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Northern Europe

NorwayTravel guide

Explore Norway visa rules

Norway has fjords, mountains, forests, lakes and lively cities such as Oslo and Bergen. Plan your trip around landscapes as well as cities, and allow plenty of time for long journeys.

Why go

  1. Explore fjords, waterfalls, glaciers and small villages.

  2. See the midnight sun north of the Arctic Circle.

  3. Watch the Northern Lights.

  4. Visit historic wooden stave churches.

  5. Explore Oslo and Bergen.

  6. Ride scenic railways through the mountains.

Best time to go: May to early September usually has the most pleasant weather. Visit from December to April for snow, but coastal areas may have little snow and some mountain roads close in winter.

Getting there

By air

  • SAS offers special youth fares on its website that may not appear on other flight search sites.

By land

  • Trains from Sweden reach Oslo, Trondheim and Narvik. There are no railway crossings from Finland or Russia.
  • Oslo has train services from Stockholm and Gothenburg. Overnight trains from Stockholm also reach Narvik via Kiruna.
  • International buses connect Oslo with Sweden and Denmark. Other routes link Sweden with Bodø and Mo i Rana, and Denmark with Stavanger.

By sea

  • Ferries from Denmark carry cars to Norway.
  • Ferries from Kiel in Germany also carry cars.

Customs

  • Customs rules still apply when crossing from Sweden or Finland, even where there are few border formalities.
  • Alcohol imports have limits. Bringing more than the allowance leads to heavy duties.

Getting around

  • Planning journeys

    Norway is large, and mountains and fjords make journeys slow. A place name on a map does not guarantee frequent transport, taxis, shops or accommodation. Entur is a journey planner for trains, buses and ferries. The Vy app can also find and book bus, train and taxi trips. Choose landscapes you want to see as well as cities. Allow extra time for long distances and ferry crossings.

  • Plane

    Domestic flights can save time, especially in northern Norway. Tickets to small northern airports can be expensive. SAS, Norwegian and Widerøe are the largest operators. Widerøe serves many smaller towns in northern and western Norway. Flights between small airports may make several stops. There are no air routes between cities within 200 km of Oslo; use a train or bus.

  • Train

    Vy, SJ Nord and Go Ahead Nordic run different routes. Entur brings journey planning and booking together. You must reserve a seat on long-distance and night trains. Reservations can usually be made at a train station, sometimes shortly before departure. Book early for Friday and Sunday evenings, major holidays and the Bergen Line in peak season. Cheap tickets can sell out. The Oslo–Bergen journey takes about 6½–7½ hours. Trains are generally comfortable and well maintained. Night trains offer ordinary seats or sleeping compartments for an extra charge. A compartment costs the same for one or two people, and you will not share it with a stranger.

  • Bus

    Express buses connect cities and many national parks. NOR-WAY Bussekspress, Boreal Transport, Vybuss and FlixBus operate routes. Check timetables and plan ahead because services vary and seats may be limited. Some routes over mountain passes run only from May to September. North of Trondheim, regional authorities organise long-distance buses with limited schedules. There is no direct Trondheim–Bodø bus; this route is served by train.

What to see and do

  • Fjords

    Deep fjords are among Norway's main natural sights, often surrounded by mountains and small villages.

  • Mountains, glaciers and waterfalls

    Norway has dramatic mountain scenery, permanent snow and many waterfalls. Melting snow makes waterfalls especially impressive in spring.

  • Stave churches

    These historic wooden churches are cultural treasures, often set in peaceful rural scenery.

  • Oslo and Bergen

    These lively cities offer a contrast to Norway's wilderness and rural landscapes.

  • Midnight sun

    North of the Arctic Circle, the sun stays above the horizon during part of the summer.

  • Northern Lights

    The Northern Lights are one of Norway's natural highlights, with Tromsø shown as an example in the source.

Food and drink

  • Fiskeboller

    Fish balls served in cream sauce with potatoes, grated carrots and some bacon.

  • Groceries and self-catering

    Food is expensive, especially in restaurants. Many cheaper places to stay require you to prepare your own meals.

  • Ferry cafeterias

    Most car ferries, apart from some very short crossings, serve sandwiches and some hot food.

  • Petrol-station food

    Many petrol stations sell sausages, hamburgers and pizza. Food bought there is relatively expensive.

  • Norwegian aquavit

    A spirit of about 40% alcohol, made from potatoes and aged in used sherry barrels. It is commonly flavoured with caraway and anise.

  • Beer

    Regular shops sell alcohol below 4.75% strength, including beer. Sales end by 20:00 on weekdays and 18:00 before Sundays and holidays, though local limits may be earlier.

Money

Norwegian krone (NOK), often written kr; the plural is kroner.

  • Norway is expensive, especially for services, eating out and travel over long distances.
  • Euros are generally not accepted in shops. Norwegian, Swedish and Danish kroner are different currencies.
  • Cash machines and direct card payments usually give better exchange rates than staffed exchange counters. Your bank and the cash machine may still charge fees.
  • If a card machine or cash machine offers a choice of currencies, choose Norwegian kroner.

Tipping: Tipping is optional, and leaving no tip is normal. In restaurants, rounding up is common and 10% is generous.

Typical costs

  • The source lists single hotel rooms from around 800 kr.
  • Camping huts are listed at 300–600 kr for a whole family.
  • Mountain cabins are listed at 150–300 kr per person, and youth hostels at 150–250 kr per person.
  • A glass of beer or wine in a restaurant is listed at at least 60 kr, though lower prices may be found in student cities.
  • The source lists ordinary train ticket upgrades at 200–500 kr.

Language

  • Norwegian has many spoken dialects and two written forms: Bokmål and Nynorsk.
  • Sami languages have official status in some northern regions, where signs may use both Norwegian and Sami.
  • Almost all Norwegians speak English, so visitors should generally be able to get around in English.
  • Some retail and hospitality workers speak Swedish.
butikk
Shop.
ferje / ferge
Car ferry.
båt
Boat; also used for vessels carrying only passengers on foot.
politi
Police.
legevakt
A medical service for illness or injury without an appointment.
hytte
Countryside cabin.
allemannsretten
The right of access, which allows activities such as walking and camping on undeveloped land under certain conditions.

Staying safe

  • Violent crime is very uncommon, but car break-ins, bicycle theft and pickpocketing occur. Watch your belongings, lock your bicycle and keep valuables out of sight in cars.
  • Use ordinary caution after dark, including when travelling alone.
  • Look carefully before crossing roads. Electric vehicles can be very quiet.
  • Do not try to bribe police or other officials.

Local customs

Do

  • Treat service workers and other people as equals.
  • Expect direct speech and limited small talk, especially with strangers in cities.
  • Greet or talk to fellow walkers on remote trails, where this is customary.
  • Follow camping rules, avoid disturbing people and leave no trace.

Don't

  • Do not show off wealth or rank, or act as though someone is inferior.
  • Avoid swearing, because what people accept varies.
  • Do not bargain in ordinary shops. Staff generally cannot change the marked price.
  • Do not disturb others through drunken behaviour.

Staying healthy

  • Tap water is drinkable, except on transport such as boats and trains. Mountain stream water is often drinkable, but you must judge the source carefully.
  • Bring warm clothes and a windproof, waterproof jacket even in summer. Weather can change sharply.
  • For hikes above the tree line, bring clothing suitable for freezing temperatures even in summer. Rain and strong wind make it feel colder.
  • Protect yourself from the sun and bring sunglasses. Sun exposure can be strong in the mountains, and snow and water reflect sunlight.

Phone and internet

  • Some trains offer free wireless internet access.
  • Lavprisekspressen buses offer free wireless internet access.

Where to stay

  • Hotels offer several price ranges, and special offers are common. Book ahead for weekday stays; Oslo hotels may be cheaper when there is less business travel.
  • Camping huts, mountain cabins and youth hostels can cost less than hotels. Many require you to cook, bring your own bed linen and clean before leaving.
  • For stays of a week or more, consider renting an apartment, house or cabin. Agencies offer properties owned by local people.
  • Campsites take tents, caravans and campervans, and many rent small cabins. Most campsites open only in summer.

Schengen Area

One visa, 29 countries

A Schengen visa from any member lets you travel across all of them, with no passport checks at the borders between them. With it, a trip to Norway can also take in:

  • Up to 90 days in any 180
  • One visa for every member
  • No border checks between members

Whether you need the visa at all depends on your passport. Check the entry rules for Norway before you plan the route.

Trips to Norway

Day-by-day itineraries by snuck, shaped around you.

5 nights
Bergen and Time by the FjordBergenAurlandFrom, per person~US$2,500
 5 nights
Arctic Evenings for TwoTromsøKvaløyaFrom, per person~US$3,140
 8 nights
Oslo to the Western FjordsOsloMyrdalFlåmAurlandFrom, per person~US$3,670

Outdoor adventures in Norway

Norway offers mountain hikes, forest walks, skiing, fjord trips and coastal wildlife watching. Oslo, Bergen and Kristiansand have outdoor areas close to town. Mountain weather can change quickly, even in summer.

  • Galdhøpiggen

    HikeJotunheimen

    Generally midsummer to September for mountain hiking; deep snow can remain until July.

    Visit Norway's highest mountain as a mountain hike. The Norwegian Trekking Association offers guided tours, maps and route advice.

    • Bring warm, waterproof clothing, even in summer.
    • Carry a detailed walking map and compass.

  • Norway in a Nutshell

    More to doMountains and fjords between Oslo and Bergennear Oslo or Bergen

    One day, with the option to break the journey.

    Buy the single-ticket package from Oslo or Bergen. It includes a fjord boat trip and the Flåmsbana railway.

  • Hemsedal

    Skiing

    Winter; ski resorts typically open in early December.

    Use the resort's downhill slopes or prepared cross-country trails. The surrounding high valley also offers mountain ski trips.

    • Stay on marked slopes unless you have the skills to manage avalanche risk.
    • Be ready for sudden weather changes.

  • Trysil

    Skiing

    Winter; ski resorts typically open in early December.

    Ski at Norway's largest winter resort, which has a wide range of downhill slopes and cross-country trails.

    • Some slopes are steep.
    • Stay on marked slopes unless you have the skills to manage avalanche risk.

  • Oslo forest — Marka

    HikeOslonear Oslo

    Easy

    Explore on your own. Take metro line 1 to Frognerseteren or line 3 to Sognsvann. Other gateways are served by buses and local trains.

    • Some trails are muddy.
    • Plan your return journey; some buses and trains run no more than hourly.

  • Bergen city mountains — Byfjellene

    HikeWestern Norwaynear Bergen

    Options range from 15-minute strolls to day hikes.

    Start on foot from downtown Bergen and follow the usually well-marked paths. Bergen Turlag at Tverrgaten 4–6 provides hiking advice.

    • Prepare for sudden weather changes.
    • Use a detailed walking map.

  • Dovrefjell musk-ox safari

    SafariDovrefjell

    Join a musk-ox safari in Dovrefjell.

    • Do not approach musk-oxen. They can defend themselves and attack.
    • Do not disturb wildlife.

  • Hardangervidda wild reindeer watching

    WildlifeHardangervidda

    Spotting wild reindeer usually requires several days of hiking.

    Look for wild reindeer while hiking the high plateau. Sightings from roads are uncommon.

    • Do not disturb reindeer herds.
    • Carry a detailed walking map and compass.

  • Runde island birdwatching

    WildlifeWestern Norway

    Visit Runde island to watch seabirds around its bird cliffs.

    • Do not disturb wildlife.

  • Keiservarden

    HikeNorthern Norwaynear Bodø

    Easy One hour each way from the bottom. Add 30 minutes each way from the city centre.

    Walk from Bodø city centre to the hill's base, then take one of several relatively easy paths to the summit.

    • Cost: Free.

  • Inner Oslofjord islands

    BeacheOslofjordnear Oslo

    Summer

    Take a summer ferry from the dock by Oslo City Hall to islands such as Hovedøya, Langøyene, Bleikøya, Nakkholmen or Gressholmen.

  • Statsraad Lehmkuhl sailing trips

    SailingWestern Norwaynear Bergen

    About 5½ hours for a mini cruise; longer cruises last up to a week. Mini cruises run a few times a year.

    Book tickets well in advance. The sailing ship is usually at harbour shed 7, Bradbenken 2, at the end of Bryggen.

    • Cost: Mini cruise: NOK 425, including food.

  • Stryn summer skiing

    Skiing

    Summer only, within May–September.

    Use the summer downhill ski centre at Stryn.

    • Bring sunglasses; snow increases exposure to sunlight.
    • Be ready for sudden weather changes.

  • Galdhøpiggen summer skiing

    Skiing

    Summer only, within May–September.

    Use the summer downhill ski centre at Galdhøpiggen.

    • Bring sunglasses; snow increases exposure to sunlight.
    • Be ready for sudden weather changes.

  • Folgefonna summer skiing

    Skiing

    Summer only, within May–September.

    Use the summer downhill ski centre at Folgefonna.

    • Bring sunglasses; snow increases exposure to sunlight.
    • Be ready for sudden weather changes.

  • Drammen Skisenter — Aron

    SkiingEast Norwaynear Drammen

    Winter for skiing; summer for downhill biking.

    Visit the centre at Kristian Brennersvei 140, on the east side of the river. Ski rental is available.

    • Cost: Ski day pass: adults NOK 295; children NOK 240.

  • Kristiansand archipelago

    SailingAgdernear Kristiansand

    Summer for the MS Bragdøya sightseeing boat.

    Explore the islands and surrounding fjords by sailboat. For a boat outing from town, take the summer sightseeing boat MS Bragdøya.

    • Take warnings about large coastal waves seriously.

  • Drammen mountain biking

    CyclingEast Norwaynear Drammen

    Ride trails on both sides of the river. Ask local bike shops or the terrengsykkel.no forum in advance about volunteer local guides.

  • Spiralen hills

    HikeEast Norwaynear Drammen

    Walking outside winter; cross-country skiing in winter.

    Drive or take a local bus through the Spiralen tunnel to reach the trails above Drammen. If arriving on foot, hike up outside the tunnel.

    • Walking through the tunnel is prohibited; it is for vehicles only.

  • Baneheia and Drageknatten viewpoint

    HikeAgdernear Kristiansand

    Summer for freshwater swimming.

    Walk five minutes from Markens gate to Baneheia, beside Ravnedalen Park. Follow forest trails to lakes or the Drageknatten viewpoint.

  • Bystranda

    BeacheAgdernear Kristiansand

    Follow the seafront boardwalk to the town beach, beside Aquarama.

  • Hamresanden

    BeacheAgdernear Kristiansand

    Summer

    Head about 9 kilometres east of Kristiansand to the beach. You can swim or follow the walking route along the sand.

  • Kristiansand diving with A-dykk

    Scuba divingAgdernear Kristiansand

    Contact A-dykk at Dvergsnestangen, by Kristiansand Feriesenter, for diving courses, advice and diving activities.

  • Høyt & Lavt Kristiansand

    ClimbingAgdernear Kristiansand

    Take bus 19 to Suldalen for the climbing park at Gamle Mandalsvei 110, about 3 kilometres north of the city centre.

    • Cost: NOK 100–310, depending on height.

  • Kristiansand sea rafting

    RaftingAgdernear Kristiansand

    Contact Sea rafting at Torridalsveien 18A on +47 908 99 995.

Airports, metros and trains in Norway

Airports with scheduled flights

  • AESÅlesund AirportÅlesundMain international airport
  • BGOBergen Airport, FleslandBergenMain international airport
  • BOOBodø AirportBodøMain international airport
  • EVEHarstad/Narvik AirportEvenesMain international airport
  • KRSKristiansand AirportKristiansand(Kjevik)Main international airport
  • OSLOslo-Gardermoen International AirportOslo (Gardermoen)Main international airport

Metro and subway

  • OsloOslo Metro101 stations85 kmsince 1966

Trains

Rail network
4,240 km
Electrified
2,895 km
High-speed lines
173 km
Top speed
210 km/h

People and safety in Norway

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mixed.

  • Christian76%
  • No religion20%
  • Other5%
  • Muslim3%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal and protected

  • Same-sex couples can marry.
  • Legal gender change is recognised.
  • Laws protect against discrimination.

Women travellers

Ranked #3 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

86% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 93 of 198 countries can visit Norway easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required82
  • Freedom of movement11
  • Visa required104
  • Admission refused1

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Europe43 of 45 countries
  • Americas26 of 35 countries
  • Oceania10 of 14 countries
  • Asia12 of 50 countries
  • Africa2 of 54 countries

Questions

Which territories belong to Norway?

Bouvet Island and Svalbard and Jan Mayen.

Do I need a separate visa for Norway's territories?

Often yes. Territories such as Bouvet Island and Svalbard and Jan Mayen can have their own entry rules, so check each one before you travel.

When is the best time to visit Norway?

May to early September usually has the most pleasant weather. December to April is better for snow, though coastal areas may have little snow.

Can I get around using English?

Yes. Almost all Norwegians speak English, and most younger people speak it fluently.

What money should I use?

Use Norwegian kroner, written NOK or kr. Euros are generally not accepted in shops.

Do I need to book train seats ahead?

Long-distance and night trains require seat reservations, which can usually be made at a station. Book earlier for weekends, holidays and the Bergen Line in peak season.

Can I drink the tap water?

Yes, except on transport such as boats and trains. There is generally no need to buy bottled water.

Can I camp outside a campsite?

You may normally camp for up to two nights in one place on undeveloped land, away from buildings and other people. Leave no trace; longer stays are allowed far from people.

Do I need to leave a tip?

No. Tipping is optional; rounding up in restaurants is common, and 10% is generous.

Are shops open on Sundays?

Nearly all ordinary shops close on Sundays. Convenience stores and petrol stations often stay open, but their prices are higher.

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