Norway Travel Guide

Overview

Capital:

Oslo.

Geography:

Norway is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by Finland, the Russian Federation and Sweden, to the south by the Skagerrak (which separates it from Denmark) and to the west by the North Sea. The coastline is over 25,000km (15,534 miles) long, its most outstanding feature being the numerous fjords. Most of them are from 80km to 160km (50 to 100 miles) long, and are usually flanked by towering mountains. Much of northern Norway lies beyond the Arctic Circle and consequently, mostly takes the form of rugged tundras. The south is covered with pine and larch forests, and dotted with lakes, rivers and mountains.

Getting There

Getting There By Air

Major airlines running direct flights to Norway from the UK include British Airways (www.ba.com), Norwegian (www.norwegian.com), Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) and SAS (www.flysas.com). From the USA, there are direct flights with Norwegian and SAS.

Major airports in Norway are: Oslo Airport, Bergen Airport, Stavanger Airport.

Departure Tax

None.

Flight Times

To Oslo: from London - 2 hours; from New York - 7 hours 20 minutes.

Getting There By Road

The only direct international road connection routes are from Sweden or Finland and Russia in the far north. For travellers from the UK, Eurolines (tel: +44 8717 818 177; www.eurolines.co.uk) operates daily services to Oslo from London via Amsterdam; and Copenhagen. Other international bus services to Norway depart from northern Finland, Gothenburg and Stockholm in Sweden and Murmansk in Russia.

Getting There By Water

Norwegian ports offering marina facilities include Bergen (www.bergenhavn.no), Oslo (www.ohv.oslo.no), Kristiansand (www.kristiansandhavn.no) and Stavanger (www.stavanger-havn.no).

Getting Around

Getting Around By Air

Domestic flights are operated by Norwegian (www.norwegian.com), SAS (www.flysas.com) and Widerøe (www.wideroe.no). A comprehensive network of scheduled services links numerous domestic airports. Norwegians are among the world's most likely to choose this mode of transport for getting around their own country due to the long distances involved, and the terrain, which makes surface transport slow.

Norwegian domestic operators tend to offer competitive fares, so if you shop around you’re likely to find that air travel costs little more than the equivalent rail or bus fare. Charter sea or land planes are available at many destinations. Reduced fares are available for families, children under 12 years of age, groups and pensioners.

Bike

Some tourist offices, campsites and hostels rent bikes out to tourists. If you want to bring your own, it’s worth bearing in mind that most buses, express ferries and nonexpress trains will charge an excess baggage fee to carry them while express trains won’t take them at all. The Nor-Way Bussekspress (express bus service) also regards bikes as excess baggage and charges the equivalent of a child’s fare to carry them. ShareBike and Oslo Bysykkel are Norwegian bike sharing providers operating in Oslo.

Car Hire

Available in airports and most towns, but costly. If you’re planning a long hire, it’s worth thinking about picking up your car in neighbouring Sweden where rental rates are considerably cheaper. Low speed limits, difficult roads and parking, and high insurance make public transport more practical and convenient.

Numerous international car hire companies operate, including Hertz, Avis and Budget. The minimum age for car hire is 19 in Norway, although some companies may insist on a higher minimum age (up to 25).

Coach

Norway has a very reliable, extensive bus network and numerous long-distance coach operators, the biggest of which is the Nor-Way Bussekspress (tel: +47 22313150; www.nor-way.no) which links most of the major Norwegian cities.

The Lavprisekspressen (tel: +47 6798 0480; www.lavprisekspressen.no) runs from Oslo to Stavanger via Kristiansand and between Oslo and Trondheim. It's considerably cheaper than the Nor-Way Bussekspress, and you can only buy tickets online.

Documentation

An International Driving Permit or national driving licence and log book are required. A Green Card is strongly recommended (if you have more than third-party cover on your domestic policy). Without it, if you have motor insurance in your own country, you're allowed the minimum legal cover in Norway; the Green Card tops this up to the level of cover provided by your own policy.

Getting Around By Rail

NSB (Norwegian State Railways) (tel: 8150 0888, in Norway only or +47 6105 1910; www.nsb.no) runs all rail services. The main internal routes are: Oslo-Trondheim (Dovre Line); Trondheim-Bodø (Nordland Railway); Oslo-Bergen (Bergen Railway); and Oslo-Stavanger (Sørland Railway).

Overnight sleeper services operate on some routes, including the Oslo-Bergen, Oslo-Trondheim and Trondheim-Bodø lines.

You must reserve seats on express trains. There are buffet/restaurant cars on some trains, and sleepers on long-distance overnight services. Heavy luggage may be sent in advance. Children under four years of age travel free; children four to 14 years of age pay half fare.

NSB operates a minipris ticketing system which involves putting tickets up for sale in batches with early bookings resulting in cheaper fares. Minipris tickets must be bought at least one day in advance, are non-refundable and cannot be changed but can give you savings of up to 75% of the standard fare. Purchase them online, via the NSB app or at ticket machines. See www.nsb.no/en/our-tickets/minipris for more information.

Regulations

The minimum age for driving is 18. Tolls are charged on certain cross-country roads, underwater tunnels and in certain cities such as Bergen, Oslo and Trondheim. There are severe penalties (usually involving imprisonment) for drink driving. Fines for illegal parking are high and fines for speeding even higher, so keep an eye on your speedometer, and watch out for speedboxes. Seat belts are compulsory.

Children under under 135 cm (4.5ft) must travel in the back of the car in an appropriately sized child restraint. It is obligatory for all vehicles to drive with dipped headlights at all times. This includes motorcycles and mopeds. Carrying spare headlight bulbs is recommended. The national speed limit is 80kph (50mph) but drops to 70kph (43mph) when going past houses or businesses. In residential and built-up areas, the limit is usually 30kph (19mph). On some dual carriageways and motorways, it's 110kph (68mph).

Foreign-registered cars must display an oval nationality sticker, and UK registered cars are also required to carry a vehicle registration form (Form V5) which is available from the DVLA. Snow chains or winter tyres are advised during the winter (however, most urban areas now levy a toll on vehicles with studded tyres). More information on driving in Norway is available from the Norwegian Automobile Association (NAF) (+47 23 21 31 00; www.naf.no).

Getting Around By Road

The road system is of variable quality but is supplemented by numerous car ferries across the fjords. While the majority of roads are open year-round, the smaller mountain passes are often blocked during the winter, often at short notice. Despite the paucity of fast roads, traffic is generally light apart from in the capital where traffic jams are a daily occurrence.

There are also countless tunnels and the country is home to three of the world’s 10 longest road tunnels, including the longest – the Lærdal to Aurland, which is 24.51km (15.2 miles) long. Hazards include sharp bends and steep gradients, particularly on mountain roads, and the country’s large moose population can also prove dangerous if they are attempting to cross.

Contact Vegtrafikksentralen (tel: 175; www.vegvesen.no) for the latest traffic conditions.

Road Classification

Norway has a limited number of motorways or ‘E’ roads, most of which are in the area surrounding Oslo. Outside of the capital, the majority of roads are dual lane, single carriageways. Many of Norway’s roads, particularly those with one of the country’s many tunnels, are toll roads. Norway also has designated National Tourist Routes (www.nasjonaleturistveger.no/en) which include some of the country’s prettiest drives.

Road Quality

The road system is of variable quality but is supplemented by numerous car ferries across the fjords. While most roads are open year-round, the smaller mountain passes are frequently blocked during the winter, often at short notice. Despite the paucity of fast roads, traffic is generally light apart from in the capital where traffic jams are a daily occurrence.

There are also countless road tunnels and the country is home to some of the world’s longest, including the Lærdal to Aurland tunnel, which is 24.51km (15.2 miles) long. Hazards include sharp bends and steep gradients, particularly on mountain roads, and the country’s large moose population can also prove dangerous if they are attempting to cross.

Contact Vegtrafikksentralen (tel: 175; www.vegvesen.no) for the latest traffic conditions.

Side Of Road

r

Taxi

Travelling by taxi in Norway can be expensive and is usually unnecessary thanks to the excellent (and cheap) public transport system. Taxis are, however, easy to find and can be waved down on the street, from designated ranks or booked by phone. Most taxis are metered and all taxis operated by registered companies such as Oslo Taxi (www.oslotaxi.no), Norgestaxi (norgestaxi.no) and Taxi Sør (www.taxisor.no) accept credit and debit cards. Each company also has its own taxi app. Drivers usually speak English.

Urban Travel

Nearly every town in Norway has a network of local buses which operate around the city centre and outlying areas. The train network covers most major cities, while the capital Oslo also has metro, ferry and tramway services.

Bergen also has a good bus and tram network, a funicular and an aerial tramway giving access to two of the surrounding mountains. Trondheim has a comprehensive bus network, and one tram line linking the city centre with Lian, a major ski centre high above the city.

Getting Around By Water

All coastal towns are served by ferries, catamarans and hydrofoils. The Hurtigruten (Coastal Express) (tel: +44 203 7335934, in the UK; www.hurtigruten.co.uk) from Bergen to Kirkenes (near the Russian border) is a 12-day round trip that leaves daily and stops at 35 ports on the west coast.

Various ferry trips are available (half price in spring and autumn). There are also numerous companies operating cruises on Norway's spectacular fjords, including Norway Fjord Cruise AS (tel: +47 5765 6999; www.fjordcruise.no), P&O (tel: +44 333 300 0105 in the UK; http://www.pocruises.com/norwegian-fjords-cruises/) and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines (tel: +44 845 591 8649; http://www.fredolsencruises.com/find-your-holiday/norwegian-fjords-cruises)

Travel Advice

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government's understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Norway set and enforce entry rules. If you're not sure how Norway's entry requirements apply to you, contact the Norwegian Embassy in the UK. 

Passport validity requirements 

Norway follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:

• have a 'date of issue' less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
• have an 'expiry date' at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to. 

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. 

Visa requirements

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.

If you're travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.

If you're a visitor, border guards will look at your entry and exit stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area.

If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.

At Norwegian border control, you may also need to:

• show proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address for a second home
• show proof of your travel insurance
• show a return or onward ticket
• prove that you have enough money for your stay – the amount varies depending on your accommodation

Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period

To stay longer, you must meet the Norwegian government's entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Norwegian Embassy in the UK.

If you are in Norway with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Read about passport stamping if you live in Norway.

Svalbard 

You'll need your passport to travel to and enter the Svalbard archipelago. 

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro's Norway guide.

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Norway.   You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. 

It is illegal to import whale meat from Norway into the UK. You could get a fine of up to £5,000 or a prison sentence. 

Russian vehicle restrictions

There are restrictions on vehicles with Russian licence plates in Norway.

Taking food into Norway

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EEA countries without special permission. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.

Taking money into Norway 

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 25,000 Norwegian krone or more. If you do not declare it, you could get a substantial fine and temporary confiscation of the excess money, which may then be released only through a bank.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Norway.

Terrorism 

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.  

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad. 

Terrorism in Norway 

Terrorist attacks in Norway cannot be ruled out. 

Political demonstrations  

Demonstrations in Norway are usually peaceful. If you're near areas where demonstrations are taking place, follow the advice of local authorities and move away if there are signs of disorder. 

Crime 

There's a small risk of petty theft, particularly at airports and railway stations in and around Oslo. 

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism 

Get information about the risk of avalanches from the Norwegian Avalanche Warning Service or the European Avalanche Warning Services. 

Police enforce bans on campfires in many hiking areas during the summer months. 

Transport risks 

Road travel 

If you are planning to drive in Norway, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC's Norway guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Norway for up to 90 days. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.

Drink-driving is a serious offence in Norway. If you are tested and found to have a quarter of England's legal limit of alcohol in your system you may get a fine and possible imprisonment. There are frequent roadside checks for alcohol.

You must use winter tyres with a minimum 3-millimetre (mm) tread if there is snow or ice covering the roads. You may also need to use studded tyres or snow chains. Truck drivers must use winter tyres with a minimum 5mm tread and have enough snow chains. 

You can get the full tyre requirements from Norway's State Highways. 

Keep your headlights on, but dipped, during the daytime all year round in all places. 

On roads that are not marked with a priority sign (yellow diamond), you must give way to traffic coming from the right. 

If you commit a driving offence, you could get an on-the-spot fine of up to 10,000 Norwegian krone. 

Arctic travel 

Nearly half of Norway is in the Arctic Circle, including some very remote areas of land and sea. Emergency medical assistance and search and rescue are limited in these areas. See Arctic travel safety advice. 

Extreme weather and natural disasters 

Extreme weather, floods and landslides can happen. You should follow the advice of local authorities. 

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.  

Climate and temperature 

The weather can change quickly, producing Arctic conditions even in summer on exposed mountain tops. Extreme weather can cause floods and landslides. 

The winter is long and can last well into April. Temperatures can drop to -25°C and below. There is also a high wind chill factor, particularly in unsheltered areas and mountain ranges. Weather conditions can worsen quickly. 

Wildfires

There is a risk of wildfires, especially during hot and dry periods. Police enforce bans on campfires in many areas.

This section has safety advice for regions of Norway. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice. 

You should also read FCDO's overall travel advice and safety and security advice. 

Svalbard 

Follow the safety advice of the Governor of Svalbard, including on how to protect yourself from polar bear attacks, the risks of glaciers, avalanches and other dangers outside the main town of Longyearbyen.

Before you travel check that: 

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. 

Emergency medical number 

Dial 113 and ask for an ambulance. 

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you're referred to a medical facility for treatment. 

Vaccine recommendations and health risks 

At least 8 weeks before your trip: 

• check the latest information vaccine recommendations for Norway
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you'll face in Norway.

Medication 

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. 

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro. 

Healthcare in Norway 

If you're a UK national, you can use your UK passport to get free state-provided medical treatment in hospitals. Some doctors may charge for their services elsewhere. 

Access to free healthcare is not an alternative to travel insurance. Read more about what your travel insurance should cover.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Norway where some staff will speak English. 

Health insurance cards

To get medically necessary state healthcare in Norway, you can now also use the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). 

The NHS's getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:

• how to apply for a GHIC
• how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
• who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
• what treatment counts as medically necessary

A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:

• changes to travel and accommodation bookings
• additional standard costs for treatment
• medical repatriation to the UK
• treatment that is ruled non-urgent
• private healthcare
• private clinics

There is also guidance on healthcare if you're living in Norway.

Travel and mental health 

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel. 

Emergency services in Norway 

Fire: 110 

Police: 112 

Ambulance: 113 

Contact your travel provider and insurer 

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do. 

Refunds and changes to travel 

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first. 

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including: 

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO 

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including: 

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Norway
• dealing with a death in Norway
• being arrested in Norway
• getting help if you're a victim of crime
• what to do if you're in hospital
• if you're affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow and contact FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Norway on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Vaccinations

Title	Special Precautions
Malaria	No
Hepatitis A	No
Tetanus	Yes
Diphtheria	No
Rabies	No
Yellow Fever	No
Typhoid	No

Overview:

Travel insurance is advised for all visitors. In some medical cases, if you are European, you might be able to receive free treatment if you can show proof of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) obtained in your country of origin.

The overall standards of healthcare in Norway are excellent. Hospitals and surgeries are well equipped and staff are proficient. In pharmacies, over-the-counter advice is given and standard medicines are sold.

Food Drink:

Food in Norway is safe to eat although care should be taken when purchasing food from unlicensed/roadside stalls. Norwegian tap water is safe to drink, although drinking from fjords, streams and rivers – however clean they look – isn’t recommended as even the most inviting-looking water can harbour parasites. Water that has been boiled or treated with iodine or chlorine tablets is usually safe to drink.

Other Risks:

Vaccination for tick-borne encephalitis is sometimes recommended.

Currency Information:

Norwegian Krone (NOK; symbol Kr) = 100 øre. Notes are in denominations of Kr1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of Kr20, 10, 5 and 1. The øre coin is now out of circulation and only exists as a digital currency.

Credit Cards:

Visa, Eurocard, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express cards are all widely accepted throughout Norway.

ATMs:

Mini-Banks (the Norwegian name for ATMs) are widespread although withdrawal fees vary from bank to bank.

Travellers Cheques:

Accepted in banks, hotels, some shops and by airlines.

Banking Hours:

Mon-Wed and Fri, 0800-1530 hrs (1500 hrs in summer); Thurs, 0815-1700.

Currency Restrictions:

The import and export of local and foreign currency is restricted to Kr25,000. Amounts above this sum must be declared.

Currency Exchange:

Available at banks and bureaux de change.

Currencies

Code	Symbol
NOK	Kr

Exchange Rates

5.60

9.04

10.76

8.69

Language

Norwegian (Bokmål and Nynorsk)is the official language but Northern Sami, Lule Sami, Kven and Southern Sami are also recognised. English is widely spoken throughout Norway as are Swedish and Danish.

Overview:

Public holidays are listed here.

.

List Of Public Holidays

Title	Start Date	To Be Confirmed
New Year's Day	2024-01-01 00:00:00	0
Holy Thursday	2024-03-28 00:00:00	0
Good Friday	2024-03-29 00:00:00	0
Easter Monday	2024-04-01 00:00:00	0
May Day	2024-05-01 00:00:00	0
Ascension Day	2024-05-09 00:00:00	0
Constitution Day	2024-05-17 00:00:00	0
Whit Monday	2024-05-20 00:00:00	0
Christmas Day	2024-12-25 00:00:00	0
Andre Juledag	2024-12-26 00:00:00	0

Overview:

.

Banned Imports:

The following items are prohibited without special permission: drugs and medicines (other than prescription medication), spirits over 60% volume, weapons and ammunition, fireworks, potatoes, meat and dairy products from outside the EEA, mammals, birds and exotic animals, and plants and their parts. There are new forms of tobacco and products containing nicotine that are not approved for import or sale in Norway. Examples of new products without approval are nicotine snuff (without tobacco), Heated Tobacco Products (HTP) / Iqos with Heets sticks and hookah tobacco.

Telephone:

Numbers starting with 800 are usually toll-free while those beginning with 9 are mobile numbers. The international access code is 00. International calls are often prohibitively expensive, so ask for Telekort (Telenor phonecards) when visiting post offices and Narvesen kiosks. Unfortunately, Telekort cards can be hard to find, so it’s often easier to use a prepaid card bought from a private company who issue you with a PIN and a local access number. If you have a laptop or a smartphone with you, Wi-Fi calling is far the cheapest option.

Mobile Telephone:

Roaming agreements exist with many international mobile phone companies. Mobile phones cannot be hired. Coverage is mostly good, but may be patchy in mountainous areas.

Internet:

There are many internet cafés throughout Norway and you can also access the Internet via public libraries, often free of charge. Wi-Fi is widespread.

Post

Hotel receptions, shops and kiosks selling postcards will sell stamps. Airmail within Europe takes two to four days.

Post Office Hours:

These vary from place to place but are generally Mon-Fri 0830-1600 and Sat 0800-1300.

Media:

Norway's public broadcaster NRK has had competition from private local and national stations. Press freedom is guaranteed by the constitution and public radio and TV broadcast without interference from the government.

Northern Lights

Few sights are more hauntingly beautiful than that of the aurora borealis or Northern Lights – a natural phenomenon caused by magnetised particles emitted by the sun. You'll have to brave the winter cold of Norway's Arctic region (October to March) to see them but it's well worth it.

Svalbard

Made famous by Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials Trilogy, Norway's most northerly landmass, Svalbard, is the only place in Europe where the polar bear can still be seen. Although glaciers cover 60% of it, Svalbard's soaring mountains and dramatic crags make it worth seeing whether you want wildlife or not.

Ålesund

Often overlooked in favour of the bigger municipal centres, Ålesund is home to an unparalleled collection of picturesque Art Nouveau buildings, built a century ago after its wooden edifices were razed by a fire. The city is also becoming increasingly accessible with a number of airlines serving it directly.

Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)

Perched on top of a jutting 600m-tall (1969 ft) cliff overlooking the cerulean blue waters of Lysefjord, Pulpit Rock is worth the hike for the stunning views alone. Just outside of Stavanger, the rock can also be reached via a cruise along Lysefjord from the city centre.

Hardanger Fjord

Hardanger Fjord, which is located 75km (47 miles) east of Bergen, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Norway. This scenic area offers virtually every kind of natural landscape available in the country, from scenic waterways, apple and cherry orchards, and hiking trails, to mountain plateaux. The area also contains Hardangervidda, Norway's largest national park, two of Norway's largest glaciers, Folgefonna and Hardangerjøkulen, and some of Norway's most popular waterfalls, including Vøringfossen, Steinsdalsfossen and Låtefossen. There are also various museums in the area, including Hardanger folkemuseum (Hardanger Folk Museum) and Hardanger Fartøyvernsenter (Hardanger Ships Preservation Centre) treeboat museum.

Medieval wooden churches

Be sure to see one of Norway's 28 surviving wooden medieval stave churches (www.stavechurch.org), dotted around the southern half of the country. The oldest is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Urnes Stave Church, by Sognefjord, dating from 1130 (www.sognefjord.no).

Ibsen's birthplace

For those in search of a literary treat, Skien, the birthplace of playwright Hendrik Ibsen (http://www.telemarkmuseum.no/en/henrik-ibsen-museum/), is a must visit. His childhood home provides a compelling insight into the life of this distinguished Norwegian and includes a comprehensive multimedia exhibition.

Fredrikstad

Check out Gamlebyen in Fredrikstad, one of Scandinavia's best-preserved fortress towns. Also of interest is the nearby Hvaler archipelago, a summer paradise made up of hundreds of tiny islands - and home to Norway's first marine national park, opened in 2009 (www.opplevfredrikstad.com).

Røros

This small but picturesque mountain town near the Swedish border is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was a copper mining and smelting settlement from the 17th century until the 1977 (www.verdensarvenroros.no). Discover the Old Town, the wooden church and the Mining Museum.

Maelstrom and Bodø

See the Saltstraumen - the world's most powerful whirlpool. A strong tidal current located some 30km (19 miles) east of the northern city of Bodø; careful timing is required as the action only happens four times a day. A multimedia visitor centre is nearby.

Vøringsfossen waterfall

Take in the stunning views at Norway's most famous waterfall, situated close to the main road between Oslo and Bergen. Another nearby waterfall, Mardalsfossen, boasts the longest drop in northern Europe clocking up almost 300m (984ft) from top to bottom. (www.fjordnorway.com).

Norway in a nutshell

Take a 'Norway in a Nutshell' tour from Bergen (www.norwaynutshell.com). You can choose to spend between one and three days on the trip, which takes in scenic rail and bus journeys as well as cruises along Norway's best fjords.

Skiing and snowboarding

Norway has thousands of kilometres of marked trails of varying difficulty for enthusiastic skiers and snowboarders, all of which take in stunningly pretty terrain. The 1994 Winter Olympics complex at Lillehammer (www.lillehammer.com) is just a couple of hours north of Oslo by road.

Coastal voyage

Experience the midnight sun at the North Cape in the far Arctic and make the most of the extra daylight by enjoying the coastline from the deck of one of the Hurtigruten ships (www.hurtigruten.co.uk), which call at 35 different ports on the voyage north.

Bergen funicular

Take a ride to the summit of one of the seven mountains surrounding the former Hanseatic port of Bergen (www.visitbergen.com), for panoramic views of the country's longest fjord - Sognefjord – to the north and the beautiful Hardangerfjord in the south.

Tromsø brewery

Enjoy a beer or two at the world's most northerly brewery in Tromsø – which claims to be Europe’s most northerly city. Once you’ve had your fill of the local brew, head over to visit the picturesque university and cathedral, and revel in the scenic surroundings. (https://www.visittromso.no/en).

Glacier hike

Take a hike on Jostedalsbreen, mainland Europe's largest glacier, and centrepiece of a large national park (www.jostedal.com). A mecca for outdoor adventure lovers, the park offers plenty of adrenaline sports such as mountain kayaking as well as the more sedate Glacier Bus.

Folk culture

Experience traditional Norwegian folk culture, music, dance and food at one of the regular summer events at the Norske Folkemuseum (www.norskfolke.museum.no): an open-air collection of historic buildings on Bygdøy Island outside Oslo. The programme changes daily, so check the website before you go.

Saint Olav Festival

Enjoy the annual festival celebrating Christianity's arrival in Norway in 1024 at Stiklestad, a little over two hours' drive northwest from Trondheim. Centrepiece of the July event is the St Olav Drama, an open-air recreation of that occurred just prior to the Battle of Stiklestad (www.stiklestad.no).

Lakeside cabin

Get away from it all and spend a few days in a lakeside mountain hytte, or cabin, enjoying fishing and nature walks. But beware of elk and other large wildlife (www.norgesbooking.com).

Sami culture

Learn about the culture of the semi-nomadic Sami people of Norway's northern Lapland at the Várjjat Sámi Musea (www.varjjat.org) at Varangerbotn in eastern Finnmark. Or stay in a Sami tepee on an organised tour of Lapland (www.sami-siida.no, Norwegian only).

Trondheim

Relive Norway's former capital city Trondheim's past glories at the magnificent Nidarosdomen (Nidaros Cathedral) (www.nidarosdomen.no), and visit the city's Ringve Museum (www.ringve.com), which is home to an extensive collection of historic musical instruments.

Oslo museums

Don't miss the capital's excellent collection of museums, including the Thor Heyerdahl Kon-tiki Museum (www.kon-tiki.no), the Munch Museum (http://munchmuseet.no/en/) and the Viking Ship Museum (www.khm.uio.no).

Historic Oslo

Go royal-spotting at the Kongelige Slott (Royal Palace), which is open to visitors from late June to mid-August (www.kongehuset.no), or delve into the city's military past at Åkershus Castle (www.forsvarsbygg.no), which stands within walking distance of the city centre.

Bergen harbourside

Stroll around the picturesque wooden warehouses in Bergen's historic Bryggen harbourside area – a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. Explore the fish market nearby (www.visitbergen.com), or take a trip out to Troldhaugen, former home of composer Edvard Grieg (griegmuseum.no).

Overview

Most towns have plenty of shops selling Norwegian handicrafts such as traditional knits, silverwork and woodcarving. Silversmiths and potteries are common and well worth visiting for unique homeware and jewellery. Traditional items include printed textiles and silver, enamel, pewter, glass and porcelain jewellery, crockery and trinkets. In the major cities, expect to find branches of all the major international chains but don’t forget to check out the work of the excellent local fashion designers such as Per Spook.

VAT is levied at 25% on most goods, which considering that nearly everything is horribly expensive, feels pretty steep. However, you can obtain tax-free cheques from any of the 3,000 shops carrying the sticker 'Tax free for tourists'. These shops save visitors between 11 and 18% of the price paid by residents. VAT refunds are paid in cash at airports, ferries, cruise ships and border crossings.

Opening Hours

Mon-Wed and Fri 0900/1000-1700/1800, Thurs 0900-2000 and Sat 0900-1300/1500. Supermarkets are normally open Mon-Fri 0900-2000 and Sat 1000-1800. Shops are closed on Sunday. Kiosken (small shops offering limited essentials) and petrol station shops are open late in the evenings and on Sundays.

Overview

Fish is a staple, along with meat, potatoes and other root vegetables. The favourite traditional hot snack is the pølse, a type of sausage. The roadside kro (traveller's restaurant) is a good choice if you want to sample traditional Norwegian fare.

Breakfasts are often enormous with a huge variety of fish, meat, cheese, sweet whey cheese and bread served buffet-style with coffee and boiled or fried eggs. Open sandwiches are topped with meat, fish, cheese and salads. Popular dinner dishes include meatballs (kjøttboller or karbonader) with boiled potatoes, boiled fish and bacalao, a spiced dried cod stew.

Alcohol tends to be limited in availability and expensive, although beer and wine are generally available in restaurants. Licensing laws are strict and alcohol above 4.7% ABV for home consumption is sold only by the state through Vinmonopolet (special monopoly stores). Beer and cider is sold in general stores.

Regional Specialities

Tipping

Waiters expect a tip of no more than 5% of the bill. A 10-15% tip is not unusual if the diner is very happy with the service.

Drinking Age

18 (for beer, wine and other drinks up to 22% ABV), and 20 (for drinks over 22% ABV).

Hotels

Norway is bursting with first class establishments, many of which are family run. The big chains – Kempinski, Radisson and so on – are all present in larger towns and cities. Business hotels often drop their rates at weekends and during the summer low-season in many areas.

Camping Caravaning

Offsite camping is permitted in uninhabited areas (not lay-bys), but fires are illegal in field or woodland areas between 15 April and 15 September. You must ask farmers for permission before camping on their land.

Other

History

From Norse warriors to Vidkun Quisling, Norway’s history boasts enough twists and turns to fill a Viking epic. Early Norse civilisation bore cultural fruit in the shape of Viking epics and the ferocity of Viking warriors is still remembered today. The age of the Vikings came to an end with the advent of Christianity and the death of King Harald Hardrada in the battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066 but their legacy lives on, with the Viking period remaining one of the best-known in Norwegian history.

The years up to 1905 saw Norway lose its sovereignty, first to Denmark and then to Sweden, when it was handed to Stockholm in 1814 by the Danes who were forced to concede it as a result of being on the losing side in the Napoleonic Wars. After much wrangling, Norway finally gained independence in 1905 following a referendum. Its newly won autonomy wasn’t to last and the Germans invaded in 1940, installing a puppet government led by Vidkun Quisling whose name was to become a by-word for treachery. Norway regained its independence as a constitutional monarchy after the Nazis were defeated in 1945.

One of the most divisive issues in contemporary Norwegian politics has been the country's relationship with the rest of Europe. Norwegians are fiercely protective of their independence and concerns about the effect of European Union membership on the country’s major industries have meant that the electorate has consistently voted to remain outside the EU. However, Norway did join the European Free Trade Area (EFTA), which represents most of the European nations, which are not members of the EU.
 

Further afield, the Norwegians have established a considerable reputation for handling delicate conflict negotiations, particularly in hosting and mediating the negotiations leading up to the 1994 Israeli-Palestinian peace accord – one of the major foreign policy coups of recent times.

Usually a peaceful and stable country, July 2011 saw twin attacks on the government quarter in Oslo and the Labour Party youth summer camp at Utøya Island, resulting in 77 deaths – Norway’s largest loss of life in a single incident since World War 2.

Did you know?

• The sperm whale is the largest predator in Norwegian waters and the brown bear the largest on land.

• In 2015 Norway’s King Harald V became the world’s first reigning monarch to set foot on Antarctica when he visited Queen Maud Land, a Norwegian dependency.

• The Hardangerjøkulen glacier appears as the ice planet Hoth in the film Star Wars Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back.

Religion

According to 2016 figures, just under 78% of Norwegians identify themselves as Christian. 71.5% of Norwegians belong to the Church of Norway – an Evangelical-Lutheran denomination. Another 6% belong to other Christian denominations such as Catholicism. Of the non-Christian religions the largest group are Muslims, followed by Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs, Baha’i and Jews, all of which account for 3.5% of the population. 16% of Norwegians identify themselves as having no religious affiliation at all.

Social Conventions

Normal courtesies should be observed and follow similar lines to those of other European countries, with a few regional exceptions, for example, guests refraining from drinking until the host has toasted their health. Hosts and hostesses often expect an invited guest to offer small gifts on arrival for a meal. Punctuality is expected if invited out for dinner. Lunch, generally a light open sandwich snack known as a matpakke, takes place between 11.30am and 12pm, while dinner is very early - around 5pm.

Best Time To Visit:

The best time to visit is between mid May and mid August, unless you're coming to ski, in which case the best time is December to Easter. Hikers and those in search of outdoor pursuits including wildlife watching should aim to visit in the summer months when the warmer weather makes getting out and about in the Norwegian countryside a real pleasure. Better still, the summer is low season, which means accommodation and transport deals aplenty.

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Required Clothing

European according to the season. Light to medium-weights are worn in summer. Warmer clothing, gloves and hats are necessary during the winter. Waterproofing is advisable throughout the year.

Dialing Code:

+47

Area(sq km):

385186

Population:

5.421.241

Population Density(per sq km):

14

Population Year:

2020

EU Member:

No

Main emergency number

113