Ten Essential Tips for Traveling to Norway for the First Time
Norway is a dream destination for many travelers, with its majestic fjords, historic cities, and dramatic landscapes. However, it’s important to be well-prepared before embarking on your trip to ensure the best experience. From knowing what to pack to understanding how to save money in one of the world’s most expensive countries, here are 10 essential tips for traveling to Norway.
1. Know the Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK)
Instead of the euro € or the pound £, the official currency of Norway is the Norwegian krone (NOK). It’s important to familiarize yourself with the exchange rate before you go. Cash is accepted, but Norway is largely a cashless society so credit and debit cards are widely used, even for small transactions. As of this writing, one US dollar is equal to 10.69 NOK. So when you order a glass of wine at a restaurant, don’t be surprised when it is almost 150 NOK!
Tip: Make sure your card has no foreign transaction fees when you travel to save some money.
2. Safety: Norway is Extremely Safe and Welcoming
Norway consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world. The locals are friendly, helpful, and most speak excellent English, making it easy for travelers to communicate and navigate. However, like anywhere, it’s wise to stay vigilant in crowded tourist areas and keep your belongings secure especially in larger cities like Oslo and Bergen.
3. Language: Norwegian, but English is Common
While the official language is Norwegian, you’ll find that many Norwegians are fluent in English, especially in tourist areas. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or directions; locals are generally happy to assist. Learning a few basic Norwegian phrases can go a long way in being polite.
4. Best Time to Travel to Norway
The best time to visit Norway depends on what you want to experience. For winter sports like skiing and viewing the northern lights, visit between November and February. If you’re after the midnight sun, lush green landscapes and long summer days perfect for hiking and kayaking, plan your trip between June and August. Each season offers its own magic, but be prepared for the dramatic difference in daylight hours depending on the time of year.
5. What to Pack: Be Ready for All Weather
Norwegian weather can be unpredictable, so packing layered clothing is crucial. Even in summer evenings can be cool, so pack a light jacket, comfortable hiking shoes, and warm clothing options. One day in Bergen we had to purchase lighter clothing and shorts, and the next day we were in long sleeves and raincoats. If you’re visiting in winter, proper thermal wear, a good coat, and waterproof gear are essential.
Tip: Comfortable shoes are a must for hiking or walking in cities no matter the season.
6. Norway Can Be Expensive, But There Are Ways to Save
There’s no sugarcoating it—Norway is one of the most expensive countries in the world. Accommodations, dining, and attractions can quickly add up.
To save money shop for food at major supermarket chains like Rema 1000, ICA, and Coop, and opt for public transportation when possible. The bus and train systems running throughout Norway are very inexpensive and efficient. It’s also worth noting that service charges and VAT are included in prices.
When eating out, tipping is not customary but small tips are appreciated.
7. Where to See the Northern Lights
One of Norway’s top attractions is witnessing the northern lights, or aurora borealis. The best places to see them are in the northern regions, especially around Tromsø, Lofoten Islands, and Svalbard. Clear, dark winter nights away from city lights offer the best chance to catch this spectacular natural display. Summer in Norway brings the midnight sun, which means there is too much daylight to see the northern lights.
Tip: The lights are not visible year-round, visit Norway during winter when the nights are longest and the skies are darkest.
8. What to Eat: Don’t Miss the Local Cuisine
Norwegian cuisine is all about fresh, local ingredients. Try traditional dishes like “rakfisk” (fermented fish), “klippfisk” (dried salted cod), and reindeer meat. Don’t miss “kanelboller” (cinnamon buns) for a sweet treat and “brunost” (brown cheese) for a unique taste of Norway.
Fun fact: The brunost is similar to a goat cheese consistency and has a nutty, sharp, almost caramel-like flavor. And it’s actually not cheese at all, it is a whey by-product commonly eaten on toast.
9. Midnight Sun and Longer Days
In the northern parts of Norway during the summer you can experience the midnight sun, where the sun doesn’t set for several weeks. This phenomenon allows for extended hours of sightseeing and activities. In winter, the opposite occurs, with very limited daylight and polar nights with long periods of darkness.
In the more southern areas of the country, visitors can experience both of these natural phenomenon but to a much lesser degree. The photo below was taken at midnight in Flåm in June.
10. The Regions of Norway: Vastly Different Landscapes From Fjords to Arctic Tundra
Norway is a very large and long country divided into several regions, each with vastly different and unique landscapes: Northern, Central, Southern, Western, and Eastern Norway. The fjords of Western Norway draw the most attention, offering dramatic landscapes, towering mountains and free-flowing waterfalls.
But don’t overlook the cultural offerings of bustling cities like Oslo in the east, and seaside towns like Bergen in the south. And the rugged beauty of Northern Norway is a spot where the artic is still wild and small villages welcome adventurers year-round. Each part of the country has something special to offer.
Common Norwegian Vocabulary & Terms
- Fjord – (fee-ord) a long, deep, narrow body of water that reaches far inland.
- Sognefjord – nicknamed the “King of the Fjords”, the largest and deepest fjord in Norway.
- Aurlandsfjord – a 29-kilometre (18 mi) long fjord that is a branch off of the main Sognefjord.
- Nærøyfjord – a branch off the Sognefjord and one of the narrowest fjords in the world, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Hello – Hallo
- Good morning/ Good evening = God morgen/ god kveld
- Please = Vær så snill
- Thank you = Takk
- How are you? = Hvordan har du det?
- I’m sorry = Beklager
- Goodbye = Ha det
- Safe travels/ have a good trip = God tur!
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Norway is a country of stunning contrasts and rich experiences, from its vibrant cities and majestic fjords to the breathtaking northern lights and the midnight sun. By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate this incredible country and create memories that will last a lifetime. Embrace the Norwegian way of life, and you’ll find yourself captivated by this Scandinavian gem!
God tur!
