Norway travel guide
Norway Tourism | Norway Guide
You're Going to Love Norway
Filled with glaciers, mountains, and the Northern Lights, Norway is an ideal destination for anyone that is interested in adventure and captivating scenery. In addition to world-class skiing, hiking, and sledding, this country provides visitors the opportunity to explore traditional Scandinavian villages.
What to do in Norway
1. Learn About Norway's Viking History
To learn about this country's Viking heritage, go to Lofoten, an archipelago that features the Lofotr Viking Museum and several small fishing villages.
2. Discover Colorful Architecture
To wander throughout a picturesque village and take in all of the brightly colored buildings, you will not want to miss Bryggen, a small town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Culture site.
3. Relax in a Beautiful Greenspace
For a casual stroll or a delicious picnic, head to Frogner Park, a public area that contains several art installations and the Oslo City Museum.
4. Hike Through the Scenic Mountains
Fløyen is a particularly popular destination in Norway, as it is a mountain that contains several hiking trails, all of which will provide you with scenic and breathtaking views of the surrounding region.
5. Experience a Once in a Lifetime Performance
If you are a music enthusiast, go to the Oslo Opera House, a contemporary building that is home to the country's ballet.
When to visit Norway
For activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, or swimming, it is best to go in the early summer months, like June and July. If you would like to see the Northern Lights, you should visit between October and March.
How to Get to Norway
Entry Requirements
As Norway is a member of the Schengen Agreement, all nationals from countries in the Schengen Zone are able to enter the country without a visa and without a time limit. If you are a citizen of the United States, you will be able to go to Norway with a valid passport and stay for up to 90 days.
Plane
Most individuals that visit Norway opt to fly to the country, as there are many international airports, with the biggest being in Oslo.
Train
There are several daily international trains to Norway, with many of them originating from Sweden and arriving in cities, such as Oslo, Trondheim, and Narvik.
Car
If you would like to drive to Norway, it is possible to do so from either Russia, Finland, or Sweden. No matter which country you are coming from, you will have to go through a full customs inspection upon crossing the border.
Bus
Individuals coming from Sweden and Denmark have the option of taking a bus to Norway, with possible destinations being cities like Oslo and Bodø.
Boat
There are several daily international ferries that go to Norway, with some departure countries being Belgium, England, Denmark, and Germany.
Popular airlines serving Norway
Where to stay in Norway
Although many visitors tend to stay in standard hotels, it is also possible to reserve a mountain cabin. If you will be in Norway for several weeks, you may be interested in renting a furnished apartment through a hotel.
Where to stay in popular areas of Norway
Most booked hotels in Norway
How to Get Around Norway
Public Transportation
Almost every city in Norway has a local bus system, with fares ranging from 25-45 NOK (2.75-5 USD) per ride. In the Akershus region and in Oslo, tourists can benefit from the subway and tram systems.
Trains
The Norwegian State Railways offers daily trains from Oslo to most major cities in Norway, such as Halden and Sarpsborg.
Bus
Buses are one of the most affordable ways to travel throughout Norway and they are offered by two major providers, which are Nettbuss TIMEkspressen and NOR-WAY Bussekspress. Keep in mind that during the winter months, some of these buses may not be operating due to poor weather.
Plane
Domestic flights are very popular in Norway, as they are one of the quickest ways to travel from city to city. When booking tickets, some of the most popular companies are SAS, Widerøe, and Norwegian.
The Cost of Living in Norway
When eating lunch or dinner in a traditional Norwegian restaurant, you can expect to pay between 200-300 NOK (22-33 USD) for your meal with a drink. Almost all businesses accept major credit cards, with the exception being some grocery stores. Keep some cash with you for small transactions. ATMs are readily available and you can also exchange your money at the airport or at a currency exchange shop.