NORWAY

Stretching from a temperate European latitude right up into the Arctic Circle, Norway has a vast landmass but a population of under five million.

Mother Nature is in control here, and the country has a lot to show off. Norway’s west coast is over 25,000km long, ragged, island-dotted and spectacular: the fjords of Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord have been declared Unesco World Heritage sites.

Away from the coast and further inland, Norway’s landscape is mountainous and wild, with surprisingly vibrant towns and traditional rural villages. In the far north of Norway you will find herds of reindeer, while intrepid travellers flock to ride husky-sleds and gaze in wonder at the northern lights.

Oslo and Bergen are Norway’s most popular destinations, with historical attractions such as, Bryggen, Fløyen, and the viking ship museum. Below you will find comprehensive guides to the country.

Norway flag map new

Best Time To Visit

norway, bergen, house

During the months of June, July, and August, the days are long and the nights short, even no darkness in north of the Arctic Circle, where you get the midnight sun. The Norwegian summer weather is often quite stable, and the temperatures are pleasant both on land and at sea.

The best time to visit Norway depends on what you want to do. Jun-Aug promise long days and the fabled midnight sun ideal for hiking, cycling or cruising – but no guarantee of heat, even if it won’t be cold! 

May and Sep offer mild temperatures, fewer crowds and gorgeous natural colours. May is also blossom time, while Aug is berry picking season. 

Winter can be bitterly cold, but dress properly! Norway is a snowy place, from snow shoeing to cross country skiing. The Northern Lights sparkle from Sep on, peaking Dec-Feb.

With 195 rainy days per year and 2.250 mm of the annual rainfall, Bergen in western Norway is considered to be the wettest place in Europe

For a month by month look click here

What To Expect

Capital: Oslo

Language: Norwegian and Sami. Norwegian is by far the language spoken by most people. Like Swedish, Danish and Icelandic, Norwegian is a Germanic language derived from Old Norse. “Hello” is, “Hallo” and “goodbye” is, “ha det”

Currency: The official currency of Norway is Norwegian Krone (NOK). $1 USD is 8.30 NOK. £1  GBP is equivalent to 11.53 NOK. Check the latest rates here

Credit Cards & ATMs: Norway has gone almost cashless, you are sure to come across an ATM machine everywhere during your trip. Yes, you got it right, everywhere. Even in most rural areas of the country, there should be at least one point available, for instance, a petrol station, where you will be able to withdraw money. Always have cash on hand for tips or purchases from a market.

Plugs: In Norway there are two associated plug types, types C and F. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. Norway operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.. I recommend buying a universal adapter 

Safety: Norway is a Safe Country to Visit. It is known to be one of the safest countries in the world. Crime rates are extremely low even in major cities such as Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger.

Useful tip: If you want to save money, cook for yourself. Norway is notoriously expensive.

Never ever: Complain about prices. While it might be expensive to you, these are normal prices for Norwegian’s.

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Our Favourite Experiences

Check out our favourite experiences in Norway that should be on your list!

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Norway

Tromsø, located well within the Arctic Circle, is often dubbed the ‘Gateway to the Arctic‘. It’s one of the best places on earth to witness the mesmerising Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. Between September and March, the dark polar nights provide a perfect canvas for these ethereal green, pink, and violet light displays. Beyond the lights, Tromsø itself offers a mix of old wooden houses, a modern Arctic Cathedral, and the Polar Museum, making it a fascinating base for your Arctic adventure.

The fjords of Norway, with their towering cliffs and crystalline waters, are a testament to the country’s unparalleled natural beauty. The most iconic among them, such as Nærøyfjord and Geirangerfjord, offer dramatic landscapes dotted with quaint villages, cascading waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. Whether you opt for a leisurely cruise, a thrilling kayak adventure, or simply choose to drive alongside these natural wonders, the experience is bound to be unforgettable.

Trolltunga, which translates to ‘Troll’s Tongue’, is a spectacular rock formation jutting out about 700 metres above Lake Ringedalsvatnet. The hike to reach this viewpoint is challenging but rewards with some of Norway’s most breathtaking panoramas. Starting from the town of Skjeggedal, the trek takes around 10-12 hours for a round trip. Given the region’s unpredictable weather and the hike’s difficulty, it’s essential to be well-prepared and ideally undertake the journey between June and September.

Norway’s capital, Oslo, is a unique blend of modern architecture, historic sites, and vast green spaces. Visit the Viking Ship Museum, home to well-preserved Viking ships and artefacts, or wander through the Vigeland Park, showcasing the evocative sculptures of Gustav Vigeland. The city’s waterfront, with the striking Oslo Opera House and the bustling Aker Brygge district, is perfect for a leisurely stroll or dining with views of the Oslofjord.

Often considered one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, the Flåm Railway takes you on a spectacular route between the high mountain station of Myrdal and the village of Flåm, nestled deep in the fjord. Over its one-hour journey, the train navigates steep gradients, hairpin bends, tunnels, and offers views of cascading waterfalls and verdant valleys. Once in Flåm, you can further explore the region, perhaps with a fjord cruise or a cycling adventure down the picturesque Rallar Road.

Norway Travel Costs

I mean, come on!! Norway!!
I mean, come on!! Norway!!

Accommodation

  • Hostel Dorms – 250–500 NOK / £18–36 GBP / $22–44 / €21–42
  • Hostel Private Rooms – 800–1,200 NOK / £57–86 GBP / $70–105 / €67–100
  • Budget Hotels – 1,000–1,800 NOK / £72–129 GBP / $87–157 / €84–151
  • Airbnb Private Rooms – 600–1,200 NOK / £43–86 GBP / $52–105 / €50–100
  • Airbnb Apartments – 1,500+ NOK / £108+ GBP / $131+ / €126+
  • Campsites – 200–500 NOK / £14–36 GBP / $17–44 / €16–42

Transportation

  • Local Bus/Tram/Metro (One-Way Ticket) – 40–60 NOK / £3–4.30 GBP / $4–5.50 / €3.50–5
  • Day Pass for Public Transport – 120 NOK / £8.50 GBP / $10.50 / €10
  • Intercity Train (One-Way) – 300–800 NOK / £22–57 GBP / $26–70 / €25–67
  • Taxi (per km) – 15–25 NOK / £1.10–1.80 GBP / $1.30–2.20 / €1.20–2
  • Car Rental (per day) – 700–1,200 NOK / £50–86 GBP / $61–105 / €59–100

Food

  • Budget Meal – 120–200 NOK / £8.50–14 GBP / $10–18 / €10–17
  • Mid-Range Restaurant Meal – 250–500 NOK / £18–36 GBP / $22–44 / €21–42
  • Coffee – 40–60 NOK / £3–4.30 GBP / $4–5.50 / €3.50–5
  • Beer (0.5L in a bar) – 90–120 NOK / £6.50–8.50 GBP / $8–11 / €8–10

Activities

  • Museum Entry – 100–200 NOK / £7–14 GBP / $9–18 / €8–17
  • Guided Tours – 500–1,500 NOK / £36–108 GBP / $44–131 / €42–126
  • Fjord Cruises – 600–1,500 NOK / £43–108 GBP / $52–131 / €50–126
  • Ski Pass (Full Day, Major Resorts) – 500–800 NOK / £36–57 GBP / $44–70 / €42–67
  • Hiking & Nature Reserves – Usually free, but guided hikes start at 300–800 NOK / £22–57 GBP / $26–70 / €25–6

Norway Suggested Budgets

Backpacker – 700–1,000 NOK / £50–72 / $61–87 / €59–84 Per Day

A backpacking budget in Norway allows you to stay in hostel dorms or campsites, cook your meals, and use public transportation. You can enjoy free or low-cost activities like hiking, visiting public parks, or exploring Norway’s stunning natural landscapes.

If you plan to have a drink or two, add an extra 100–200 NOK / £7–14 / $9–18 / €8–17 per day. Shopping for groceries at stores like Rema 1000 or Kiwi will help stretch your budget further.

Midrange – 1,800–2,500 NOK / £130–180 / $157–220 / €151–210 Per Day

A mid-range budget in Norway offers the comfort of private rooms in hostels or mid-range hotels, along with the flexibility to dine at casual restaurants. You can enjoy local experiences like a fjord cruise, guided city tours, or entry to museums.

This budget also covers intercity travel by train or bus, occasional taxi rides, and some dining out at local eateries. It’s ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of comfort and exploration.

Upscale – 3,500+ NOK / £250+ / $310+ / €294+ Per Day

A luxury budget in Norway ensures a stay in high-end hotels, boutique lodges, or upscale Airbnbs. You can dine at top restaurants, indulge in local seafood, and enjoy exclusive activities like private fjord tours, dog sledding, or Northern Lights excursions.

This budget also covers premium transportation options, such as first-class train tickets, car rentals, or even private transfers, for a more seamless and comfortable travel experience.

Norway Money-Saving Tips

The view at Steinsdalsfossen in Norway
The view at Steinsdalsfossen in Norway
  1. Bring a Water Bottle with a Filter – Tap water in Norway is among the cleanest in the world, so there’s no need to buy bottled water. Carrying a reusable water bottle will save you money and reduce plastic waste.

  2. Take Free Walking Tours – Major cities like Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim offer free walking tours where you can learn about history and culture from local guides. Just remember to tip for their time and effort.

  3. Cook Your Own Meals – Eating out in Norway is expensive, so staying in hostels, Airbnbs, or campsites with kitchen facilities will help cut costs. Supermarkets like Rema 1000, Coop, and Kiwi offer reasonably priced groceries.

  4. Buy Alcohol Duty-Free – Alcohol is heavily taxed in Norway, making bars and restaurants extremely pricey. Purchase alcohol at duty-free shops at the airport or bring your own if your travel regulations allow.

  5. Stay in Budget-Friendly Accommodation – Hostels from Hostelworld Norway, budget hotels, and camping cabins provide affordable alternatives to expensive hotels. Consider booking well in advance with Booking.com, especially during peak seasons.

  6. Use Public Transportation – Norway’s trains, buses, and ferries are efficient but expensive if booked last-minute. Use transport passes like the Norway Travel Pass for unlimited travel in certain regions, or book train tickets in advance for discounts.

  7. Take Advantage of Free Nature Attractions – Norway is home to breathtaking landscapes, and most outdoor activities are free. Hiking in Trolltunga, Preikestolen, or Lofoten, and exploring fjords and waterfalls won’t cost you a thing.

  8. Consider the Norwegian Camping Law (Allemannsretten) – Norway allows wild camping, meaning you can pitch a tent in nature for free, as long as you follow Leave No Trace principles and camp at least 150 meters away from private property.

  9. Rent a Car with a Group – Renting a car in Norway is expensive, but splitting costs with travel companions makes it more affordable. It’s also the best way to explore rural areas where public transport is limited.

  10. Use City Passes for Discounts – Cities like Oslo and Bergen offer tourist passes that provide free access to public transportation and discounts on attractions. The Oslo Pass includes free entry to over 30 museums and unlimited travel on city transport.

  11. Eat at Bakeries or Supermarket Cafés – Instead of dining at expensive restaurants, grab affordable and delicious meals from bakeries or supermarket cafes, where you can find budget-friendly options like “matpakke” (Norwegian packed lunches).

  12. Travel Off-Season – Visiting during the shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) means fewer tourists, cheaper accommodation, and better deals on transportation while still enjoying decent weather.

How to Get Around in Norway

Walking

Walking is one of the best ways to explore Norwegian cities. Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim have pedestrian-friendly streets, and most major attractions are within walking distance. In rural areas, walking is ideal for exploring scenic fjords and countryside trails.

Public Transportation

Norway has an efficient public transportation system that connects cities, towns, and rural areas.

  • Buses & Trams: Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim have reliable tram and bus networks. Single tickets cost 40–60 NOK / £3–4.30 / $4–5.50 / €3.50–5, and day passes provide unlimited travel for about 120 NOK / £8.50 / $10.50 / €10. Use BusBud for cheaper fares.
  • Trains: The Norwegian State Railways (Vy) operates scenic train routes like the Bergen Line and Dovre Line. Intercity fares range from 300–800 NOK / £22–57 / $26–70 / €25–67, but booking in advance can get you discounts.
  • Ferries: Norway’s coastline and fjords require ferry travel, with prices ranging from 50–300 NOK / £3.50–22 / $4.50–26 / €4–25 depending on distance.

Airport Transfers

  • Oslo Airport to City Centre: The Flytoget Airport Express train costs 230 NOK / £16.50 / $20 / €19 one-way and takes 20 minutes. Cheaper alternatives include regional trains (120 NOK / £8.50 / $10.50 / €10) and express buses (160 NOK / £11.50 / $14 / €13.50).
  • Bergen Airport to City Centre: The Bybanen light rail is the most affordable option at 45 NOK / £3.20 / $4 / €3.70, while taxis cost 500–700 NOK / £36–50 / $44–61 / €42–59.
  • Recommended Airport Transfer: Welcome Pickups

Taxis and Ridesharing

Taxis in Norway are expensive but available in all major cities.

  • Base Fare: 50–100 NOK / £3.50–7 / $4.50–9 / €4–8.50
  • Per Kilometre: 15–25 NOK / £1.10–1.80 / $1.30–2.20 / €1.20–2
    Uber is only available in Oslo, and local taxi apps like “Bolt” or “NorgesTaxi” are better options.

Car Rental

Renting a car is ideal for road trips along Norway’s scenic routes, such as the Atlantic Road or the Lofoten Islands.

  • Cost: Rentals start at 700–1,200 NOK / £50–86 / $61–105 / €59–100 per day.
  • Driving Tips: Norway has strict traffic laws, speed limits, and road tolls. Winter tires are required in snowy months, and some remote areas may have ferry crossings.
  • Recommended Car Rental: DiscoverCars Norway

Cycling

Norway is great for cycling, especially in cities with dedicated bike lanes.

  • Bike Rentals: Start at 150–300 NOK / £11–22 / $13–26 / €12–25 per day.
  • City Bike Programs: Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim have bike-sharing schemes where short-term rentals start from 40 NOK / £3 / $4 / €3.50 per ride.

Ferries

Norway has an extensive ferry system connecting coastal towns and fjord regions.

  • Short ferry rides: 50–100 NOK / £3.50–7 / $4.50–9 / €4–8.50
  • Long-distance ferries (like Bergen to Stavanger): 300–1,000 NOK / £22–72 / $26–88 / €25–84

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is safe but uncommon in Norway due to the sparse population outside cities. It’s more viable in tourist-heavy areas like Lofoten or the fjords, especially in summer.

Tips for Getting Around

  • Use Transport Apps: Apps like Ruter (Oslo), Skyss (Bergen), and Entur (nationwide) provide public transport schedules and tickets.
  • Buy Tickets in Advance: Train and long-distance bus tickets are cheaper if booked ahead of time.
  • Check Seasonal Road Closures: Some scenic routes, like Trollstigen and Geiranger Road, close in winter due to heavy snowfall.

Norway’s transportation system is efficient, but costs can add up quickly. Plan ahead and use discount passes to save on travel expenses!

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