Holidays to Norway
Top destinations in Norway
Bergen
From leafy peaks to yawning fjords, Bergen’s landscape is its crowning glory. But there’s still plenty to do in town when the rains come.
Oslo
One of Scandinavia's most breathtaking cities, the Norwegian capital boasts dramatic fjords, medieval fortresses and a thriving coffee culture to keep you amped for your next adventure.
Tromso
Prepare for the show of a lifetime as Tromso’s frozen fjords and snowy peaks provide the ultimate backdrop to the Northern Lights and a perfect Arctic getaway.
Svalbard
An otherworldly Norwegian archipelago with polar bears, icebergs and glaciers, Svalbard gives you a taste of life deep inside the Arctic Circle.
Norway: fast facts
| Language | Norwegian |
|---|---|
| Currency | Norwegian krone (kr) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST) |
Norway holiday highlights
See the fjords
Dramatic cliffs, blue-black waters, foaming waterfalls — the fjords on Norway’s western and northern coasts are something to behold. Explore them by foot, rent a kayak, take a scenic train or drive their famous switchback roads, like the serpentine Trollstigen. You’ll find spectacle everywhere, from steepling mountains to the picturesque villages that hug their sides.
Experience polar summer
Nearly half of Norway is located in the Arctic, including the lively city of Tromso and the island archipelago of Svalbard. Head north during the polar summer and spend the endless days out in nature or heating up in a sauna. Visit in winter to go dog- and reindeer-sledging and to witness the wonder of the Aurora Borealis.
Walk on a glacier
Norwegians love to hike and ski through their landscape, from misty forests and snow-covered peaks to an enormous glacier. You’ll find a network of trails and lodges across the country, and you can go wild camping almost anywhere. Cycling, kayaking, fishing and glacier walking are also popular things to do in Norway. Or head to Voss for extreme sports such as whitewater rafting.
Things to do in Norway
Top attractions
UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord is one of Norway’s most famous fjords, celebrated for its dramatic waterfalls and scenic hiking trails. Take the Fjellheisen cable car up Storsteinen mountain in Tromso for a chance to see the Northern Lights. Interested in Norway’s famous Viking history? In summer, head to the Viking Farm at Avaldsnes, a reconstructed Viking-era settlement.
Beaches
In summer, Norwegians head south to hotspots like Arendal and Mandal, where the water is warm enough to swim without a wetsuit. There are lots of white sands, turquoise waters and popular surfing destinations to be found on Vestland and Rogaland’s coasts. With Norway’s endless coastline, it’s easy to find a beach all to yourself — many of the best are accessed by boat.
Nature
Norway is one of Europe’s most mountainous countries, and a third of the nation is covered in forest. A wildlife safari is a great way to immerse yourself in nature, whether it’s whale watching, moose spotting or heading to the tundra in search of elusive polar bears. Birdwatchers will find hundreds of rare species, from white-tailed eagles to Atlantic puffins.
Culture and museums
Oslo has no shortage of cultural hotspots, including the cutting-edge Oslo Opera House and the Munch museum. Some of the best museums in Norway are open-air affairs capturing the country’s traditional ways of life, like Maihaugen in Lillehammer. Norway’s landscape inspires art everywhere, from village crafts to contemporary galleries. Head north to find Indigenous Sámi culture thriving within the Arctic Circle.
Cuisine
Quite a few restaurants in Norway have joined the new wave of Scandinavian cooking that focuses on fresh produce, both farmed and foraged. Seafood is often the star here, including succulent red king crab, which can grow to 1.8 metres in length. You’ll also find rare meats like elk and reindeer, a strong craft beer scene and some of the best cider in the world.
Family friendly
Step into a world of fairy tales at Hunderfossen Eventyrpark, a seasonal theme park with rides based on Norwegian folklore. Or swap fiction for fun facts at Lofotr Viking Museum in Borg, home to reconstructed Viking buildings, cultural re-enactments and an annual Viking festival. Travelling with animal lovers? Spot reindeer, Arctic foxes and musk oxen in Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park.
Find the best time to visit Norway
Weather in Norway
March – May: Though temps begin to rise, spring’s weather is still unpredictable. Prepare for a mix of sun, rain and even snow. Pack layers and a good waterproof jacket.
June – August: Summer brings mild temperatures and the famous Midnight Sun. It’s a great time for outdoor activities, but pack layers, especially if you’re travelling along the coast.
September – November: Look forward to colourful autumn foliage and the arrival of the Northern Lights season in the north. Temperatures begin to drop, and rainy days are common on the coast.
December – February: Bundle up for freezing temperatures and snowfall in the inland and northern regions. It’s the best time to visit Norway for activities like skiing and ice fishing.
Events in Norway
Northern Lights Festival (January or February): Held against the backdrop of the Northern Lights, this annual music festival in Tromso features everything from classical concerts to opera, jazz and pop performances.
Holmenkollen Ski Festival (March): Dating back to 1892, this winter sports event welcomes thousands of spectators to cheer on their favourite ski jumpers and cross-country skiers.
Bergen International Festival (May to June): Join the crowds in Bergen for Norway’s premier music and cultural festival. Expect local and international headliners in music, dance, opera, ballet and theatre.
Gladmat Festival (June or July): Head to Stavanger for Norway’s biggest food festival featuring street food, local beer and cider tastings, as well as talks and demonstrations by celebrity chefs.
Know before you go
Local etiquette
Norwegians value humility and politeness. So don’t mistake reservedness for rudeness — personal space and privacy are important parts of the culture. Greet people with a simple ‘hei’ (hello), and avoid being overly familiar with strangers. Punctuality is also important. Try not to be late when meeting people and joining tours.
Health and safety
Some advisories recommend getting tick-borne encephalitis and tetanus vaccinations before visiting Norway. If you’re exploring the higher elevations, be sure to drink lots of water until your body adjusts. The weather can also change rapidly in the mountains. Pack the right clothes and equipment when hiking, and follow local safety guidelines for outdoor activities.
LGBTQ+ travel
Norway is known as one of the world’s most LGBTQ-friendly countries, making it a safe and welcoming destination for queer travellers. In Oslo, you’ll find plenty of gay bars, clubs and saunas around the city centre. Visiting in summer? Join Pride celebrations, parades and marches in cities like Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim.
Budget
A cheap holiday to Norway is doable. A local beer can set you back around 100 Norwegian kroner (kr), and you can find a coffee at half that price. It’s also possible to have an inexpensive meal for about kr200 — keep an eye out for waffles or the famous petrol station hot dogs.
Getting around Norway
Public transportation
Buses: You’ll find long-distance bus services offered by a few different companies, including low-cost operator Lavprisekspressen. Routes cover most of the country and tend to be cheap and efficient, though service slows outside the summer high season.
Trains: Government-owned railway company Vy (formerly NSB) runs a network of regional and intercity trains linking Norway’s major cities, like Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim and Bodo. The popular Bergen and Flåm railways are famous for their scenery.
Boats: Ferries are a key way to get around, with express boats and car ferries running along the coast. Popular routes include the Geiranger–Hellesylt ferry through Geirangerfjord and the famous Hurtigruten voyage between Bergen and Kirkenes. Keep in mind that some services are seasonal and may not run year-round.
Domestic flights
If you’re looking to cut your travel time, SAS and Norwegian Air Shuttle connect major cities and some larger towns. Wideroe is your go-to airline for reaching smaller regional airports and destinations in Northern Norway, like Tromso.
Driving
Driving gives you the flexibility to visit more remote areas, but you’ll often need to negotiate fjords and ferries along the way. Car travel can be challenging in winter if you’re not used to ice and snow.
