Travel tips A-Z

Internet access

Internet access is good in most towns and cities, either through mobile data, or public wifi in cafés and other public areas. Mobile data coverage will be spotty in sparsely populated areas.

Most hotels have free Internet access in the rooms, but if it is important to you, it’s best to ask the hotel before you book.

Many buses, express buses and trains offer free onboard wifi, but this will often require registration and have limited capacity.

LGBT

Most LGBT venues and offers are found in the big cities like Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim.

Marriage

Sure you can get married in Norway, but it takes a bit of planning. Start by contacting your Norwegian Embassy for details.

Money

Norway's currency is "kroner", abbreviated NOK. That said, how much should you tip, pay, or expect to be billed?

Pets

Make sure you read the full instructions at the Norwegian Food Safety Authority in good time prior to your travel. Dogs, cats and ferrets from all EU countries must have pet passports, ID marking and valid rabies vaccination. Dogs must be given approved tapeworm treatment, minimum 24 and maximum 120 hours before arrival. Small rodents, cage birds and rabbits must have valid import permits issued by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority. Certain dog types are prohibited in Norway. Norway is among few rabies-free countries thanks to high awareness and strict rules.

Additional rules apply for non-EU countries. For further information not found on the website of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority please contact the 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 of access

In Norway everyone has the unrestricted right of free access in the countryside, ­including the national parks. Read more about the rights of access. 

Safety

We want you to come back, so see our tips on how to stay safe in the mountains, on the seas, or on the roads.

Smoking

Sorry, but indoor smoking in most 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.

Time zone

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 most are quite inexpensive, and you don’t even 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 a passport or visa when entering Norway, but must show valid and sufficient ID. A European Union ID-card or passport is recommended.

Svalbard is not part of the Schengen area, so all foreign visitors must bring their passport. The European Health Insurance Card is not valid in the Svalbard Islands. It is therefore strongly recommended to purchase travel insurance before you go there.

Citizens of some countries outside the EU/EEA have to apply for a visitor's visa. You can easily check if this is required for you at udi.no.