Are you planning a trip to Norway and wondering which apps to have on your smartphone to enhance your travel experience? While apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger are our go-to communication tools in our everyday lives, there are also specific apps that can make your journey through Norway even more enjoyable and convenient.
In this article, we will explore Norway-specific apps tailored to the country’s unique attractions, weather, and services and highlight a few universal apps that prove handy no matter where you travel.
So get ready to discover the best apps for traveling in Norway!
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Norway’s weather can be unpredictable, so staying informed about local forecasts is essential for planning your activities and ensuring your safety, particularly when engaging in outdoor adventures like hiking.
Sudden weather changes can influence trail conditions and visibility. By staying updated on the weather forecast, you can decide which trails to tackle, what equipment to bring, and when to postpone or adjust your plans.
Here are the two best weather apps we use daily to see how to plan our days according to weather conditions.
Developed by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, the Yr.no app offers detailed weather information, including temperature, precipitation, wind speed, and more. In addition, it covers various locations throughout the country, allowing you to plan your activities accordingly and stay prepared for changing weather conditions.
Yr.no is our go-to source when checking the weather forecast. However, do not trust in 100%, especially in Lofoten. We have very local weather here that changes rapidly, so take it more as a guideline for what kind of weather you can expect and be always ready that it can be worse than the weather forecast predicts.
Windy is a weather app that provides detailed weather forecasts, including wind conditions, wave heights, and other meteorological data. It’s handy for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, surfers, and kiters, but also for people planning to chase the northern lights without a guide.
Windy is one of our go-to apps for checking the weather when hunting for the Northern Lights, as it provides valuable information about cloud cover and wind direction. By displaying the layering of clouds (low, mid, and high) and offering detailed wind direction data, Windy allows you to asses where you would have the highest chance of observing the Northern Lights as you need clear skies/minimal cloud coverage. First, however, you need to know how to read the data!
Navigating the public transport system in Norway can be a challenge. So whether you’re planning a trip to Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, or Tromsø, understanding the intricacies of the local transportation network is essential.
Luckily, in the digital age, there are several apps designed to make your public transport experience in Norway as easy as possible. From real-time updates on bus and train schedules to ticket purchasing and route planning, these apps should be your go-to companions for seamless travel throughout the country.
Vy.no is an essential app for travellers using public transportation in Norway. It provides comprehensive information on train schedules and ticket booking. It is an essential app if you plan to do Norway in a Nutshell on your own.
You can also buy single tickets, tickets for extra zones and season tickets for a range of regional public transport companies such as Ruter (public transport in Oslo) and Skyss (public transport in Bergen).
You can now also book a taxi via the Vy app in many parts of the country.
These apps are specific to different regions in Norway and provide local public transportation information. They offer schedules, routes, ticket purchasing options, and real-time updates for buses, trams, ferries, and other modes of public transportation.
Depending on the region you’re visiting, you can download the relevant app to navigate the local transportation networks conveniently.
👉 Trondheim: AtB
👉 Oslo: Ruter
👉 Bergen: Skyss
👉 Stavanger: Kolumbus
👉 Tromsø: Tromsbilett
Entur.no covers buses, trains, trams, ferries, and more, providing comprehensive information on schedules, routes, and ticket options. The app lets you plan your journeys, find the best connections, and often purchase tickets directly from your mobile device. In addition, it covers multiple regions in Norway, making it an essential tool for navigating the country’s public transportation network.
👉 Click here to download the Entur app for Android.
Traveling in Norway by car offers a unique opportunity to discover the country’s breathtaking landscapes and scenic routes at your own pace. To make your road trip experience even more enjoyable and convenient, we handpicked several apps designed to assist you.
When navigating through the beautiful Norwegian landscapes, Google Maps reigns supreme. This user-friendly app offers detailed maps, turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates, and public transportation information. So whether you’re hiking, driving, or taking public transport, Google Maps will ensure you never get lost.
Park4night helps you find suitable places for overnight parking. In addition, the app offers user-generated reviews, photos, and essential details about facilities, making it easier to plan your stops and find safe and scenic places to stay during your road trip to Norway.
However, you must exercise caution as the app contains user-generated content, and camping and overnight parking may not be permitted in certain areas marked as camping places in the app. Always refer to the comments section and adhere to the local regulations and rules.
EasyPark allows you to find available parking spots, pay for parking, and extend your parking time remotely, avoiding the hassle of physical parking meters. The app also provides reminders before your parking time expires, helping you avoid unnecessary fines while exploring cities like Oslo, Bergen, or Trondheim.
The Vegvesen app, developed by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, is a valuable resource for road travelers in Norway. It provides real-time information on road conditions, including traffic congestion, road closures, construction work, and accidents.
The app also offers updates on ferry crossings, toll roads, and tunnels, helping you plan your routes and navigate efficiently throughout the country.
Are you planning to go hiking in Norway’s beautiful landscapes? If so, it’s important to have a reliable hiking app with offline maps. When you’re out in the wilderness where internet access may be limited, having access to detailed maps without needing an internet connection is crucial.
Two highly recommended apps for hiking in Norway are Norgeskart and Mapy.cz. These apps provide detailed offline maps, allowing you to navigate the trails confidently and make the most of your hiking adventure. No more worries about getting lost or relying on spotty internet signals. With these apps, you can explore Norway’s breathtaking trails with ease and convenience.
Mapy.cz is a versatile mapping app that provides detailed maps and navigation features for planning a hiking trip in Norway. It offers topographic maps, trail information, and elevation profiles, allowing you to explore different hiking routes and trails throughout the country.
Norgeskart is a dedicated app for Norway, offering detailed maps tailored explicitly for exploring the country’s terrain. It provides topographic maps, hiking trails, and points of interest, making it a valuable tool for planning and navigating hiking trips in Norway. In addition, the app allows you to search for specific locations, mark waypoints, and access offline maps, ensuring that you have the necessary information even when you’re in areas with limited internet connectivity.
Hjelp 113 is the emergency app for Norway, connecting you directly to emergency services. In case of emergencies, including accidents, medical incidents, or other urgent situations, the app provides quick access to police, ambulance, and fire services. It also uses GPS to share your location with emergency responders for faster assistance.
If witnessing the ethereal Northern Lights is on your bucket list, these apps are handy. Explicitly designed for Northern Lights enthusiasts, these apps provide real-time Aurora Borealis forecasts.
This app provides accurate Aurora borealis forecasts and alerts for locations worldwide, including Norway. It offers information on the probability of seeing the Northern Lights and the expected intensity and visibility. The app also includes a map feature that displays the current aurora activity and allows you to set up notifications for optimal viewing opportunities.
Aurora Forecast is a comprehensive app that offers Aurora borealis forecasts, including predictions for Norway. It provides detailed information on the probability of seeing the Northern Lights, cloud coverage, and geomagnetic activity.
When it comes to finding the perfect accommodation while traveling, having the right apps at your fingertips can make all the difference. Gone are the days of flipping through bulky guidebooks or endlessly searching the web.
Having a Hotel/Accommodation Booking App on your mobile device while traveling can be incredibly handy. These apps allow you to search for and book accommodations on the go. Moreover, discounts and promotions are often available to those booking through the app, giving you an opportunity to save money on your accommodations.
Booking.com is a popular app for finding and booking accommodations worldwide, including in Norway. With a wide range of options, from hotels and guesthouses to apartments and vacation rentals, Booking.com allows you to browse and compare different properties, read reviews from other travelers, and secure your desired accommodation conveniently. The app also offers flexible search filters, exclusive deals, and a seamless booking process.
The majority of properties in Norway can be found on booking.com, making it the most popular platform for accommodation listings. Although some property owners also use other platforms, such as Airbnb or Expedia, booking.com is the widely preferred choice for advertising accommodations across the country.
Looking to explore the wonders of Norway and make the most of your trip? With platforms like Viator and GetYourGuide, you can effortlessly browse through a wide range of activities across various areas in Norway. The best part? You can conveniently book your preferred activities right through the apps, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.
GetYourGuide is a popular app for booking tours, activities, and experiences worldwide. It offers a wide range of options for exploring Norway, including guided tours, outdoor adventures, museum visits, and more.
Viator is another reliable app for booking tours and activities. It provides a variety of options in Norway, allowing you to discover the country’s cultural, historical, and natural attractions through guided tours and experiences.
While Viator and GetYourGuide are both used globally, there is some variation in their market presence.
👉 Viator is a well-established platform that originated in the United States. It has a strong presence in the American market and has gained popularity among American travelers. However, it also caters to a global audience and offers tours and activities in destinations worldwide, including Europe and Norway.
👉 GetYourGuide, while also available to travelers worldwide, is known for having a strong presence in Europe. It has gained popularity among European travelers and has a broad range of offerings throughout Europe, including Norway. GetYourGuide has expanded its reach and continues to grow its global presence.
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When deciding between Viator and GetYourGuide, we recommend you explore both platforms. Certain tour providers choose to advertise on Viator, while others opt for GetYourGuide.
Keep in mind that since these companies take a commission from activity providers, not all providers will be available on these platforms.
To find more tour providers, you can explore other online platforms and resources such as TripAdvisor, Local Tourism Websites (like our page where you can find activity providers in Lofoten), or Local Tourist Information Centers.
Are you planning a road trip through the picturesque landscapes of Norway? Renting a car is an excellent choice for exploring the country’s hidden gems at your own pace. Among the top options for car rentals, Rentalcars.com and Getaround are our go-to resources when we want to rent a car.
If you’re planning to rent a car during your trip to Norway, the Rentalcars.com app can help you find the best deals and compare prices from various rental car companies. It offers a user-friendly interface and allows you to book your rental car in advance.
Getaround is a car-sharing app that allows you to rent cars directly from local owners. While not specific to Norway, it can be useful if you’re looking for a flexible and affordable option for renting a car in the country.
Managing your money while traveling does not have to be a headache with the help of some fantastic apps like Revolut, Spendee, or XE Currency Converter.
Settle Up is a handy app for managing group expenses and splitting bills. If you’re traveling with friends or family in Norway, this app simplifies tracking shared expenses and settling accounts. It allows you to create groups, add costs, and calculate each person’s share, making it easy to follow who owes what and settle expenses fairly.
Spendee is a personal finance app that helps you track and manage expenses during your trip to Norway. It allows you to categorize and analyze your spending, set budgets, and get insights into your financial habits. By monitoring your expenses with Spendee, you can stay within your budget, make informed financial decisions, and better understand your travel expenses.
Revolut is a popular banking app that offers multi-currency accounts and various financial services. It allows you to exchange and hold multiple currencies, makes international money transfers, and provides a prepaid debit card for convenient spending. With Revolut, you can manage your finances, monitor exchange rates, and avoid excessive currency exchange fees while traveling in Norway.
XE Currency Converter is a reliable app for managing currency conversions during your travels in Norway. It provides up-to-date exchange rates and allows you to convert currencies easily, ensuring a clear understanding of prices and expenses in your home currency. The app also works offline, making it convenient for use when you don’t have an internet connection.
In addition to the essential apps for transportation, accommodation, and other travel necessities, there are a few miscellaneous apps that can further enhance your travel experience in Norway. These apps may not fit into specific categories, but they offer unique features and benefits that are worth exploring.
Polarsteps is a fantastic app that automatically maps out your route and displays it in a visually appealing way, creating a digital travel journal. You can add photos, notes, and highlights of your trip, allowing friends and family to follow along in real time. Polarsteps is an excellent app for documenting your adventures in Norway and sharing them with others.
The Oslo Pass app is relevant for travellers visiting Oslo as it provides convenient access to the Oslo Pass, a city card that offers free admission to museums, attractions, public transportation, and various discounts. The app allows you to purchase and activate your Oslo Pass, find participating attractions, and plan your itinerary in Oslo while maximizing savings and convenience.
What apps did you find most helpful during your time in Norway? Were there any applications you used that we didn’t mention above? Let us know in the comments!
Hi! We are Ivar & Radka, an international couple who runs the Guide to Lofoten. We met in Trondheim and lived together in western Norway, Narvik and Tromsø. At the moment we call western Lofoten our home. We hope our page will make it easier for you to explore the beautiful places that made us chose Norway for our home.
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4 Responses
Amazing, the article is really worth.
Hi I want come back to norge
In addition to several of the apps you mentioned, I also used TIER and similar apps for renting e-bikes and scooters. Ruter, Google Translate, and Google Drive were the most used. Google Drive had all my planning maps with car chargers, ferries, restaurants, and attractions pre-identified.
Good tips, Mark! Thank you for adding these 🙂