Money and payments
Cards and cash
Virtually all stores accept major credit cards such as MasterCard and Visa.
Tipping
Cash can still be used for tipping tour guides and similar, where card payment isn't available.
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Europe · Northern EuropeOutline guideCountry in Northern Europe
Photo: Saqib, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Norway (Norwegian: Norge or Noreg) is a land of great fjords, great valleys, wide forests and gorgeous lakes. It also hosts lively cities such as Oslo and Bergen. Norway is the westernmost, northernmost and, surprisingly, the easternmost of the Scandinavian countries – among the Nordic countries only Finland stretches slightly further east. See the midnight sun, watch the Northern Lights, live its rich cultural heritage and eye its distinctive architecture, all the while being tucked within some of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Norway.
Cards and cash
Virtually all stores accept major credit cards such as MasterCard and Visa.
Tipping
Cash can still be used for tipping tour guides and similar, where card payment isn't available.
Norwegian Nynorsk, Norwegian Bokmål, Sami
There is no standard spoken Norwegian (norsk) – a wide range of dialects is used even in public broadcasting.
If you are coming from another EU or EEA country, you will likely be able to continue using your SIM in Norway without surcharges, subject to any fair-use limits imposed by your provider.
Mobile networks
Telia Norge
IceUnlike continental Europe, most of the tap water in Norway is from surface water like rivers and lakes typically in hills above towns.
For minor injuries and illness, go to the local "Legevakt" (emergency room/physician seeing patients without appointment) 116 117 (in country only).
Norwegians are generally open-minded and tolerant and there are few, if any, dos and don'ts that foreign visitors need to keep in mind.
Covered in the guide
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
the capital and largest city of Norway, with museums of national importance, a beautiful setting and lively nightlife and cultural scene.
Once the capital of Norway, old Hanseatic trading centre with a rich culture and dramatic scenery, Norway's second largest city. Wonderfully cute wooden buildings, a magnificent mountain setting, varied nightlife and lots of atmosphere. This is your gateway to the western fjords. The city has been dubbed "the rainiest city in Europe" with an average of 250 days of rainfall a year. Bring an umbrella.
The gateway to the magnificent Lofoten islands. And the place of Saltstraumen, the world's strongest maelstrom.
Once known as industrial and grimy, but refurbishment has made Drammen an enjoyable side trip from Oslo.
A magnificent old town stands out from the rest of the rather nondescript city. Brilliant as a day trip from Oslo.
The jolly capital of the South. Best known for the family attraction Kristiansand zoo and amusement park and as Norway's "cool riviera".
The fourth largest city, and the third largest urban area. Commercially important due to the oil business. The wooden, cobbled central area is one of the most charming places in Norway. Home to one of Norway's medieval cathedrals, you can also visit Iron Age homes and stone age caves. Stavanger is where Erik the Red was born.
The largest city in northern Norway. Offers a perfect spot for the Northern Lights or the Midnight Sun and plenty of other excursions while in between enjoying the tranquil mountainous vistas.
The Atlantic Ocean Road is a spectacular road with bridges along islands and skerries on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.
Norway's largest national park on a large highland plateau.
The largest glacier on the European mainland.
A majestic landscape and home of Norway's highest mountains.
Experience the midnight sun in this traditional fishing district in the northern province with islands and mountains.
This cliff is the northernmost point of continental Europe, overlooking the Barents ocean.
Glaciers, mountains and picturesque settlements are but a few of the sights on the Sognefjord. Flåm and Nærøyfjorden (also a UNESCO World Heritage site) are parts of the mighty Sognefjorden system.
Places in Norway on the World Heritage List.
Struve Geodetic Arc
Listed 2005
Urnes Stave Church
Listed 1979
Bryggen
Listed 1979
Vega Archipelago
Listed 2004
Rock carvings at Alta
Listed 1985
Rjukan–Notodden Industrial Heritage Site
Listed 2015
West Norwegian Fjords – Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord
Listed 2005
Røros Mining Town and the Circumference
Listed 1980
Hjemmeluft, Bergbukten 1
Hjemmeluft, Bergbukten 4B
Hjemmeluft, Ole Pedersen 11A
Hjemmeluft, Bergbukten 2
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Østlandet, including the low southeast region surrounding the capital Oslo, the most densely populated area in Norway with the majority of people living here
Akershus, Buskerud, Hedmark, Oppland, Oslo, Østfold, Telemark, Vestfold
Middle Norway, mostly known as Trøndelag, with the ancient city of Trondheim
Great fjords, the midnight sun and the ancient Sami culture – 50% of Norway's area and 10% of its people
Also called Sørlandet or South Norway, with a gentle coastline
Vestlandet, with the famous fjords and Bergen
An archipelago in the Barents Sea north of Norway, famous for its harsh climate, coal mines and satellite installations. Except for northeasternmost European Russia this is the only part of Europe where polar bears live.
A desolate, mountainous and volcanic island in the Arctic Ocean, partially covered in glaciers with some moss and grass. Military area, admittance only with special permission. Not accessible during winter months.
Public transport and paid services in Norway.
By train
The Norwegian Railways (NSB) has been split up into several companies for several years as of 2025, with different lines awarded to different franchises along the British model.
By boat
Car ferries are an integral part of the road network in coastal and fjord regions.
By bus
An extensive range of express buses connect cities all over Norway and even most national parks. NOR-WAY Bussekspress and Boreal Transport are the biggest operators.
By plane
As Norway's craggy coastline and mountainous terrain slow down overland traffic, domestic flights are a convenient option.
By taxi
Travelling by cab in Norway can be very expensive, and in most cities it is not necessary as bus, tram and train (or even walking) are easier.
By car
Norway has right-hand traffic, like the rest of mainland Europe. Norwegian roads have varying quality, but all public roads have asphalt.
By motorcycle
Motorcycle touring is an increasingly popular way to explore Norway and the Nordics, offering unparalleled access to the dramatic fjords and remote mountain passes of Norway.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Norway.
Finding apps for Norway…
Other ways to travel:By bicycleBy thumb
Operators checked against their official websites in October 2026; services that have stopped running are not listed. Logos and Wikipedia links: Wikidata (CC0)
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Oslo (Gardermoen) · International · OSL
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Oslo
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | -3° | -2° | 2° | 8° | 14° | 18° | 20° | 19° | 14° | 7° | 2° | -3° |
| Avg. low | -8° | -8° | -5° | 0° | 5° | 9° | 12° | 11° | 7° | 2° | -3° | -7° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 78 | 60 | 56 | 61 | 92 | 96 | 112 | 122 | 96 | 104 | 94 | 78 |
| Humidity | 98% | 98% | 93% | 83% | 79% | 78% | 81% | 84% | 87% | 93% | 96% | 97% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$90
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$250
Per person, per day
Luxury
$645
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $45 | $135 | $370 |
| Food and drink | $25 | $60 | $135 |
| Local transport | $10 | $25 | $60 |
| Activities | $10 | $30 | $80 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 1 of 4Exercise normal precautions
Exercise normal precautionin Norway. Norway is generally a safe destination for travelers. Be aware of landslides and avalanches. Norway’s steep mountains make these common. Heavy summer rain or winter snow accumulation can cause them. A special kind of clay called “quick clay” (kvikkleire) can cause ground to collapse in some areas where people live. Keep your belongings safe. Watch your wallet, phone, and bags in busy tourist spots like hotels and transit stations. Review our Travel Guidance for Norway to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
No advice against travel. Read the full advice before you go.
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. Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO: travel advice on X travel advice on Facebook Travel Aware on Instagram
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Norway.
Nature & adventureFive places to sleep close to nature, from Tuscan farmhouses to cloud-forest lodges and fjord cabins, with prices and booking tips.
6 min read
Travel tipsDenmark, Norway and Sweden are constitutional monarchies.
Wikivoyage
ItinerariesEuropean route E6 stretches from Trelleborg in Sweden to Kirkenes in Norway, 3,120 km in total. The leg through Norway is 2,628 km – the longest road within a single country in Europe except Russia.
Wikivoyage
Nature & adventureThe Nordic countries include Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. These countries have cold (or at least cool) winters, attracting travelers who want to practice winter sport or experience a real winter…
Wikivoyage
Travel tipsDriving around Norway takes you to places outside the cities and where public transport is limited or infrequent. This is a good way to travel if you are interested in seeing Norway's natural scenery.
Wikivoyage
Nature & adventureA fjord is a long and deep inlet of the ocean. While fjords can be found in many countries, the fjords of Norway are particularly famous, numerous and easily accessible.
Wikivoyage
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