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.
Best Time To Visit
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.
Travel Guides
Below you will find guides on places in Norway, reasons to visit Norway, and how to travel Norway on a budget.
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Norway
(Note: Norway is brimming with activities. Truly, there’s an abundance to explore and experience. The following are just a few of our top picks. For more country-specific activities, refer to the detailed guides linked to each country below!)
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.
Our Favourite Experiences
Check out our favourite experiences in Norway that should be on your list!
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