You can have the best possible time in Norway by being well prepared. But don't worry, there are plenty of local tourist information offices that are happy to give you updated tips and advice. Here is our quick guide to some useful information.
Alcohol
To buy wine or beer in Norway, the minimum age is 18, 20 for spirits.
Beer can be found in most supermarkets, but is only sold before 8 pm on weekdays and 6 pm on Saturdays. For wine, spirits or strong beer, you must visit Vinmonopolet, the state alcohol monopoly shops, found in most large cities and towns.
Brochures
Visit Norway has replaced printed travel information with this comprehensive website. Here, you will find numerous travel tips, information about destinations, maps, and a route planner, directions on how to get around, as well as useful facts for a soft landing in the land of the fjords and the midnight sun.
The Visit Norway app gives you information about thousands of places to stay, restaurants, activities, and attractions on and near your destination.
Download the app:
iPhone: Visit Norway for iOS
Android: Visit Norway for Android
Budget travel
Yes, it's possible. See our 12 tips for budget holidays here.
Calling home
Dial 00 followed by your two or three digit country code, area code, and phone number.
On most mobile phones, using “+” instead of “00” will also work.
If you are calling home on a mobile phone, buying a local pre-paid SIM card (called “kontantkort”) may be the cheapest option.
Customs regulations
Within the limit of NOK 6,000 you are allowed to bring the following articles free of customs and excise duty into the country (note that the quotas are different from when you’re travelling within the EU):
- A limited amount of alcohol and tobacco
- Meat, meat products, cheese, and foodstuffs except dog and cat food, totalling 10 kilos altogether from EU/EEA countries. It is not permitted to import any meat, meat products, milk and dairy products from countries outside the EU/EEA
- Norwegian and foreign banknotes and coins worth up to NOK 25,000
It is prohibited to import the following without special permission:
- Drugs, medicines, and poisons (minor quantities of medicine for personal use are permitted)
- Spirits over 60% alcohol by volume
- Firerams and ammunition
- Fireworks
- Potatoes
- Mammals, birds, and exotic animals
- Plants/parts thereof for cultivation
For more on customs regulations, please see Norwegian Customs.
Daylight Saving Time
Also known as summer time, DST always starts on the last Sunday in March and ends on the last Sunday in October.
The clock is adjusted one hour ahead in the summer, to move one hour of daylight from the morning to evening.
Disabled?
In general, airlines, trains, buses, ferries, and shops in Norway are accessible for everyone. But some advance planning will still make it easier for you to get around. Read more about travelling in Norway with disabilities.
Drinking water
Tap water is universally drinkable in Norway, and tastes great. So no need to buy bottled water.
Most running water in the mountains and forests of Norway is clean enough to drink, but avoid water running through pastures or run-off from glaciers, as this may contain harmful microorganisms.
Driving
Norway is the longest country in Europe, and it takes about 30 hours to drive from Kristiansand in the south to Hammerfest in the north. The E-motorways are the main arteries connecting cities and regions. Read more about driving in Norway.
Along 18 selected roads, the Norwegian Scenic Routes, natural wonders are amplified by art, design, and architecture that brings you closer to nature in new and surprising ways.
Drones
Drones and similar UAVs must generally be kept at a minimum distance of 150 metres from both people, vehicles and buildings that are not affiliated with the drone operator, at an altitude of max. 120 metres above the surface. Never fly closer than 5 kilometres to an airport unless you have explicit clearance to do so. The device must always remain within sight of the operator, who must not be under the influence of alcohol.
All flying must show consideration and respect for people, birds, animals, private property, public spaces and tourist spots like viewing points. Please check with your destination for local regulations and whether there are any military or other restricted areas where flying is prohibited by law. Read more about use of drones on Civil Aviation Authority Norway’s website.
Electricity
220 volts AC (50 Hz) is the Norwegian standard.
Norway uses the continental European standard socket.
Almost all electricity in Norway is hydroelectric, so you can use it with a clear conscience.
Emergency telephone numbers
- 110 – Fire
- 112 – Police
- 113 – Ambulance
- 120 – Emergencies at sea
- 22 59 13 00 – Poisons Information Centre
- 1412 TDD (text phone for the deaf or hearing impaired)
Foreign languages
Most Norwegians speak English, especially the younger crowd.
Many have also learned German, French, or Spanish at school, but skill levels may vary.
Getting here
By plane or by train, by bus or by boat, we can help you get to Norway.
Internet access
Internet access is good in most towns and cities, either through mobile data, or public Wi-Fi in cafés and other public areas. Mobile data coverage will be patchy in sparsely populated areas. Most hotels have free WiFi, but if this is important to you, it’s best to ask the hotel before you book. Many buses, express buses and trains offer free WiFi, but this will often require registration and may have limited coverage.
LGBTIQ+ travel
Most Norwegians have a liberal attitude towards sexuality and gender identity, and Norway was early in introducing anti-discrimination laws. Most LGBTIQ+ events and groups are found in the big cities like Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim.
Money
Norway's currency is “kroner”, with the code NOK. That said, how much should you tip, pay, or expect to be billed?
Pets
Make sure you read the full rules on the Norwegian Food Safety Authority's website well before your trip.
Dogs, cats, and ferrets from all EU countries must have pet passports and ID marking. Unless from Sweden, the animal also needs a valid anti-rabies vaccination. In addition, dogs from most EU countries must be given approved tapeworm treatment minimum 24 and maximum 120 hours before arrival. Small rodents, caged birds, and rabbits must have valid import permits issued by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority.
Certain dog breeds are prohibited in Norway. Norway is amongst the few rabies-free countries thanks to broad awareness and strict rules.
Additional rules apply to non-EU countries. For further information not found on the Norwegian Food Safety Authority’s website, please contact a Norwegian embassy or consulate in your country.
Public holidays
Norwegian public holidays are New Year's Day (1 Jan), Labour Day (1 May), Constitution Day (17 May), Christmas Day and Boxing Day (25-26 Dec). Movable holidays are Easter, Ascension Day, Whit Sunday, and Whit Monday.
Most shops will be closed on public holidays, and public transit may run with reduced frequency and capacity. Many restaurants and bars will be open, except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Many museums are open on Sundays and some public holidays, but will often be closed on the following Monday.
Retail therapy
Here's what you need to know about shopping in Norway. And before you go, here is information on currency and prices.
Right to roam
In Norway, everyone has the unrestricted right to access the countryside, including the national parks. Read more on the right to roam.
Safety
Before you set out, see our tips on how to stay safe in the mountains, on the seas, and on the road.
Smoking
Indoor smoking in public places is prohibited. This includes hotels, bars, restaurants and all other establishments where food and beverage are served.
You must be over 18 years to buy tobacco in Norway.
E-cigarettes that contain nicotine are legal in Norway and can be imported for personal or medical use. Citizens from the EU/EEA area can enter the country with a maximum quantity of one year's consumption. Citizens from outside the EU/EEA are only allowed to import a quantity that doesn't exceed three months of consumption. When importing e-cigarettes that contain nicotine, it's a good idea to bring along documents, such as a prescription or medical certificate that proves that the products were legally bought for personal use.
Storage of luggage
You will find storage lockers for your luggage at Oslo Central Station. You are welcome to keep your belongings in the lockers at all hours, but you will not be able to access the lockers when the station is closed between 01:30 am and 04:30 am. Make your payment for the use of storage lockers by cash, Visa or Mastercard.
Time zones
All of Norway uses Central European Time (CET), which is one hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+1).
Toll roads
Norway has many toll roads, but the good part is that you don’t need to slow down to pay. Read more about invoicing and how to register your car.
Visa requirements and passports
Visitors from the Schengen countries do not need to show a passport or visa when entering Norway. You may still be asked to identify yourself at some point during your trip, so it is highly recommended to carry a valid passport or national ID card with you.
A number of countries have introduced temporary border controls at the internal borders in Schengen.
Citizens of some countries outside the EU/EEA must have a visitor's visa. You can easily check if this is required for you, and what rules apply to your country, on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Since Svalbard is outside the Schengen area, identity checks are made of everyone travelling to and from the archipelago. This also includes Norwegians. All travellers must bring their passport or national ID card.
Please read more on entry to Svalbard at sysselmannen.no
Note that The European Health Insurance Card is not valid in Svalbard. It is therefore strongly recommended to purchase travel insurance before you go there.
What to wear
Norwegian weather is liable to change from day to day, so bring a selection of clothes that you can layer. That way, you can add or remove layers depending on temperature. In addition, bring at least one warm jumper, waterproof coat and/or umbrella and comfortable walking shoes, boots, or trainers.
If you go during the winter, you will need an overcoat, scarf, gloves and warm shoes or boots.
In autumn and spring, you may want to bring waterproof trousers and boots.
You can dress lighter in summer but remember that even summer evenings and nights can be chilly, particularly in the mountains. Read more about seasons and climate in Norway.
Get ready to explore
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