Norway
Norway's fjords, glaciers and Arctic islands give it some of Europe's most dramatic scenery, from a boat on the Geirangerfjord to the jagged peaks of Lofoten rising straight from the sea. Summer brings near-endless daylight, winter the northern lights; prices are high year-round, so self-catering helps.
Overview
Norway runs roughly 1,750km from its southern tip to North Cape, so a first trip usually picks either the fjords or the Arctic. The classic summer route links Oslo and Bergen on the scenic Bergen Railway, detours via Flåm and the Nærøyfjord, and continues north to Geiranger and the Atlantic Road, with Preikestolen near Stavanger to the south. The Arctic north — Lofoten, Senja, Tromsø and North Cape — is reached by plane or the coastal ships of Hurtigruten and Havila. Winter trips focus on Tromsø, Alta and Lofoten for the aurora, dog-sledding and, around Tromsø, whale-watching.
Norway is expensive — restaurant meals and alcohol cost well above UK prices — but much of the best is free: the right to roam (allemannsretten) lets you hike and wild-camp on most uncultivated land, and the views from trails and fjord-side roads cost nothing. Infrastructure is superb, from long road tunnels and car ferries to the DNT trekking association's marked trails and mountain huts. Summer brings crowds and cruise ships to Geiranger and Flåm, so arrive early or late in the day. It suits hikers, road-trippers and rail fans, and visitors are often surprised by how changeable mountain weather is and how light June nights stay.
Map of Norway
Top 5 highlights
- 1Nature
Geirangerfjord
This UNESCO-listed fjord winds 15km between sheer walls streaked with waterfalls, including the Seven Sisters. Take the ferry between Hellesylt and Geiranger, then drive the hairpins of Ørnesvingen or up to Dalsnibba for the view down.
- 2Nature
Lofoten Islands
Granite peaks rise straight from the sea above red fishermen's cabins (rorbuer) and white beaches. Hike Reinebringen or Ryten, kayak, cycle the E10, or come in winter for northern lights and the cod-drying racks of the skrei season.
- 3Adventure
Preikestolen
The flat-topped 604m cliff known as Pulpit Rock juts over the Lysefjord. The 8km return hike from the trailhead at Preikestolen Fjellstue takes four hours or so; start early in summer, or join a guided sunrise or winter hike.
- 4Nature
Flåm Railway and the Nærøyfjord
The Flåm Railway drops 863m in 20km from Myrdal to the fjord, one of the world's steepest standard-gauge lines. Continue by boat through the narrow, UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen on the classic 'Norway in a Nutshell' route.
- 5Nature
Northern lights in Tromsø
Sitting about 350km inside the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is Norway's best-connected base for aurora-chasing between September and March. Tours drive inland to escape cloud; add dog-sledding, Sami culture and, from November to January, whale-watching.
Biggest cities
Oslo
A compact, walkable capital at the head of its fjord: walk on the Opera House roof, see Munch and Vigeland's sculpture park, and take a ferry to the fjord islands.
Bergen
Gateway to the western fjords, with the UNESCO-listed Hanseatic wharf of Bryggen, a fish market and the Fløibanen funicular; pack a waterproof, as it is among Europe's rainiest cities.
Stavanger
An oil-boom city with a pretty old town of white wooden houses and a petroleum museum; most visitors come for the Lysefjord, Preikestolen and Kjerag.
Ranked by urban-area population where available. Figures are rounded estimates, and sources define city limits differently, so rankings of similar-sized cities can vary.
When to go to Norway
Best time: Feb–Mar, Jun–Aug.
Average climate in Oslo
Festivals & events
- Mar–AprSami Easter Festival
Around Easter, the Sami town of Kautokeino in Finnmark hosts reindeer racing, the Sámi Grand Prix joik and song contest, and concerts under the spring light.
- MayConstitution Day (17 May)
Norway's national day brings children's parades, brass bands and national costumes (bunad) to every town; in Oslo the royal family waves from the palace balcony.
- JunSankthansaften (Midsummer Eve)
On 23 June Norwegians light bonfires along fjords and beaches to celebrate the longest days, with barbecues and gatherings stretching through the light night.
How much does Norway cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Fårikål
Voted Norway's national dish: mutton and cabbage layered in a pot with whole black peppercorns and stewed slowly, eaten with boiled potatoes, especially in autumn.
Brunost
Caramel-coloured, slightly sweet 'brown cheese' made from boiled whey, sliced thin with a cheese plane onto bread or warm waffles.
Skrei
Migrating Arctic cod caught off Lofoten and the north coast from January to April, prized for firm white flesh and often served with liver and roe.
Getting around
Trains from Oslo reach Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger and Bodø, with the Bergen and Rauma lines among Europe's most scenic. North of Bodø, apart from Narvik's line into Sweden, there is no railway, so the north relies on SAS, Norwegian and Widerøe flights, express buses and the Hurtigruten and Havila coastal ships. Car hire suits the fjords; budget for tolls and frequent car ferries. Uber works in Oslo.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- CF230V — bring a UK-to-C/F adapter
- Emergency numbers
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +47
- Time zone
- UTC+1 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Generally safe to drink
- Driving
- On the right
- Tipping
- Service is included and tipping is not expected; rounding up or adding around 10% for excellent restaurant service is a kind gesture, not an obligation.
- Etiquette
- Norwegians value punctuality, personal space and quiet on public transport. Take shoes off in homes and cabins, leave no trace when using the right to roam, and keep mountain huts tidy.
- Main airports
- Oslo Airport, Gardermoen (OSL), Oslo; Bergen Airport, Flesland (BGO), Bergen; Tromsø Airport (TOS), Tromsø
Visas & entry for Norway
Shown for a British passport.
No visa needed
You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Norway, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel: as a tourist; to visit family or friends; to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events; for short-term studies or training.
The requirements for working in Norway are different.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Tetanus
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- Bat LyssavirusTick-borne encephalitis
- Yellow fever certificate
- No yellow fever certificate is required to enter.
- Malaria
- No malaria risk
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Norway
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Sat 26 Dec 2026 | Second Day of Christmas |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Thu 25 Mar 2027 | Maundy Thursday |
| Fri 26 Mar 2027 | Good Friday |
| Sun 28 Mar 2027 | Easter Sunday |
| Mon 29 Mar 2027 | Easter Monday |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | Labour Day |
| Thu 6 May 2027 | Ascension Day |
| Sun 16 May 2027 | Pentecost |
| Mon 17 May 2027 | Constitution Day · Pentecost Monday |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Useful phrases in Norwegian
| English | Norwegian | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hei | hi |
| Thank you | Takk | tahk |
| Please | Vær så snill | vair saw SNILL |
| Excuse me | Unnskyld | OON-shill |
| How much is this? | Hva koster dette? | vah KOSS-ter DET-teh? |
Know before you go
- Restaurants are pricey, so many visitors self-cater: supermarket delis, bakeries and hostel kitchens keep costs down, and a packed lunch (matpakke) is a Norwegian institution.
- Wine, spirits and strong beer are sold only at state Vinmonopolet shops; supermarkets usually stop selling beer at 8pm on weekdays and 6pm on Saturdays, with none on Sundays.
- Check yr.no before any hike: mountain weather turns fast, even in summer. Popular hikes like Trolltunga are long and serious, so start early and carry layers.
Norway travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Norway?
The best time to visit Norway is generally Feb–Mar, Jun–Aug. Peak months are February, March, June, July and August. Average highs in Oslo range from 0°C to 22°C across the year.
How much does a trip to Norway cost per day?
Roughly £75 a day on a tight budget, £170 mid-range and £330+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in Norway?
Norwegian krone (NOK).
What plug type does Norway use?
Type C and F sockets at 230V. UK visitors need a travel adapter — UK Type G plugs will not fit.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Norway?
Traffic drives on the right in Norway, unlike the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in Norway?
Generally safe to drink.
Do I need a visa for Norway?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Norway, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for Norway before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/norway/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for Norway?
TravelHealthPro recommends Tetanus for most travellers, with Bat Lyssavirus and Tick-borne encephalitis sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
