Best in May
Norway
Bergen
Cool
From $150 /day
Norway
Norway is a land of dramatic contrasts, where deep blue fjords meet jagged snow-capped peaks and vibrant, modern cities. From the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights in the Arctic north to the sun-drenched coastal villages of the south, the country offers an unparalleled connection to nature. You can expect a seamless blend of ancient Viking history and cutting-edge sustainable design while navigating some of the world's most scenic routes. Whether you are chasing the Midnight Sun or exploring the narrow streets of a Hanseatic wharf, Norway rewards travelers with its quiet majesty and adventurous spirit. It is a destination where the wilderness feels untouched yet perfectly accessible for those seeking both solitude and discovery.
On This Page
We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
4 cities
12 guides
$126 – $174 Daily Budget
Quick Facts
Capital
Oslo
Languages
Norwegian, Sami
Currency
Norwegian Krone (NOK)
1 $ ≈ 9.56 kr
Plug Type
Type C/F (230V, 50Hz)
Driving Side
Right
Dial Code
+47
Entry Requirements
Check requirements →
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1) / CEST (UTC+2 in summer)
Emergency
112 (Police), 110 (Fire), 113 (Ambulance)
Why Visit Norway
Spectacular Glacial Fjords
Famous waterways like Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord provide some of the world's most iconic landscapes with sheer cliffs and cascading waterfalls. These UNESCO-listed sites are easily accessible by ferry and offer a perspective of nature that feels both ancient and overwhelming.
The Celestial Northern Lights
In the Arctic regions above the circle, you have one of the best chances on earth to witness the Aurora Borealis dancing across the winter sky. This natural light show attracts travelers from around the globe to the snowy landscapes of the far north.
Sustainable Urban Living
Cities like Oslo and Bergen lead the world in green living, offering walkable streets, electric transport, and stunning modern architecture. You can enjoy high-end museums and world-class dining within minutes of escaping into dense, quiet forests.
Challenging World-Class Hiking
Trails like Preikestolen (604 metres above the Lysefjord) and Trolltunga (about 700 metres above Ringedalsvatnet lake) offer challenging treks with dramatic cliff-top views. The country's commitment to the right to roam (Allemannsretten) ensures that nature remains accessible when you follow local rules and leave no trace.
The Magic Midnight Sun
During the summer months, the sun never sets in the north, allowing for 24-hour exploration and a surreal, golden light that lasts all night. This phenomenon provides endless opportunities for late-night kayaking, hiking, and photography.
Epic Viking Heritage
You can explore perfectly preserved longships and archaeological sites that tell the story of the Northmen who once ruled the North Atlantic. Museums in Oslo and coastal settlements provide a deep dive into the maritime history and mythology of the region.
Top Experiences
Top-rated tours and activities in Norway
Cities & Destinations
Regions
Fjord Norway
This western region is the heart of the country's natural drama, home to cities like Bergen and Stavanger and famous fjord landscapes including Sognefjord and Lysefjord (Preikestolen). It is the premier destination for those looking to experience steep mountains, cascading waterfalls, and scenic coastal cruises.
Northern Norway
Stretching deep into the Arctic Circle, this vast area includes Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands, making it the top spot for Aurora hunting. Visitors come here for dog sledding, whale watching, and to experience the rugged beauty of the Arctic wilderness.
Eastern Norway
Centered around the capital, Oslo, this region offers a mix of dense forests, fertile valleys, and the country's most significant cultural institutions. It serves as the gateway for most international travelers and provides a sophisticated blend of urban life and outdoor recreation.
Southern Norway
Often called Sørlandet, this region is known for charming white-painted coastal towns, sheltered archipelagos, and sandy beaches popular in summer (for example around Kristiansand and Arendal). It is known for its relaxed maritime atmosphere and family-friendly coastline.
Cities & Destinations:
Best Time to Visit
Norway is a year-round destination where summer offers the midnight sun and mountain hiking, while winter is ideal for the northern lights and snow sports. The northern lights season typically begins in September and lasts through March.
Peak Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
Summer brings mild temperatures of 15–25°C (59–77°F) and the midnight sun in northern regions. This is the busiest time for fjord cruises and hiking, but prices for accommodation are at their highest.
Shoulder Season
May, Sep
May and September provide a balance of decent weather and fewer crowds. Spring features blooming orchards in the fjords, while September offers vibrant autumn colors and the first glimpses of the aurora borealis.
Off-Peak
Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
The winter months are coldest, with temperatures often dropping below -10°C. It is peak season for skiing and northern lights hunting, particularly from November to February.
Getting Around
Norway features a highly efficient and modern transport network coordinated by the national platform Entur. While distances are long, the infrastructure of tunnels, bridges, and ferries makes most regions accessible.
Train
There are several passenger train operators including Vy, Flytoget (Oslo Airport Express), Go Ahead Nordic, and SJ NORD. Use Entur for nationwide planning across operators. The rail network is famous for scenic routes like the Bergen Railway and the Flåm Railway.
Ferry
Crucial for coastal life, car ferries and express boats connect fjords and islands. The Hurtigruten and Havila coastal steamers serve 34 ports between Bergen and Kirkenes.
Bus
An extensive network of express buses like Nor-Way Bussekspress and Vy express connects rural areas and mountains not served by trains. Tickets are cheaper than trains and offer great views.
Flight
Due to the country's length, domestic flights are common. Carriers like SAS, Norwegian, and Widerøe connect major cities to remote northern airports in roughly 1–2 hours.
Metro
Oslo is the only city in Norway with a subway system (T-bane), which is part of the integrated Ruter network covering buses, trams, and ferries.
Food & Drink
Norwegian cuisine is rooted in its rugged landscape, emphasizing fresh seafood, preserved meats, and seasonal berries. Traditional cooking often relies on high-quality ingredients that have been smoked, salted, or fermented to endure the long Nordic winters.
Must Try
Fårikål
This hearty mutton and cabbage stew is considered Norway's national dish, traditionally served with boiled potatoes during the autumn harvest.
Brunost
A unique, caramel-colored brown cheese made from whey, offering a sweet and tangy flavor that is perfect on slices of fresh bread or waffles.
Kjøttkaker
These seasoned minced meat cakes are larger than typical meatballs and are usually served with brown gravy, mashed peas, and lingonberry jam.
Gravlaks
Raw salmon cured in a mix of salt, sugar, and dill, often sliced thin and served on rye bread with a sweet mustard sauce.
Rømmegrøt
A rich, traditional sour cream porridge topped with melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar, frequently served alongside plates of cured meats.
Rakfisk
A specialized dish of trout that has been salted and fermented for several months, traditionally enjoyed with flatbread, leeks, and sour cream.
Money & Costs
Norway is one of the most expensive countries globally, with an average daily budget of ~$148 / 1,419 kr/day. Card/phone payments are widely used, but cash is still legal tender and consumers have a strengthened right to pay with cash for most in-person purchases.
Tipping
Tipping is optional and not common. In restaurants and bars, people may tip when happy with the service (often ~5–15%) or simply round up the total in NOK.
Cards
Electronic payments (card/phone) are accepted almost everywhere. Cash is used less often, but businesses generally must also accept cash for most in-person purchases.
ATMs
ATMs (Minibank) are common in towns and cities, but plan ahead in remote areas. If you carry NOK 25,000 or more (or the equivalent in another currency/means of payment) into or out of Norway, you must declare it to Norwegian Customs before traveling.
Culture & Etiquette
Norwegians value equality, punctuality, and a deep respect for personal space and the environment. While the social culture may seem reserved at first, locals are helpful and appreciate visitors who follow community rules and environmental guidelines.
✓
Remove your shoes when entering a private home, as it is a standard sign of respect to keep the interior clean during wet or snowy weather.
✓
Be punctual for all social and professional engagements, as arriving even five minutes late is considered quite disrespectful.
✕
Many shops close on Sundays and public holidays, but there are legal exceptions (for example some small grocery/kiosk-style shops, certain tourist areas, etc.).
✓
Follow the Allemannsretten (Right to Roam), which allows you to hike and camp on uncultivated land provided you leave no trace.
✕
Don't boast about wealth or individual accomplishments; the cultural Law of Jante encourages humility and treating everyone as an equal.
✓
Use the highly efficient recycling systems provided in public spaces, as Norway has some of the world's strictest environmental standards.
✕
Don't speak loudly on public transport or in quiet public spaces, as Norwegians generally prefer a calm and low-volume social environment.
✓
Tipping is not mandatory, but you can round up your bill or add 5–10% at restaurants if you received exceptional service.
Safety & Health
Norway is exceptionally safe with very low violent crime rates. The primary risks for tourists are natural hazards in the wilderness and petty theft in crowded urban transit hubs.
Tap Water
Safe to drink
Vaccinations
Routine vaccinations (MMR, Tetanus) are recommended. Consider tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccination if you expect frequent tick bites in Norwegian TBE risk areas (notably parts of the southern coast).
Common Scams
- ⚠ Pickpocketing at Oslo Central Station and busy tourist areas like Bergen's Torgalmenningen.
- ⚠ Overcharging by unofficial taxis; it is recommended to use official companies like Oslo Taxi or apps like Uber and Bolt.
- ⚠ The 'jewelry help' scam where individuals on highways offer fake gold in exchange for cash for fuel.
- ⚠ Systematic ticket confusion where travelers are accidentally given a receipt instead of a valid ticket at kiosks, leading to inspection fines.
Medical facilities are high quality but can be limited in remote northern areas or fjord regions. Travel insurance is essential as non-residents face high costs for medical treatment and emergency evacuations.
Language
Norwegian is the primary language (with Bokmål and Nynorsk as the official written standards), and Sámi languages have official status in parts of Norway. English proficiency is very high (Norway ranks among the world's top countries in English proficiency).
English Spoken: Widely spoken
Key Phrases
| Meaning | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hei | Hay |
| Thank you | Takk | Tahk |
| Yes | Ja | Ya |
| No | Nei | Naye |
| Excuse me | Unnskyld | Un-shool |
| Where is... | Hvor er... | Voor air |
| The bill, please | Regningen, takk | Ray-ning-en tahk |
| Goodbye | Ha det bra | Ha de bra |
Visa & Entry
Norway is a member of the Schengen Area. Many travelers can visit for up to 90 days in any 180-day period (depending on nationality). ETIAS is planned to start operations in the last quarter of 2026; until it starts, no ETIAS is required.
Max Stay
90 days in 180-day period
Passport Validity
Valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen Area, and issued within the last 10 years
Visa-free for
USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and most EU/EEA member states
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norway safe for solo travelers?
How expensive is a trip to Norway?
When is the best time to visit Norway?
Do I need a visa for Norway?
Is English widely spoken in Norway?
What should I eat in Norway?
How do I get around Norway?
Can I see the Northern Lights in Oslo?
What is the best way to see the fjords?
Why you can trust this guide
Jan Křenek
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
Ready to explore Norway?
Browse our 4 city guides with budget tips, itineraries, and seasonal recommendations.