norway travel info

Welcome to Norway

Harald Hognerud - DeHistoriske

Visit the amazing Norway Fjords

Fjord Norway - Robin Strand

Bryggen Wharf is one of Norway`s most historical sights

Øyvind Heen - Visitnorway.com

In Norway you will find architectural masterpieces

Christopher Hagelund - Visitnorway.com

Discover Norway by activities

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Visit Norway with the enchanting and famous Norwegian fjords and discover Norway's culture, cities, nature and much more...

Norway is world-famous for its beautiful nature, especially the Norwegian fjords . Also, the many  national parks are impressive with mountains, ice-blue glaciers, deep green forests, lakes, and beautiful green valleys and pastures. Norway is one of the three Scandinavian countries; with Denmark and Sweden, Norway is ranked as one of the best countries to live in and has one of the lowest crime rates in the world.

The Norwegian coastline is 25,148 km, but including the long fjords, mainland, and numerous small islands, the length is more than 100,000 km.

Every year in Oslo, the Nobel Peace Prize  ceremony takes place by the Norwegian committee. 

The northern lights and midnight sun

In the north of  Norway , the sun never sets during the summer, so that you can see the sun 24/7. This fantastic view is called the midnight sun .

The sun never rises above the horizon in the winter, making northern Norway the perfect spot to watch the Northern Lights, and the season is from September to April.

In northern Norway, you can discover the Northern Lights  from September to April, and the sun never rises above the horizon.

See more: Northern Lights and midnight sun in Tromsø

Norway´s major cities

Norway has borders with Finland, Sweden and Russia and the coastline face the North Atlantic Ocean. The Gulf stream runs along the Norwegian coast, and the climate here is mild and relatively wet, and to the north and east, the winters are longer and colder.

Oslo is the capital with about 635,000 inhabitants. Other major cities are Bergen, Trondheim , Tromsø and Stavanger  . Europe´s northernmost point is North Cape .

See more:  What to see and do in Oslo

The Norwegian fjords are world renown

Norway has the highest concentration of fjords in the world. The Geiranger Fjord and the Nærøy fjord is on the Unesco World Heritage List.

Norwegian nature can be just as wild as it is beautiful. The weather may change quickly in the mountains – from bright sunshine to rain, dense fog and strong winds. 

See more: Experience the Norwegian Fjords

Norway is the home of skiing

A Norwegian proverb claims Norwegians are born with skis on their feet, and Norway is undoubtedly a winter sports nation, with skiing and cross-country in particular as the two most beloved sports.

Norway is undoubtedly a winter sports nation, with skiing and cross-country as the two most beloved sports. The Norwegians appreciate their family, friends and leisure activities, and on weekends they love hiking in nature, skiing, biking or other outdoor activities.

The best-known skiing areas are Lillehammer, Beitostolen, Dovrefjell, Rondane, Hallingdal and Valdres.

Many ski centres offer Alpine skiing and snowboarding, including Hafjell, Trysil, Kvitfjell and Hemsedal. The ski season lasts from November to Easter.

Extreme sports like freeskiing, kiteboarding, downhill and mountain bike racing, rock climbing, rafting, parachuting, and BASE jumping are becoming increasingly popular.

In 1957 The Outdoors Recreation Act (Allemannsretten) allowed everyone to access the open country, even private property. In Norway, there is a network of well-maintained trails and cabins. 

Norway facts

King Harald V. has been the head of state since 1991. The king has no political power but performs ceremonial duties. Norway has a parliamentary democracy and is one of the most democratic countries in the world. The parliament is called Stortinget.

Essential values in Norway are economic, social and gender equality and openness and equal rights in general – such as financial, social and gender equality.

In Norway are living 5.300 million people live, and Norway is the third happiest in the world, according to the 2022 World Happiness Report. Other top countries are their Nordic neighbours, Finland (no.1) and Denmark (no.2).

Norway is the world’s largest exporter of salmon.

> See why visit the Nordic countries

Famous people from Norway

Edvard Munch and Henrik Ibsen are widely regarded as influential figures in the history of art and literature.

Today noway is the world’s biggest exporter of black metal music. The so-called Nordic noir literary genre has been prevalent in recent years. Here we will mention authors like Jo Nesbø and Karin Fossum. 

Major industries in Norway 

The country has a very high standard of living and a sound health system like the other Nordic countries . The major industries in Norway are chemicals, food processing, metals, gas and oil, shipping, pulp, and paper products.

What to See and Do in Norway

Norway Fjords

Most Popular Attractions

Nature & Wildlife

Top 9 Museums

Top 9 Family Attractions

Heritage Norway

Popular Outdoor Activities

Getting to Norway

Best season

Popular cities in norway.

Narvik is the gateway to the Arctic

Popular Regions in Norway

Northern Norway

Southern Norway

Discover the northern lights.

Welcome to Alta

Lyngenfjord

Top attractions in norway.

The Pulpit Rock

The Royal Palace

Bryggen Wharf Bergen

Holmenkollen & Ski Museum

The Geirangerfjord

Oslo Viking Ship Museum

Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park

The Nærøyfjord

Akershus Castle & Fortress

Vøringsfossen

Amazing viewpoints in norway.

Geiranger-Trollstigen

Jostedalsbreen National Park

Mount Fløyen in Bergen

Romsdalseggen

Besseggen Ridge Hiking Trail

Galdhøpiggen Hiking

Visit the arctic.

Svalbard in Norway

Kiruna in Lapland

Lofoten Islands

Highlights in fjord norway.

The Atlantic Road

Loen Skylift

Flåm Railway

Practical Tips

Visa to Norway

Opening hours in Norway

Weather in Norway

What to Pack for Norway

Currency and Tip in Norway

Public Transport

Driving in Norway

Credit Cards in Norway

Internet & Wifi & Phones

Safety in Norway

Emergency in Norway

Transport to and from Oslo Int. Airport

Tourist Offices

Tax free Shopping in Norway

Electricity

Beautiful west norway.

Facts - Norway

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Reasons to Visit Norway

Norway in Two Weeks

Historic Hotels in Norway

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Bergen Railway Tour

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The Ultimate Norway Travel Guide: What to See + Insider Tips for Your Trip

Planning a trip to Norway? You’ll love it. From the best time to visit to unmissable places to see and insider tips – here’s your step-by-step Norway travel guide.

It’s probably a bit unfair to outrightly declare a country the most beautiful in the world, but Norway would certainly be a top contender. Its otherworldly landscapes of deep fjords, rugged coastline, majestic glaciers and jagged mountain ridges make for a stunning adventure .

Throw in the picturesque fisherman huts and the colourful Northern Lights that dance around the skies and you have one hell of a country to explore. 

It’s certainly not cheap and, in summer, its popularity makes for some serious crowds around the main areas in the south, but there is still so much of the country that will invoke a sense of true remoteness and of reaching the far corners of this planet.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime sort of trip. 

PS: Planning your trip to Norway? Watch this video packed with tips!

Watch on YouTube

How to plan a trip to norway: before you go, best time to visit .

High season in Norway is during summer between June and August, when domestic tourists tend to take holidays along with most other Europeans.

During this time, the days are long and it’s ideal for hiking, cycling and cruising, although there’s no guarantee of much warmth. Accommodation and transport like trains are especially busy in summer and it’s hard to secure places and tickets on short notice.

The best time to visit Norway is in the shoulder season, particularly the months either side of summer. May and September offer mild temperatures but far fewer crowds than in summer. 

Although winter is traditionally considered low season, because of the bitterly cold weather, it’s not technically a terrible time to visit. If you dress properly and come prepared for the cold then Norway is a true winter wonderland. For cross country skiing and other winter sports, this is the best time to visit Norway.  

The Northern Lights, one of the country’s biggest drawcards, dances around the sky from September onwards and tends to peak over winter between December and February. Want in on the action? Check out my guide to stunning Northern Lights Hotels in Norway .

Handy Resources for Getting To Norway 

To help plan your trip to Norway, these resources and websites will help you with logistics and for getting decent prices.

• Skyscanner is one of the best flight resources for comparing prices. You can also search for an entire month to see when the cheapest dates are to fly for a particular city or country.
• Look into travel passes like Travelpass Nordland which offer multi day passes on different types of transport and their app also has a handy travel planner with transport information so you can plan ahead
• Maps.Me is a mapping app that allows you to download for offline use and is one of the best all round navigation apps for any country. You can also pin locations, allowing you to plan where you want to go and what you want to see. For hiking it’s also a good safety mechanism as most trails are marked on the app and the GPS means you can check where you are, if you think you might be lost
• Booking an all-inclusive tour with companies like Intrepid Travel or G Adventures eliminates many of the hassles of trip planning and logistical challenges. However, it also reduces some of your freedom and last-minute ability to change plans
• For day trips, using Get Your Guide is the best way to find high-quality tours with reputable companies. There are hundreds of options in Norway on there, from fjord cruises to foodie tours.

Where to Stay 

Hotels and hostels are of quite a high standard in Norway, although they’re also likely to take up a huge chunk of your budget. The country’s HI Hostels which is run by the Norwegian hostelling association are the budget traveller’s mainstay and can be booked through their website. Otherwise, Booking.com is where you can compare and book hotel accommodation in advance.

Cabins dot the Norwegian landscape in their thousands and are often referred to as hytter or rorbuer or wooden cabins. They are usually self-catering affairs with a couple of bedrooms. They are always found around campgrounds and they are the most popular choice of accommodation on the Lofoten islands. You can often rent a hytter starting from around 800kr per night. 

Camping is a popular choice for both locals and foreign visitors and there are literally hundreds of campgrounds ranging from basic tent sites to complex setups with first-class facilities. You can expect to pay around 300kr for two people and a tent with a car.

Packing for Your Norway Trip

Let’s be honest, no matter what time of year you decide to go, the most important item to pack will be a warm coat or down jacket. The weather in Norway is notoriously unpredictable and even in summer you can face all four seasons in one day. 

The best way to pack for your trip is to think about layers. That way you can be prepared for whatever weather you encounter. 

Other than a warm jacket, a weatherproof or rain jacket is also a good addition, especially if you plan on hiking or getting outdoors. A good pair of walking shoes or insulated hiking boots are also good footwear options if you plan on heading anywhere remote or doing any outdoor activities. 

Surprisingly, sunscreen is also a must pack for Norway. The air is often so cold that you don’t feel that you’re burning, but the sun is extremely strong at any time of year. 

Travel Insurance

It’s important to arrange travel insurance before you depart for your trip. If you pay for full comprehensive cover, it should protect you from illness, injury, theft and cancellations. 

If you plan on doing any extreme or winter sports like skiing, you may need to check if your insurance will cover you, as generally this may require an additional payment.

The same goes for hiring a car. Check that your personal insurance will cover you for any injuries obtained while driving and whether there is an additional cost. 

Suggested Guidebooks

The best guidebooks for travelling in Norway are Lonely Planet Norway and The Rough Guide to Norway . Both are considered the best in the guidebook game and can help plan your trip. 

There are also e-book versions available if you prefer not to lug a heavy guidebook around with you.

Norway Visitor Guide: What to Do During Your Norway Trip

Top 10 things to do in norway , explore the capital, oslo.

One of the most exciting cities in Europe, it has a growing music scene, modern architecture, wide bike lanes, some of the best baristas in the world and the northernmost three-star Michelin restaurant.

But that’s not all. A nearby island filled with some of the coolest museums in Europe, a Royal Palace and the epic Nobel Peace Center are a few more reasons you need to visit. And don’t get me started on the pastry scene.

Take the Train from Oslo to Bergen

An incredibly beautiful train journey through some of the country’s best scenery, you’ll be astonished at the feat of engineering it would have taken to build such a rail line. 

Wander Through the Streets of Bergen

The medieval wharf of Bergen is UNESCO listed and the beautiful old buildings with fairytale-like houses and bustling art galleries makes this city especially enchanting. 

Take a wander through Bryggen, the wharf area of the city, before heading up on the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen. From here, marvel at the city below you.

 See the Northern Lights from the Lofoten Islands

If seeing the Northern Lights isn’t on your Norwegian bucket list, I don’t know what to say…

Scattered with traditional villages against a mountainous backdrop, Lofoten is one of the country’s biggest drawcards. It’s also one of the best places to see the Northern Lights .

Visit the Gateway to Norway’s North, Tromso

The largest city in the far north and often referred to as the capital of the Arctic, from this city you can admire fjords, whales, the midnight sun and take a tour to see the northern lights without having to travel too far from the centre. Many people decide to try dog sledding in Tromso too.

Road Trip the Kystriksveien Coastal Route

This stunning road trip along the coast is often described as one of the most beautiful drives in the world, passing every sort of landscape you can possibly imagine

Experience Extremities in Svalbard

What happens if you mix an icy haven with one of the world’s toughest terrains and plenty to see and do – including an ex-soviet ghost town? Svalbard, of course.

A huge group of islands in the northernmost part of Europe takes extremes to the next level, with 60% of the area covered in glaciers and an array of Arctic wildlife you’ll likely never see anywhere else, such as polar bears which outnumber people there.

Hike to Pulpit Rock near Stavanger

The now-insta famous lookout at Pulpit Rock is crowded with people in summer, but you can’t deny that the two hour hike up to this spectacular viewpoint is worth it.

Despite what you might think, this hike is actually pretty easy. Though it does get chilly – wrap up warm or you might just end up very very angry (and cold)

Take a Ferry Along Geirangerfjord

Frequently considered as one of the world’s top natural attractions and best ferry rides, you can admire the waterfalls running down steep mountains and the bright blue water of this incredible place.

Spend Time in Lively Trondheim

The country’s third-largest city has colourful wooden buildings with plenty of cool cafes and food markets and festivals frequently bringing the streets to life.

There’s much to see and do in Trondheim, but a couple of unmissable spots are the historic Kristiansten Fortress, which sits on a hill overlooking the city. As well as this, the adorable streets of Bakklandet are home to well-preserved wooden buildings and cosy cafés. people-watching opportunities for daysss.

Suggested Norway Trip Itineraries 

In Northern Norway you can experience the best of the Arctic and experience things you can’t see in many other places in the world. For a truly unique trip follow this two week itinerary north:

Oslo – Trondheim – Bodo (northernmost stop on the train line) – Narvik – Tromso – Alta – back to Tromso – Lofoten Islands – ferry to Bodo – back to Oslo

If you have plenty of time and want to see as much of the country as you can, here’s an itinerary for catching all of the highlights of Norway, possible by using a combination of train, bus, flights and rental car if you are happy with driving in Norway . It would take around three weeks to complete.

Oslo – train to Bergen – Stavanger – Geirunger for a ferry through the fjord – Trondheim – take the Kystriksveien Coastal road trip – Bodo – Narvik – Tromso – Lofoten Islands – back to Oslo 

How to See the Best of Norway for Free 

Norway is known as an extremely expensive country to travel in and so seeing as much of the country for free as possible is certainly ideal. Here are some tips on how you can get things for free in Norway.

Couchsurfing is a great way to explore Norway for free. You can basically stay or ‘crash’ at someone’s place and create meaningful interactions with the locals and your host at the same time. In the larger cities like Oslo and Bergen, it will not be difficult to find a host for the night. However, in the smaller towns and more remote areas you may have to plan and reach out to a host in advance. 

Wild camping is also a great way to not only stay for free but also experience some of the best of Norway’s landscapes. If you come prepared with proper camping gear and warm clothing, wild camping is allowed in most outdoor places. You only have to respect basic rules like, leave no trace, do not pitch on private property and keep away from any buildings. 

Hitchhiking is also a popular way of getting around and is quite common, especially in the southern half of the country where roads are busy enough. Although there are certain risks with hitchhiking, especially if you travel solo, you’ll find other travellers also hitching a ride in order to reduce the cost of transport. Just listen to your gut instincts. 

Dishes to Try in Norway 

• Reindeer – usually roasted, it’s one of the main dishes non-vegetarian tourists like to try at least once on their visit to Norway
• Cheese – Norway’s cheese has been made internationally recognised by Jarlsberg, first made in 1860 and you can find it in most tourist-oriented restaurants 
• Stockfish – unsalted cod dried in Norway’s cold air on wooden racks is one of the country’s longest sustained export commodities
• Fish is generally considered a food staple in Norway and is eaten three or four times a week. Salmon is particularly popular and surprisingly, relatively cheap compared to other dishes

Top Drinks in Norway 

• Aquavit – considered the national drink, this is a potent distilled spirit made from potatoes and flavoured with a variety of herbs and spices such as fennel, cumin or cardamom
•   Glogg – the traditional Scandinavian mulled wine adds aquavit to red wine simmered with cloves and cinnamon
• Mead – also known as honey wine, is a fermented drink made from honey, it’s considered a traditional Viking drink 

Norway Travel Guide: Things to Know Before You Go to Norway

Tips for travelling to norway.

• Consider the month you are travelling around Norway and research how much daylight there is and what the weather will be like because this will not only influence what clothes to pack but also whether certain roads will be blocked or certain experiences like seeing the Northern Lights will be possible
• Book train tickets and accommodation in advance for cheaper deals, particularly if you are travelling in summer when things book out weeks in advance
• You can get a local SIM card for your phone that should cost around 100kr and cover about 80% of the country, which is pretty remarkable considering how remote a lot of the towns are

Tipping In Norway

Tipping is by no means compulsory in Norway, but it is customary for Norwegians to leave a tip of about 10-20% in a restaurant or bar if the service was good. It’s uncommon to tip outside of the hospitality industry so don’t feel obliged to tip taxi drivers or hotel staff.

Interesting Facts 

• Around half of the population live around Oslo, in the far south of the country
• Two-thirds of the country is mountainous
• Off Norway’s coastline lies around 50, 000 islands amongst the fjords and glaciers
• The Norwegian economy is largely dependent on the petroleum industry
• Norway has one of the lowest population densities in Europe

Handy Phrases for Travelling to Norway

Most people in Norway speak almost fluent English and will not expect a foreign traveller to learn any Norwegian words. However, if you want to try and learn some basics, here’s some phrases to keep handy.

Takk – Thank You

Hallo – Hello

Ha det – Goodbye

Vær så snill – Please

Hvor er…? – Where is…?

En billet til… – One ticket to…

Jernbanestasjon – Train station

Busstasjon – Bus ststaion

Flypass – Airport

Hvor mye koster billetten? – How much is the fare?

Time Zones 

Norway is situated in the Central European Standard Time (CEST) or Central European Time (CET), depending on daylight savings. Daylight savings applies in Norway, like many other European countries and clocks are set one hour forward at the end of March and one hour back at the end of October. 

Electricity + Adapters

Norway uses the common plugs in other European countries, Type C and F, which has two round prongs. Most Scandinavian electricity outlets use 220 volts. 

There is a relatively low health risk associated with travelling to Norway, with rates of disease and illness at a similar rate to other European countries. 

Tap water is also completely safe to drink and of a high quality, so you don’t need to worry about buying plastic bottles or filtering your water.

Still, regular vaccines are recommended such as Hepatitis A and B, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), tetanus, typhoid, pneumonia and influenza. However, there are no required vaccines that will affect your entry into the country.

There is a relatively well-connected and reliable public transport system in Norway, linked by buses, trains and ferries.

However, outside of the southern cities, places are few and far between and towns are sprawled outwards for kilometres. This means that renting a car is the preferred mode of transport for travellers wanting to get deep into Norway’s far north, although this is not exactly the cheapest way to go. 

Car rental for a week can start at 3500kr, although you can often get deals for a weekend rental or in the quieter months.

The major highways are well taken care of and generally open all year round, although you’ll find many of the smaller roads in the north will close for months over winter. 

The national railway has lines connecting Oslo to Stavanger in the southwest, Oslo to Bergen in the west and Oslo to Trondheim and onto Bodo in the north. Many of the train rides start at 800kr for a standard fare ticket, although this will change depending on how early you book and what class you want.

Train travel in Norway is most popular for those wanting a comfortable journey between the major cities. 

Buses reach almost every corner of the country, with the main long-distance company being Nor-Way Bussekspress. Prices are much more reasonable than the trains and can often be bought on the bus on the day, although it’s possible to secure a seat in advance if you’d prefer.

Taking a ferry is almost a highlight of any trip to Norway and around the Lofoten Islands they are almost impossible to avoid. They are usually both for passengers and vehicles and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. 

There are also more speedy and comfortable boat trips and cruises that operate for multiple days along the coast with cabins and restaurants on board. 

There are some relatively cheap internal flights that you can score which can save you time spent on buses and trains.

From Oslo to Trondheim you can expect to pay around 650kr, for example. This only means that you will miss out on some of the fabulous scenery along the way.

Check flights on Skyscanner

Norway is one of the safest countries in the world and its crime rates are extremely low. However, in the major cities you should still be wary of your belongings and valuables, as you should be in most other countries. 

If you practice basic common sense and personal awareness, you shouldn’t have any problems travelling around Norway.

Costs and Budgeting for a Norway Trip

Here’s the bad news – Norway is one of the most expensive countries in Europe. Your budget will need to be much greater and more flexible than perhaps travelling to most other countries.

However, in saying that, there are ways of cutting costs like getting a multi-day transport pass, giving up alcohol for the duration of your trip and self-catering your meals. 

A budget traveller who has a picnic lunch and stays in cheap hostels or hotels could look at spending around 800kr per day. For slightly more comfort, like staying in 3 star hotels and eating out for meals, you could spend around 1500kr per day. 

Read More Norway Travel Guides

A guide to the lofoten islands norway: brilliant things to do + travel tips, a snowy sami reindeer experience in tromso, norway.

• Norway in Winter: Why It’s Worth Visiting

Best Time and Places to See the Northern Lights in Norway

• A Food-Lover’s Guide to the Lofoten Islands: A Culinary Adventure in Norway’s Arctic Circle

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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Norway Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Visit Norway!

Psst! Some links in my posts may be affiliate links, which means that I get paid a fee if you chose to purchase something through it. This doesn't cost you anything, but makes a huge difference for me! Thanks for your support!

Being born and raised by the beautiful Norwegian fjords, I often get asked to share my best travel tips for Norway . Through my years as a travel blogger I have written several helpful guides to visiting Norway, but I realised I’ve never actually created one, massive resource for travelling to Norway – kind of like an ultimate Norway travel guide!

So, that’s what this is.

In this post, I aim to share EVERYTHING you need to know before your trip to Norway, including the best places to visit in Norway, when to visit Norway, and what the expectations are when it comes to tipping in Norway.

And more, of course.

I’ll also link to all my best Norway resources and articles where they are relevant, which you can also find by heading to the Norway travel category where I have collected all posts about travelling to Norway. 

Don’t forget to join my Norway Travel Tips Facebook group to connect with others who are currently planning their trips, discover new Norway travel hacks and share inspiration to make the most of your travel plans!

Since this post turned out to be massive, feel free to use th table of contents to navigate ! Just click the little button on the right of it to expand and click your way through my guide!

Table of Contents

Norway Travel Guide: Welcome!

The photo above is the view from my house. I’m serious. This is what Norway looks like, and it’s no wonder publications and travellers alike call Norway one of the most beautiful countries in the world .

I grew up by the fjords, and not just any fjord. The Aurlandsfjord, with Flåm at its end and the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Nærøyfjord as one of its ‘arms’, is one of the most popular fjords in Norway.

This means that my little municipality of 1700 people (my village has around 600 inhabitants) is visited by over 1,5 million tourists a year.

Side note: having grown up where I have, I also run a blog dedicated to Flåm and the area – head this way to read!

It wasn’t until I moved to Wales at 17, followed by London and Florida that I started realising just how beautiful and special Norway is, and now I love sharing my Norway travel tips and guides with visitors from all over the world.

3 Things to know about Norway before visiting

In order to cover all the best places to visit in Norway, I’d first like to point out that there are a few things you should know before you book a trip to Norway. 

#1 The Cost of Things

One of those things is that Norway is expensive as hell .

There’s no denying it, and you’ll be better off by knowing this in advance. By saving and budgeting, your trip to Norway will go a lot smoother, and being prepared for high prices will save you any frustration during your trip.

Especially in the more touristy areas you’ll find that the prices are quite high.

#2 The Language

Another thing to know about Norway is that the Norwegian language can come across as quite rude . This is not to say that Norwegians are rude, but a result of the lack of ‘polite filler words’ in our day-to-day language.

By this, I mean that we don’t add ‘please’ to the end of a sentence when ordering food or asking for something, we very rarely say ‘excuse me’ if interrupting someone, and the language generally lacks the politeness of English.

You may come across exceptions to this rule, but it’s still worth being aware of so you don’t get offended when someone bumps into you on the street without apologising.

It’s not that we are being rude, it is just our culture and the way of our language.

One last thing worth knowing before you visit Norway is that in general, Norwegians speak and understand English very well .

This is something we are aware of and are proud of, and I believe it is a result of all English/American TV shows and movies aired in Norway simply being subtitled, and not dubbed.

This means that a Norwegian might get offended or annoyed if you speak English as if we don’t understand you, by over- pronouncing or speaking extremely slowly.

I have personally gotten slightly defensive when a tourist once was extremely surprised by the fact that I speak English.

So ask us politely and normally if we speak English, don’t act surprised when we say ‘of course’. If you comment on how Norwegians speak very good English in general, make sure to do just so. Don’t say it in a surprised tone on how one specific person speaks it so well.

There you have some of the things I think you should know before visiting Norway. Now, let’s get down to business!

The 8 Best places to visit in Norway

Norway is quite a large country, in spite of only having a little over 5 million inhabitants.

Out of all the great places to visit in Norway , you’ll find that some are more popular than others.

Most travellers, unless they are on a cruise, will arrive by plane into one of the two main airports in the country; Oslo or Bergen.

From there, they’ll either have a packed itinerary taking them through all the best places to visit in Norway or play it by ear.

Those visiting by cruise will often dock in destinations such as Flåm , Olden or Geiranger.

In this section, I have tried to break down the most popular places to visit in Norway. In no particular order.

Naturally, Oslo is one of the top places to visit in Norway.

The capital of Norway has a variety of fun attractions, and you’ll find that there are a plethora of fun things to do and see. You can enjoy a boat ride or go swimming in the Oslo fjord, take a stroll through one of the city’s many parks, or rent a bike and explore Oslo on a budget.

The Akerselva River runs through the city, and the path alongside it makes for a lovely stroll.

Head this way to read the ultimate guide to things to do in Oslo . You’ll need more than a day to get through all the 30+ activities on the list!

#2 The fjords

Obviously, I couldn’t write a list of the best places to visit in Norway and not include the famous fjords.

However, they are in need of their very own section, as there are several of them worth visiting. Norway is actually the country in the world with the highest density of fjords ! Considering that the word itself is Norwegian, I’m not surprised.

I have covered the fjords in a separate section below, as well as this post about the best fjords in Norway .

The second largest city in Norway is a very popular destination for travellers to Norway due to its proximity to the famous fjords.

This is also where I currently live!

Bergen is famous for the wooden houses along the docks of the city; Bryggen , great local restaurants , and some incredible hikes overlooking the city.

Many tours to the fjords start in Bergen, and it is the perfect starting point for a Norwegian holiday.

Bergen is not only one of Norway’s major cities, but it is also the largest cruise port in the country. So if you are visiting Norway on a cruise you are very likely to be dropping by Bergen.

When you are visiting Bergen, don’t miss my guide to the best things to do in the city , this overview of some great Bergen tours , or even these Bergen fjord cruises (to help you make the most of your trip)!

Bergen Hotel Deals

#4 trondheim.

Trondheim is known amongst Norwegians for their killer student community, and amongst visitors for the beautiful Nidaros Cathedral.

This is the perfect city for a stroll, and both the main square and the pathways along the Nidelva River are beautiful areas to visit.

#5 Lillehammer

Lillehammer gets an honourable mention on this list of places to visit in Norway thanks to the hilarious Netflix show Lilyhammer .

Lillehammer was also the host of the 1994 Winter Olympics, which many Norwegians still remember and remind people that they hosted.

Most travellers will visit Lillehammer as a day trip from Oslo.

#6 Northern Norway

I’m sorry to put this as one item on the list, as I know that there are many beautiful places to visit in Northern Norway.

Alta , Bodø, Tromsø and Lofoten are amongst popular destinations in Northern Norway, and visitors from all over the world travel to Norway to head up North in the winter in order to see the Northern Lights, as well as experience incredible activities such as dog sledding, learning about Sami culture and sleeping in an igloo hotel .

Northern Norway is actually where you’ll find several of the world’s best places to see the Northern lights .

Personally, I think Alta might be one of my favourite destinations in Norway! Just make sure to pack well .

Heading up north? Don’t miss my guide to shooting the Northern lights with a GoPro !

Northern Norway Hotel Deals

#7 the lofoten islands.

The Lofoten Islands (or just Lofoten) is an archipelago of islands located in Nordland county in Northern Norway.

It is an incredibly popular destination for photography enthusiasts, and with good reason. These islands boast of incredible nature with steep, alp-like mountains, stunning white-sand beaches, and even some killer waves for anyone who’s into surfing.

I couldn’t possibly write a Norway travel guide without mentioning this place (even though I have a separate section for Northern Norway right above it).

I didn’t visit Lofoten until I was 28, and I couldn’t believe I had taken that long to explore the place. Absolutely stunning, is the only way to describe it.

Curious about visiting Lofoten? Here are 23 reasons you need to visit Lofoten now!

In my collection of itineraries, I have now added self-drive Lofoten itineraries (it is a place where a rental car is a must)! Head this way to find them!

#8 Stavanger

Stavanger is an incredibly pretty city, and one I didn’t actually visit until I was in my twenties. I wish I had sooner because it really took my breath away!

From the pretty Fargegaten (the coloured street pictured below) to walking through the Old Town, Stavanger has plenty of reasons to visit.

Head this way to read my favourite things to do in Stavanger !

The best fjords to visit in Norway

Below is an overview of which fjords to visit in Norway, but you can also head this way to read my extensive guide to the 5 best fjords to visit in Norway!

I told you the fjords deserved their own section in this post. Basically, most people who travel to Norway come to experience the Norwegian fjords, and with good reason.

The fjords offer breathtaking scenery, majestic mountains and a landscape that will stay in your memory forever.

First things first.

What is a fjord?

You’ll be surprised with the amount of people who arrive in Norway with no clue what a fjord actually is.

Some think it’s a lake, others think it’s the name for Norwegian mountains. We have had people ask us if we drain the fjords in the winter (?) or if we turn off the waterfalls at all (??).

My friend once got asked if we built the visiting cruise ship on the fjord in order to get it there , because apparently , it was too hard to believe that it had sailed its way there.

A fjord is a body of water that fills a deep and narrow valley created by a glacier, often with steep, dramatic mountains surrounding it. As it is connected to the ocean, it is not a lake. As it is not flowing anywhere, it is not a river. It is a fjord.

How do I use ‘fjord’ in a sentence?

I wanted to mention this briefly as I have heard (and read) too many fun variations of sentences including the fjords. Here’s my low-down of how to use the fjords in a s entence;

• You are by the fjords, not at the fjords when you are in the area surrounding it, such as in my village Aurland.
• You are only on the fjord if you are on a boat, on the fjord . If you are going for a swim, you are in the fjord.
• The mountains are not fjords, so you cannot ‘ hike a fjord ‘. You can hike by or near a fjord. However, you can hike in the fjord landscape.
• The fjords as a plural is used to describe several of the fjords in Norway, which are mainly found in the west. Thus, the term ‘the fjords’ could also just mean ‘the area in Western Norway spreading across the Lysefjord, the Sognefjord and the Geirangerfjord. Don’t ever call it the fjords (plural) if you are only talking about one of them.

Now that we’ve got the technical stuff covered, let me share the best fjords in Norway with you. There are only 3 you need to know, in my opinion.

#1 The Lysefjord – Lysefjorden

Lysefjorden is a small fjord near Stavanger, and it is the location of the famous Pulpit Rock and Kjerag/Kjeragbolden. These two popular hikes have incredible views of the fjord below and are both worth a try if you are in the area. 

The Lysefjord ends in Lysebotn, a small village at the bottom of the mountain and at the end of the fjord.

The fjord can be explored by ferry, and there are also car ferries running there in the summertime, allowing you to bring your own car on the fjord adventure.

Along the Lysefjord you’ll also find Flørli, which is the last ferry stop before Lysebotn. Here you can hike the famous Flørli 4444, which is the world’s longest wooden stairs.

They consist of (you guessed it) 4444 wooden steps going up the mountainside along the old water pipes.  The pipes are reminders of Flørli’s rich hydro energy history.

Please note that there are limited schedules for the ferries on Lysefjorden in the winter, and so I advise you to do your research before heading to the pier for pickup.

#2 The Geiranger fjord – Geirangerfjorden

One of the busiest little villages in Norway, mainly thanks to the cruise traffic visiting this fjord, is Geiranger.

This quaint little place is neatly nestled at the bottom of a mountain, and looks tiny when pictured with the majestic fjord landscape surrounding it.

The Geiranger fjord is one of two fjords in Norway (the other one is next) that have been included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

The area surrounding Geiranger boasts some incredible viewpoints, such as Dalsnibba and Ørneredet (the Eagle’s Nest). A popular hike overlooking the fjord goes to Westerås Farm, where you can even spend the night if you book in advance.

Going on a fjord cruise in Geiranger is a must if you want to see the famous waterfalls ‘De Syv Søstre’ (the Seven Sisters) or ‘Friaren’ (the Suitor).

These waterfalls face each other along the fjord, and have a pretty interesting backstory , which I’ll tell you if you ask!

#3 The Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord

These two fjords, the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord, are actually ‘fjord arms’ of the Sognefjord, which is the largest fjord in Norway.

A fjord arm is simply a smaller fjord connected to the main fjord, which is connected to the ocean. I really should be a teacher with these amazing explanations.

The Aurlandsfjord is the name of the fjord where you’ll find my village, Aurland, as well as the famous neighbouring village Flåm.

Flåm is one of Norway’s largest cruise ports, after Stavanger, Bergen and Geiranger. You can imagine how busy it gets in a village of 300 inhabitants when 5000 cruise passengers embark.

One of the best activities in the area is the newly opened Flåm Zipline, which is Scandinavia’s longest (and fastest)! Read my review (and watch my video) here !

Flåm is home to the famous Flåm Railway, one of the world’s most scenic railways. Aurland is home to the impressive Stegastein Viewpoint , a viewing platform built 650 metres above sea level and offering panoramic views of the fjord below. It’s with good reason that I love this area.

The Nærøyfjord is a fjord arm of the Aurlandsfjord, and has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status along with the Geiranger fjord (above). This is where the Sognefjord is at its narrowest, which provides for some impressive sceneries.

Before heading to the Aurlandsfjord area, don’t miss the travel guide I have written about it! It’s a 30+ page eBook , and I am so excited to have finally published it!

The 4 Best Things to do in Norway

Now that we have covered the different places to visit in Norway (and I’m sure I’ve missed a few), it’s time to cover another important topic; what is there to do in Norway?

Naturally, each of the places above will have their own distinct activities and things to do, and some are very location specific.

However, there are some experiences in Norway that are more popular than others, and they are worth knowing about before visiting Norway.

I also have separate posts on what to do in Oslo , Bergen , Stavanger , Lofoten , Flåm and Olden specifically.

#1 Hiking in Norway

There are many popular hikes in Norway, and you’ll see photos of them everywhere and anywhere you turn online.

The most famous ones are Pulpit Rock, and the dreaded 10-hour hike Trolltunga (which some tourists still manage to complete in sandals and jeans), but there are loads of great lesser known hikes in Norway too!

Here are two of my favourite unknown hikes in Norway!

#2 Explore the fjords by boat

As mentioned above, the fjords are some of the main reasons people visit Norway. Naturally, heading out on the fjords by boat is a must during your trip to Norway, and luckily there are several ways to cross this on your list!

On all three of the fjords I’ve listed in this post you can go on a fjord cruise which will take you through the fjords so you can enjoy the scenery.

Most of the companies have classic car ferries covering the routes, but if you go on a fjord cruise in the Nærøyfjord from Flåm to Gudvangen or back) you can travel on fully electric vessels, which is an experience on its own.

Another fun way to explore the fjords is to go out on a FjordSafari, which is in a smaller boat allowing you to get much closer to nature. These tours are popular in Flåm and Geiranger.

If you prefer a more active approach, kayaking on the fjords is always an option, and you can choose between renting your own or joining a kayaking tour.

There are even tours that include an overnight stay along the fjord, giving you a fjord experience to remember for life.

#3 The Flam Railway – Flåmsbana (and other train journeys)

Named one of the most scenic train rides in the world, this is at the top of many people’s Norway bucket list. The Flåm Railway runs between Myrdal and Flåm, and takes approximately one hour each way.

This is the #1 attraction in Flåm, and tickets sell out extremely fast, so do make sure to book early.

Originally, the Flåm Railway was constructed with the purpose of connecting the Oslo-Bergen Railway with the boats coming into the Sognefjord (Flåm is literally at the end of it), but today its main job is transporting almost 10’000 tourists a day to the top of the Flåm Valley and back down to the fjord.

If you are one of those travellers, do read this sarcastic mini guide by yours truly on how to be a tourist in Norway.   Remember that offence is taken, not given.

#4 Norway in a Nutshell

This isn’t technically a ‘thing to do in Norway’, but more like a way to explore Norway. Norway in a Nutshell is a popular non-guided tour, starting in either Oslo or Bergen.

Basically, it takes you from either city via train, connecting you to the famous Flåm Railway at Myrdal. On the train to Myrdal you will have already seen some of Norway’s beautiful nature, and experienced the impressively poor w ifi they advertise on the NSB trains.

From Myrdal to Flåm you not only get no wifi at all, you also won’t have any phone signal. So grab your camera and enjoy the stunning views of the Flåm Valley.

One of the most impressive things about the Flåm Railway, in my opinion, is the fact that in one of the tunnels the train turns almost 180 degrees, and you’ll exit the tunnel with the view you had on one side of the train on the opposite side. That’s all happening inside a mountain, guys!

The next step of the classic Norway in a Nutshell itinerary is to get on a fjord cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen. On this cruise you’ll sail through the Nærøyfjord, and get to cross off the UNESCO listed area from your list. From Gudvangen you continue on to Voss by bus, where you will jump on a train back to either Oslo or Bergen.

Do note that this is mainly the classic Norway in a Nutshell itinerary, and that there are many variations of it, for example allowing you to end in a different city from where you started.

Here’s my guide to booking the Norway in a Nutshell tour on your own (saving you quite a bit of $$$)!

What to see in Norway

Okay, I understand that some of these could have been included on the ‘things to do’ list, but as they are more on the scenic side,  it made sense to add them in their own category. Naturally, the Norwegian nature is a big reason many people come to visit, and so naturally, these things are mostly natural phenomenon, with a few buildings sprinkled in.

In no particular order, these are the things people come to see in Norway:

• The fjords, mainly the Nærøyfjord, the Geiranger fjord and the Lysefjord
• The Northern Lights
• Famous mountains such as Trolltunga, Pulpit Rock and Kjeragbolten
• Snow (seriously)
• Impressive structures such as the Opera House in Oslo and the Stegastein Viewpoint
• Historic buildings such as Bryggen in Bergen and the ships at the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo

The Best Time to Visit Norway

This is another question I get a lot; when is the best time to visit Norway? I have dedicated an entire blog post to it here , but you can also keep reading for an overview.

Side note : if you are planning your trip to Norway around the Aurora Borealis/northern lights, read my post covering the best times to see the Northern Lights in Norway !

Naturally, every season has its charms, and there are pros and cons for visiting Norway at any time of year. Visiting Norway in the summer is naturally the most popular time to visit Norway.

This is when it is warmest, and many would say the country is at its prettiest in the summer. Summer is high season for tourism in Norway, and this also means that there are more people. Everywhere.

Visiting Norway in the winter is becoming increasingly popular, as people want to venture away from everyone else and experience something unique.

Norway in the winter is cold, dark and quiet, and that’s exactly what many people are looking for. I have also written a complete guide to visiting the fjords in the winter , which I update yearly to ensure that all the latest info is there.

Don’t miss this complete packing list for visiting Norway in winter!

Onto spring, which is when many locals will advise you to visit Norway. April is still considered to be shoulder season in Norway, but more and more tour companies and providers are offering high season opening hours and schedules.

It is a little colder than summer, so you’ll have to dress well if you visit in the spring (seriously, we sometimes have snow in May!). but it’s worth it to beat the crowds.

The same can be said for visiting in the autumn, which is personally my favourite season. If you visit in September you’ll enjoy similar opening hours as August, and still catch the end of summer beauty of the country.

Unfortunately, there is no right answer to the question of when to visit Norway, and it is a decision that has to be made by each traveller.

If your priority is to have the most off-the-beaten-track experience of Norway, I would say autumn, while if it’s really important to you to have the green grass and good weather, you may have to brave the crowds of July. Either way, I hope you’ll have an amazing time in Norway!

Visiting Norway on a budget

Now onto something else completely. Is it possible to visit Norway on a budget? Well, it depends on how you define budget.

Personally, I wouldn’t recommend visiting Norway on a backpacker budget, simply because you won’t get the real experience of the country if you can’t afford to join any of the activities on offer and have to spend half your trip trying to hitch-hike a ride and finding a spot to set up your tent.

Visiting Norway on a budget in the sense that you can be smart about your money and not break the bank completely, however, is completely doable!

Here’s how you can visit Oslo on a budget , with tips that are valid for any of the Norwegian cities .

It’s all about doing your research in advance, checking for price increases and asking locals for tips. For example, in both Bergen and Oslo you can skip the expensive airport express and go by local transportation, paying less than half the price.

Instead of joining the Norway in a Nutshell tour, why not set it up on your own? As you saw above from my outline of the itinerary, it’s pretty straight forward, and completely doable to book separately. Here’s exactly how to do it on your own !

The Best Hotels in Norway

There are lots of great places to stay in Norway, from the ultimate luxury hotels to budget-friendly Bed & Breakfasts. You’ll find that there are many historic hotels across the country, offering unique experiences and fun stories to share with their visitors.

These are often members of De Historiske , which is a collection of historic hotels, and an affiliate of Historic Hotels of Europe.

Some of my favourite hotels in Norway are hotels that have a story to tell, whether they are part of De Historiske or not. Such as Amerikalinjen in Oslo, Vangsgaarden in Aurland, Hotel Union in Geiranger and Hotel Norge in Bergen.

Here are some of my favourite hotels in Oslo , specifically.

Oslo Hotel Deals

Below you will find some specific hotel deals for Oslo – courtesy of Booking.com! Hotels in Norway (and especially Oslo) fill up fast, so as soon as you have your travel dates I highly recommend booking your stay.

Travelling in Norway – How to get around

When visiting Norway you’ll want to get around in the most efficient (and budget friendly) way.

There are three main modes of transport in Norway , in addition to each city having their own system.

If you are visiting Oslo, the public transport system is called #Ruter ( yes, with the hashtag ), and in Bergen it’s called Skyss.

Both companies have apps where you can check schedules, plan your trip and buy your tickets, so I suggest downloading these before you leave. Just search for their names in your respective App store.

Want specifics? Here’s how to travel from Bergen to Flåm (and back) , and here’s how to get from Oslo to the fjords !

Note that in Spring 2019, NSB (the national rail company) and Nettbuss (my favourite bus company) announced that they were joining forces and rebranding as Vy .

Nettbuss was already owned by NSB, so by “joining forces”, I mainly mean that they are to be seen as one company publicly.

This has been a long process, and now you can book bus and train transportation (schedules, prices and tickets) on their websites; Vy and VyBuss .

Ideally, they want to merge their websites, so that you can book both bus and train tickets in the same spot – but so far it hasn’t been working greatly. So my advice is to use the separate websites for now.

Travelling Norway by car

Many people decide to rent a car in Norway and getting around that way. Renting your own car is a great way to explore the country, as it will allow you to take things at your own pace and set your own itinerary.

There are also so many great places to stop on a road trip in Norway .

Most car rentals are found near the major airports, and so it’s quite common to rent your car where you first arrive in Norway.

IMPORTANT TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN NORWAY

I’m sorry to have to caps lock that heading, but this is important. If you are renting a car in Norway and driving yourself, please read my advice very carefully.

• Do not use the emergency blinkers for anything other an emergency.  In Norway drivers are legally required to stop for vehicles with their emergency lights on, and you can only imagine the amount of times I’ve stopped and worriedly ask someone of they are okay, only to have them smile and hold up their camera and tell me that “they were only taking photos”. The emergency light does not allow you to stop in the middle of the road or in someone’s driveway. Please drive safely and keep this in mind.
• Do not drive slower than 10km/h below the speed limit. It fucking kills to be stuck behind an idiot who is too busy taking photos of the mountain to look at the road. Now before you call me insensitive, I’ve been there and I know how it feels to be insecure of the roads and not comfortable to drive faster. But that’s when I pull over and let other cars past. So please, if you are not comfortable following the speed limits, or you want to take in the scenery as you drive, please pull over whenever you can to let people past . Too many accidents are caused by a mix of insecure tourists and impatient locals.
• Calculate for extra time , no matter where you are going. The Norwegian roads, especially by the fjords, are narrow, windy, and often end in a ferry port to get you to the other side of the fjord. On our more popular tourist routes, such as the Snow Road (Aurlandsvegen) to the Stegastein Viewpoint, there are several hairpin turns to get through before you’re at the top, and most areas of the road only have space for one car at the time. Then think of the hundreds of other drivers you’ll be meeting on these narrow roads and plan accordingly. 
• Don’t overestimate yourself  or be cocky. i’m sure you’re the man and have a big car back home, but these roads can be insane. It’s not uncommon for locals to to have to get out of their cars in order to help visitors reverse theirs.

Excuse my French above, but I’ve seen too many near-accidents (and actually fatal accidents) caused by people who don’t follow these tips.

Travelling Norway by bus

There are several major bus companies with routes crossing Norway in this or that direction. Personally, I prefer travelling by bus over train, and love to get comfortable in my seat and watching the houses and farms fly by outside the window. 

The major bus companies to note in Norway, and to check if you are planning on travelling by bus in Norway are;

• VyBuss (formerly Nettbuss)
• Nor-Way Bussekspress

Travelling Norway by train

This one doesn’t require a lot of explaining, because there is only one major train company in Norway; Vy. It’s government funded, and so it is basically the national rail company. Super simple. All train tickets in Norway can be booked on their website , with few exceptions.

One of those exceptions is that SJ, a Swedish company, is currently operating certain train lines in eastern Norway. However, tickets are still sold by Vy on their website, so as a visitor you won’t really notice the difference.

As mentioned above, NSB and Nettbuss announced in early 2019 that they will be rebranding into a new company called Vy (and old Norwegian word for ‘view’). So, if you see either names or logos anywhere when traveling, you’ll know why.

Some train routes are owned by private companies, mainly when the purpose of the train is tourism and it’s considered a ‘tour’, and not simply transportation.

The Flåm Railway is a perfect example of this, all though Vy does own a percentage of it and will sell one way tickets to the Flåm Railway on their website.

Tipping in Norway

Out of all the Norway travel tips I’m ask ed to share, how tipping in Norway works is a big one.

Tipping in Oslo is a little different from tipping in Norway generally, so I’ve split them up below in order to make it easier for you.

This is mainly because Oslo is a major city with more international influences than the rest of the country. Bear in mind, however, that some of the Oslo tipping guidelines can be used in most of the other major cities in Norway as well, such as Bergen, Trondheim or Stavanger.

It’s worth noting that Norwegians generally do not tip when they are out in Norway , but with the influx of tourism the country has had in the past few  years it has become more and more common to expect a tip from visitors.

Especially if you are American, as Norwegians are well aware of the American tipping culture. Sorry about that, but at least you’re warned.

Please note that these are guidelines only , and that you should always tip what you are comfortable with. However, I hope this little tipping in Norway guide makes it a little easier for you to decide.

Tipping in Oslo

As mentioned, tipping is not very common practice for Norwegians, other than rounding up the bill to not have to carry change. As a tourist, however, it is more common to round up the bill at restaurants in Oslo to the nearest 100 NOK. This is about the extent of the tipping practices in Oslo.

Norway is a very expensive country, and so the wages of employees are quite high to match, including waiters and bartenders. So don’t feel responsible for paying their ways, as they are more than fine on their own.

But, like I said above, due to the many tourists visiting Oslo, tipping in restaurants has become more common practice. Simply round up to the nearest 100 NOK if the meal is more than 500 NOK (or the nearest 50 NOK if it’s below).

It is not common to tip taxi drivers or hotel staff when it comes to tipping in Norway. The exception is private drivers or tour guides that you have hired yourself.

Tipping in the rest of Norway

It’s not necessary to tip, and in many places they’ll follow you to let you know that you forgot your change. If you got outstanding service, feel free to leave a tip, as it will be appreciated. It’s just not necessary.

Personally, I worked as a waitress for a couple of summers by the fjords, and was incredibly glad when customers were happy enough to tip me, all though the 50 kroner they left wasn’t even a third of my hourly pay.

But still, I saved all my tip money and bought return tickets to New York at the end of summer! Score.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Norway

Still have questions about Norway? Well, keep reading. I have answered some commonly asked questions about Norway and travelling to Norway below. If you have a question that’s missing; leave it in the comments!

Surprisingly enough, this is quite a common question and shows up rather often on the list of Googled questions about Norway. If you are one of the people who made it to this post by searching ‘Where is Norway?’, then you’ll want to read this. Norway is a country located in Northern Europe, and borders Sweden along most of its borders, and Finland and Russia in the North. It is surrounded by water on 3 sides, and (you guessed it) Sweden on the 4th. If you are looking at a map of Europe and want to find Norway, just go as far North as you can on the map. If you hit Svalbard or Greenland, you’ve gone too far (all though Svalbard is actually a part of Norway, so you wouldn’t be wrong). Heading to Finland or stopping over in Helsinki? Don’t miss my guide to one day in Helsinki !

The largest city in Norway is the capital, Oslo. The second largest city in Norway is Bergen, which also used to be the capital, back when it had its original name; Bjørgvin. Heading to Oslo? Don’t miss this guide!

This has been answered in detail earlier on in the post, but if you’ve simply scrolled down to the FAQ, I’ll give you a brief answer. Each of the seasons have their charm, and I believe there is no right or wrong time to visit Norway. Personally, however, I think the best time to visit Norway is the autumn, due to the beautiful colours, and the fact that there are less people in the shoulder season. I am also an advocate for visiting Norway in the winter. Head this way for a month by month breakdown of the best time to visit Norway.

The highest mountain in Norway is Galdhøpiggen. Fun fact : it is not only the highest mountain in Norway, but also in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, with its 2469 metres above sea level. You’ll find it in the mountain range Jotunheimen, which has inspired many a song and fairytale. You may remember the ‘Jotuns’ that Thor and Loki fought in one of the Thor movies? They are the troll creatures said to inhabit Jotunheimen.

I am loving these questions! And well done for wanting to figure this out before your trip. You have no idea the amount of people that come to the fjord wondering what the hell they are there for. Norway is famous for its stunning nature, which is quite unique due to its fjord landscape. A fjord is a narrow inlet of water deep into the country, often with steep mountains surrounding it. The word ‘fjord’ is Norwegian, and used in the English language as well. If you scroll up to one of the earlier sections of this post, you’ll find a nifty little guide to how you can use the word in a sentence. Norway is also known for its expensive beer, beautiful people and for winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 2009. We also hosted the Winter Olympics in 1994. But, as mentioned, its the breathtaking nature of Norway that draws the most people, and is what Norway is famous for. Oh, and the Northern Lights.

Final Norway Travel Tips

You’ve almost made it to the end, my friend! Now that you have finished the guide, I hope you are feeling better equipped to visit Norway! It’s such a beautiful country, and one that should be on your list.

My final, and most important, tip for anyone travelling to Norway is make sure to stop and take it all in as often as you can during your trip.

The fjords are incredible, and the Northern Lights are nothing short of spectacular. On your trip to Norway you’ll see nature like you’ve never seen before, so please don’t miss it.

All My Norway travel guides

Below you will find every single post, guide and article I have written on visiting Norway! I add to this list every time I publish a new post, and hope you will find it helpful.

• eBook: Flåm and the fjords – Travel guide written by yours truly!
• Easy-to-follow Norway Itineraries (for Oslo, Bergen, the fjords, Lofoten and more)
• How to get from Bergen Airport to the city centre
• 18 Things you’ll only understand if you grew up in Norway
• The Ultimate Norway Winter Packing List
• 23 reasons (with photo proof) you need to visit Lofoten (in winter)
• The best time to see the Northern Lights in Norway
• How to photograph the Northern Lights using a GoPro
• 30+ fun things to do in Oslo
• Things to do in Stavanger + List of Stavanger restaurants
• Guide to spending a weekend by the fjords
• The best hikes in Norway
• Visiting Oslo on a budget
• Visiting the fjords in the Winter
• The best hotels in Oslo
• A guide to the Vigeland Sculpture Park, Oslo
• Things to consider when visiting Norway
• Visiting the Norwegian Palace in Oslo
• How to be a tourist in Norway
• A free Oslo activity: The Akerselva walk
• Hilarious Norwegian Christmas Traditions & How we Celebrate Christmas in Norway
• How to travel from Bergen to Flåm
• How to travel from Oslo to Flåm
• How to book the Norway in a Nutshell tour on your own
• A complete list of hotels in Flåm (and nearby)
• The 13 Most Beautiful Places in Norway , as told by travellers who have been there
• Fun and sustainable experiences in Aurland, Norway
• 8 great Bergen tours (including self-guided, Segway tours, and trips to the fjords!)
• 44 Things to do in Bergen
• 10 ridiculous questions asked by tourists in Norway
• Where to stop on a road trip in Norway
• A guide to the famous Flåm Zipline (+ video)
• A guide to visiting Stegastein Viewpoint, Aurland
• 25 Nordic Sweaters You’ll Love (for your trip to Scandinavia)!
• How to plan a trip to Norway (Step-by-step guide)
• The ultimate guide to hiking Pulpit Rock
• Guide to hiking Ulriken, Bergen
• The best time to visit Norway (month-by-month breakdown)
• A guide to the 5 best fjords in Norway
• The Perfect 10 Day Norway Itinerary
• The Best Restaurants in Bergen
• 17 Great things to do in Olden, Norway
• What is Norway famous for?
• Epic Things to do in Alta, Norway
• The 5 Best Northern Lights Tours in Tromsø
• 21 Unique Things to do in Tromsø
• The 5 Best Fjord Cruises from Bergen
• The 10 best cafes in Bergen
• The 5 Best Dog Sledding Tours in Tromsø
• The Best Beaches in Norway
• Nordic Symbols and their meanings

Thank you so much for reading my Norway travel guide! Was anything missing? Do you still have questions about visiting Norway? Leave them in the comments so I can answer you and add it to the blog post for the future!

14 Unmissable Cancun Day Trips You’ll Love!

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Top travel tips A–Z

Boost your stay by being well prepared, and don't be shy to ask local tourist offices for their updated tips and advice. Here is your quick guide to useful information.

To buy wine or beer in Norway, the minimum age is 18 years. For spirits, it is 20 years.

Beer can be found in most shops, but is only sold before 8 pm on weekdays or 6 pm on Saturdays. For wine, spirits or strong beer, you must visit one of the Vinmonopolet outlets, found in most large cities and towns.

Visit Norway has replaced printed travel information by this comprehensive website. Here, you will find numerous travel tips, information about destinations, maps, and  a route planner , directions on  how to get around , as well as useful facts for a soft landing in the land of  the fjords  and  the midnight sun .

The Visit Norway app gives you information about thousands of places to stay, restaurants, activities, and attractions on and near your destination.

Download the app: iPhone:  Visit Norway for iOS Android:  Visit Norway for Android

Budget travel

Yes, it's possible.  See our 12 tips for budget holidays here .

Calling home

Dial “00” followed by your two or three digit country code, the area code and phone number.

On most mobile phones, using “+” instead of “00” will also work.

If you are calling home on a mobile phone, buying a local pre-paid SIM-card (called “kontantkort”) may be the cheapest option. 

Customs and regulations

Within the limit of NOK 6,000 you are allowed to bring the following articles free of customs and excise duty into the country (note that the quotas are different from when you’re travelling within the EU):

• A limited amount of alcohol and tobacco
• Meat, meat products, cheese, and foodstuffs except dog and cat food, totalling 10 kilos altogether from EU/EEA countries. From countries outside the EU/EEA, you can’t bring meat, meat products, milk and milk products in your luggage
• Norwegian and foreign banknotes and coins at a total value of NOK 25,000

It is prohibited to import the following without special permission:

• Drugs, medicines, and poisons (minor quantities of medicine for personal use are permitted)
• Alcohol over 60% alcohol by volume
• Weapons and ammunition
• Mammals, birds, and exotic animals
• Plants/parts thereof for cultivation

For further information about customs regulations when entering Norway, please contact  Norwegian Customs .

Daylight Saving Time

Also known as summer, DST always starts on the last Sunday in March and ends on the last Sunday in October.

Time is adjusted one hour forward in the summer, to move an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening.

In general, airlines, trains, buses, ferries, and shops in Norway are accessible for everyone. But some advance planning will still make it easier for you to get around.  Read more about travelling in Norway with disabilities.

Drinking water

Tap water is universally drinkable in Norway, and tastes great. So no need to buy bottled water.

Most running water in the mountains and forests of Norway is clean enough to drink, but avoid water running through pastures or run-off from glaciers, as this may contain harmful microorganisms.

Norway is the longest country in Europe, and it takes about 30 hours to drive from Kristiansand in the south to Hammerfest in the north. The E-roads are the main roads and connect cities and regions.  Read more about driving in Norway .

Along 18 selected roads called the  Norwegian Scenic Routes , natural wonders are amplified by art, design, and architecture meant to bring you closer to nature in new and surprising ways.

Drones and similar remote controlled flying devices must generally be kept at a minimum 150 metres distance from both people, vehicles and buildings that are not affiliated with the drone operator. Flying must happen within 120 metres above the ground or water surface. Never fly closer than 5 kilometres from airports unless you have explicit clearance to do so. The device must always remain within the sight of the operator, who must neither be influenced by alcohol.

All such flight activity must always be performed with concern and respect for the surrounding people, birds, other animals, private properties, public spaces and tourist spots like viewing points. Please check with your destination for local, deviating regulations and military or other special restricted areas where all the aforementioned activities are forbidden by law.  Read more about  use  of drones on Civil Aviation Authority Norway’s website .

Electricity

220 volts AC (50 Hz) is the Norwegian standard.

Norway uses the continental European standard socket.

Almost all electricity in Norway is hydroelectric , so use it with a clear conscience.

Emergency telephone numbers

• 112 – Police
• 113 – Ambulance
• 120 – Emergency at sea
• 22 59 13 00 – Poisons Information Centre
• 1412 TDD (text phone for the deaf or hearing impaired)

Foreign languages

Most Norwegians speak English, especially the younger crowd.

Many have also learned German, French, or Spanish at school, but skill levels may vary.

Getting here

By plane or by train, by bus or by boat, we can help you in  getting to Norway .

Internet access

Internet access is good in most towns and cities, either through mobile data, or public Wi-Fi in cafés and other public areas. Mobile data coverage will be patchy in sparsely populated areas. Most hotels have free Internet access in the rooms, but if it is important to you, it’s best to ask the hotel before you book. Many buses, express buses and trains offer free onboard Wi-Fi, but this will often require registration and have limited capacity.

Most Norwegians have a liberal attitude towards sexuality and gender identity, and Norway was early on to enact anti-discrimination laws against gays and lesbians. Most  LGBTIQ+ venues and offers  are found in the big cities like Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim.

Norway's currency is “kroner”, abbreviated NOK. That said,  how much should you tip, pay, or expect to be billed ?

Make sure you read the full instructions at the  Norwegian Food Safety Authority  in good time prior to your travel.

Dogs, cats, and ferrets from all EU countries must have pet passports and ID marking. Unless from Sweden, the animal also needs valid anti-rabies vaccination. In addition, dogs from most EU countries must be given approved tapeworm treatment minimum 24 and maximum 120 hours before arrival. Small rodents, cage birds, and rabbits must have valid import permits issued by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority.

Certain dog types are prohibited in Norway. Norway is amongst the few rabies-free countries thanks to high awareness and strict rules.

Additional rules apply to non-EU countries. For further information not found on the Norwegian Food Safety Authority’s website, please contact the Norwegian Embassy or Consulate in your country.

Public holidays

Norwegian public holidays are New Year's Day (1 Jan), Labour Day (1 May),  Constitution Day  (17 May),  Christmas Day and Boxing Day  (25-26 Dec). Movable holidays are  Easter , Ascension Day, Whit Sunday, and Whit Monday.

Most shops will be closed on public holidays, and public transit may run with reduced frequency and capacity. Many restaurants and bars will be open, except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Many museums are open on Sundays and some public holidays, but will often be closed on the following Monday.

Retail therapy

Here's what you need to know about shopping in Norway . And before you go, here is information on  currency and prices . 

Right of access

In Norway, everyone has the unrestricted right of free access to the countryside, ­including the national parks.  Read more about the rights of access . 

We want you to come back, so see  our tips on how to stay safe  in the mountains, on the seas, or on the roads.

Indoor smoking in most public places is prohibited. This includes hotels, bars, restaurants and all other establishments where food and beverage are served.

You must be over 18 years to buy tobacco in Norway.

E-cigarettes that contain nicotine are prohibited in Norway, but can be imported for personal or medical use. Citizens from the EU/EEA area can enter the country with a maximum quantity of one year's consumption. Citizens from outside the EU/EEA are only allowed to import a quantity that doesn't exceed three months of consumption. When importing e-cigarettes that contain nicotine, it's a good idea to bring along documents, such as a prescription or medical certificate that proves that the products were legally bought for personal use.

The Norwegian Directorate of Health states that in the course of 2023 a new regulation of e-cigarettes should come into force, that would allow nicotine e-cigarettes in Norway. Until this regulation has been approved, it is forbidden to produce, trade and import e-cigarettes and e-liquids with nicotine in Norway.

Storage of luggage

You will find storage lockers for your luggage at Oslo S/Oslo Central Station. You are welcome to keep your belongings in the lockers at all hours, but you will not be able to access the same lockers when the station is closed between 01:30 am and 04:30 am. Make your payment for the use of storage lockers by cash, Visa or Mastercard.

All of Norway uses Central European Time (CET), which is one hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+1).

Norway has many toll roads, but the good part is that you don’t need to slow down to pay.  Read more about invoicing and how to register your car .

Visa requirements and passports

Visitors from the Schengen countries do not need to show a passport or visa when entering Norway. You may still be asked to identify yourself at some point during your trip, so it is highly recommended to carry a valid passport or national ID card with you.

A number of countries have introduced  temporary border controls  at the internal borders in Schengen.

Citizens of some countries outside the EU/EEA have to apply for a visitor's visa. You can easily check if this is required for you, and what rules apply to your country, on the webpages of the  Ministry of Foreign Affairs .

Due to Svalbard being outside the  Schengen area , identity control is performed for all guests travelling to and from Svalbard. This also includes Norwegians. All guests, both Norwegian and foreign citizens, must bring their passport or national ID-card. Please read more about entry to Svalbard at sysselmannen.no

Note that The European Health Insurance Card is not valid in  Svalbard . It is therefore strongly recommended to purchase travel insurance before you go there.

What to wear

Norwegian weather is liable to change from day to day, so bring a selection of clothes that you can layer. That way, you can add or remove layers depending on temperature. In addition, bring at least one warm jumper, waterproof coat and/or umbrella and comfortable walking shoes, boots, or trainers.

If you go during the winter, you will need an overcoat, scarf, gloves and warm shoes or boots.

In autumn and spring, you may want to bring waterproof trousers and boots.

For the summer, lighten up, but remember that even summer evenings and nights can be chilly, particularly in the mountains.  Read more about Seasons & climate in Norway . 

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9 things to know before going to Norway in 2024

Mar 18, 2024 • 6 min read

These insider tips will help you plan the Norway trip of a lifetime © Alexander Spatari / Getty Images

Norway is a wonderful country to experience as a first-time visitor – an efficient and extensive transport network, incredible attractions, breathtaking scenery and relaxed locals all add up to the trip of a lifetime.

But there are still some things that are good to know in advance. For example, Norway is one of the most expensive countries on the planet, so money-saving tips will make all the difference to your travel budget.

Another major influence on your trip will be  the flow of the seasons ; the differences can be extreme and will have a major impact on what you plan to do while you're there, both in terms of climate and strange Arctic phenomena such as the midnight sun and the northern lights .

Here are nine things you need to know to ensure a wonderful trip to Norway.

1. Outdoor activities are seasonal so plan carefully

Seasons are everything in Norway. Each long summer day might feel like it lasts forever, but the window for many activities rarely lasts longer than the June-to-August (sometimes just July-to-August) periods. This especially  applies to hiking – Norway’s intensely beautiful Besseggen Ridge Trail, in Jotunheimen National Park , can draw 30,000 hikers in just two months.

Some trails remain open beyond summer, but you run a serious risk of extreme weather rolling in with very little warning while you’re out there. Cycling just about anywhere, and white-water rafting on the Sjøa River, are also strictly summer-only.

Winter sports like skiing, snowmobiling and dog sledding have a similarly narrow opening, although dog sledders can sometimes take a summer ride on a sled with wheels. It all means that planning is essential, and local tourist offices are an excellent resource for knowing what’s possible and when.

2. Eat well on a budget

Prices for a meal in Norway can be eye-wateringly high: in a decent restaurant, a main course for Nkr500 is somewhere close to the norm. Thankfully, the best Norwegian cooking is almost always worth it, but keep these sorts of prices for a special occasion, or even just dinner. 

Most Norwegian hotel buffet breakfasts are extraordinarily good, overflowing in generous proportions, and – best of all – usually included in your room rate. Take full advantage and you may well not need to eat again until the evening. If, on the other hand, you’re hungry again by lunchtime, many cafes have cheaper lunch specials and lighter meals, or you could plan for a picnic with food sourced from a supermarket and its delicatessen.

Snacking at fish markets, or with one of the hot dogs sold at every Norwegian petrol or gas station, could also fill you up without sending a torpedo through your daily budget. Saving money on other meals will make that dinner bill a little less painful.

3. Buy train and bus tickets online

Norway's transport network is efficient and extensive. If you’re traveling by rail, you’re in for a treat with some of northern Europe’s most scenic rail journeys . But whatever you do, don’t pay full fare: Norwegians rarely do. On almost every route, Norwegian state railways  set aside a limited number of discounted (minipris)  tickets. How much you pay has everything to do with how early you book, so start planning as soon as you have firm dates for your trip, even if it’s months in advance. Of all the bus services on offer across the country, Lavprisekspressen is known for its rock-bottom fares along major routes – book online and book early.

4. Join a hotel loyalty scheme

The overwhelming majority of Norwegian hotels belong to a hotel chain, or at least to some more loosely affiliated groupings. Joining one of their loyalty programs is always free, so choose as many as you like. Better still, join one and then find hotels along your route that belong to your program. The best such programs have a simple offer: the more nights you stay – just how many varies from one chain or program to the next – the more free nights you get as a reward for your loyalty.

Another option that is becoming increasingly common, especially in cities, is budget hotels. Before it was just the hostels (vandrerhjem) that promised reasonable prices, but increasingly, slick hotel-hostel hybrids like Citybox  and  Smarthotels  provide respite from the sky-high room rates.

5. Bring a sleeping mask in summer

Let’s face it, Norway’s midnight sun (which can mean 24 hours of daylight for months on end) and polar night (the same, but with endless darkness) can be confusing or frustrating. At first, it can be exciting to walk alongside a beautiful fjord in brilliant 3am sunshine and there is considerable novelty to eating lunch under a night-dark sky. But how do you sleep in summer? Many hotels, particularly in Norway’s north, have heavy-duty, light-blocking curtains, but bring a sleeping mask in summer to ensure you get some shut-eye.

6. Norwegians are tolerant, but always be considerate

Norwegians are pretty relaxed about most things, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a more tolerant nation of people. In cities in particular, the guiding principle seems to be to have a good time as long as you’re not hurting anyone. In rural areas, it’s slightly more complicated, but only slightly. There are always exceptions, but Norwegians in small towns and remote areas tend to be more socially conservative. Loud and loutish behavior is rarely welcome in such places, and if you have an all-night party in a small village, you’ll have misread your surroundings and taken Norwegians’ famous tolerance too far.

7. Driving will take longer than you expect

Many of Norway’s roads are engineering marvels, taking you places no road should go. Norway has the longest tunnels in the world and curvaceous bridges that render water obsolete as an obstacle, and car ferries take care of the rest. So rare are potholes, that people take photos of them. Just don’t expect to go very fast.

Part of that has to do with the terrain. It’s also because, apart from a short distance on either side of major cities, freeways are as rare as potholes. Throughout much of the country, especially in summer, you’ll share the road with trucks and campers with only semi-regular overtaking lanes to ease the frustration. Count on slowing down, enjoying the view, and averaging no more than 60km/h (37mph) on most journeys, longer if you stop along the way.

8. Take basic safety precautions

Norway is an extremely safe place in which to travel, possibly even one of the safest in Europe. Like any large modern city, pickpockets are always a possibility in popular tourist areas, especially Oslo and around the Torget area of Bergen . Here and elsewhere, keep your valuables hidden, and never leave them visible in an unattended car. As long as you’re sensible in ways such as these, you and your personal belongings may well be safer in Norway than they are back home.

9. Watch the weather

Watching the nightly weather bulletin with rapt attention isn’t some quirky little pastime in Norway: it could just save your life. Even in summer, wild weather can roll in without warning, which is fine if you’re curled up next to a roaring fire, less so if you’re hiking in Hardangervidda or Jotunheimen, or snowmobiling in Svalbard .

Whenever you’re heading out into any Norwegian wilderness, wise precautions include always carrying warm wet-weather gear, as well as emergency water and food. And always let someone (either your hotel or the local tourist office) know where you’re going and when you expect to be back.

This article was first published July 2023 and updated March 2024

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Welcome to The Norway Guide

Do you dream of exploring the incredible nature of Norway, seeing the blue fjords with your own eyes, or get close to an authentic stave church? You’re in the right place, because The Norway Guide is about all things Norway, including tourist travel tips, guides for moving to Norway, and posts about Norwegian life and culture.

This is the #1 place for any Norway lover, no matter if you are planning a trip in the next months, are already in Norway and need some help, or just want to learn more about this beautiful country.

Recent posts

What’s a better place to begin increasing your Norway knowledge than in our selection of the newest posts ? This is a good mix of all types of posts, from cultural insight to travel tips and practical knowledge.

Newest posts on The Norway Guide :

Make your dream vacation to Norway a reality!

Are you dreaming of visiting Norway for your next vacation? You’re not alone!

We have several million foreign tourists every year, and Norway is rapidly becoming a very popular tourist destination for both solo travelers looking for amazing experiences, couples looking to explore the beautiful nature, and families who want to take advantage of all the incredible things Norway has to offer.

We hope that you will be able to use The Norway Guide for inspiration and finding information for your next trip to Norway.

The amazing nature in Norway

One of the most amazing things about Norway is the nature. The freedom to roam principle allows anyone to travel freely in nature without being concerned with who owns the ground, and even allows anyone to pitch a tent anywhere in nature.

This allows you to experience the pristine nature of Norway in any way you like. There are plenty of opportunities to go on guided tours at the most popular natural tourist attractions, or just grab your backpack and go hiking all by yourself in one of the many national parks.

The nature in Norway ranges from incredible fjords in the west, insane mountains in the north, temperate beaches in the south, to humongous forest areas in the east. There’s something for everyone in Norway, no matter if you prefer relaxed nature experiences near major cities, or want to go on multiple day hikes in places like Jotunheimen.

Ready to learn about Norwegian culture?

Norwegian culture is something special, and most tourists are surprised by how different many things are in Norway compared to in other European countries or even the US. Let’s take a deep-dive into different Norwegian cultural phenomena !

You are guaranteed to learn a lot about Norwegian culture, ranging from the reason why many foreigners find Norwegians to be “cold”, to what the Norwegian public school system is like.

These articles are great for people who want to study in Norway, plan on moving to Norway in the future, or just want to prepare themselves for the Norwegian culture before a trip here.

Latest Norwegian news

Catch up on the latest news from Norway ! There are no English newspaper about Norwegian news, but we’re updating you on the most important things that are happening in Norway.

Who we are at The Norway Guide

The Norway Guide is a small family business where we aim to showcase some of the most amazing places in Norway. We hope to be able to educate people as to why they should consider Norway, while at the same time giving valuable information to people who are already planning a trip to our country.

Read more in the about us section .

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you got any questions or remarks! We’re open to suggestions for places and idea to cover in our upcoming posts.

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Update April 12, 2024

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Norway Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 26, 2023, norway - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed. 

Exercise normal precautions in Norway.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Norway.  

If you decide to travel to Norway:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive travel alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Norway.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

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Established in 2002, Nordic Visitor has been creating unforgettable travel experiences in Norway since 2005. Our local experts have all toured and lived in Norway, and they use their experience to create your ideal itinerary. Choose our packages and you’ll take home unforgettable memories.

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Nordic Visitor is dedicated to the best service quality, and this is reflected year after year when TripAdvisor awards us with their Certificate of Excellence . We also take great pride in our customer feedback: 97% of our travellers say they would recommend us to friends and family.

You are in good hands

One of our travel experts is always on call 24/7 to handle any unforeseen situations during your trip. Unexpected event or weather issues? No problem. Nordic Visitor will get in touch and rework your itinerary. We will move your accommodation and re-book activities, while keeping you safe and informed.

Flexible tour options

Everyone’s travel wish list is different, so we are happy to customise your package. Road trips can be customised to include extended stays or extra locations. And we will happily add days and activities to either side of guided minibus, cruise and train tours.

Hassle-free experience

We take care of all the details and practicalities for you. You will receive a comprehensive itinerary with any additional extras you’ve requested, plus tried and tested accommodations of both comfort and quality.

Full financial protection

With Nordic Visitor, you have peace of mind knowing your tour arrangements with us are 100% financially protected. Your payments are safeguarded as we comply with European Union laws on Package Travel regulations. This guarantees you a refund in the unlikely event of insolvency.

Different Ways to Explore Norway

Whatever you want to get out of your Norwegian adventure, we have packages for all interests.

Lofoten Islands

Northern norway, exploring norway.

Travel to Norway with Nordic Visitor for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. Here are just a few highlights...

• Travel along the beautiful Norwegian shoreline on a scenic coastal cruise
• Explore Norway’s grand capital  Oslo  and see historic landmarks like Akershus Fortress or the Royal Palace
• Photograph the dramatic  Geirangerfjord   and the majestic  Sognefjord , the largest and deepest fjord of Norway
• Hunt for the northern lights in  Tromsø and visit the Kirkenes SnowHotel on a winter trip to Northern Norway
• Board the Loen Skylift  and enjoy one of the most spectacular fjord views in Norway
• Ride the legendary Flåm Railway , one of Europe’s steepest rail climbs, and see remarkable views
• Take an invigorating hike up to Preikestolen, aka Pulpit Rock , for epic fjord views
• Venture north into the Arctic Circle to Lofoten , where idyllic fishing villages and marine wildlife await you 
• Roam colourful Bryggen , the UNESCO World Heritage site in Bergen

Norway Travel Advice

Get our insider tips to prepare for your trip.

What to bring

Layers, layers, layers! Come prepared for all types of weather.

What’s the weather like in Norway? You just might be surprised.

Driving in Norway

Are you prepared for your road trip? Learn the rules of the road

Northern Lights Guide

Learn about this fascinating natural light show and how to see it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Norway

If you're thinking of visiting Norway, you might have a few questions. Check our FAQs below for some of the most popular queries. You can also find more detailed information in our Norway Travel Guide and our attractions information pages.

1. Is Norway safe to visit?

It always scores high on lists such as the Global Peace Index , which places Norway above the US and many European countries in terms of safety.

Weather-wise, winter can bring occasional heavy snowfall. Fortunately, Nordic Visitor travel consultants are on call 24/7 in case of any road closures, so pack appropriately and weather won’t be a concern.

2. What is the warmest month in Norway?

Norway’s weather is best between May and September, when it's usually mild and clear. July tends to be the warmest month. In winter, conditions can be pretty cold and this can extend into spring.

Of course, the weather in Scandinavia and the Nordics can be changeable in all seasons. We always advise you take extra light layers to Norway, even in summer. For more information, read our guide on what to pack for Norwegian breaks.

3. What is the best month to go to Norway?

The best time to visit Norway depends on what you want to do. The summer months, June to August, provide longer days and even the famous midnight sun. This makes summertime ideal for hiking, cycling or cruising.

The ‘shoulder season’ of May and September is still pretty warm by Scandinavian standards. Visit then and you can expect fewer tourists and vibrantly coloured scenery.

Wintertime brings longer nights and colder temperatures--sometimes downright chilly! Of course, this means the potential for snow. And in northern Norway, your chances of spotting the gorgeous northern lights increase when days are shorter.

4. Where can we see northern lights in Norway?

The best places to see the northern lights in Norway are Tromsø, Kirkenes and above the Arctic Circle, including the Lofoten islands. Your chances increase depending on your distance from city light pollution and the month you visit.

5. When is the best time to see the northern lights in Norway?

In Norway your chances of seeing the northern lights are greatest between September and April, with October through March being the best months.

Dark nights are essential if you wish to see the northern lights, aka the aurora borealis. This means the summer months of May to August are largely ruled out, as the sun may not set at all in northern areas of Norway during this season.

6. Which is best to tour Norway – by rail, cruise or self-drive?

This is really down to personal preference, but let us give you some pointers.

Self-drive is good because you can travel at your own pace, go where you choose (within reason of course) and stop whenever you like. This is great for photographers, honeymooners and free spirits. Also, parents: self-drive is great for both snack and bathroom breaks.

Rail travel naturally involves a certain commitment to timetables. But taking a train is a very convenient way to travel. Everyone on board is free to enjoy the views along all the scenic routes, as none of your group is at the wheel.

Coastal cruises and ferries give you a unique perspective, admiring the fjords while gliding along them. Again, you have schedules to follow, but everyone can freely enjoy the sights.

Hopefully these tips should give you an idea of what you’d prefer. You can also narrow your choice by using our tour search filters to find your must-see attractions. Many of our packages combine a variety of travel methods, so if you’re not heart-set on driving, you can always contact our travel consultants to give you advice.

7. What is a self-guided tour?

A self-guided tour (or independent tour) is one where you receive an itinerary, travel information and amenities such as accommodation arranged by a travel agent. You will not have a tour group or hired guide, but you will have the added freedom to explore in your own time.

Nordic Visitor has a travel consultant available 24/7 by phone in case something goes amiss, so you’re getting the best of both worlds: the chance to roam as you like, but a person to steer you if you feel lost or unsure.

One popular version of self-guided tours is self-drive , which of course includes car rental as an important amenity. However, compared to Iceland, the railway and ferry networks in Norway provide you with an added variety of self-guided transport options.

8. Can I choose the arrival date?

In most cases, yes. Many of our packages are flexible, with daily departures. The notable exceptions are our guided small group tour packages, which have pre-set start dates.

9. When should I book my flight tickets?

We advise that you book your package first to secure your tour. It may be worth checking potential flights times and prices first, but be aware some airlines and flight booking websites raise their prices between visits, so remember to do research using Private or Incognito mode.

Once your tour is confirmed by email, purchase your flights. If you have missed out on flights, please get in touch with us to change the dates of your tour.

10. What should I pack for my trip?

We always advise our guests to dress sensibly throughout the year. Many of Norway’s attractions are outside and the weather is typically Scandinavian. That’s why we suggest packing clothes you can layer, choosing thinner items for summer and thicker for winter.

You will find more information on what to pack and wear, including summer or winter essentials, in our handy guide . But for a quick idea, consider this packing basics list:

• Jumper or fleece
• Waterproof jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes or boots
• Umbrella or poncho
• Binoculars (for cruise-goers)
• Sun cream and sunglasses (summer)
• Sleep mask (summer)
• Foot warmers (winter)

About Nordic Visitor Tours

• Tailor-made itinerary : know exactly where you’re going each day, and how you're getting there... even when you land at the airport.
• Quality checked accommodation:  wherever you stay is guaranteed to be tried and tested by our local specialists, whether it's a hotel, guesthouse, cruise cabin or cottage. 
• Travel guide: add some secret sauce to your getaway with our team's insider travel tips and hidden gem attractions.
• 24/7 helpline : relax, you can always turn to a Nordic Visitor consultant on our emergency helpline.

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Do you have a question about our Norway tours? Or maybe you want to customise a travel package. Whatever you need, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Our Scandinavian phone number is +46 8 666 23 30

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Read about Norway

Best norway vacation spots & ideas, when is the best time to go and visit norway, 7 incredible things to see and do in norway, the best and most beautiful fjords in norway.

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