Introduction
What to do
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Getting around
Local costs

Norway travel guide

Norway Tourism | Norway Guide

You're Going to Love Norway

Filled with glaciers, mountains, and the Northern Lights, Norway is an ideal destination for anyone that is interested in adventure and captivating scenery. In addition to world-class skiing, hiking, and sledding, this country provides visitors the opportunity to explore traditional Scandinavian villages.

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What to do in Norway

1. Learn About Norway's Viking History

To learn about this country's Viking heritage, go to Lofoten, an archipelago that features the Lofotr Viking Museum and several small fishing villages.

2. Discover Colorful Architecture

To wander throughout a picturesque village and take in all of the brightly colored buildings, you will not want to miss Bryggen, a small town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Culture site.

3. Relax in a Beautiful Greenspace

For a casual stroll or a delicious picnic, head to Frogner Park, a public area that contains several art installations and the Oslo City Museum.

4. Hike Through the Scenic Mountains

Fløyen is a particularly popular destination in Norway, as it is a mountain that contains several hiking trails, all of which will provide you with scenic and breathtaking views of the surrounding region.

5. Experience a Once in a Lifetime Performance

If you are a music enthusiast, go to the Oslo Opera House, a contemporary building that is home to the country's ballet.

1. Learn About Norway's Viking History

To learn about this country's Viking heritage, go to Lofoten, an archipelago that features the Lofotr Viking Museum and several small fishing villages.

2. Discover Colorful Architecture

To wander throughout a picturesque village and take in all of the brightly colored buildings, you will not want to miss Bryggen, a small town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Culture site.

3. Relax in a Beautiful Greenspace

For a casual stroll or a delicious picnic, head to Frogner Park, a public area that contains several art installations and the Oslo City Museum.

4. Hike Through the Scenic Mountains

Fløyen is a particularly popular destination in Norway, as it is a mountain that contains several hiking trails, all of which will provide you with scenic and breathtaking views of the surrounding region.

5. Experience a Once in a Lifetime Performance

If you are a music enthusiast, go to the Oslo Opera House, a contemporary building that is home to the country's ballet.

When to visit Norway

Norway in October
Estimated hotel price
$177
1 night at 3-star hotel
Norway in October
Estimated hotel price
$177
1 night at 3-star hotel

For activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, or swimming, it is best to go in the early summer months, like June and July. If you would like to see the Northern Lights, you should visit between October and March.

How to Get to Norway

Entry Requirements

As Norway is a member of the Schengen Agreement, all nationals from countries in the Schengen Zone are able to enter the country without a visa and without a time limit. If you are a citizen of the United States, you will be able to go to Norway with a valid passport and stay for up to 90 days.

Plane

Most individuals that visit Norway opt to fly to the country, as there are many international airports, with the biggest being in Oslo.

Train

There are several daily international trains to Norway, with many of them originating from Sweden and arriving in cities, such as Oslo, Trondheim, and Narvik.

Car

If you would like to drive to Norway, it is possible to do so from either Russia, Finland, or Sweden. No matter which country you are coming from, you will have to go through a full customs inspection upon crossing the border.

Bus

Individuals coming from Sweden and Denmark have the option of taking a bus to Norway, with possible destinations being cities like Oslo and Bodø.

Boat

There are several daily international ferries that go to Norway, with some departure countries being Belgium, England, Denmark, and Germany.

Entry Requirements

As Norway is a member of the Schengen Agreement, all nationals from countries in the Schengen Zone are able to enter the country without a visa and without a time limit. If you are a citizen of the United States, you will be able to go to Norway with a valid passport and stay for up to 90 days.

Plane

Most individuals that visit Norway opt to fly to the country, as there are many international airports, with the biggest being in Oslo.

Train

There are several daily international trains to Norway, with many of them originating from Sweden and arriving in cities, such as Oslo, Trondheim, and Narvik.

Car

If you would like to drive to Norway, it is possible to do so from either Russia, Finland, or Sweden. No matter which country you are coming from, you will have to go through a full customs inspection upon crossing the border.

Bus

Individuals coming from Sweden and Denmark have the option of taking a bus to Norway, with possible destinations being cities like Oslo and Bodø.

Boat

There are several daily international ferries that go to Norway, with some departure countries being Belgium, England, Denmark, and Germany.

Popular airports in Norway

BOOBodø
LYRLongyearbyen Svalbard
SVGStavanger Sola
SVJSvolvær Helle
TRDTrondheim Vaernes
OSLOslo Gardermoen
TRFOslo Sandefjord
BGOBergen Flesland
MOLMolde Aro
KSUKristiansund Kvernberget
KRSKristiansand Kjevik
LKNLeknes
HOVVolda Hovden
AESÅlesund Vigra
KKNKirkenes Hoeybuktmoen
BDUBardufoss
EVENarvik Evenes
TOSTromso/Langnes
ALFAlta
HAUHaugesund
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Popular airlines serving Norway

KLM
Good (1,428 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,635 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,005 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,585 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,105 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,815 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,092 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,686 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,053 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,440 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,507 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,534 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,332 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (879 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,095 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,607 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,338 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,413 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,477 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,149 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Norway

Where to stay in Norway

Although many visitors tend to stay in standard hotels, it is also possible to reserve a mountain cabin. If you will be in Norway for several weeks, you may be interested in renting a furnished apartment through a hotel.

Where to stay in popular areas of Norway

Most booked hotels in Norway

See all
Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel Stavanger
4 stars
Excellent (8.5, 3738 reviews)
$118+
View
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Oslo
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, 8886 reviews)
$137+
View
Radisson Blu Airport Hotel, Oslo Gardermoen
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, 6742 reviews)
$132+
View
Radisson Blu Royal Garden Hotel, Trondheim
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, 4665 reviews)
$115+
View
Magic Kloverhuset Harbour Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 4129 reviews)
$85+
View
Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromso
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, 4312 reviews)
$215+
View

How to Get Around Norway

Public Transportation

Almost every city in Norway has a local bus system, with fares ranging from 25-45 NOK (2.75-5 USD) per ride. In the Akershus region and in Oslo, tourists can benefit from the subway and tram systems.

Trains

The Norwegian State Railways offers daily trains from Oslo to most major cities in Norway, such as Halden and Sarpsborg.

Bus

Buses are one of the most affordable ways to travel throughout Norway and they are offered by two major providers, which are Nettbuss TIMEkspressen and NOR-WAY Bussekspress. Keep in mind that during the winter months, some of these buses may not be operating due to poor weather.

Plane

Domestic flights are very popular in Norway, as they are one of the quickest ways to travel from city to city. When booking tickets, some of the most popular companies are SAS, Widerøe, and Norwegian.

Public Transportation

Almost every city in Norway has a local bus system, with fares ranging from 25-45 NOK (2.75-5 USD) per ride. In the Akershus region and in Oslo, tourists can benefit from the subway and tram systems.

Trains

The Norwegian State Railways offers daily trains from Oslo to most major cities in Norway, such as Halden and Sarpsborg.

Bus

Buses are one of the most affordable ways to travel throughout Norway and they are offered by two major providers, which are Nettbuss TIMEkspressen and NOR-WAY Bussekspress. Keep in mind that during the winter months, some of these buses may not be operating due to poor weather.

Plane

Domestic flights are very popular in Norway, as they are one of the quickest ways to travel from city to city. When booking tickets, some of the most popular companies are SAS, Widerøe, and Norwegian.

Best car rental deals in Norway

Economy

2 Adults, 2 Bags

$44/day

Economy

Compact

4 Adults, 2 Bags

$45/day

Compact
Find car rentals in Norway

The Cost of Living in Norway

When eating lunch or dinner in a traditional Norwegian restaurant, you can expect to pay between 200-300 NOK (22-33 USD) for your meal with a drink. Almost all businesses accept major credit cards, with the exception being some grocery stores. Keep some cash with you for small transactions. ATMs are readily available and you can also exchange your money at the airport or at a currency exchange shop.

Everything you need to know for your stay in Norway