Norway is a wildly beautiful country of snow-capped
mountains and deep glacier-carved fjords. The astounding scenery of
the southwestern Fjordlands and the mysterious Northern Lights of
the Arctic are the main draw cards for tourists.
But there are many other incentives to visit this
sparsely inhabited country. It offers remote wilderness and outdoor
activities, fairylike forests, historic towns and charming fishing
villages, friendly people, and the lure of the Arctic Circle. It
also boasts some of the most scenic bus trips, boat cruises, and
train rides in the world.
'The Land of the Midnight Sun', with its long summer
days, is not only for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It
offers a rich cultural heritage from the Vikings, the traditional
nomadic Sami people of the remote northern regions, and
world-renowned artists such as Edvard Munch.
Principle cities of interest are Oslo, the pretty
capital; the historic trading port of Bergen, gateway to the
Fjordlands; and hilly Tromsø, within the Arctic Circle, the centre
of the Northern Lights activity. They are pleasant, low-key cities
that offer a good range of museums, historical sites, and unique
architecture.
Norway's greatest impact on history was during the
Viking Age when the sleek Viking ships crossed the Atlantic,
subjecting Europe to numerous raids. Traditionally, Norwegians are
explorers and their influence is evident in the world-shaping
history of the Vikings. It's also seen in more recent personalities
like polar explorer Roald Amundsen and the legendary Pacific
crossing of Thor Heyerdahl on his wooden raft, the Kon-Tiki.
Today, Norwegians hold onto many of their cultural
traditions, most notably the art of storytelling that takes place
around the fireside and whiles away the long winter hours. Trolls
figure prominently in their folklore, some friendly and helpful,
and some decidedly naughty, conveniently serving as a source of
blame for all of life's troubles.
Norway is one of the best adventure-tourism
destinations in the world, with an intriguing folk culture to match
its dramatic landscapes. It is an expensive country to visit but
provides once-in-a-lifetime experiences that truly reward the
investment.
Key Facts
Language:
Norwegian and Sami are the official languages, but
English is widely understood.
Passport/Visa:
All visitors to Norway must have sufficient funds, return or
onward tickets and all documents needed for further travel.
Passports should be valid for at least three months beyond the
period of intended stay. Some European countries require only their
National Identity Card if coming as a tourist to Norway. The
borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following
countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia,
Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands,
Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and
Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa
that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel
freely within the borders of all. It is highly recommended that
passports have at least six months' validity remaining after your
intended date of departure from your travel destination.
Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated
by travel agents and official sources.
Currency:
The official currency is the Norwegian Krone (NOK), divided into
100 ore. Credits are accepted for almost all transactions, with
Eurocard/Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club being
the most common. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and
major post offices, as well as many hotels and travel agents,
although for poorer rates. ATMs are available in all towns and
cities.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin
plugs are in use.
Travel to Norway
Overview
Norway is a famously good destination for outdoor adventure
tourism, with fantastic skiing, cycling, hiking, climbing, river
rafting, and even scuba diving opportunities. The spectacular
scenery is popularly enjoyed on cruises and train rides, with much
of the tourist activity centring on the famous and extensive
network of fjords.
Sognefjord is the largest of the fjords and lures many tourists
to Norway with its dramatic vistas and the natural and cultural
wealth along its banks. Many visitors start their fjord
explorations in Bergen, but Tromsø also offers some glorious fjord
cruises.
Tromsø is the gateway to the Arctic and the main attractions in
the north are the phenomena of the Northern Lights and the Midnight
Sun, which keep travellers arriving year round. Like all the main
cities in Norway, Tromsø also boasts some good museums, as well as
the unique Arctic Cathedral.
Oslo, the capital, is a cosmopolitan, sophisticated city,
surrounded by glorious countryside and promising many sightseeing
opportunities for rainy days. The heritage of the Vikings and the
great Norwegian explorers can be investigated in Oslo, as well as
some of the country's best art galleries. Other popular urban
destinations in Norway include Stavanger, Trondheim, and Bergen,
the gateway to the fjords that also boasts the historic harbour
district of Bryggen.
Climate in Norway
Despite its northerly location, the coastal climate
in Norway is temperate, thanks to the warming effects of the Gulf
Stream flowing along its coast. Summer, between late June and early
August, brings long, hot days with temperatures reaching 86°F
(30°C), and sea temperatures averaging a comfortable 64°F (18°C).
Even in the north of Norway, summer temperatures rise to 77°F
(25°C) or more. However, summer weather can be changeable in Norway
and the summer months can be wet.
In winter much of Norway is snow-clad with very low
temperatures in the north and the low-lying inland regions of the
south. Temperatures can drop below -40°F (-40°C). In contrast, the
coast enjoys mild winters, although gales and rain are common. In
spring, between May and mid-June, Norway is at its prettiest, with
everything coming to life and blossoming and snow melt swelling the
waterfalls.
June and July is often considered the best time to
visit Norway because of the warm weather and the long days, which
see sunlight until nearly 10pm. These peak summer months are also
the most crowded in Norway. March is the best time to go skiing in
Norway, and May and September offer nice weather and slightly
smaller crowds. The Northern Lights are famously elusive and
unpredictable, but there is a possibility of seeing them any time
between late September and March.
Health Notes when travelling to Norway
There are no real health risks associated with travel to Norway
and the standard of healthcare is high throughout the country. A
reciprocal agreement exists between the UK and Norway under which
British nationals are covered for emergency treatment while
visiting Norway as long as they hold a European Health Insurance
Card (EHIC). Travellers should ensure that they have adequate
travel and medical insurance.
Safety Notes when travelling to Norway
Norway is a safe country in which to travel. However, travellers
should still take sensible precautions to avoid petty theft, as
they would anywhere in the world. Petty theft is most common at
airports and bus and train stations in Oslo.
Customs in Norway
Smoking is prohibited in all public places and on public
transport in Norway, unless otherwise indicated. Norwegians tend to
see everyone as being equal; they do not flaunt their wealth or
financial achievements and frown on those who do. Travellers should
note that whale meat is available legally in Norway, but that it is
illegal to bring it into most other countries.
Duty Free in Norway
Norwegian residents over 18 years who have been abroad for 24
hours or more don't have to pay duty on goods worth up to NOK
6,000. This includes up to 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco
products.
The amount of alcohol depends on the purchase of tobacco. In
addition to tobacco, one can declare 5 litres of beer or 2 litres
of beer with 3 litres of wine or 1 litre of spirits, 1.5 litres of
wine, and 2 litres of beer.
Without tobacco, one may include 1 litre of spirits, 3 litres of
wine, and 2 litres of beer, or 4.5 litres of wine and 2 litres of
beer. The last option is having 6.5 litres of beer only. Travellers
arriving from outside of the EU should confirm their duty free
allowance prior to arrival in Norway.
Doing Business in Norway
Business in Norway is conducted formally, with an emphasis on
punctuality and direct communication. Business attire is usually
smart and fashionable, though not ostentatious. Titles and surnames
are predominantly used on introduction, but may be dropped later,
and greetings are usually made with a handshake.
Business cards are commonly exchanged. Expect business to be
conducted in a direct and forthright manner, with little small talk
or socialising. It is worth bearing in mind that Norway is an
expensive country and that any services from lawyers, consultants
etc. are subject to hefty VAT charges.
Business hours take place between 6am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Norwegians highly value family and believe in a healthy balance
between work and leisure. They are hardworking but overtime is
frowned upon and workers in Norway are entitled to more leave than
foreigners may be used to.
Communication in Norway
The international access code for Norway is +47. Hotels, cafes
and restaurants offering free wifi are widely available. As
international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid
SIM card can be a cheaper option.
Tipping in Norway
Norwegians generally earn good salaries and, while it's
perfectly all right to tip, a tipping culture doesn't really exist
in the country. But customers do usually round up bills to the
nearest 10 or 100 NOK.
Passport/Visa Note
All visitors to Norway must have sufficient funds, return or
onward tickets and all documents needed for further travel.
Passports should be valid for at least three months beyond the
period of intended stay. Some European countries require only their
National Identity Card if coming as a tourist to Norway. The
borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following
countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia,
Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands,
Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and
Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa
that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel
freely within the borders of all. It is highly recommended that
passports have at least six months' validity remaining after your
intended date of departure from your travel destination.
Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated
by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans:
United States citizens require a passport valid for three months
beyond period of intended stay, but no visa is needed for stays of
up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadians require a passport valid for three months beyond
period of intended stay, but no visa is needed for stays of up to
90 days within a 180-day period.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British citizens require a passport valid for three months
beyond period of intended stay, but no visa is needed for stays of
up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Australians require a passport valid for three months beyond
period of intended stay, but no visa is needed for stays of up to
90 days within a 180-day period.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals must have a valid passport but no visa is
required.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens require a passport valid for three months
beyond period of intended stay, but no visa is needed for stays of
up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Entry requirements for South Africans:
South Africans require a passport valid for at least three
months beyond period of intended stay. Holders of temporary
passports are not allowed. A visa is required for travel to
Norway.
Tourist Offices
Oslo Visitor Centre: +47 23 10 62 00 or http://www.visitnorway.com
Norway Embassies
In the United States:
Royal Norwegian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202
333 6000.
In Canada:
Royal Norwegian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 238 6571.
In the United Kingdom:
Royal Norwegian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7591
5500.
In Australia:
Royal Norwegian Embassy, Canberra, Australia (also responsible
for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6270 5700.
In Ireland:
Royal Norwegian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 662
1800.
In South Africa:
Royal Norwegian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 364
3700.
Foreign Embassies in Norway
American Embassy
United States Embassy, Oslo: +47 21 30 85 40.
Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Oslo: +47 2299 5300.
British Embassy
British Embassy, Oslo: +47 2313 2700.
Australian Embassy
Australian Consulate, Oslo: +45 7026 3676.
Irish Embassy
Irish Embassy, Oslo: +47 2201 7200.
New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand Honorary Consulate General, Oslo: +47 923 01
701.
South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Oslo: +47 2327 3220.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Norway
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
Hepatitis A outbreaks occur throughout the world and sometimes in countries with a low risk for hepatitis A (including the US). You can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Norway, so talk to your doctor to see if the hepatitis A vaccine is right for you.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
Hepatitis A outbreaks occur throughout the world and sometimes in countries with a low risk for hepatitis A (including the US). You can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Norway, so talk to your doctor to see if the hepatitis A vaccine is right for you.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Norway, so your behaviors are important.
Eat and drink safely
Food and water standards in Norway are similar to those in the United States. Most travelers do not need to take special food or water precautions beyond what they normally do at home.
Although Norway is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
If your travel plans in Norway include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:
Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity in the heat of the day.
If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Norway’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Make sure there are seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in Norway, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Norway for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The official currency is the Norwegian Krone (NOK), divided into
100 ore. Credits are accepted for almost all transactions, with
Eurocard/Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club being
the most common. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and
major post offices, as well as many hotels and travel agents,
although for poorer rates. ATMs are available in all towns and
cities.
Exchange rate for 1 NOK - Norwegian Krone
0.00BMD Bermudan Dollar
0.10EUR Euro
0.10USD U.S. Dollar
0.09GBP U.K. Pound Sterling
14.15JPY Japanese Yen
0.13CAD Canadian Dollar
0.09CHF Swiss Franc
0.15AUD Australian Dollar
3.62UAH Ukrainian Hryvnia
46.91KZT Kazakhstani Tenge
148.73LBP Lebanese Pound
0.49LYD Libyan Dinar
0.68BOB Bolivian Boliviano
12.53NPR Nepalese Rupee
0.04OMR Omani Rial
0.36QAR Qatari Rial
0.14SGD Singapore Dollar
1.06SEK Swedish Krona
0.67TTD Trinidad Tobago Dollar
0.00VEF Venezuelan Bolivar
5.22DOP Dominican Peso
0.74HRK Croatian Kuna
1.98MXN Mexican Peso
64.71XOF West African CFA Franc
0.35PGK Papua New Guinean kina
0.10BSD Bahamian Dollar
0.22FJD Fiji Dollar
2.43HNL Honduran Lempira
13.86DZD Algerian Dinar
206.89MMK Myanma Kyat
1.28BWP Botswana Pula
0.38PEN Peruvian Nuevo Sol
90.92CLP Chilean Peso
39.92AMD Armenia Dram
2.42CZK Czech Koruna
1.91MDL Moldova Lei
13.69ISK Icelandic Krona
1,077.90UZS Uzbekistan Sum
0.34ILS Israeli New Sheqel
0.07JOD Jordanian Dinar
0.03KWD Kuwaiti Dinar
4.02UYU Uruguayan Peso
4.45MUR Mauritian Rupee
3.54NIO Nicaraguan Córdoba
0.47PLN Polish Zloty
0.37SAR Saudi Riyal
35.92LKR Sri Lanka Rupee
3.62THB Thai Baht
0.36AED U.A.E Dirham
0.51BRL Brazilian Real
0.49RON Romanian New Leu
0.77HKD Hong Kong Dollar
64.83XAF Central African CFA Franc
2,321.17VND Vietnamese Dong
14.09ARS Argentine Peso
0.27XCD East Caribbean Dollar
0.77GTQ Guatemalan Quetzal
1.05MAD Moroccan Dirham
0.04BHD Bahrain Dinar
0.10PAB Panamanian Balboa
0.17AZN Azerbaijan Manat
435.56COP Colombian Peso
7.97KGS Kyrgyzstan Som
40.18HUF Hungarian Forint
1.01TJS Tajikistan Ruble
1,465.39IDR Indonesian Rupiah
1.91EGP Egyptian Pound
137.84KRW South Korean Won
687.46PYG Paraguayan Guaraní
0.45MYR Malaysian Ringgit
62.38CRC Costa Rican Colón
0.16NZD New Zealand Dollar
22.04PKR Pakistani Rupee
5.94RUB Russian Rouble
1.73ZAR South African Rand
0.32TND Tunisian Dinar
0.20BBD Barbadian Dollar
0.19BGN Bulgarian Lev
1.80TRY Turkish Lira
5.65PHP Philippine Peso
3.07TWD New Taiwan Dollar
42.23NGN Nigerian Naira
11.77XPF CFP Franc
0.99GHS Ghanaian Cedi
15.02JMD Jamaican Dollar
0.18ANG Neth. Antillean Guilder
0.14BND Brunei Dollar
11.57RSD Serbian Dinar
0.69CNY Chinese Yuan
0.73DKK Danish Krone
0.35TMT New Turkmenistan Manat
7.87INR Indian Rupee
Exchange Rate for U.S. Dollar to Norwegian Krone
1 USD = 10.14 NOK
Exchange Rate for Euro to Norwegian Krone
1 EUR = 10.13 NOK
Exchange Rate for Canadian Dollar to Norwegian Krone
1 CAD = 7.69 NOK
Exchange Rate for U.K. Pound Sterling to Norwegian Krone
1 GBP = 11.65 NOK
Exchange Rate for Australian Dollar to Norwegian Krone
1 AUD = 6.82 NOK
Exchange Rate for New Zealand Dollar to Norwegian Krone
1 NZD = 6.07 NOK
Exchange Rate for South African Rand to Norwegian Krone
1 ZAR = 0.58 NOK
Oslo Airport (OSL) Oslo Airport http://www.osl.no
Location: Oslo The airport is situated 31 miles (50km) northeast of
Oslo.
Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last
Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).
Contacts:
Tel: (064) 81 20 00
Getting to the city:
The Airport Express Train and a variety of taxis run between
Drammen, Asker, Sandvika, Lysaker, Skøyen, the National Theatre,
Oslo S, and Lillestrøm. Buses and shuttles travel to and from the
surrounding areas and back to the airport.
Car rental:
Car rental companies include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Sixt, and
Hertz.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available to the city centre.
Facilities:
Facilities at the airport include banks, bureaux de change,
ATMs, left luggage, duty-free shopping, tourist information and a
hotel reservation kiosk. Business facilities are available. There
is a selection of bars, shops and restaurants.
Parking:
Outdoor and indoor parking is available for a fee at Oslo
Airport (with outdoor parking the cheaper option).
Location: Bergen The airport is situated 12 miles (19km) southwest of
Bergen.
Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last
Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).
Contacts:
Tel: (067) 03 11 00
Getting to the city:
The Bergen Light Rail and an airport bus service the city
centre. There are also boats to a number of locations from Flesland
Pier, connected to the airport by a shuttle bus.
Car rental:
Car rental companies in Bergen Airport include Avis, Europcar,
Budget, Sixt, and Hertz.
Airport Taxis:
There is a taxi stand near the main entrance to the terminal
building. A taxi ride into Bergen takes approximately 20
minutes.
Facilities:
There is a selection of shops, bars, and restaurants at the
airport. Other facilities include a bureau de change, ATMs, left
luggage, duty-free shopping, child facilities, tourist information,
and business facilities with fax and internet access. Disabled
facilities are good.
Parking:
There's ample parking space available at Bergen Airport. Online
booking is important, whether it's making use of the indoor parking
close to the terminal or long-stay bays.
Location: Alesund The airport is located on the island of Vigra, 15 miles
(23km) northeast of Alesund.
Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last
Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in
October).
Getting to the city:
The airport bus travels to Alesund city centre throughout the
day and the journey takes roughly 25 minutes.
Car rental:
Car hire facilities at Alesund Airport include Avis, Budget,
Hertz, Europcar, and Sixt.
Airport Taxis:
Ring Taxi and Alesund Taxi operate from the airport, with
journeys to the centre of Alesund taking 15-20 minutes.
Facilities:
The airport offers conference facilities, restaurants, several
ATMs, a hotel, a lost and found service, a tax-refund desk,
duty-free shopping, and disabled facilities.
Parking:
Alesund Airport has several parking garages, with a total of
1,090 spaces. P2 and P4 are located right next to the terminal and
charge higher rates, while P5, P6 and P7 are farther away and are
more affordable for long-term parking.
Stavanger Airport (SVG) Stavanger Airport, Sola http://www.avinor.no
Location: Stavanger The airport is situated seven miles (11km) from Stavanger
City.
Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last
Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).
Contacts:
Tel: (067) 03 10 00
Getting to the city:
There are bus services available to and from both Stavanger and
Sandnes, with tickets costing around NOK 160 and NOK 130
respectively. A Kolumbus airport bus also travels to and from the
airport to surrounding areas for about NOK 35. Taxis also operate
out of the airport.
Car rental:
Car rental agencies represented at the airport include Hertz,
Budget, Europcar, Sixt, and Avis.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available outside the Arrivals Hall. The journey to
central Stavanger takes roughly 20 minutes.
Facilities:
Facilities at the airport include a lost and found, tax refund
desk, a bank and ATMs, luggage storage, an airport hotel, and
conference facilities. Disabled assistance is available. There are
also a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars.
Parking:
P4, located in the multi-level parking garage, charges NOK 75
per hour, NOK 320 per day, NOK 990 per week, and NOK 50 per day
after one week. P7 and P8 are farthest from the terminal, and
charge daily rates of NOK 190 and NOK 125 respectively. Lot P8 is
the cheapest for long-term parking, charging NOK 450 for the first
week and NOK 30 per day thereafter.
Location: Kristiansand Kristiansand Airport is located nearly nine miles (16km)
northeast of the city Kristiansand, in southern Norway.
Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last
Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).
Getting to the city:
Local buses are available to central Kristiansand. The airport
express, Agder Flyekspress, also offers a shuttle to Arendal and
Grimstad.
Car rental:
Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Sixt have car hire facilities at
Kristiansand Airport.
Airport Taxis:
Agder Taxis and Taxi Sør offer fixed-price rides to and from the
airport.
Facilities:
The airport features shops, several bars and restaurants, a
conference centre, bank, lost and found, a duty free shop, disabled
services, and a tax refund desk.
Parking:
Short-term parking (P1) is located in front of the terminal and
costs NOK 60 per hour. P2 offers rates of NOK 60 per hour and NOK
250 per day, and is within walking distance of the terminal. P3 has
hourly rates of NOK 40, daily rates of NOK 210, and weekly rates of
NOK 630. The cheapest long-term parking is located in P5, and costs
NOK 410 for a week with days in addition to full weeks at NOK 60
per day.
Location: Sandefjord The airport is located nearly five miles (7km) northeast
of Sandefjord.
Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last
Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).
Getting to the city:
Bus services run from Torp to Oslo, Telemark, Stavern, Larvik,
Sandefjord, Stavanger, and Kristiansand. Train connections are also
available, as well as a shuttle service to the station which is
included in the ticket price.
Car rental:
Avis, Budget, Europcar, Sixt, and Hertz have offices at
Sandefjord Airport.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available just outside the terminal, with various
companies operating out of the airport.
Facilities:
The airport offers restaurants and bars, duty-free shopping,
meeting rooms, ATMs and currency exchange, police services, a lost
and found, info stations, and a tax refund desk.
Parking:
Short-term and long-term parking is available in the garage next
to the terminal. Outdoor long-term parking is also available and
costs less than indoor parking.
Location: Trondheim The airport is located in Værnes, 12 miles (19km) east of
Trondheim.
Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last
Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).
Getting to the city:
The airport is located in the immediate vicinity of Værnes
Station and trains depart regularly. The journey to Trondheim takes
about 35 minutes. Nettbuss/Flybussen buses depart from the terminal
regularly on weekdays, and Værnes Ekspressen also offers regular
service.
Car rental:
Car rental offices are located outside the parking garage, and
are operated by Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, Enterprise, and
Sixt.
Airport Taxis:
Metered taxis are available from the airport. Companies include
Norgestaxi Trondheim, Trøndertaxi, and Stjørdal Taxi.
Facilities:
The terminal provides several ATMs and internet banking service
terminals, a hotel with meeting rooms and conference facilities,
baggage lockers, disabled services, duty-free shopping, a lost and
found, a tax refund desk, and a number of restaurants.
Parking:
Covered parking in the garage is available at a rate of NOK 50
per hour, NOK 290 per day, or NOK 990 for a week. Cheaper rates are
available in the Economy parking area, or in the low price outdoor
parking area, located further from the terminal. Charging stations
for electric cars are available.
Location: Tromsø The airport is situated three miles (5km) northwest of
Tromso.
Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last
Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).
Transfer between terminals:
The terminals are within walking distance of each other.
Getting to the city:
The Flybussen (Airport Express Coach) runs between the airport
and Tromso city centre and takes approximately 15 minutes. The
local bus routes 40 and 42 also provide this service. For those
interested in taking a taxi, there is also a taxi rank outside of
the airport terminal.
Car rental:
Car rental services are available on the first floor of the
airport, near the check-in area. Car rental companies include Avis,
Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available to the city centre.
Facilities:
Facilities at the airport are somewhat limited but all the
basics are available. Facilities include ATMs, tourist information
and shops consisting of a kiosk, a bookstore and a cosmetics store.
There is also a duty-free shop in the international section of the
airport. In terms of dining, there is a Mexican kitchen and a
sports bar, as well as a small café.
Parking:
There are around 900 indoor and outdoor parking spaces available
near the terminal or slightly further away.
Departure Tax: None.
Overview of the Attractions in Norway
Norway is a famously good destination for outdoor adventure
tourism, with fantastic skiing, cycling, hiking, climbing, river
rafting, and even scuba diving opportunities. The spectacular
scenery is popularly enjoyed on cruises and train rides, with much
of the tourist activity centring on the famous and extensive
network of fjords.
Sognefjord is the largest of the fjords and lures many tourists
to Norway with its dramatic vistas and the natural and cultural
wealth along its banks. Many visitors start their fjord
explorations in Bergen, but Tromsø also offers some glorious fjord
cruises.
Tromsø is the gateway to the Arctic and the main attractions in
the north are the phenomena of the Northern Lights and the Midnight
Sun, which keep travellers arriving year round. Like all the main
cities in Norway, Tromsø also boasts some good museums, as well as
the unique Arctic Cathedral.
Oslo, the capital, is a cosmopolitan, sophisticated city,
surrounded by glorious countryside and promising many sightseeing
opportunities for rainy days. The heritage of the Vikings and the
great Norwegian explorers can be investigated in Oslo, as well as
some of the country's best art galleries. Other popular urban
destinations in Norway include Stavanger, Trondheim, and Bergen,
the gateway to the fjords that also boasts the historic harbour
district of Bryggen.
Vigeland Park Oslo
Vigeland Museum and Park is Oslo's most visited attraction, and
one of the most popular tourist attractions in Norway. It is a vast
green area of duck ponds, trees, and lawns that is a monument to
the celebrated Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland. He spent 40
years creating the life-size statues that decorate the walkways and
open spaces.
There are more than 200 works presenting the human form in a
variety of poses and conveying a range of emotions. At the centre
of the park is the most impressive piece, the Monolith, a gigantic
mass of writhing bodies carved from a single column of stone and
believed to be one of the largest granite sculptures in the world
at a height of 46ft (14m).
Surrounding the column are groups of human sculptures in various
forms of interaction with each other. The most famous and most
photographed piece is the Angry Boy, a fat child stamping his foot.
There are many more sculptures to be seen in the park and in the
nearby Vigeland Museum, featuring a display on the development of
the artist's work and his sketches and plaster originals.
Visitors should note that although the attraction is commonly
called Vigeland Park, the collection of sculptures is technically
in a middle section of Frogner Park. Guided tours are available for
the museum.
Website: http://www.vigeland.museum.no/en
The Kon-Tiki Museum Oslo
Situated on the Bygdoy Peninsula, the Kon-Tiki Museum contains
the iconic balsawood raft, the Kon-Tiki, on which Thor Heyerdahl
made his famous journey across the Pacific in 1947 to prove the
theory that the first Polynesian settlers could have sailed the
4,300 miles (6,923km) between Peru and Polynesia.
The museum also contains the original reed raft, Ra II, on which
Heyerdahl sailed across the Atlantic in 1970. Besides the rafts,
there is a huge stuffed whale shark, artefacts from his
expeditions, and exhibits of his visits to Easter Island, as well
as an intriguing collection of archaeological finds from Easter
Island, Galapagos, East Polynesia, and Peru.
For travellers interested in the seafaring adventures of
Norwegian explorers, this museum is a gem: seeing the craft used to
make the famous expeditions is thrilling and the voyages can be
tracked through news articles and other memorabilia.
It is a speciality museum and may not appeal to everybody
visiting Oslo. But for those who enjoy such things, the Kon-Tiki is
an informative and interesting museum that generally scores high
with tourists. The museum is located just opposite the Fram Polar
Ship Museum, and the two attractions are best combined. Entry to
the Kon-Tiki Museum is free with the Oslo Pass.
Website: http://www.kon-tiki.no/
The Viking Ships Museum Oslo
Found on the Bygdoy Peninsula, the Viking Ship Museum
houses three 9th-century Viking ships that were excavated from
ritual burial mounds in the south of Norway. Their excellent
condition is due to the clay in which they were preserved. Viking
ships were used as tombs for royalty who were buried with
everything they might need in their life after death.
The biggest and best preserved of the ships is the
Gokstad, and the finest is the Oseberg, a richly ornamented dragon
ship with an intricately carved animal head post, that was the
burial chamber of a Viking queen. The elegantly carved sleigh used
by the Viking royalty and a hoard of treasure was found on the
buried ship and is displayed at the back of the museum.
Raised platforms allow visitors to view the inside of
the ships' hulls. The museum is small and not interactive, but the
ships are fascinating and make an impact the moment you see them.
The museum is considered a must in Oslo and a visit is one of the
best ways to get a taste of the intriguing Viking culture.
Most of the displays have some explanation in
English, but there is also free wifi in the museum which can be
used to get additional information in English. Entrance to the
museum is free with the Oslo Pass.
The site of the old medieval quarter of the city of
Bergen, Bryggen is a charming, compact area of brightly coloured
wooden homes that traditionally housed the city's merchants. Also
called Tyskebryggen, its steep cobbled lanes are lined with a
vivacious blend of cafes and artisans' workshops.
With many buildings dating from before the 17th
century, The Hanseatic wharf area has been declared a UNESCO World
Heritage Site and is considered to be one of the most important
examples of a medieval settlement in the world.
Bryggen was once the working area of the merchants
and is the oldest part of Bergen, characterised by a maze of
lopsided wooden buildings with pointed gables facing the harbour.
The Bryggen and Hanseatic Museums, as well as the 12th-century St
Mary's Church, are all in the Bryggen area.
At one end of the wharf is Bergen's famous fish
market, a colourful market also selling flowers, fruit, vegetables,
and souvenirs. Because of its predominantly wooden buildings,
Bryggen has struggled with fire throughout its long history and
many of the structures have been rebuilt several times. One of the
unexpected advantages of the destruction caused by fire was the
discovery of a wealth of runic inscriptions, now housed in the
Bryggen Museum.
Hanseatic Museum Bergen
The Hanseatic Museum is housed in one of the oldest and
best-preserved wooden buildings in Bryggen, the former home of a
wealthy merchant. Furnished in the 18th century style, it provides
a glimpse of the working and living conditions of the Hanseatic
merchants during the Middle Ages.
The austere layout and maze-like rooms are saturated by the
smell of fish and leave a lasting impression. Although a number of
historic houses remain in the medieval district, the Hanseatic
Museum is the only house left in Bryggen that has retained its
original interior.
A short walk away next to St Mary's Church is the Schotstuene, a
museum consisting of three assembly rooms and a kitchen once used
by the Hanseatic merchants. Cooking was conducted in the
Schotstuene as it was the only place in Bryggen where it was
permitted to use fire. As a precaution, it was kept removed from
the other buildings.
The ticket price for the Hanseatic Museum includes entry to the
Schotstuene on the same day. The Hanseatic Museum is best visited
on the guided walking tour, which begins at the Bryggens Museum.
For many travellers, the Hanseatic Museum is one of the best
historic attractions in the city and if you only visit one museum
in Bryggen, it should probably be this one.
Website: xn--schtstuene-2cb.no/english
Bryggens Museum Bergen
This fantastic archaeological museum was built around
the remains of the oldest buildings discovered in Bergen, dating
from the 12th century, and the ruins have been incorporated into
the exhibits along with excavated tools, ceramics, and even
skeletons.
In 1955, parts of historic Bryggen were destroyed by
fire and the subsequent excavations revealed some fascinating
objects now on display in the museum. Bryggens Museum houses
various artefacts and traditional costumes and imaginatively
attempts to recreate life in the Middle Ages with displays of
domestic implements, handicrafts, runic inscriptions, and items
relating to seafaring and trade during medieval times.
The Bryggens Museum is the starting point for a
wonderful historical walking tour through the UNESCO-listed
district. This tour is really good value for money as it includes
entry to two other museums as well. The guided tours are offered in
several languages and depart every hour or so, depending on demand.
The Bryggens Museum also houses temporary art and history
exhibitions. The museum itself doesn't require much time to explore
and is best seen as part of a wider exploration of the historic
area.
Bergen's oldest surviving building, the beautiful stone Church
of St Mary's, dates from the 12th century. The interior is
decorated with old frescoes and a splendid Baroque pulpit donated
by the Hanseatic merchants in 1676.
The twin towers of the church are distinctive among the low
red-tiled roofs of the old quarter. St Mary's is constructed mainly
of soapstone and the architectural style is predominantly
Romanesque.
The Church of St Mary's is the only one surviving of 12 churches
and three monasteries built around the time of Bergen's foundation.
Its survival is mainly due to the fact that it was the chosen place
of worship for the wealthy German merchants of Bergen, whose
patronage ensured it never fell into ruin.
Like many buildings in Bergen, St Mary's has been damaged by
several fires through the centuries and has therefore been repaired
and renovated. But even considering these slight alterations, the
structure remains remarkably intact and has ultimately changed very
little through the ages.
The church is an active place of worship and those wanting to
attend services will find them listed on the website below.
Sightseeing visitors are also welcome.
Website: bergendomkirke.no
Tromsø University Museum Tromsø
The Tromsø Museum is northern Norway's oldest and
largest museum with exhibitions devoted to the cultural and natural
history of the region. It is located on the university campus, just
outside the city, and is run by the university.
There is a comprehensive display relating to the
traditional culture and music of the Sami or Lapp people and their
nomadic, reindeer-herding way of life, and for many people this is
the highlight of the visit. The Tromsø Museum is possibly the best
place in Norway to learn about the fascinating Sami culture and
history.
There are also daily films about the Northern Lights,
particularly good for those visiting outside of the months when the
Aurora might be seen. Apart from the Northern Lights display, there
are numerous other science and nature exhibits, including things
like earthquake sensors, which the kids will enjoy testing.
Most of the exhibits have some information available
in English. There is a good cafe for refreshments when you need a
break. The bus ride to the museum is scenic and many travellers
find it a fun part of the visit, but it is also possible to walk
the distance and it is a pleasant stroll if you have the
inclination.
Website: en.uit.no/tmu
Arctic Cathedral Tromsø
The spectacular design of the white and ultramodern
Arctic Cathedral is visible from afar, situated on a small hill on
an island and linked to the mainland by the spindly Tromsø Bridge.
It is an architectural masterpiece, made up of eleven large
triangular sections representing the eleven faithful apostles and
symbolising northern Norwegian heritage, culture and faith.
It bears an interesting resemblance to the Sydney
Opera House in Australia, but its colour and shape can also be
likened to an iceberg. The cathedral has one of the largest stained
glass windows in Europe, and an interior decorated with grand
chandeliers made up of many prisms of colours and lights,
representing hanging ice formations.
Built in 1965, the church is not technically a
cathedral, despite its commonly used name. The actual Tromsø
Cathedral is the only wooden cathedral in Norway and is also worth
a visit. Travellers should note that the church is usually only
open for two hours in the winter months, in the late afternoon, and
opening hours can fluctuate so it is best to check the official
website to confirm opening hours before visiting. Look out for the
wonderful midnight music concerts in the church.
Address: Hans Nilsens vei 41, Tromsdalen
Website: http://www.ishavskatedralen.no
Polaria Tromsø
Polaria is an information and experience centre for
the whole family, combining interactive experiences with
information about the arctic environment. There is a panoramic film
about the arctic wilderness of Svalbard, an Arctic Walkway that
creates a snowstorm experience and the Northern Lights
spectacle.
As the Northern Lights are famously unpredictable, it
is nice to know that you can at least see the effect recreated at
Polaria even if the lights elude you in real life. The bearded seal
pool is especially exciting at feeding time, and an aquarium
provides a close look at arctic sea mammals and life in the
freezing waters.
There is a little gift shop for those wanting
souvenirs. Polaria is best suited to families and is a good option
for those travelling with kids in Tromsø. A visit will only take
about one to three hours and ideally should be timed to coincide
with seal training and feeding. These usually take place daily at
12.30pm and 3.30pm in the winter months, and at 12.30pm and 3pm in
the summer.
Those wanting a more grown-up investigation of arctic
history, particularly the explorers and seal hunting tradition,
should visit the Polar Museum housed in a converted warehouse by
the harbour.
Website: http://www.polaria.no
Lillehammer Bergen
Lillehammer is best known for hosting the 1994 Winter Olympics
and the area does offer excellent opportunities for winter sports
such as skiing and snowboarding. In fact, Lillehammer is considered
Norway's oldest winter sports resort.
Lillehammer is picturesque, overlooking Lake Myosa and
surrounded by mountains. The village transforms from season to
season: a beautiful frozen world in winter and a lush green valley
in summer.
In the cold, snowy months, visitors can find some of the best
cross-country ski trails in northern Europe at nearby Nordseter and
Sjusjoen, and a great ski centre at Hafjell. Lillehammer itself is
a very small ski resort, with only about 630 feet (192 metres) of
vertical descent and wonderful hiking opportunities in the summer
months.
This small town has other attractions too, including Maihaugen,
the largest open-air museum in Norway; the 12th-century Garmo Stave
Church; and the PS Skibladner paddle steamer. The picturesque main
street of Lillehammer is not to be forgotten, lined with charming
19th-century wooden houses. There is a wide selection of shops,
restaurants, and accommodation in Lillehammer.
Website: en.lillehammer.com
Sognefjord Bergen
Sognefjord is the largest fjord in Norway and the second longest
in the world, stretching 127 miles (205km) from the coast to the
village of Skjolden. Sheer cliffs rise to heights of 3,300 feet
(1,000m) and more above the water.
In addition to some of the most dramatic and magnificent scenery
in the world, Sognefjord contains or provides access to many of
Norway's most famous tourist attractions. These include three
popular national parks, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and much
more.
Sognefjord offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences for visitors:
travellers can see, touch and even walk on one of the largest
glaciers in Europe in the Jostedalsbreen National Park; investigate
numerous heritage treasures, like the UNESCO-listed Urnes Stave
Church in Luster, the oldest church in Norway; marvel at the
thundering waterfalls, wild rivers and pristine mountain lakes that
feed into the fjord; and explore the steep mountains on either side
of Sognefjord, which boast an impressive network of hiking,
climbing and skiing trails.
Gorgeous, mostly dry summers and mild winters mean that the
fjord can be explored at any time of year, depending on desired
activities and adventures. Popular activities in and around
Sognefjord include cycling, fishing, hunting, hiking, climbing,
kayaking, river rafting, skiing, and canyoning. But those who just
want to sit back and enjoy the splendid scenery can take one of the
many fjord cruises or even enjoy a train trip.
Website: http://www.sognefjord.no/en
Viewing the Northern Lights
Viewing the Northern Lights, also named the Aurora
Borealis, graces many a bucket list for good reason. The Northern
Lights are a big draw for tourists and Norway is one of a number of
countries that offer this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
In theory, you can see the display anywhere in Norway
but your chances increase dramatically within the Arctic Circle in
the north. Tromsø and the nearby village of Ersfjorden are two of
the most popular Northern Lights destinations in Norway.
Many people argue that the best way to see them is on
board a traditional steamer ship that cruises the fjords in the
region. This is partly because the lights are even more spectacular
when reflected in water.
The brilliance of the lights is related to spikes in
solar activity and tour guides and avid searchers should check out
the kp index which measures electromagnetic activity in the
atmosphere: a reading of two or higher means conditions are good
for spotting the Northern Lights.
Weather is also an important factor. Clouds can hide
the display and rain and snow can dampen the brilliance, not to
mention the spectators. Checking a weather forecast is therefore
essential when planning.
The Northern Lights can be visible in Norway any time
between September and March but are often at their best in
midwinter, in December and January. The lights are famously
unpredictable and a sighting is never guaranteed. But determined
travellers who plan well should be able to enjoy the display during
their trip.
Fjord Cruises in Norway
A network of dramatic and beautiful fjords honeycomb
the coastline of Norway. For many travellers, a fjord cruise is the
most iconic tourist experience the country has to offer. The fjords
provide access to many of Norway's top tourist attractions and the
scenery is some of the most breathtaking in the world.
There are many different kinds of fjord cruises on
offer all along the coast and from the innermost fjord ports of
Norway. But the most popular departure point for cruises, and the
so-called gateway to the fjords, is the port city of Bergen. From
Bergen, which is easily accessible through an international
airport, many travellers like to hop on board working ships heading
up to Kirkenes in the far northeast of Norway.
These ships carry cargo and passengers and stop at
about 34 ports over the 12-day journey, making incursions into a
number of fjords along the way. This route is a good option for
those wanting to tour the coastline and travel into the Arctic
Circle, where it is possible to see the Northern Lights between
September and March.
Those looking for more conventional cruises
tailor-made for tourists, with sightseeing and activities on offer,
should consider a cruise from Bergen to Skjolden, all along
Sognefjord, which is Norway's largest fjord and the longest
navigable fjord in the world. Skjolden is the country's innermost
cruise port and many of Norway's greatest attractions can be found
along this spectacular route.
River Rafting in Norway
River rafting is a popular adventure activity in Norway,
offering both challenging white water routes for experienced
paddlers and easier rapids for fun family trips. The range of mild
to wild should mean that there is something for everybody. Some of
the rafting trips will have age and fitness restrictions but many
others are suitable for all.
The spectacular landscapes of the fjords, mountains, and
glaciers make rafting in Norway extremely scenic as well as
thrilling. The Sjoa in Innlandet is the most popular river in
Norway for commercial rafting trips and considered one of the best
rivers for rafting in Europe. Other great options include the
Jostedøla in Sognefjord, the Jølstra River in Sunnfjord, the
Trysilelva River in Innlandet, and a number of rivers in Setesdalen
and Voss.
There are several good rafting and kayaking companies to choose
from and some of the most reputable are listed on Norway's official
tourism site. The companies provide safety equipment like life
vests and helmets, as well as all necessary equipment for the
actual rafting. But it's a good idea to check what kind of clothes
the operators advise you to wear depending on the trip and the
season.
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There are book towns in charming villages from western Norway to South Korea, but when it comes to a veritable city of books, the Big Apple is, was, and always will be a best seller. There is no shortage of remarkable, charming, diverse, and legendary
Numerous sizable towns around Europe call visitors, and it is a continent full of drama and excitement. This country of gooey spaghetti and chocolate-topped Belgian waffles has a boatload in its bag, from the cold straits of Norway to the magnificent Roman
The newest ship from Seabourn welcomed its first guests on board today for a 12-day Northern Isles expedition. Seabourn Venture embarked from Tromsø, Norway on route to Arctic and the Svalbard Archipelago. The new luxury adventure ship will spend the season sailing 12- to 15-day
Whether you’re making the most of the midnight sun or deep in the dark depths of the northern winter, you’ll find plenty to do in Oslo, Norway’s capital city. New openings in recent years – the Deichman Library, Munch and the National Museum – reflect the city’s commitment to preserving
The newly transformed historic hotel draws attention to a family-run hotel collection affording exploration of the Norwegian fjords. One of Norway’s most legendary hotels, Hotel Union Øye is garnering a fresh wave of attention as it emerges from a historic transformation and significant
In a statement on Tuesday, Scandinavian airline SAS announced it was filing for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States. SAS is the national airline of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The SAS pilot's union called for a strike on Monday, apparently precipitating the bankruptcy filing
On a remote island deep into the Arctic Circle, a passionate jazz musician runs a hospitality project like no other - and it takes all his improvisational skills to keep it going.
Bucking and weaving along the rugged contours of Norway's fractured coastline, the 670km road to the Artic is a triumph of human ingenuity and perseverance
Sandvik is the man behind The Fjords - a company based in Flåm in western Norway - which built hybrid electric sightseeing vessels Vision of the Fjords (in 2016) and Future of the Fjords (in 2018)
Hurtigruten Expeditions, the world leader in exploration travel, is offering almost all of its exciting destinations – ranging from Alaska and Antarctica to the Galápagos and West Africa – with Black Friday offerings of up to 50%
From Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, is anyone up for a trip to London, Paris or Oslo? Norse Atlantic Airways, a newly formed discount airline from Norway, says it will take you to any of those three European capitals starting next year
Authorities in Norway have announced that passengers on domestic operations as well as those on services between this country and other Scandinavian countries, Sweden and Denmark, will no longer have to wear face masks as the authorities have abolished such a requirement
Whether it's sailing around Norway's fjords or taking a family-friendly cruise in Italy, Europe cruising is returning with ample options for those who craving a turn at sea
Norse Atlantic Airways, a long-haul budget carrier recently formed in Norway, has agreed to lease nine Boeing Dreamliner jets from Irish lessor AerCap Holdings, the two companies said on Monday
At least three cruise lines — Norway's Hurtigruten, Germany's AIDA, and Paul Gauguin in the South Pacific — are battling outbreaks within crew ranks or among passengers, according to news reports.
After a successful return to sailing last month, Hurtigruten has released its plans to further ramp-up operations with the return of 14 of 16 ships in August and September. In addition, Hurtigruten launches a series of new itineraries in the British Isles over the upcoming months and a a first-ever, all-inclusive Norway expedition package.
The Norwegian government has officially announced that it will allow “Hurtigruten and other cruise” lines to carry foreign passengers along the coast of Norway.
Norway is continuing to ease travel restrictions to and from the rest of Europe, but is still recommending that its citizens avoid areas with high Covid-19 rates, including neighboring Sweden.
There will be sunshine in the City of Rain today as the Hurtigruten ship Finnmarken sets off on a familiar 34-port journey from Bergen along the Norwegian coast to Kirkenes.
Norway's Constitution Day celebrations on May 17 usually see Norwegians shake off their reserved shells to enjoy one big, national party. In the capital, Oslo, thousands of people fill Karl Johans gate to watch a parade of children from local schools wave to the Royal Family, all accompanied by the sound of marching bands. Except this year. With major events banned until mid-June under Norway's
Climate change has exposed an ancient Viking mountain route in Norway that is littered with hundreds of archeological artifacts left by travelers over a period of more than 2,000 years. The high-elevation path is located at Lendbreen on Lomseggen ridge in the Jotunheimen mountains, and was a “focal point” for regional travel with a history that dates back to the Bronze Age, according to a
The Faroe Islands, a remote nation set halfway between Iceland and Norway is now open for (virtual) tourism. And no, this isn’t just another 360-video experience. The Faroe Islands launched a first of its kind virtual travel experience that allows virtual travelers to visit the islands from anywhere and see it all from a local’s perspective — and it’s all done live. The new Faroe Islands travel site will allow
There’s a growing media chorus pointing out that Sweden’s relatively relaxed approach to public restrictions amid the coronavirus outbreak is beginning to look like a mistake. One main factor is that Sweden’s death rate is continuing to climb more quickly than that of its Nordic neighbors. The rate of intensive care admissions at hospitals is also outpacing the likes of Denmark, Norway and Finland, as pointed out in
We're back—albeit this time from a closet in Dallas and a Brooklyn living room, rather than the podcast studio. This week, we're joined by comedian and actor Jenny Slate, who, despite growing up thinking the only way to have a relaxing vacation was at the beach, has traveled everywhere from Norway's Lofoten Islands above the Arctic Circle to Chilean Patagonia. Along the way, she's come to terms
The irresistible pull of going off-grid has travellers swapping sand for snow in increasing numbers. Touted as ‘the new exotic’, this region, which encompasses the northernmost territories of Norway, Sweden and Finland, plus swathes of Russia, Canada, Alaska and Greenland, is a trending destination in experiential tourism. The industry is taking heed; adventure holiday advocate Scott Dunn is sailing 45 percent
The world-famous Oslo to Bergen is finally back open after a landslide caused chaos on the rails. Such was the weight of the snow that fell in the landslide on Monday afternoon, wooden structures built to protect the tracks collapsed and power lines were torn down. Train driver Kjell Haugerud told TV2 of the experience on the last train before the closure. “We couldn't see our hand in front of us,” he said. Haugerud, who
Indoor ski centers in Europe are nothing new, having been pioneered in germany and Austria as long ago as the 1930s. However, they are virtually unheard of in skiing-obsessed Norway. That’s because every winter, most of Norway transforms itself into one big ski resort. At least, that’s what used to happen. In recent years, however, the lack of snow has caused concerns among climate scientists and sports
Severe winter storms across northern Norway have left several communities cut off with many local roads closed and ferry departures canceled. Air traffic remains operational but is subject to delays, with just one canceled service between Tromsø, Bodø and Trondheim reported. At
The rail journey across southern Norway from Bergen to Oslo – northern Europe’s highest mainline railway – is so beautiful that all seven hours of it were broadcast in 2009 on Norwegian television as the first ever Slow TV (Sakte-TV) programme. However, for
Lindblad Expeditions celebrated the float out of National Geographic Endurance, the line's first-ever cruise ship designed specifically for polar cruising, at the Ulstein Verft shipyard in Norway on Dec. 7. The float-out milestone marks the first time a ship touches water. The 126-passenger vessel is built with the highest ice class (PC5 Category A) of any purpose-built passenger ship, which means that the
Beyond the cottage windows the world is white and still. Snow-covered mountains tumble to the sea. A single otter scuttles along the frozen river and disappears into the twilight. It’s 2pm but the light’s fading, colouring the scene an eerie blue. It’s the lure of the Arctic winter that has brought me to northern Norway in January – the strangeness of an
The Christmas tree that will light up Rockefeller Center this holiday met its end -- in the spirit of the season, of course. A tree-cutting crew arrived at Carol Schultz's home in village of Florida, New York, early Thursday morning to saw into her winning 77-foot Norway spruce. The sacrificial tree is already headed to its Manhattan pedestal. A small crowd of local schoolchildren and beaming neighbors
One of the main reasons some people don't book cruises is seasickness. But if a new ship called the "X-Bow" delivers on its promises, that could be a problem of the past. Ulstein, a Norway-based shipbuilding company, designed the vessel to make the experience at sea easier for people who usually get queasy, while ensuring the overall cruising experience is smoother for everyone on board
On a chilly fall morning in Stavanger, Norway, we were determined to triumph over the wind and rain. Clutching our umbrellas as we walked the cobble-stoned streets during an excursion from Viking's Jupiter, we didn’t have much time to explore Norway’s third-largest city. We had already toured the city’s Norwegian Petroleum Museum, a lot more interesting than it sounds, and were ready to
Often described as the capital of southern Norway, Kristiansand has a quaint old town to stroll around and plenty of other activities on offer. Spend a day at the super-clean Bystranda Beach, go to a concert at Kilden Performing Arts Centre and enjoy the fresh seafood on the quayside at Fiskebrygga. Often described as the capital of southern Norway, Kristiansand has a quaint old town to stroll around
Millions of years of glacial activity have blessed Norway with an astonishing crinkle-cut coastline of intricately carved fjords. As well as spectacular scenery, each has its own unique attraction. Here are 10 top fjords visited by cruise ships… Almost every fjords cruise visits Geirangerfjord. This Unesco-listed canyon-like gem is considered one of nature’s great masterpieces with waterfalls tumbling down
Winter is the time to hibernate, right? Wrong. With a Saga cruise, this is the time when when things really heat up – with the Explore Ashore programme offering a smorgasbord of thrilling, expert-picked adventures. Highlights sweep from behind-the-scenes carnival experiences in Italy and spa retreats in Tenerife through to dog-sledding in Norway and jaw-dropping helicopter
British media reports say six people have been assaulted onboard a P&O cruise ship after a passenger dressed as a clown sparked a brawl. Richard Gaisford, an ITV journalist who was onboard the cruise ship travelling from Bergen, Norway, to Southampton, England, said security staff rushed to the buffet restaurant
Norway's spectacular fjords make a dramatic backdrop for any building, and now a Turkish architectural design studio has proposed a boutique hotel built into one of the nation's famous cliffs. The concept would be built to look like part of Preikestolen, a 1,982-foot cliff in southern Norway that has become a popular tourist attraction. It features a large viewing platform on the top
As part of its expansion with small ship cruising, Tauck has teamed up with French cruise line Ponant to offer sailings in Svalbard, an archipelago high above the Arctic Circle. We sailed on the tour operator’s inaugural cruise departing from the world’s northernmost town -- Longyearbyen, Norway -- into a wonderous, frozen and utterly
Expedition cruise line Hurtigruten has been forced to delay the maiden voyage of its new ship Roald Amundsen due to unfinished onboard interior work. The world's first hybrid-powered ship was due to set sail from Hamburg tomorrow with passengers onboard, but will instead leave from Tromso, in Norway, on Tuesday (July 2). Roald Amundsen will skip
When most people think of Scandinavian travel, they picture fjords, mountains and the dramatic landscapes of the Arctic Circle. But for a slice of authentic Nordic life, consider the lesser-explored central part of Sweden connecting its capital, Stockholm, and Norway’s first city, Oslo. The route is mostly flat, but passes beautiful lakes, chief among
Whether you want to cruise to the Caribbean, Montreal, or even Norway this year, your adventure at sea can begin in Boston. Massport anticipates a record-breaking 2019 cruise season in Boston, according to a statement from Massport; Boston’s cruise terminal, Flynn Cruiseport Boston in the Seaport, saw a record 389,619 travelers to Boston during the
While big cities like Paris or Rome are probably at the top of your travel bucket list, there are plenty of off-the-radar destinations that deserve your attention. From overlooked second cities – Bergen, Norway, and Valparaíso, Chile, to name a few
A cruise line based in Norway just announced it soon would power some of its ships with dead fish. And, no, it wasn't joking. Tromso, Norway-based Hurtigruten on Monday said it would become the first cruise operator in the world to power vessels using liquified biogas (LBG), a fossil-free, renewable fuel produced from dead fish and other organic
Skis desperately gripping the sugary snow and forehead slick with sweat as I stand panting heavily, I have one of those moments where I wonder if this might be how I die. Yes, I have a taste for melodrama. But I also honestly don’t know how I’m going to make it down the next hundred metres or so of rugged terrain, all of it blanketed in
Airlines operating in Norway must use more environmentally friendly jet fuel mixed with biofuel from 2020, according to an announcement by the Ministry of Climate and Environment on Thursday. As part of Norway's push to cut greenhouse gas emissions, the minority center-right government said the aviation fuel industry must mix 0.5 percent
So when I saw a sale on tickets to Oslo last fall, I booked a 10-day stay. It seemed like a fun twist on a regular vacation, although I wasn’t sure whether we would be able to connect with anyone in my extended family
f Norway were the size of your right arm, Oslo would be your thumbnail, Bergen and the fjords on your wrist, and the Arctic city of Tromso perched on your tricep. Finally, there is the region of Finnmark going over the top of Finland, until Norway actually touches Russia at your shoulder joint. This is where you can find the remotest town in Europe.
A polar bear was shot and killed after it attacked a guard leading a group of tourists off an Arctic cruise ship onto a remote island between mainland Norway and the North Pole on Saturday (July 28), the Associated Press reported. Another cruise employee shot the polar bear, according to the AP. A spokesperson for the German Hapag Lloyd Cruises company, which
The most recent contract for the Dutch manufacturer’s hardwearing and environmentally friendly products covers the pair of Hurtigruten newbuildings, Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen, two hybrid propulsion expedition cruise ships under construction at Kleven shipyard in Norway. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ pair of polar class expedition cruise ships, Hanseatic Nature and Hanseatic Inspiration, on order at the Vard shipyard in Tulcea, Romania will also feature extensive Bolidt decking systems onboard.
Packing a trip around Norway into just two weeks may be within reach this summer with an all-you-can-fly pass. Widerøe, a Norwegian airline, is offering an Explore Norway Ticket, which provides unlimited travel around Norway for two weeks, between 1 July and 31 August.
When approaching the Helgeland coastline, in northern Norway, you can't miss the Svartisen glacier spilling down the side of Almlifjellet mountain. Below, the gin-clear Holandsfjorden fjord -- an extension of the Norwegian Sea -- reflects the blue-toned mountain like a mirror.
How do you squeeze a luxury hotel resort into a cabin? Norway's Fordypningsrommet, on the remote northern island of Fleinvær, has come up with the answer -- "deconstructing" everything you'd want from high-end accommodation into a cluster of beautiful buildings scattered across an outstanding Arctic landscape
There aren’t many countries where an 80m ridge merits a stop on the tourist trail. But this is Finland, a country so devoid of high peaks that Norway considered bequeathing its flatter neighbour an entire mountain to mark a centenary of Finnish independence in December
Scandinavia is a beautiful part of Europe – but how to fit in as much as possible when you only have a few days of annual leave left? We tackled this problem by embarking upon a whistlestop tour of Norway, Sweden and Denmark by plane, train and automobile
If you're like a lot of Americans, you've never heard of Hurtigruten, a coastal and expedition cruise operator that has most of its ships in Norway. But if you're looking for an unusual way to visit multiple cities along the East Coast next year, you just might want to take a look at its latest offering
Many come to Bergen in pursuit of nearby nature, to see the dramatic fjords and waterfalls and misty mountain peaks of Norway’s southwestern coast. But before you are whisked away on a cruise ship or hiking tour, it’s worth exploring the city itself
River cruise giant Viking's move into ocean cruising hit another milestone on Thursday as the company christened its third ocean ship, Viking Sky, along the waterfront of Tromso, Norway
In 2015 Viking began operating ocean cruises in the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Baltic, unveiling Star as the first in what will be a five-ship ocean fleet. The third, Sky, will be christened under the Midnight Sun in Tromsø, Norway, in July
The resort’s design plays its part in this, with a strong emphasis on natural materials, chiefly wood. Its main feature is four sea cabins that look like outsize sound-system speakers jutting out from the island. The cabins have walls clad in larch and are of modular construction, with floor-to-ceiling glass wrapped around their fronts. Placing minimalist boxes into natural settings has become an architectural cliché. No matter. Manshausen’s designer, Snorre Stinessen, won several prizes at the Architizer A Awards in New York for the cabins – and deservedly so
Whether you are looking for city splendours in Stockholm or St Petersburg, culture in Tallinn or Helsinki, breathtaking coastal scenery in Norway or a combination
With a brutal winter that sees no sunshine for four months, no wonder the residents of Svalbard drink more booze than anywhere else in Norway. No way in. No way out. Just an unrelenting night that would go on for more than 100 days
n the upstairs room of a repurposed wooden boatshed – the only one in the row not painted unoxygenated blood red – a young woman wearing a knitted blue
We’re always looking for affordable ways to take a break, even on the high seas. But hey, it never hurts to dream about life on a 590-foot mega-yacht, too. Behold the 108M mega-yacht concept from Hareide Design Norway. This massive ship is designed with its own elevated dining and viewing platforms, tranquil gardens and even a private beach of sorts
I didn’t think the scene could get any more captivating. As I wandered along the Arctic shore of Svalbard, a remote archipelago stranded between Norway and the North Pole, a majestic blue iceberg was making a terrific racket – the air bubbles trapped within popping furiously, the sound of immense pressure escaping in a noisy rush as the ice melted. But then the call came: “Polar bear”
Hidden under turf and grass, Kolarbyn’s charcoal huts, 30 miles from the city of Västerås, scream fairytale. They forgo electricity or running water in favour of old-fashioned pleasures: you drift off in front of a log fire and awake to birdsong. Beds are inflatable mattresses with sheepskin rugs, and guests chop their own wood and pick their own blueberries. Guided activity options in the surrounding spruce forest include overnight beaver safaris
Sometimes cruise shopping feels like car shopping. You know there’s a deal out there; you just have to find it. Cruise lines regularly run sales, and the current batch will reward procrastinators and shoulder-season sailors. If you can travel later this month, Adventure Life is offering 50 percent off its 10-day Arctic trip to North Spitsbergen in Norway departing June 29. Billed as an eco-volunteer cruise, the trip assigns 50 passengers to pick up ocean garbage in the remote Svalbard archipelago, while the other 50 take part in an excursion
The new Frozen After Ride will open June 21 in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot, along with the Royal Sommerhus, a meet-and-greet site for Anna and Elsa, Walt Disney World Resort announced Friday
Looking for an offbeat way to explore the fjord-lined coast of Norway? Our latest Cruise Ship Tour, in the carousel above, offers a deck-by-deck look at the recently refurbished, 469-passenger Kong Harald, a ferry-like vessel that sails year-round from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes in the north and back on a 12-day loop
Western Europe's third largest country is also home to some of the world's happiest people - although it did fall two places in this year's ranking. Andrew Stone, Telegraph Travel's Scandinavia expert, says it has a bit of what all its Nordic neighbours have, including "Copenhagen's urban cool and Norway's mountains, as well as forest, lakes, pretty Baltic ports and islands. It also has Stockholm, perhaps the loveliest city in the whole of Scandinavia."
For thousands of years, large numbers of gray wolves roamed across Norway. Thanks to hunting and habitat loss, today there may be fewer than 30 living in the Norwegian wild. Protected since 1973, most of these now live in a single, highly managed pack in a "wolf zone" in the country's southeastern corner
"They’re here," announces Stig Sletten, breaking off our conversation as his eyes shift from mine to the window behind my head. I freeze, a glass of red halfway to my lips. "You can look," he continues in a low, steady tone. "But gently does it. No sudden movements."