofjord and city skyline—highly recommend catching golden hour up there.

• Akershus Fortress – Quiet, historic, and full of character. It felt like stepping into a different century.

• MUNCH Museum – I’m not usually a big museum person, but this one was stunning. Seeing The Scream in person? So neat!

• Stave churches- Norway’s stave churches are rare medieval wooden structures built between the 1100s and 1300s, known for their intricate carvings, steep gabled roofs, and Viking-meets-Christian architecture. Once over 1,000 strong, only 28 remain today. Visiting one feels like stepping into a fairytale — a powerful glimpse into Norway’s rich cultural and spiritual history.

Oslo also surprised me with how vegetarian-friendly it was—plenty of fresh options, oat milk lattes, and cozy plant-based cafés that doubled as solid remote work spots.

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Next Stop: Tromsø – Arctic Adventures & Northern Light Dreams

Then came Tromsø, and that’s where the real magic began.

The moment I stepped off the plane and breathed in that crisp Arctic air, I knew I was in for something unforgettable. And Tromsø delivered. From spontaneous solo hikes to sailing between fjords, everything felt like a dream.

• I saw the Northern Lights—not on a fancy tour, but standing alone in a quiet local park, after taking public transport there by myself. As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe the entire time, even walking back in the dark. Norway’s reputation for safety is 100% deserved. I also booked a northern lights tour through Northern Horizon and had an incredible experience seeing the lights with them!

• I tackled one of the most intense hikes of my life—slippery, steep, and totally worth it for the view at the top.

• I booked a last-minute solo fjord cruise and found myself surrounded by water, Arctic wildlife, and total silence. Just me, the boat, and the rhythm of the waves.

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Why Norway Is a Remote Work Dream

Norway isn’t just breathtaking—it’s also incredibly easy and safe to navigate, especially for solo travelers. English is widely spoken, the infrastructure is solid, and I never once felt uneasy, even when exploring on my own. If you didn’t know Norway is one of the safest countries in the world!

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Final Thoughts

This trip wasn’t just about chasing the aurora—it was about finding a rhythm where work and wanderlust could co-exist. Norway gave me that balance. It reminded me how much I thrive when I can explore, create, and contribute all in one day.

Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.

If you’ve ever dreamed of blending remote work with wild adventures in a place that’s both beautiful and safe, Norway might just be your next great escape.

Want to see more about my journey? Check out my YouTube Norway playlist!