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Why Norway?

Tromsø

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Why Norway?

Here's what travel consultants need to know about Norway, from natural wonders and Arctic adventures to city breaks and cultural curiosities.

Natural wonders

One of Norway’s most obvious attractions is the spectacular nature. The fjord landscape is unique, and places like Tromsø and Svalbard have made Arctic adventure holidays accessible. In the summer, people come to take part in outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, cycling activities in pristine surroundings, whilst enjoying the midnight sun in the northern parts of the country.

The winters attract those who are into winter sports like skiing, skating and dog sledding. There is also a high chance of catching more than a glimpse of the northern lights. The coastal steamer Hurtigruten is also a popular choice, taking passengers along the coast from Bergen in Fjord Norway all the way up to Kirkenes near the Russian border in the north.

Cultural delights

There is more to Norway than nature, however. Main cities like Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Trondheim and Tromsø all have a lively cultural scene with plenty of festivals, art exhibitions and museums.

The capital Oslo is currently one of the fastest growing cities in Europe, and visitors can enjoy a great amount of new architecture, a buzzing live music scene and an interesting food culture with everything from cosy cafes to fine dining restaurants. Food is a hot topic not just in the cities – throughout the country you will notice a strong focus on reinventing Norway’s culinary traditions by combining local ingredients in new ways. Look out for fresh seafood in particular. History buffs, meanwhile, can indulge in a large dose of colourful Viking heritage.

Explore Norway

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Norway is probably bigger than you think. Even though there are only just over 5 million inhabitants in the country, it takes 30 hours to drive from Kristiansand in the south to Hammerfest in the north. The map will help you to get to know the biggest cities, fjords and attractions.

Key facts about Norway

  • System of government: Constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy
  • Head of government: Prime Minister Erna Solberg
  • Size: 385,155 square kilometres
  • Population: Over 5 million inhabitants
  • Capital: Oslo
  • Languages: Norwegian bokmål, Norwegian nynorsk and Sami
  • Religion: Church of Norway (Protestant Christianity)
  • Currency: Norwegian kroner (NOK) 1 krone = 100 øre
  • Time zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) +1 hour
  • National day: 17 May

Bonus features

Included in the price on every trip to Norway

  • Easy communication – practically everyone speaks English
  • A strong focus on sustainability and green travel
  • Family friendly – great for travelling with kids
  • Safe travel – low crime rate
  • A reliable infrastructure with excellent transport links
  • Accessible nature and natural attractions within easy reach


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Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

  • Food - Brim Explorer
    Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
  • Performancce Marketing
    CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
  • Blazerbu - Norgesbooking
    NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
  • Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel in Oslo, Eastern Norway
    Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
  • The Thief - A lifestyle boutique hotel in Oslo
    StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
  • Standard Room - Svolvær - Thon Hotel
    Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
  • Valevåg Camping
    CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
  • Hotell Refsnes Gods - fasade
    Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
  • Two people sitting in a sofa in Eagle Nest Eco Lodge in Eastern Norway
    50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
  • Family in outdoor pool in winter at Radisson Blu mountain resort & residences in Trysil, Eastern Norway
    Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
  • Hardangerfjord - Authentic Scandinavia
    Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
  • Lit-up tent in snow with colorful northern lights and mountains behind it
    Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
  • Two women viewing scenic Norwegian fjord from a boat, with dramatic mountains reflected in calm water under blue sky.
    Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
  • Eidfjord village - Go fjords
    Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
  • The Hurtigruten ship MS Nordkapp in Geirangerfjord in Fjord Norway
    HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
  • Skiing on finnmarksvidda
    Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
  • Sykkeltur i Hardanger
    Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
  • Happy family taking a selfie in an airport after arriving to Norway
    Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
  • Hop on hop off bus - Stromma
    StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
  • Hikers approaching a small wooden cabin with grass roof in mountainous landscape
    Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
  • Woodward - Arctic Campers
    Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
  • Auto Europe
    Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
  • Buss bilde - NOR-WAY
    NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
  • Shutterstock 4 - Rent-A-Wreck
    Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
  • Raumabanen - SJ Nord
    SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
  • A bus driving along the coast in Norway, Vy express route vy146
    Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
  • Vy Train travelling on a scenic railway line between Bergen and Hønefoss, Norway
    Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
  • Malangen resort - My nordic travel
    My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
  • Campanyon - Arctic Dome Smiberget
    CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
  • Airplane
    NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
  • Kviknes Hotel on the shores of the Sognefjord, surrounded by mountains.
    De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
  • A woman hiking in the summer mountains by the fjord.
    CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.