Norway Travel Guide: Essential Tips

Explore Norway: Driving, Safety & Culture Tips

Flag of Norway
Info
Local Time
Weather

Norway, located in Northern Europe, is renowned for its breathtaking fjords, majestic mountains, and stunning northern lights. Its capital, Oslo, combines modern architecture with rich Viking history and a strong cultural scene.

Norway’s deep connection to nature is reflected in its outdoor lifestyle, with hiking, skiing, and fjord cruises being popular activities. The cuisine features fresh seafood, such as salmon and rakfisk (fermented fish), alongside traditional dishes like klippfisk (dried cod). With its dramatic landscapes and strong emphasis on sustainability, Norway is a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventurers.

Current Time in
Loading...

Loading...
Loading...

Local Time in
Loading...

Loading...
Loading...

Current Weather in
Loading...

Loading...
Loading...

7-Day Forecast

Travel Documents Menu
Documents
Driving Menu
Driving
Currency Menu
Currency
Laws Menu
Legal
Safety Menu
Safety
Flights menu
Flights
Travel Documents Menu

Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

  • Passport Norway: EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens can enter with a valid ID card. Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, including US, UK, and Canadian travelers, need a passport valid for at least 3 months beyond their departure and can stay visa-free for 90 days within a 180-day period.
  • Schengen Status: Norway is part of the Schengen Area, despite not being in the EU, so a Schengen visa (if required) is valid for entry. Borders with Sweden are open, but carry your passport for occasional checks, especially at the Russian border near Kirkenes. Check details on the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration.
  • Long Stays: For stays over 90 days (e.g., for work or study), you’ll need a residence permit. Contact the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration.
  • Health Entry Rules: No specific vaccinations are required. EU citizens can use the EHIC card for medical care. Non-EU travelers should have travel insurance, as healthcare costs are high. Check updates on the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
    • Driving Menu

    Driving in Norway

  • Driving License: EU, EEA, and Swiss driving licenses are valid. Non-EU/EEA/Swiss drivers (e.g., US, UK) can use their national license for 3 months but may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for car rentals.
  • Road Rules: Drive on the right. Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers. Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas like Oslo, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 110 km/h on motorways like the E6 (though many roads are 90 km/h max).
  • Road Conditions: Mountain roads, like the Trollstigen or Atlantic Ocean Road, are narrow and winding with steep drops—drive cautiously, especially in rain or snow. Ferries are common for fjord crossings, like on the E39—check schedules in advance.
  • Winter Driving: From November to April, winter tires are mandatory (spiked or non-spiked). Snow chains may be needed in areas like Lofoten, and temperatures can drop to -20°C in the north—carry blankets and supplies.
  • Toll Roads: Most roads have automatic tolls (AutoPASS)—rental cars are usually registered, but confirm with your rental company to avoid fines. Tolls in cities like Bergen can be high (e.g., 45 NOK per entry). Check details on the AutoPASS website.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies (police, ambulance, fire). Fuel stations are common in cities but sparse in remote areas like Tromsø—fill up in Stavanger or Trondheim.
    • Currency Menu

    Norway Currency

  • Norwegian Krone: The official currency is the Norwegian Krone (NOK), with the symbol kr. Banknotes come in 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 NOK, while coins are 1, 5, 10, and 20 NOK.
  • Currency Exchange Norway: Exchange money at banks or authorized bureaus in Oslo for better rates—avoid airport exchanges due to high fees. ATMs are widely available, even in smaller towns like Ålesund.
  • Payment Methods: Credit cards are widely accepted, even in remote areas—Norway is nearly cashless. Cash is useful for small purchases, like at markets in Bergen’s Fish Market, but many places prefer card payments.
  • Travel Tips: Tipping isn’t mandatory—service is often included, but rounding up the bill or adding 5-10% in restaurants is appreciated. Norway is expensive—budget accordingly. For current exchange rates, visit the Norges Bank website.
    • Laws Menu

    Legal Essentials for Traveling in Norway

  • Local Laws Norway: Drug laws are strict—possession or trafficking can lead to imprisonment. Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces, including bars and restaurants in Stavanger.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Norwegians value privacy and equality—avoid intrusive questions about personal wealth, especially in affluent areas like Oslo’s Frogner. Be respectful during national holidays like Constitution Day on May 17th.
  • Public Behavior: Public intoxication can lead to fines, particularly during events like the Bergen International Festival. Drinking in public is restricted in many cities—check local signs to avoid fines, especially in Tromsø.
  • Duty-Free Limits: You can bring 1L of spirits and 200 cigarettes, but declare cash over 25,000 NOK (or equivalent). Prohibited items include narcotics, weapons, and certain animal products (e.g., whale meat).
  • Alcohol Limits: The legal blood alcohol limit for driving is 0.02%—one of the strictest in Europe. Fines and license suspension are common for violations, even for small amounts.
  • Complaints: Submit travel-related complaints to the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, which oversees tourism. For more information, visit the Norwegian Ministry of Trade.
  • Emergency Contact: In case of legal issues, contact your embassy in Oslo. The general emergency number is 112.
    • Safety Menu

    Norway Travel Safety

  • Crime Norway: Norway is very safe, with low crime rates. Petty theft like pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas such as Oslo’s Karl Johans gate or Bergen’s Bryggen—keep valuables secure.
  • Hiking Safety: For trails like Trolltunga or Preikestolen, wear proper shoes due to steep and slippery terrain. Weather can change rapidly—carry rain gear, warm layers, and check forecasts, especially in the fjords.
  • Health Risks: Tap water is safe to drink throughout Norway, among the cleanest in the world. Use insect repellent in summer near lakes like those in Telemark to prevent mosquito bites, which can be irritating in the Arctic Circle.
  • Winter Hazards: Avalanches are a risk in winter, especially in areas like Romsdalen—check avalanche warnings before skiing or hiking. Extreme cold in the north (e.g., -30°C in Finnmark) can lead to frostbite—dress in layers.
  • Medical Facilities: Norway has excellent healthcare—hospitals like Oslo University Hospital are top-notch. Pharmacies are widespread, even in smaller towns like Bodø, and often have English-speaking staff.
  • Emergency Contacts: Dial 112 for general emergencies (police, ambulance, fire). For specific services, use Police: 112, Ambulance: 113.
  • Natural Hazards: Norway experiences avalanches, landslides, and flooding, especially in the west (e.g., Sogn og Fjordane). Coastal storms can affect the Lofoten Islands in winter. Check safety updates on the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection website.
    • Flights menu

    Flying to Norway