Norway Travel Information

Norway is a country of stunning natural beauty, with a rich cultural heritage and a modern, cosmopolitan atmosphere. From its breathtaking fjords to its vibrant cities, Norway offers something for every type of traveler. Here are the top 10 things to do when visiting Norway:

1. Explore the Fjords

The fjords of Norway are a natural wonder, with steep cliffs and crystal-clear waters surrounded by majestic mountains. Visitors can explore the fjords by boat, taking in the stunning scenery and learning about the history and culture of the region.

2. Visit the City of Oslo

Oslo is the capital and largest city of Norway, offering a mix of historic charm and modern culture. Visitors can explore its museums, parks, and cultural institutions, or simply enjoy its bustling streets and bustling cafes.

3. Hike in the Mountains

Norway is home to some of the most spectacular mountains in Europe, with a wide range of hiking trails that offer breathtaking views and challenging adventures.

4. Experience the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon that can be seen in Norway from September to April, with the best viewing conditions typically in the winter months.

5. Visit the Medieval Town of Bergen

Bergen is a charming, medieval town located on the west coast of Norway, known for its colorful wooden buildings and stunning natural beauty. Visitors can explore its historic streets and enjoy its vibrant cultural scene.

6. Take a Cruise along the Coast

Cruising along the coast of Norway is a popular way to experience its stunning natural beauty, with opportunities to explore remote villages, fjords, and other breathtaking locations.

7. Explore the Art and Culture of Stavanger

Stavanger is a city on the southwest coast of Norway, known for its vibrant cultural scene, including its museums, galleries, and cultural institutions.

8. Visit the Viking Ship Museum

The Viking Ship Museum in Oslo is a must-visit for visitors interested in the history and culture of Norway. The museum showcases the impressive ships of the Vikings, along with other artifacts from this fascinating period of history.

9. Go Skiing or Snowboarding in the Mountains

Norway is home to some of the best ski resorts in Europe, offering a wide range of slopes and facilities for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

10. Visit the Arctic Svalbard Islands

The Svalbard Islands are located in the Arctic Ocean, north of Norway, and are home to breathtaking natural beauty and unique wildlife, including polar bears, reindeer, and walruses. Visitors can take guided tours to these remote islands and experience their rugged beauty and rugged adventure.

Climate

Norway has a temperate maritime climate with cool summers and cold winters. The coastal areas tend to have more moderate temperatures, while the inland areas experience more extreme variations in temperature. The average temperature in the summer months (June to August) is around 10°C (50°F), while in the winter months (December to February) the average temperature is around -5°C (23°F).

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Norway depends on the type of activities and experiences you are looking for. If you enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boat trips, the summer months (June to August) are the best time to visit, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures.

If you prefer winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and dog sledding, the winter months (December to February) are the ideal time to visit. During this time, many ski resorts are open and the country is blanketed in snow, creating a truly magical winter wonderland.

Overall, the shoulder months of May and September can also be a good time to visit as the weather is still pleasant and many of the tourist crowds have diminished.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels and Resorts

Norway offers a wide range of hotels and resorts to accommodate tourists, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious five-star establishments. In the larger cities, you will find many modern hotels with all the amenities you need, while in rural areas, you can find cozy, traditional accommodations like country inns and cabins.

Cabins and Cottages

Norway is also well-known for its cabins and cottages, which are particularly popular among those looking for a more authentic and rustic experience. These can range from basic wooden cabins to luxury lodges, and many are situated in beautiful natural settings surrounded by mountains and forests.

Camping and RV Parks

For those who prefer a more adventurous and budget-friendly option, camping and RV parks are also widely available throughout Norway. These offer basic amenities such as restrooms, showers, and electrical hookups, and are often situated in beautiful natural surroundings, providing the perfect base for exploring the country.

Hostels

For budget-conscious travelers, hostels are another popular accommodation option in Norway. These provide basic shared sleeping arrangements and often have communal kitchens, lounges, and other common areas, making them a great choice for those looking to save money and meet other travelers.

Public Transportation

Norway has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trains, and ferries, that connect most major cities and tourist destinations. The cities of Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim have extensive public transportation networks, including both bus and train services. Additionally, several ferry services operate along the country's fjords and coast, providing a scenic and convenient way to travel.

Rental Cars

For those who prefer more independence and flexibility, rental cars are a popular option for exploring Norway. There are many rental car companies located in major cities and airports, and a rental car can provide a convenient way to travel, especially if you plan to visit remote or rural areas.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services

Taxis and ride-sharing services, such as Uber, are also available in major cities and tourist destinations, providing an easy and convenient way to get around. Taxis are typically metered and can be hailed on the street or ordered in advance, while ride-sharing services can be booked through a smartphone app.

Bicycle Rentals

For those who prefer a more active and environmentally friendly mode of transportation, bicycle rentals are available in many cities and tourist destinations. This is a great option for exploring scenic areas and can provide a unique perspective on the country and its natural beauty.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.