Travel Tips for Norway

Travel Tips for Norway: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Introduction

Planning a trip to Norway? Whether you’re heading north to chase the aurora borealis, cruising along breathtaking fjords, or simply exploring Oslo’s cultural scene, knowing a few key travel tips can make your journey smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.

Norway is one of the most rewarding travel destinations in the world—known for its safety, natural beauty, and well-organized infrastructure—but it also comes with its own set of nuances, from high prices to strict alcohol laws and unpredictable weather.

This comprehensive guide covers essential travel advice on budgeting, weather, transportation, packing, cultural etiquette, dining, tipping, technology, and more.

Let’s make sure you're well-prepared to embrace all that Norway has to offer.

1. 💰 Money, Budgeting & Currency Tips

Currency:

• Norwegian Krone (NOK)
• 1 EUR ≈ 11.5 NOK | 1 USD ≈ 10.5 NOK (rates vary)

Payment Tips:

• Credit/debit cards are widely accepted, even for small purchases.
• Cash is rarely used. Carry only a small amount for emergencies.

Budget Guidelines:

Cost-Saving Tips:

• Eat from supermarkets (KIWI, REMA 1000, Coop Extra).
• Take advantage of free hikes, public parks, and city walking tours.
• Travel with a Norway in a Nutshell pass for bundled transportation options.
  👉 See also: Transportation Guide for Norway

2. 🌦️ Weather & Best Time to Visit

Summer (June–August):

• Long days, some regions see the Midnight Sun
• Ideal for hiking, kayaking, and road trips

Winter (November–March):

• Northern Lights season
• Best for skiing, dog sledding, and Arctic exploration

Spring (April–May) / Autumn (Sept–Oct):

• Shoulder seasons with fewer tourists
• Fjord regions are spectacular in autumn colors

💡 Tip: Weather can shift dramatically in a single day. Always dress in layers and bring waterproof gear.

👉 For more seasonal adventures, see Adventure & Activities in Norway

3. 🧳 What to Pack for Norway

All Year Essentials:

• Waterproof jacket and pants
• Thermal base layers (especially in winter)
• Sturdy hiking shoes or snow boots
• Power adapter (Type C & F – 230V)
• Daypack for hikes and city explorations

Winter Additions:

• Insulated gloves, beanie, scarf
• Merino wool layers
• Crampons for icy conditions (for northern areas)

Summer Additions:

• Sunglasses & sunscreen (UV is strong in high altitudes)
• Light layers (but still pack a rain jacket!)
• Bug spray (for inland hikes in summer)

📦 Don’t overpack—laundromats and hotel laundry services are available in most towns.

4. 🧭 Transportation Tips

Intercity Travel:

• Trains are comfortable and scenic (Oslo–Bergen, Oslo–Trondheim)
• Domestic flights are common for covering large distances (especially to Tromsø or Svalbard)
• Buses reach rural towns and ferry terminals
• Car rentals offer flexibility—great for Lofoten or Hardangerfjord trips

Urban Transport:

• Oslo has a great metro (T-bane), trams, and buses
• Bergen has light rail and ferries

🪪 Use the Ruter app in Oslo or Skyss app in Bergen for real-time schedules and mobile ticketing.

👉 Learn more in our Transportation Guide for Norway

5. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Cultural Etiquette & Local Norms

• Punctuality is important—being late is considered disrespectful.
• Quietness in public: Norwegians value personal space and calmness.
• Shoes off indoors: Always remove your shoes when entering someone’s home.
• No small talk with strangers—Norwegians are friendly but reserved.
• Respect nature: Stick to marked trails and avoid littering.
  👉 Learn about local values in Sustainable Tourism in Norway

6. 🍽️ Dining, Alcohol & Tipping

Food Tips:

• Tap water is clean and delicious—don’t buy bottled.
• Typical Norwegian foods include:
  • Gravlaks (cured salmon)
  • Brunost (brown goat cheese)
  • Raspeballer (potato dumplings)
  • Reindeer & game meats in the north

Alcohol Rules:

• Beer: Sold in supermarkets only until 8 PM (6 PM Saturdays)
• Wine & spirits: Only from state-run Vinmonopolet stores
• Age 18+ for beer, 20+ for spirits

Tipping:

• Not required. Rounding up is appreciated.
• In restaurants, leaving 5–10% is a kind gesture for good service.

👉 Dive into Norwegian cuisine in Food & Drink in Norway

7. 📱 Internet, Mobile & Connectivity

• Norway has excellent 4G/5G coverage, even in remote areas.
• Free Wi-Fi is available in hotels, cafes, and public transport.
• Buy a local SIM card (Telenor, Telia) at convenience stores or airports.

💡 Roaming is free for EU citizens under standard EU rules.

8. 🧼 Health, Safety & Emergency Tips

• Norway is extremely safe. Violent crime is rare.
• Emergency number: 112 for police, 113 for ambulance.
• Pharmacies (Apotek) offer OTC medicines; stronger drugs require a prescription.

Travel Insurance:

• Highly recommended due to Norway’s high medical costs and outdoor risks.
• Make sure your insurance covers:
  • Outdoor adventure sports
  • Lost luggage
  • Medical evacuation

👉 See Is Norway Safe for Tourists? for more info

9. 🧾 Language & Communication Tips

• Norwegian is the official language, but nearly everyone speaks excellent English.
• Learning a few local phrases is always appreciated:

👉 Explore more about local culture in About Norway

10. 📅 Public Holidays & Closures

Plan around major holidays when stores and restaurants may close:

• May 17: Constitution Day (National Holiday)
• Easter (Påske): Weeklong closures common
• Christmas (Jul): Dec 24–26 most places shut down
• Midsummer (June 23): Celebrated in coastal towns

Always double-check hours for museums, ferry routes, and grocery stores.

Final Thoughts

Traveling to Norway is a chance to step into a country where nature is revered, systems are efficient, and experiences are truly unique. While it’s one of the world’s safest and most rewarding places to visit, preparation is key to making the most of your trip.

Whether you’re exploring fjords, roaming Arctic wilderness, or sipping coffee in a quiet Oslo café, these tips will help you feel like a confident and respectful visitor.

For more destination-specific guidance, be sure to explore:

• Visa & Entry Requirements for Norway
• Accommodation in Norway
• Things to Do in Norway