Planning a trip to Norway can be overwhelming. That is one of the reasons why we started our Facebook group, Norway: Tips for Travellers, which quickly grew into a thriving community with 140,000 members. Over time, we noticed that some questions often repeat themselves.
Therefore, we decided to sum them up in this article and give you some essential Norway travel tips that will save you time, money, and stress and help you have the best trip ever.
Please ensure you read this article before posting a question to the group, as you might likely find the answer here.
Also, if you find this blog post helpful, share it!
Norway is a long country, stretching from Lindesnes lighthouse in the south to the North Cape in the north, covering a distance of approximately 1,752 kilometers (1,089 miles).
Thanks to its length and the influence of the Gulf Stream, Norway experiences a variety of climates. The coastal areas, including cities like Stavanger, Bergen, Ålesund, Trondheim, and the Lofoten archipelago, tend to be more rainy and mild compared to the inland regions.
Therefore, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the questions about what to pack, how to dress, and what kind of weather to expect in Norway.
As I write this article on June 23, 2024, it is a cold, rainy, and windy day in Lofoten. The temperature is around 10 degrees Celsius, and the ferry between Bodø and Moskenes is delayed due to the weather and large waves in the fjord.
Meanwhile, in Oslo, Ivar is enjoying sunny weather with temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius.
If you want to know what the weather will be like when you visit Norway, we recommend checking the Norwegian weather forecast yr.no for historical weather data on your specific dates and locations, as well as for up-to-date weather forecasts.
Are you wondering when the best time to visit Norway is? The ideal time varies from person to person and depends largely on what you want to see and do.
👉🏻 If hiking is your passion, plan your visit between late June and the end of September, when the trails are most accessible.
👉🏻 To witness the northern lights, travel to northern Norway between September and mid-April.
👉🏻 For winter activities like dog sledding or visiting a reindeer farm, the best time to visit is from November to April.
👉🏻 If you prefer to avoid the crowds, consider a road trip in May or October for a more serene experience.
In Norway, the official currency is the Norwegian Krone (NOK).
Norway is largely cashless; almost everything can be paid for by credit card or mobile payment options like Vipps or Apple Pay.
VISA is Norway’s most widely accepted credit card, followed closely by MasterCard. American Express (AmEx) is accepted in some places, but not as universally as VISA or MasterCard. Discover Card is not commonly accepted in Norway.
❗Note that most transactions require a credit card with a PIN. Euros, dollars, or other foreign currencies are not accepted.
❗ Although card payments are convenient, we would still advise you to withdraw a small amount of cash, around 500-1000 NOK, from an ATM for use in situations where cash might be necessary, such as private parking or tipping tour guides.
Tipping in Norway is less common or expected than in the USA. It is because the workers in Norway tend to have relatively high wages and benefits, so they rely less on tips to supplement their income.
However, even though tips are not expected, they are appreciated if you are particularly happy with the service.
In restaurants, you can add a tip to your bill when you pay by credit card. To tip tour guides or hotel employees, you will need cash.
❗Do not feel pressured into tipping when the waiter brings you a card terminal with an option to tip. It is completely acceptable to just enter the amount you owe without adding a tip.
❗If you are from the USA, it might seem rude not to tip, but tipping is truly optional in Norway.
WiFi is readily available throughout Norway, including in most hotels, cafes, and public spaces. However, network connections might be unavailable in some remote mountain areas.
If you are from an EU country, you can call, text, and use data like anywhere else in the EU.
For travelers from countries outside the EU, we highly recommend getting an e-SIM, such as those offered by Airalo.
Getting a local SIM card can be a hassle, and sorting out an e-SIM before your arrival will save you time and headaches.
When traveling in Norway, several apps can make your trip easier. Here are some of the best apps to consider:
Google Maps: Perfect for general navigation, finding attractions, and getting directions.
Entur: Essential for planning public transportation across Norway, including trains, buses, and ferries.
EasyPark: Ideal for finding and paying for parking in cities and towns.
Ruter: Specifically useful for public transportation in Oslo and the surrounding areas.
👉🏻 Check out our article with more detailed information on these and other helpful apps.
Google Maps is a great tool for navigating Norway using public transport. Here’s how to do it:
1️⃣ Open Google Maps and enter your starting location, like the airport or your hotel.
2️⃣ Then, enter your destination (e.g., a train station, another hotel, or an attraction).
3️⃣ Select the public transport icon (the little train or bus) in the upper menu.
4️⃣ You can choose to see the next available departure by selecting “Depart now” or plan your journey in advance by selecting “Depart later,” where you can set the specific date and time.
Norway uses electric plugs of types C and F. Plug type C has two round pins, and plug type F has two round pins with two earth clips on the side.
Norway operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Explore the Best Apps for Traveling in Norway
When you google “public transport in Norway,” you will find descriptions stating that it is efficient, reliable, well-connected, and easy to travel around the country. We do not entirely agree.
While public transport is excellent in big cities like Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, and Tromsø and in their surrounding areas, it can be less reliable and insufficient in more remote regions.
For traveling across the country, having a car is much more convenient.
If you decide to explore Norway using public transport, then:
👉🏻 Check the webpage/app entur.no to plan your journey from A to B.
👉🏻 Use the vy.no webpage or app to book train tickets.
❗Note that Vy typically releases train tickets for sale 90 days before the departure date.
Renting a car in Norway can make your trip much more flexible and enjoyable. Compare prices from conventional car rentals on rentalcars.com to get the best deal.
Make sure to book your car in advance, especially during the high season, because it can happen that there will be no cars left. For cheaper prices, try to avoid traveling in the high season.
Also, avoid renting a car at one place and delivering it somewhere else, as it always comes with a hefty fee.
👉🏻 You can also check out getaround.no, where you can rent a car from local people.
In Norway, we drive on the right side of the road. The country has relatively few highways; most roads are two-lane and can be narrow and winding.
Speed limits vary depending on the area: typically, 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas, 80 km/h (50 mph) on rural roads, and up to 110 km/h (68 mph) on the few motorways.
👉🏻 During the summer months, expect increased traffic, with many buses and motorhomes sharing the roads, making driving more challenging.
👉🏻 You do not need an international driver’s license. If your driver’s license is not in English, you may have to apply for an international driver’s license or have an English translation available.
👉🏻 Norwegian drivers are generally very relaxed, and honking is rare and only used when someone is extremely upset.
❗Please drive safely but not so slowly that you hinder the traffic behind you. If a line of cars forms behind you or a car gets too close, let them pass by, stopping at the first convenient place. Alternatively, on a straight stretch of road with no oncoming traffic, you can slow down and start blinking to the right to signal to the drivers behind you that they can pass.
Driving in Norway in winter is something you should seriously consider.
Do you have experience driving on ice and snow? If not, Norway is not the best place to gain that experience.
The roads here are winding and narrow, and visibility often becomes poor, especially in the darkness and during heavy snowfall.
In Lofoten, we see it every winter: tourists renting cars and creating dangerous situations by driving 30 km/h because they fear the slippery roads, driving in the middle of the road, or ending up in ditches along the road.
Such conditions make driving in Norway during winter particularly challenging and potentially hazardous not only for you but also for other drivers.
Waze and Google Maps are popular driving apps that help you navigate Norway. They will give you a general idea of how long it takes to get from A to B, but we recommend always giving yourself extra time to reach your destination.
It’s best not to plan drives longer than three hours at a stretch, and you should add approximately 25% more to the time estimated by Google Maps to account for unexpected delays, road conditions, and scenic stops along the way.
Additionally, always check for road closures (vegvesen app) or ferry schedules if your route includes a ferry crossing, as these can significantly impact your travel time.
The toll system in Norway is automated and uses the AutoPASS system, which takes photos of your car’s license plate as you drive through toll stations.
For tourists in rental cars, toll charges are usually handled by the rental company and added to your bill.
👉🏻 If you’re driving your own car, register with EPASS24 to have toll invoices sent to your home address.
👉🏻 Locals typically use an AutoPASS tag on their windshield, linked to a toll account that provides discounts and automatic payments.
The ferry system in Norway is operated by several companies, including Fjord1, Torghatten, and Norled, so there isn’t one single page for all ferry timetables. The best option to find comprehensive ferry schedules is to use Entur.no.
Some ferries can (and should) be booked in advance, especially for routes like Geiranger-Hellesylt, Lysebotn-Lauvvik in western Norway, or the Bodø-Lofoten ferry in northern Norway.
👉🏻 Payment is automated through the AutoPASS tag for cars with AutoPASS (locals and rental cars). Other vehicles should register on FerryPay.
👉🏻 Note that some ferries run every 30 minutes, while others may only operate 2-3 times daily, so you must check the specific schedules for your planned routes.
Are you planning to travel in the northern Norway?
What are the must-sees in Norway that you absolutely cannot miss? This can be a challenging question—everyone has different interests, tastes, and travel styles. Ask 100 people what their favorite attraction in Norway is, and you’ll probably get 100 different answers!
Most tourists arrive in Oslo by plane and then continue to Bergen, usually via the Norway in a Nutshell tour.
The most visited regions are the fjords in western Norway between Stavanger and Ålesund, the Lofoten Islands in northern Norway, and the North Cape, which is the northernmost point in Norway accessible by road. That is during the summer.
❄️ In the winter, people still head to the fjords in western Norway, but Northern Lights tourism kicks in, and Tromsø suddenly becomes very popular.
Norway offers many accommodations, ranging from hotel chains to Airbnb. However, the country doesn’t have a strong culture of cheap shared accommodations, so hostel accommodation and B&B are quite limited.
To check accommodation options in your chosen area, we recommend using Booking.com. You can use the sort function to list accommodations from the cheapest to the most expensive or use the filter function to choose accommodations with a rating higher than 8 or 9, among other criteria.
We are not big fans of Airbnb, especially in small communities. Finding long-term rentals has become a huge issue in places like Lofoten, as everyone with a house or spare room rents them out through Airbnb.
If you plan to visit the fjord region (e.g., Flåm, Olden, Loen, Geiranger, Åndalsnes) or the Lofoten Islands, book your hotel as soon as possible (ideally before Christmas). Accommodation gets sold out quickly during the summer.
There isn’t a single page where you can book all the tours and attractions in Norway. So, how do you find what to do in a certain area?
One option is to use Google, which is not always very effective. You can also use third-party services like GetYourGuide or Viator.
In our experience, you will find the widest selection of tours and activities on GetYourGuide, and we often recommend it in our articles. It’s a user-friendly platform/app with a good cancellation policy.
❗We also encourage you to book directly with the providers if you can. Booking directly often more effectively supports local businesses and sometimes offers more flexibility or better deals.
Some cities in Norway, like Oslo and Bergen, offer special city passes that provide free access to public transport and entrance to various museums and attractions. Whether these passes are worth it depends on your travel preferences.
When considering a city pass, think about your itinerary and interests. If you plan to visit many museums and use public transport frequently, a city pass can save you money and offer convenience. However, it might not be as beneficial if your plans focus more on outdoor activities or less on museum visits.
Do you want to travel from Oslo to Bergen by train?
Norway in a Nutshell (sometimes shortened online to NIN) is a self-guided tour package that takes you through some of western Norway’s most scenic parts. It combines various modes of public transport, including trains, buses, and boats.
Norway in a Nutshell starts from either Oslo or Bergen, depending on your preference. It’s a flexible tour package that lets you choose your starting point, transportation mode, and activities depending on your interests and schedule.
The tour usually takes one day, starting and ending in Bergen or Oslo. However, we recommend taking more time to explore the different stops along the way and break up the journey over several days.
The typical Norway in a Nutshell tour includes the following stops and modes of transportation:
✅ Train from Oslo or Bergen to Myrdal (Bergen Railway = Bergensbana)
✅ Flåm Railway from Myrdal to Flåm (Flåm Railway = Flåmsbana)
✅ Fjord cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen
✅ Bus from Gudvangen to Voss
✅ Train from Voss to Bergen or Oslo (Bergen Railway = Bergensbana)
👉🏻 We wrote two separate articles about the Norway in a Nutshell (NIN) tour. One gives you an overview of the Norway in a Nutshell tour and what you can do along the stops on this route.
👉🏻 The other one will save you some money by walking you through how to book the Norway in a Nutshell tour on your own.
Getting from Oslo Airport (Gardermoen) to the city center is straightforward. The easiest and most convenient option is to travel by train.
Vy trains run frequently from Oslo Airport to Oslo Central Station (Oslo S), taking about 20 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the airport.
Flytoget Airport Express Train is a slightly more expensive but very convenient option. The Flytoget train runs every 10 minutes and also takes about 20 minutes to reach Oslo Central Station. Tickets can be purchased at the airport.
Several airport shuttle buses operate between Oslo Airport and various parts of the city. These buses can be a good option if you stay outside the city center or need to get to specific locations not serviced by the train.
There are a lot of things to see in Oslo, especially when it comes to museums. We plan to publish an article with the 10 best things to see in Oslo, so stay tuned.
To give you a small teaser, our favorite places are the Vigeland Sculpture Park, strolling around Aker Brygge, visiting The Well (spa), and walking around Sognsvann.
Radka really likes the Folk Museum in Bygdøy. Meanwhile, Ivar’s favorite thing is stuffing his face with hot dogs from the Sausage Factory food truck, which is between the Town Hall and the Nobel Peace Center.
The Folk Museum in Oslo
The main mistake people make when planning their trip to Norway is thinking that Oslo is a good starting point for visiting the fjords. It is not. Oslo is situated in the Oslofjord, but the stunning fjords that you know from Instagram are in western Norway, close to Bergen and a one-day drive from Oslo.
Oslo offers more cultural and culinary experiences than stunning scenery and fjords. However, we can recommend island hopping in Oslofjorden, taking a silent cruise on board a hybrid electric catamaran, or enjoying some of the saunas with a view of Aker Brygge or the Oslo Opera House.
Tromsø is the biggest city in northern Norway, the Northern Lights capital of Norway, and a gateway to the Arctic. It is easily accessible thanks to its airport, located just a 15-minute drive from the city center, and a number of direct flights from European cities.
Most people head to Tromsø between September and April when they can see the aurora borealis dancing in the sky.
Moreover, during the winter months, there are many more exciting activities, such as whale watching (November to January), dog sledding, reindeer feeding (November to April), visiting ice domes, and snowmobiling (December to April).
We have created a few separate posts about visiting Tromsø in winter, the best activities to do in Tromsø during the winter, and an article on how to choose the best Northern Lights tour. Make sure you check them out!
Have an amazing time in Norway, and please share this article if you found it useful!
Do you have any tips you’d add to this list? Leave a comment below to help out your fellow travelers!
The best time to visit Norway really depends on what you want to do. Late June to the end of September is ideal for hiking. If you want to see the Northern Lights, plan your trip between September and mid-April. November to April is perfect for winter activities like dog sledding or visiting a reindeer farm. To avoid crowds, consider traveling in May or October.
Norway is packed with stunning sights! Don’t miss the fjords like Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, the cities of Oslo and Bergen, the Northern Lights in Tromsø, and the scenic Lofoten Islands.
However, all of the above-mentioned places are also very touristy. If you want to explore some hidden gems, we recommend getting our map of western Norway. It will guide you to lesser-known spots that offer equally breathtaking views and experiences without the crowds.
Renting a car can give you a lot of flexibility, especially if you plan to explore remote areas or travel at your own pace. While public transport is excellent in cities like Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim, it can be unreliable and sparse in rural areas.
If you decide to rent a car, book in advance and be prepared for narrow, winding roads, especially in the countryside.
Yes, Norway is a largely cashless society. Credit cards are widely accepted, but make sure your card has a PIN, as it’s often required for transactions.
While almost everything can be paid by card, having a small amount of cash (around 500-1000 NOK) for situations like private parking or tipping tour guides is handy.
Tipping in Norway is not as common or expected as it is in many other countries. Workers in Norway generally have relatively high wages and benefits, so they do not rely on tips to supplement their income. That said, if you’re particularly happy with the service, leaving a tip is appreciated but not obligatory.
In restaurants, the common practice is to round up the bill. For example, if your bill is 285 NOK, you might round it up to 300 NOK. You can add a tip to your bill when paying by credit card, but there’s no pressure to do so. It’s completely acceptable to pay the due amount without adding a tip.
You can round up the fare to the nearest 10 NOK for other services, such as taxi rides. Tipping the staff is not customary in hotels, but leaving a small amount for exceptional service, such as for the concierge or housekeeping, is appreciated.
When it comes to tour guides, it’s a bit different. If you’ve had a great experience, a tip of 50-100 NOK per person is a nice gesture. Remember that you’ll need cash for this, as it’s impossible to add a tip when paying by card in these situations.
Also, don’t feel pressured into tipping when the waiter brings you a card terminal with an option to tip. It’s completely fine to enter the amount you owe without adding anything extra. If you’re from the USA, where tipping is more customary, it might feel rude not to tip, but in Norway, tipping is truly optional and should reflect your satisfaction with the service.
You do not need a visa to enter Norway if you are from an EU/EEA country.
Citizens from many countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia, and Japan, can enter Norway for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism purposes.
Always check the latest visa requirements for your specific country before traveling.
Yes, tap water in Norway is safe to drink and often of excellent quality. In fact, it’s usually better than bottled water, so bring a reusable water bottle to refill throughout your trip.
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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Hi! We are Ivar & Radka, an international couple who runs the Guide to Lofoten.
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