17 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Norway
- 1. Norway is a Scandinavian Country
2. Polar Bears do not Walk in the Streets
3. the norwegian currency is nok (norwegian krone), 4. most norwegians speak english, 5. norway is a safe country to visit, 6. winter, spring, summer, fall, 7. always bring an extra layer of clothes, 8. wild camping is allowed in mostly all of norway, 9. national parks and most outdoor locations are free to use, 10. norway has the best salmon, 11. traveling in norway can be expensive if you only eat out.
- 12. Northern lights aren't visible everywhere
- 13. Norway is a Long Country
- 14. There aren't Many Dangers in the Wild
15. Norwegians eat a lot of Taco
16. the difference between southern norway and northern norway is huge.
- 17. The Midnight Sun Isn't a Different Sun
Are you dreaming of visiting Norway one day? Perhaps you've already booked a flight and have begun planning the trip. Regardless of where you are in the process, here are 17 things you should know before visiting Norway:
1. Norway is a Scandinavian Country
We Norwegians tend to believe that Norway is the center of the earth and everyone knows who we are. The truth is that Norway isn't as large as we want to believe and everyone doesn't even know that Norway even is a country.
Norway is a Scandinavian country with approximately 5.2 million people and has numerous times been named one of the best places to live and/or visit.
(For those who don't know: Scandinavia consists of Norway, Sweden and Denmark; 3 nordic countries located in Europe)
A common misconception is that Polar Bears walk the streets in Norway. This is, fortunately, not the case. In fact, there are no wild Polar Bears on mainland Norway.
Norway is actually a really civilized country and you would be surprised to see how modern it is. We even have cars driving in the streets...!
Svalbard, however, is a Norwegian archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole where there are more Polar Bears than people. Still, it's rare that there are any incidents between the inhabitants and Polar Bears.
The currency we use in Norway is the Norwegian Krone. So, if you're traveling with only Euro you won't come far. The Norwegian Krone was recently weakened which means that if you're traveling to Norway in the near future it will be cheaper than what it was only one year ago.
It should be mentioned that Norway is using less and less cash. You can mostly anything with a credit card, even taxis and hot dogs! That means that it's not a crisis if you forgot to bring cash.
Don't know Norwegian? No problem! The majority of Norwegians speaks English. Even though some are a bit shy to have a full conversation, they are able to understand most and to help you with any questions you might have.
So, don't be afraid of saying hi to a stranger!
Norway is known to be one of the safest countries in the world. Crime rates are extremely low even in major cities such as Oslo , Bergen , Trondheim , and Stavanger .
As with any other urban areas, you should take certain precautions but there's not much to be afraid of. Even walking alone during the night is relatively safe and the chances are small that you'll become the victim of a crime.
Most crimes in Norway are related to home and office burglaries. There are some groups of pickpocketers traveling around the most touristic areas during summer so keep an extra eye on your wallet when you're in a crowd (still, the possibilities of anything happening is low).
There are 4 seasons in Norway: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Be sure to take this into consideration when you're planning to visit Norway . Some attractions are only open during a specific season and certain hikes are unreachable during winter. If your main purpose is to visit one specific location figure out what season is optimal for that.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the weather changes a lot between seasons. Make sure that you always bring enough clothes when traveling to Norway as it does get cold! Keeping an eye on the weather forecast is always a good idea.
The weather, as mentioned above, changes a lot between seasons in Norway so you always want to bring enough clothes. Most importantly, if you're planning to go on some hikes during your visit, you need to bring an extra layer of clothes. Even during summer, it's wise to bring a rain jacket and a fleece in your backpack in case the weather changes or the temperatures drop when you reach a higher altitude.
Due to " Allemannsretten " (every man or woman's right of public access), you can pitch a tent wherever you want in Norway (unless anything else is stated at a specific area). The outdoors is very important for us Norwegians and we do our best to maintain the right of using the outdoors freely. So, make sure that you leave no traces behind and don't do any damage to nature.
There are also several campsites all over Norway that are cheap to stay at. At these sites, you often have the possibility to take a warm shower, clean your clothes and charge any batteries.
Also, due to "Allemannsretten", all public lands are free to access. This means that you don't have to pay an entrance fee for a national park and you're free to go mostly wherever you want. All we ask is that you treat nature with respect and do your best not to leave any traces behind.
It's true, Norway has the best salmon. In fact, it was Norwegians who introduced the Japanese to Salmon Sushi in the 1980's. That's how good our salmon is.
While salmon isn't cheap, make sure that you have at least one proper salmon meal in Norway even if you're traveling on a budget.
It's no secret that Norway is an expensive country to visit. Even though it's less expensive now that the Norwegian Krone is weak, it's not cheap. One way to avoid spending too much money during your travels in Norway is to eat less at restaurants. Purchasing your own food at a supermarket is much cheaper than going out every day. Unlike many other countries, Norway doesn't have a culture of going out to eat.
If you are traveling on a budget make sure that you read through our Norway on a Budget Guide .
12. Northern lights aren't visible everywhere
Are you dreaming of seeing the northern lights? Well, Norway is the right place to do it!
There's something magical about watching the sky turn into a green and purple formation dancing all over. I still remember the first time I saw it for myself, it was a moment that changed my life...
Many tourists come to Norway with the intent to see the northern lights . However, the northern lights (or Aurora Borealis) isn't visible all over Norway.
Since Norway is a long country you're normally only able to see the lady in green in the northern parts of Norway. The further south you go, the fewer lights you will see. Places such as Lofoten, Bodø and Tromsø are popular areas to watch the northern lights .
You should also remember that the northern lights won't be visible during the summer as it is too bright during that season. Typically, you've got the best chance of seeing some activity between October and April.
13. Norway is a Long Country
Another large misconception about Norway is that it's a small country which is easy to travel around. This isn't the case. Even though only 5 million people live here, it’s a large country by area (148 718 square miles) that stretches from 57° to 81° North. This means that you're not able to spend a couple of days in Norway and see both the west coast, capital and northern parts. In fact, driving from Kristiansand in southern Norway to Nordkapp in Northern Norway takes about 38 hours non-stop.
Therefore, you should plan your trip carefully and look at the distances between the places you want to go. If you want to see places in all regions I strongly suggest you spend some days extra or plan more than one trip.
- Press here for self-drive itineraries in Norway
- Press here for self-drive tours in Norway
14. There aren't Many Dangers in the Wild
Besides the Polar Bears on Svalbard, there are no dangerous animals waiting to attack you in the Norwegian wild. Either you're in the woods, on a mountain or on a glacier, you have nothing to fear.
There are animals that you want to avoid but they will typically run away before you even see them. You can read more about wildlife and animals in Norway here .
If you visit a Norwegian family on a Friday evening the possibility is high that they are having Tacos for dinner. As a joke, it's said that Tex-Mex is Norway's national food. Yes, it really is that popular - even my grandma makes Tacos on Fridays!
(Ok, you might not have needed to know this but it's a fun fact that might work as an awkward icebreaker!)
Since Norway is such a long country it goes without saying that the differences are quite significant. In the southern Norway, you have beautiful coasts and warm (not tropical!) weather, the East has large areas of woods and the capital, the West has the fjords and mountains while the north has the arctic landscapes.
You might also notice that the dialects spoken throughout Norway are quite different and if you're just learning to speak some Norwegian it might be a bit confusing.
17. The Midnight Sun Isn't a Different Sun
During winter, northern Norway has polar nights; a period where the sun never rises above the horizon and you have 24 hours of dark. During summer, however, it's the exact opposite; the sun never sets.
You might have heard of the Midnight Sun before. Unlike what a few tend to believe, the midnight sun is actually not a different sun...it's just the same sun as during the rest of the year but it doesn't go down; meaning 24 hours of daylight.
- Press here for things to do in Oslo
- Press here for things to do in Lofoten
- Press here for things to do in Tromsø
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Top 10 destinations in Norway
From hip urban cities to glittering fjords, northern lights, and remote villages above the Arctic Circle – Norway is a veeery long country, packed with things to see and do. So, where do you start? To get the most out of your holiday, we recommend that you choose one or two regions to explore. Here are some of the highlights!
1. The Oslo region
A lot of things are cooking in the Norwegian capital, Oslo , a city that has been given a major facelift during the last decade. Funky new neighbourhoods, steaming hot floating saunas, a fully-packed event calendar, and several brand-new museums and attractions is just a taste of what to expect.
With the Oslofjord and big forests right next door, you can easily combine urban life with nature-based fun like cycling, hiking, or skiing at some of Norway's top ski resorts . There is also plenty to see and do in the nearby regions of Østfold and Vestfold , with charming towns such as Fredrikstad and Tønsberg dotted along the coast.
About an hour’s drive from Oslo lies Norway’s new art destination Hadeland , where you can visit the wonderful outdoor art park at the Kistefos Museum and the spectacular building The Twist, exhibiting top modern art.
2. Tromsø and the land of the northern lights
The capital of the Arctic, Tromsø , is located right in the middle of Northern Norway . If your bucket list includes the northern lights, whale watching, the midnight sun, and epic nature adventures , this is definitely where you want to go.
Enjoy superb conditions for ski touring, biking and hiking in the Lyngenfjord region , experience the Sami culture in towns like Karasjok and Alta , and enter the northernmost point of Europe at the North Cape .
In the eastern part of this vast region, you’ll find the Varanger peninsula, which is a bird watcher’s paradise. Go king crab fishing and dog sledding in Kirkenes and Varanger , where you also can spend an unforgettable night in an ice hotel.
In the areas surrounding Tromsø, several unique islands are waiting to be explored, including Senja , Kvaløya, and Sommarøy.
3. Lofoten and Nordland
Staggering peaks, glittering fjords, authentic fishing villages, and picture-perfect beaches. Not to mention northern lights and midnight sun! You have probably seen jaw-dropping images of Lofoten and Vesterålen (the kingdom of whales!) on Instagram. A hot tip is to visit these places outside of the peak summer season (when the crowds are gone).
Next-level outdoor adventures also await in the skiing, biking and hiking paradise of Narvik . A lesser-known gem is Helgeland a little further south. Here, you can drive The Coastal Route between Trøndelag and Bodø, voted one of the world’s most scenic drives .
The lively coastal town of Bodø is the largest city in the county of Nordland, offering plenty of outdoor fun in the nearby Salten region as well as a booming cultural scene. In fact, Bodø will be the European Capital of Culture in 2024.
4. Bergen and the western fjords
Historical UNESCO World Heritage sites meet innovative fashion, trendy restaurants, and a progressive music scene in Norway’s second-largest city, Bergen . Visit some of the country’s top museums like the KODE art museums and composer homes, get lost in a maze of cobblestone streets, and experience the city from above at one of the seven surrounding mountain tops.
Bergen is the gateway to some of Norway’s most famous fjords , including the Sognefjord , Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, in the north, and the Hardangerfjord – where you’ll find the famous mountain plateau Trolltunga – in the south. Many of the fjords have sidearms that are at least as beautiful, but far less busy.
Travel to the fjord village of Flåm with the Bergen Railway Line and the Flåm Railway Line, voted one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys . For outdoor fun in epic surroundings, visit Voss and Nordfjord .
5. The Geirangerfjord and the Northwest
The picturesque art nouveau town of Ålesund is an ideal starting point for a fjord adventure in the Northwest , situated in the northern part of Fjord Norway . This region attracts avowed outdoor buffs all year round. From Ålesund, you can travel by boat or bus to the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord , Norway’s most famous fjord, with the Seven Sisters and numerous other waterfalls that run down steep mountainsides.
The mountaineering capital of Åndalsnes is another ideal base here, as it is surrounded by legendary peaks (you can either hike or ride a gondola to the top), situated only a short distance from world-famous attractions like the Trollstigen mountain road and The Atlantic Road.
Åndalsnes is the endpoint of the Rauma Railway , named one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys. The Northwest is also home to the jazz town Molde with its legendary jazz festival, and the “clipfish capital”, Kristiansund .
6. The Stavanger region
What do you get if you combine Michelin-starred restaurants with old wooden houses, world-class street art , and a great multicultural vibe? Travel to Stavanger and experience it for yourself. Stavanger is the largest city in the southwestern part of the country, and an ideal starting point if you want to take in famous natural attractions such as the Lysefjord and Preikestolen (The Pulpit Rock).
The coastal area of Jæren is a beach bum’s paradise, home to some of Norway’s widest and whitest beaches. Surfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts will also be in for a treat. Follow the North Sea Road towards Egersund and discover charming towns and villages, like picturesque Sogndalstrand, lining the coast like pearls on a string.
7. Trondheim and Trøndelag
The Trøndelag region , situated right in the middle of Norway, attracts hardcore history buffs and active nature explores alike . This is a true heaven for devoted foodies , and the region was named European Region of Gastronomy in 2022.
Go fishing, cycling, or skiing, or hike one of the nine pilgrim paths the St. Olav Ways , which all lead to the imposing Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim . The lively and cosy student town of Trondheim is the region’s capital, known as the Home of Nordic flavours. Indulge in gastronomical experiences ranging from innovative Michelin-starred restaurants to hip food bars and cosy coffee shops.
Sample fresh local produce on the scenic detour The Golden Road in Innherred , and travel back in time in the UNESCO-listed mining town of Røros . In the Dovrefjell mountains , you can catch a glimpse of a beautiful beast – the musk oxen.
8. Kristiansand and Southern Norway
Southern Norway is the Norwegians’ own summer paradise , with lovely beaches, thousands of islands, and more hours of sun per year than most other parts of the country. Stroll through narrow streets between traditional white wooden houses in charming coastal towns like Risør , Arendal , Grimstad , Mandal, and Flekkefjord , or get to know the cradle of Norwegian folk traditions in the Setesdal valley .
The largest city in Southern Norway is Kristiansand , where you can roam through its old town, called Posebyen, indulge in fresh seafood, enjoy lazy days on the city beach, and attend several fun festivals. Dyreparken zoo and amusement park is a sure winner with the little ones. A short drive from Kristiansand lies Lindesnes lighthouse, mainland Norway’s southernmost point. Lindesnes is also where you’ll find the incredible Michelin-starred restaurant Under, the world’s largest underwater restaurant .
9. The mountains and valleys of Eastern Norway
The dense forests, deep valleys, and massive mountain plateaus of Eastern Norway are all excellent starting points for nature adventures. This is where you'll find some of Norway’s largest ski resorts , like Geilo , Trysil , and Hemsedal . They offer year-round fun, as they turn into world-class cycling and outdoor activity destinations once the snow melts.
The long valleys of Valdres , Hallingdal , and the Gudbrandsdalen valley are popular family destinations that offer everything from theme parks to quaint farms and great hikes. The same goes for the region of Telemark , where you can cruise on the Telemark canal and witness one of Eastern Norway’s most impressive views from the top of Gaustatoppen mountain.
In the central mountains, you can enjoy the national parks of Dovrefjell , Jotunheimen , and Rondane and nature-based activities like hiking, cycling, rafting, and climbing.
10. The Svalbard archipelago
Ready to take wildlife to the next level? The Svalbard archipelago lies in the middle of the Arctic Ocean, halfway between Norway and the North Pole. Here, you can participate in exotic nature-based activities all year round in a landscape that is both rugged and fragile.
Try your hand at dog sledding, go ice caving, join a snowmobile safari, or hunt the northern lights. In addition to a few thousand polar bears, the islands are home to almost 3,000 humans. The main city of Longyearbyen is a colourful mini metropolis that offers cultural activities and high-quality places to eat and drink that you usually would expect to only find in big cities.
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