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Norway Travel Guide

Norway, Norway Travel Guide
Norway
Norway, Norway Travel Guide
Bergen Norway Adventures

“Do not look at the ground for your next step; greatness lies with those that look to the horizon.”

Norweigan proverb
Norway, Norway Travel Guide

Top Five Destinations In Norway

  1. Bergen and the lower Western Fjords Traditional buildings line the waterfront with boats tied just feet away on Bergen’s seaside. The picturesque city holds a charm and vibe that will stun you. Bergen was a crucial seaside port that served as a trading center for 400 years during the Middle Ages. The Fjords nearby offer the natural wonder of deep blue water surrounded by majestic cliffs and lush green or snow-capped mountains towering toward the heavens. 
  2. Tromso is best known for its important role as the base for many major Arctic expeditions since the mid-1800s. It is located 220 miles north of the Arctic Circle. The Tromso area was first settled in the 13th century as a fishing village, and the industry has been an integral part of life here ever since, contributing to the area’s maritime vibe. Tromso is the leading destination for viewing the Northern Lights.
  3. Lofoten and Nordland lie within the Arctic Circle and are known for their distinctive scenery, dramatic mountains and peaks, open frigid sea, sheltered bays, spectacular beaches, and land untouched by man. Lofoten is one of the northernmost populated regions in the world.
  4. Trondheim is situated right in the middle of Norway. A dream for history buffs and active nature explorers alike. Go fishing, cycling, or skiing, or hike one of the nine pilgrim paths, the St. Olav Ways, which all lead to the stunning Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. The bustling student town of Trondheim is known as the Home of Nordic flavors. Indulge in Norweigan cuisine ranging from Michelin restaurants to hip food bars, hot dog stands, and cozy coffee shops. 
  5. Oslo and its environs Are the capital and heart of Norway. This cosmopolitan city has world-class architecture, museums, a waterfront, a rich history, and dining gems. It is a city with energy and vitality. Discover the Viking Ship Museum and the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History outside Oslo with the authentic Gol Stave Church. Finally, a ferry ride away will find seven islands that offer historic sites, peaceful walks, and swimming. Popular with the locals, each island has its unique character.

Did you know?

Norway stats

  • Population: 5.4 million
  • Capital City: Oslo
  • Currency: Norwegian Kroner (NOK)
  • Government type: Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy
  • Prime Minister Harald V
  • Ethnic groups: Norwegian 83.2% (includes about 60,000 Sami), other European 8.3%, other 8.5% (2017 est.)
  • Languages: Languages: Bokmal Norwegian (official), Nynorsk Norwegian (official), small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities
  • Religions: Church of Norway (Evangelical Lutheran ) 70.6%, Muslim 3.2%, Roman Catholic 3%, other Christian 3.7%, other 2.5%, unspecified 17% (2016 est.)
  • U.S. State Department Risk Level: 3 due to Covid.
  • Terrorist groups: N/A
  • Norway’s formal name is Kongeriket Norge (Kingdom of Norway)
  • Norway’s national symbol is the lion.
  • Norway is not a formal member of the European Union, having opted out in November 1994.
  • GDP $366 Billion.
  • Norway has a land border with Russia. The country’s border is one of the most secure in the world.
  • Sognefjorden is the largest fjord in Norway and the third-largest in the world. It is the longest ice-free fjord in the world and stretches 127 miles inland from the ocean.
  • Norway’s highest mountain is Galdhøpiggen, at an elevation of 8,100 feet.
  • Around 98% of Norway’s domestic power comes from hydroelectric power plants.
  • Norway was one of the United Nations’ founding nations in 1945, and the first U.N. Secretary-General was Norwegian Foreign Minister Trygve.
  • Inventions attributed to Norway; cheese slicer, skiing, Stave Church, paperclip, aerosol can, mineral fertilizer, and salmon sushi.
  • Industry leaders include; oil and gas, hydropower, aquaculture, tourism, shipping, maritime, paper, metals, and seafood.
  • People have been inhabiting Norway since prehistoric times (as early as 9000 BC).
  • The country is one of the world’s largest producers of oil and natural gas.
  • Norway is known for its social welfare programs, which provide universal healthcare, free education, and parental leave at full pay for almost a year.
  • The world’s longest tunnel is the Laerdal Tunnel, which is 15 miles long.
  • Norway has one of the longest coastlines in the world, but the actual length is unknown.
  • Norway is the world’s largest exporter of salmon.
  • The Sami are the native people of Norway.
  • The income and wealth of all residents are on the public record.
  • Life expectancy is 82 years old.
  • Literacy rate of 100%!

Funs facts

  • Norway is known as the land of the midnight sun and the polar night. It is light in the summer, with almost 22 hours of daylight. This occurs on June 25. It is one of the world’s premier destinations for the dancing of Northern lights in the dark winter months.
  • Vikings originated in Norway.
  • The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo. The ceremony is held in City Hall, which is fascinating and free to visit. Stand in the very room where the Prize is awarded.
  • Norwegians invented skiing some 4000 years ago.
  • The official Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square in London has come from Norway every year since 1946
  • Beerenberg, at 7,306 feet, on Jan Mayen Island in the Norwegian Sea, is Norway’s only active volcano.
  • Stave Churches originated in Norway. These singular medieval wood churches are architectural treats. Today only 28 are left (from over 1000), and they are a must-see when in Norway.
  • The Norwegians founded Dublin, Ireland, in 836 A.D.
  • Minnesota is the unofficial Norwegian capital of the United States, and more Norwegians live there than in any other state.
  • Despite Norway being one of the biggest oil exporters globally, it has the world’s highest gasoline prices.
  • The Hardangervidden mountain plateau is the biggest of its kind in Europe and the home of the largest reindeer population on the continent.
  • The favorite drink of the Vikings was Mead, a honey-based wine.
  • Norway has won more medals in the Winter Olympics than any other country.
  • Wine and liquor are sold in official stores called Vinmonopolet and are heavily regulated. Alcohol is costly to discourage drinking.
  • Norwegians love coffee and are one of the world’s top consumers per capita.
  • Norwegians read more than any other population in the world.
  • Norwegian King Olav V won an Olympic gold medal in sailing in 1928.
  • During World War II, the Northern Norwegian mining town of Kirkenes, which is nine miles from the Russian border, suffered more bomb attacks than any other place in Europe except for Malta.
  • Norway is one of the most peaceful countries in the world.
  • Norway has a famous hot chocolate factory called Freia, immortalized in Norwegian-American author Roald Dahl’s book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Freia chocolate was one of the primary sources of nutrition for explorer Roald Amundsen on his journey to the South Pole.
  • Norway is one of the happiest places on earth.
  • More than 30% of the country has higher education. 

Norway Map

Good to know before you go

  • Tipping is not needed in Norway as it is included in your bill. It is common to round up your check, though. This includes restaurants, cab drivers, porters, bartenders, and other service workers.
  • Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in the cities. In more remote areas and small villages, cash seems preferred.
  • Overall, the clothing is stylish and well-kept. They are casual dressers except in the bigger city, which seems to have a stronger fashion sense. This country is cold and covered in snow, a lot! Merlino wool is essential and is in every piece of their wardrobe from undergarments, long underwear, pants, shirts, hats, gloves, scarves, socks….you get the idea. Lots of stores to grab some to keep warm or bring home. Pretty pricey, though!
  • Driving in Norway is quite a journey through the stunning fjords, mountain villages, and Norway’s scenic roads. This can be done with trains, but they do not offer stops in these lovely villages. The roads are excellent overall but are very mountainous. Many highways are tolled. Norway has zero tolerance for drinking and driving. Running lights are required at all times. Driving in Norwegian (and Nordic) winter conditions is not for inexperienced drivers. Visitors in winter must be prepared to drive on pure ice and snow. Winter rules stay calm, don’t rush, keep plenty of distance from other cars, slow down before curves, and check traction often.
  • Many cities along the Norway coastline are only accessible by water. The ferry line Hurtigruten serves these villages daily. Hurtigruten was established in 1893 by a government contract to improve communications along Norway’s long, jagged coastline. Hurtigruten formally was a Norwegian public coastal route transporting passengers locally, regionally, and between the ports of call, cargo, and mail. It provides daily, year-round traffic between Bergen and Kirkenes, with 34 ports of call on northbound and 33 ports of call on southbound sailing. This is an easy way to hop between these villages. These ferries also carry a smaller cruise passenger load within the ferry for those who wish to sit back and watch the dramatic scenery or catch the Northern lights. Joelle and her husband did this from Begen to Kirkenes. She will be detailing her adventures, and there are stories to tell in a later post.
  • The traditional national costume of Norway influenced by the Vikings is called bunad, an elaborate costume dating back to the 1800s with extensive embroidery and jewelry. Many museums have beautiful displays but attend a local festival, and you will be richly rewarded by seeing many in full costume.
  • Greetings are casual, with a firm handshake, direct eye contact, and a smile. Norwegians are casual; they usually introduce themselves by their first name only.
  • Norway’s folklore is well-established and plays a significant role in its modern culture and heritage. Legends include references to trolls, elves, witches, and other non-human characters alongside human heroes and heroines. 
  • Norwegian people are hard-working, strong, resilient, and modest people who enjoy a simple and happy life. They try to see everyone on equal footing and do not flaunt wealth or material possessions.
  • Norwegians are private people who take personal space very seriously. If you use public transportation, you shouldn’t take a seat right next to someone else if there are any other options to choose from. Another good general rule is that you should maintain an arm’s length distance during the conversation.
  • Families tend to be smaller and include mainly the nuclear family. Many will start a family without marriage. So take care not to assume anyone’s marital status.
  • Norway’s national drink is Akevitt or Aquavit. It is a potato-based spirit with such seasonings as caraway seeds or dill, fennel, cumin, star anise, or orange peel. 
  • Brown Cheese, Brunost, is a staple on Norwegian breakfast and lunch tables. If you are a cheese lover, you must seek out this sweet caramel-like brown cheese, one of Joelle’s favorites!
  • Norway cuisine is heavy on seafood, and popular cornerstones are cured or smoked salmon, whale steak, and Fiskepudding. Other traditional foods include cod, waffles with berry ham, and reindeer. Grab yourself a reindeer hot dog in downtown Bergen.
  • In Norway, most food, including sandwiches, is eaten with utensils.
  • Norway folk music, influenced by the Vikings, has been a tradition passed down to each generation for centuries. The folk music culture consists of music in vocal and instrumental pieces. Seek out a performance while in Norway.
  • Viking history is core to the Norweigan culture; seek any experiences that help you discover their heritage and origins.
  • If invited to a Norwegian’s home, bring flowers, chocolates, pastries, wine, or imported spirits to the hostess.
  • Many Norwegians speak excellent English. Learn some basics to show them respect.
  • It is a very safe country. In the cities, of course, follow the usual safety precautions, especially after dark.

Norway Essential Info

U.S. Consular Emergency
The 24-hour number from a U.S. Phone is 1-888-407-4747
Outside of U.S. 011-202-501-4444

U.S. Embassy Olso
Morgedalsvegen 36,
0378 Oslo,
Norway
Mailing address: P.O. Box 4075 AMB, 0244 Oslo, Norway
Telephone: +(47) 2130-8540
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(47) 2130-8540
Fax: +(47) 2256-2751
Email: osloacs@state.gov

Emergency Numbers
GENERAL 112
Medic 113
Fire 110

Country Code
+47

Time Zone
UTC+1

Driving
Right side

Adaptors
“Standard” Euro plug
Type C or F

Tourism Office
www.visitnorway.com

When to go to Norway

Every season in Norway has its unique attributes. There’s a different best time of the year to visit Norway. There is no wrong time with all the activities this incredible country offers. Whether you are skiing, hiking, fishing, cruising the fjords, chasing Northern lights, or witnessing the beauty of nature in all four seasons, your breath with be taken away repeatedly. We will break down the seasons in detail.

Spring and Summer

Late Spring and early Summer months bring warmer temps as the daylight time increases and spring sets in. You will discover carpets of wildflowers that add color to the landscape. During these lovely months the landscape awakens and are the perfect time to visit Norway, especially hiking the Norwegian peaks. If you head towards the top of Norway, you’ll be able to enjoy the ‘Midnight sun’ during these months.

Spring brings slowly warming temps, which are ideal months to visit Norway for those who want to make the most of the glorious Spring. Melting waters boost numerous waterfalls, and summer activities slowly open up, allowing tourists to cruise the fjords. The waterfalls during these months are spectacular.

The summer months would be the best time to visit Norway if you need warm weather and lots of daylight. You can explore the fjords, partake in the Midnight sun, hike to places like Pulpit rock, bike, stroll the lovely cities, visit Norway’s many islands or take a cruise up the coast. Try to squeeze in the Sami culture celebration in Norway during these months if you visit the north.

Fall

The fall is the best month to visit Norway for those looking to stay away from the tourist crowd, save some money, and enjoy the beauty this country offers. The summer colors are still apparent, and activities are still up and running, but there are fewer tourists than in the high season. There are cooling temps but still warm.

Winter

December, January, and February are the coldest months in Norway, with temps often below freezing. The tourist traffic during these months is relatively low due to the harsh winters. However, it is the best time to visit Norway for travelers interested in snow activities, a lovely ski retreat, a cruise along the coast to chase the Northern lights, or even visiting the major cities such as Oslo and Bergen. It would help if you planned for extreme cold. The winds are remarkable there. Layers, heavy winter coats, lined boots, snow poles, and any winter accessory you can imagine taking with you.

The weather and temps in a country this length can vary dramatically. It is not possible to summarize it in one of two temperature charts. Look up where you will go and plan accordingly.

Our Favorite Norway Resources

This resource section contains some Amazon affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

Travel Books/Guides

Norway was a single-country trip taken by Joelle with her husband in early 2020. The trip was some land time in Oslo and Bergen, then a 14-day Bergen to Kirkenes to Bergen traditional postal mail ferry route on Hurtigruten. The goal is to seek the Northern Lights during the Norway winter. The Hurtigruten Ferry makes 32 stops from large cities to tiny villages. A lot of research went into this trip by Joelle and Ryan, helping a bit. We had great resources within Hurtigruten but also found some excellent travel guides, which we note below.

Norway Lonely Planet’s Norway (Country Guide) by Lonely Planet

A passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on the highlights Norway has to offer and what hidden discoveries await you. Visit Oslo, Norway’s cultural capital, hike glacier-strewn high country, or hope to catch the elusive Northern Lights. Great photography and lots of details to aid in planning. Discover this travel guide here

Norway Rick Steves Snapshot Norway – by Rick Steves

Full disclosure, we are huge Rick Steve fans; it will be rare to recommend one of his wonderful guides. Norway doesn’t have a dedicated full guide but this snapshot guide. Easier to carry and still full of good info. We love his travel style and perspective. His off-the-beaten-path approach and his independent travel philosophy match well with how we travel. The guides never disappoint. This book cut into our suitcase and was a fantastic resource. Find this must-have guide here.

Norway D.K. Eyewitness Norway (Travel Guide) by D.K. Eyewitness

The ideal travel companion is full of insider advice on what to see and do detailed itineraries, and comprehensive maps for exploring this Nordic country. Everything you need to know is well laid out within color-coded chapters. Norway is home to some of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes in this beautifully illustrated guide with its dramatic coastline, unspoiled mountain ranges, and phenomenal fjords. Find this guide here.

Our favorite websites

1. Norway tourism site www.visitnorway.com

2. U.S. Department of State: Bureau of Consular Affairs Norway Country Info

We cannot encourage you enough to visit this website as you plan and prepare for your trip. This is the U.S. Federal Government addressing the safety, security, travel risk, entry, exit, visa documents mandates, emergency U.S. and Embassy contacts, health, local laws, special circumstances, threats, traveler vulnerabilities, government warnings, and transportation in Norway. This is your best and most reliable resource for all this important info. Check back often before you go, as things can change quickly. Being prepared is essential in all travel, but especially internationally.

Norway International Travel Information (state.gov)

3. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travelers Health Resource

This CDC travel resource provides essential health info for your specific destination. Using their tool, you can determine which vaccines, medications, and health advice recommendations are needed for Norway.

CDC’s Travelers Health Page for Norway

Our favorite maps

Norway Michelin Norway Map 752

Easy to read the map with practical road and travel information. Major sites and landmarks are well-marked. Has mapped road network with distances and designations for major highways to the off-the-beaten-path roads. Though we default to Google Maps, this came in handy when service was poor or during construction detours. Find this essential map here.

Our favorite apps

Google Maps Trip and Holiday Organizer. Enter any address, landmark, or city in the app, and it will instantly display all your travel options and booking info, along with accommodation providers and things to do. We love it when using public transportation, it is spot on! Find it on your local app store.

Rome2rio: Trip Planner Trip and Holiday Organizer Enter any address, landmark, or city; the App will instantly display all your travel options, booking info, accommodation providers, and things to do. Find it on your local App Store.

Rick Steve’s Audio Europe This App includes a vast library of Rick Steve’s audio content. Get cultural and travel info. Includes self-guided tours of top attractions and historic walks. A must-have. Find it on your local App Store.

Norway News in English Today Latest Norway news to get you in the know before you go. Find it on your local App Store.

Duolingo-Language Lesson Audio lessons that help improve your listening and speaking skills. Find it on your local App Store.

Google Translate We use this often to practice proper pronunciations of Norwegian words. As we always encourage, learning the basics of greeting and thanking people in the local language is essential. Google Translate was an easy app to use. If needed, you can enter text in English, and it will speak back in Norwegian to aid in communicating with locals. Furthermore, it came in very handy to translate text into images instantly.

Do you have a favorite Norway travel resource? Share your favorites in the comments section at the bottom of this page or

© 2024 Wanderers Compass All Rights Reserved

Squaremouth.com

Our favorite travel insurance site!

If you book a trip, don’t forget to get travel insurance within 14 days of your first booking. We could not be stronger advocates of being well-insured. Not just for the little stuff but the big things like medical emergencies. We never leave home without it. Over the years, we have used many sites but have now found our go-to place. Squaremouth.com does a fantastic job; it has a user-friendly interface, uses top-rated and reputable insurance carriers, and most policies cover COVID-19 medical issues and cancellations. They also mediate on your behalf if you have problems with your policy.

To empower you as a consumer, we suggest you read our blog post on the importance of travel insurance and how to get the best coverage from top-rated companies for an affordable price.

MedjetAssist

Medical transport back home from anywhere in the world

They are the premier global air medical transport. One caveat to travel insurance is that medical evacuation usually gets you to the closest facility to care for you. Medjet gets you back to the U.S. to the hospital of your choice once you are stable enough to fly. They cover COVID-related transport as well.

Medjet carries its own policies. The policy is only for transport and no other aspects of travel insurance. They have individual trip policies starting at $99 and annual policies for around $300. Most of their policies limit the age to 74 and younger. Prices are not based on age below that.

To learn more about how Medical Evacuation membership with Medjet Assist works, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.  

Expedia.com 

Hotels, home rentals, BNBs, flights, and other transportation & tours 

Expedia is a US-based company whose mission is to power global travel for everyone and everywhere. Whether planning a family vacation, booking for business, or organizing the trip of a lifetime, they are a fantastic resource. Wanderers Compass focuses on independent travel, and using sites like Expedia makes that possible. Every aspect of travel you need, from airfare, accommodations, rental car, and cruises to activities to do at your destination, can be booked on Expedia.  

Booking.com

Hotels, Home rentals, BNBs, Flights, and other Transportation & Tours 

Booking.com connects millions of travelers to memorable experiences, various transportation options, and incredible places to stay – from homes to hotels and much more. It is one of the world’s largest travel marketplaces for established brands and entrepreneurs of all sizes.

We always check Expedia and Booking.com to verify prices. At times, one is sold out of rooms while another at the same place has rooms. As well we often find some European hotels, especially smaller ones, on Booking.com but not on Expedia. It could be they are a Europe-based company. Try both before booking accommodations.

Vacation Rental By Owner (VRBO)

Are you traveling with a family or having an extended stay at your destination?

With over 2 million bookable vacation rentals, VRBO connects homeowners with families and vacationers looking for something more than a hotel for their trip. The VRBO community offers families or groups various rental property types such as condos, cabins, lake rentals, beach houses, etc.

VRBO is under the Expedia group ownership now, which many were worried about, but it hasn’t panned out to be a concern. It is a massive network with access to all lodging forms should issues arise. Joelle has used VRBO for many years with her family with no problems.

Viator

As the leading marketplace for travel experiences, Viator believes that making memories is what travel is all about. And with 300,000+ experiences to explore—everything from simple tours to extreme adventures (and all the niche, interesting stuff in between)—making memories that will last a lifetime has never been easier.

With industry-leading flexibility and last-minute availability, it’s never too late to make any day extraordinary. This one site has it all and has experiences throughout the world. We use them often during our travels, especially for food tours. We especially take the time to read the reviews provided.

Amazon.com

An excellent source for travel essentials and guides

We now have our own Amazon Storefront with all our favorite travel accessories and gear in one place. Check out our travel store at the link below.

Wanderers Compass Amazon Storefront

Amazon is one of the most comprehensive online shopping sources in the world. On behalf of their customers, teams worldwide provide lower prices, better selection, and rapid delivery. They offer a vast inventory, and their 1.7 million small and medium businesses worldwide selling on Amazon.com offer extensive options to customers.

We buy most of our travel books, accessories, and luggage from Amazon. We have ordered up to two days before travel and get what we need.

HYDAWAY

This is not your ordinary drinkware company. The HYDAWAY difference is what their products do when you’re not using them. Practical and portable, HYDAWAY doesn’t take up unnecessary space in your already-packed life or pile up in landfills. We all know that trying to pack light while being environmentally conscious can be difficult. Having the right items can make a world of difference. HYDAWAY provides that.

We have used their collapsible water bottle, carrying case for the water bottle, and collapsible insulated drink tumbler. They are all lightweight and durable. A conservation-focused product you can be proud to buy.

Use our Promo Code. WANCOM15, at checkout for 15% off your Hydaway order

Welcome Pick-ups
(Airport and sightseeing service)

A global leader in ground transportation for travelers. They help hundreds of companies worldwide enhance their services and boost their revenue with our 5-star ride experiences and hassle-free automation.

Founded in 2015 in Athens, Greece, Welcome Pick-ups goes above and beyond the standard transfer service as the first company to deliver a holistic, in-destination travel experience. From the moment a traveler arrives at a new destination until they return home, Welcome accommodates all their travel needs (transfers, travel products, things to do, information) as the easiest, friendliest, and most personalized solution.

PhotoAiD

Do you feel like you are wasting time visiting an on-site photographer only to be embarrassed by the photo? Would you like control of the final product? Get the perfect VISA or passport photo online with PhotoAID.

When traveling, you often need to apply for official documents such as a passport, ID, and different kinds of licenses or cards. Those applications require a picture that must meet specific conditions to be accepted, depending on the country. Now, it is possible to take this picture at home without the help of a professional photographer. PhotoAiD allows you to take the perfect biometric photo that will be approved by you without leaving your home.

This article contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

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