Norway is easily a contender for the most beautiful country in the world. The country boasts a picturesque landscape highlighted by deep fjords, majestic glaciers, and a rugged coastline. Throw in the colorful Northern lights, architectural marvels in Oslo, and picturesque fisherman huts in Hannoy, and you have a perfect holiday destination. Here is our Norway travel guide that will give you all the information you will need to plan a memorable trip to Norway.

Should you go to Norway in November to relish the autumn colors in full bloom? Or would you rather enjoy an ultimate getaway experience by visiting Norway in December?  Perhaps you will love the longer nights and shorter days in Norway in October. Find out what works best for you by reading our article on the best time to visit Norway.

To determine whether one week in Norway will be enough time for you to discover the bustling city of Oslo, ride the funicular in Bryggen wharf, hike the scenic trails in Aurland, and soak up the sights of the shimmering Northern lights, check out our article on how many days to spend in Norway.

Talking about the northern lights, here are the top three places to see Northern lights in Scandinavia.

The best time to visit Norway and how long to spend there is a matter of subjective interpretation. But one thing everyone can agree on is that Norway is not a destination you would want to be exploring in hurry.

Top Destinations in Norway

Discover the highlights of Norway.

Explore the Bustling City of Oslo

Explore the Bustling City of Oslo

Discover the vibrant city of Oslo, Norway's capital, and immerse yourself in its lively atmosphere. Visit iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace and Oslo Opera House, explore the museums on Bygdøy Peninsula, and indulge in delicious Nordic cuisine. Don't forget to stroll along the picturesque waterfront and experience the city's rich cultural scene. View Tours

Tour the Arctic Town of Longyearbyen

Tour the Arctic Town of Longyearbyen

Experience the thrill of Longyearbyen, the world's northernmost city. Explore its snow-covered streets, ride snowmobiles, and go horseback riding. Discover Norwegian history at the Svalbard Museum and taste unique brews at the Svalbard Brewery. Don't miss the North Pole Expedition Museum. Embark on an unforgettable sled ride in Longyearbyen. View Tours

Embark on A Bergen Sightseeing Tour

Embark on A Bergen Sightseeing Tour

Embark on a Bergen sightseeing tour and soak up the charm of Norway's second-largest city. Explore the picturesque Bryggen Wharf, visit the vibrant Fish Market, ride the Fløibanen funicular for breathtaking views of the arena, and wander through the historic streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Uncover the beauty of Bergen on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. View Tours

What to do in Norway

Top things to do in Norway.

Top 3 Places to See the Northern Lights in Scandinavia

Top 3 Places to See the Northern Lights in Scandinavia

Scandinavia is, arguably, the best place on earth to observe the northern lights, a fabulous natural phenomenon that attracts numerous visitors every year. And, the reasons for that are not limited solely to the geographical location with the region&rsquo ...Read more

Things to do in Norway

Things to do in Norway

The land of the midnight sun, stunning fjords, pristine glaciers, and magnificent mountains, Norway is amply blessed in the nature department. But it doesn’t stop just there. This Nordic nation also boasts a rich art, culture, and culinary scene. Fr ...Read more

9 Best Things to Do in Norway

9 Best Things to Do in Norway

The land of the midnight sun, Norway, is known for its breathtaking fjords, mountains, and glaciers. The country is also rich in art, culture, and history. Set out on the crisp and clear waters of Norway’s fjords and coastline, stay further inland f ...Read more

When to visit Norway

Read the below travel guides to find the best time to visit Norway.

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  • MayAvg Daily: 16 ° CAvg Nightly: 7 ° C
  • JunAvg Daily: 20 ° CAvg Nightly: 11 ° C
  • JulAvg Daily: 22 ° CAvg Nightly: 13 ° C
  • AugAvg Daily: 20 ° CAvg Nightly: 12 ° C
  • SepAvg Daily: 16 ° CAvg Nightly: 7 ° C
  • OctAvg Daily: 10 ° CAvg Nightly: 4 ° C
  • NovAvg Daily: 4 ° CAvg Nightly: -1 ° C
  • DecAvg Daily: -1 ° CAvg Nightly: -5 ° C

Norway at a Glance

Quick facts about Norway

CAPITAL CITY

Oslo is the capital of Norway. The city boasts a rich cultural and architectural heritage. It is also the host city of the Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony.

SIZE

385,207 km². Some of the popular tourist attractions are quite far apart. Thankfully, there is a well-developed public transportation system, comprising trains, buses, and ferries.

COUNTRY CODE

The Norway country code 47 allows you to call Norway from another nation. Following the IDD, dial Norway telephone code 47. Norway international dialing 47 is followed by an area code.

CURRENCY

The Norwegian krone (NOK) is the official currency in Norway, and the symbol is kr. Most tourist attractions accept Euros, but at lesser rates than exchange booths. Importantly, cash is not king in Norway, and most establishments will accept card payments.

MAIN AIRPORT

The Oslo Lufthavn is Norway’s main airport, serving local and international travelers. It is located in Gardermoen, about 50 km from the city center. Code: OSL. Closest City: Oslo.

VISAS

As part of the Schengen zone, most travelers can enter for up to 90 days without a visa. However, some nationalities need a Schengen visa. We recommend checking your country’s travel advisories before booking a trip.

LANGUAGE

The official language in Norway is Norwegian and Sami. The country has 13 spoken languages, and English is widely spoken in major cities. Learning a few native words and phrases, however, goes a long way. Start with ‘Hallo’, a customary local greeting.

EMERGENCY CONTACT

The number to call in case of emergency is 112 for the police, 113 for an ambulance, and 110 for fire.

WHAT'S UNIQUE

It is customary to take off your shoes when entering restaurants, hotels, and shops in Longyearbyen. The practice dates back to the city’s coal mining days.

How long to stay in Norway

Read about the ideal duration to stay in Norway.

FAQs for Norway

Read the most frequently asked questions and answer about traveling to Norway below.

  • Do I need to visa to travel to Norway?
  • Is Norway expensive to travel to?
  • How many days should I spend in Norway?
  • Are credit cards accepted in Norway?
  • What is the best time to visit Norway?

Sustainable Travel – How to travel through Norway responsibly

In line with Bookmundi's vision, we wish to provide our travelers with a sustainable travel experience through Norway. As part of this effort, we carbon offset any Norway tour that you purchase through us. You can read more details about our carbon offsetting program.

Here is what you can do to travel through Norway responsibly:

  • Carbon-offset your transport to Norway via Norwegian. The moment your tour starts in Norway, and if you have purchased your tour through Bookmundi, we will carbon-offset your tour from its starting point to its ending point.
  • You can donate a small amount to Fjord CleanUp, a group of volunteer divers, paddlers, and walkers that work hard to clean and restore the local fjords every week.
  • Eat local and support small museums and art galleries when you visit Norway. Also, purchase souvenirs made by local craftsmen.

Norway Travel Tips and Insights

  • Always pack an extra layer of clothes when traveling through Norway, especially during hikes. The weather can change in a flash, and temperatures drop as you approach higher altitudes.
  • Due to “Allemannsretten” (Freedom to Roam), most outdoor locations, national parks, and all public lands are free to use for everyone. However, it is your responsibility to treat nature with respect and ensure you do not leave trash behind.
  • Norway is not a cheap country. However, you can still travel on a budget by researching your accommodation options beforehand, choosing public transport, and purchasing raw food items at the supermarket rather than always eating out.
  • Although there are more polar bears than there are people in Svalbard, do not expect to see them roaming the streets. You are only likely to encounter them if you roam deep into the wilderness.
  • Northern Norway experiences polar nights during the winter, with some parts experiencing up to 24 hours of darkness. However, the opposite occurs during the summer months.

Ready to customize your Norway Vacation

Book your trip when it is perfectly designed and customized, just for you.

  • Tamara Kukovalsky
    Tamara KukovalskyTravel Expert in Norway & Sweden
  • Emma Vestrheim
    Emma VestrheimTravel Expert in Finland & Norway
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