These travel tips for Norway will help you have the best possible experience in the land of Vikings and trolls. Norway is home to the northernmost point of Europe, and it’s always a well-known travel destination. While this destination used to be pushed aside in favor of glamorous cities like Paris and London, lowering travel prices are introducing a whole new world of tourists into this Scandinavian region.
Home to one of the longest and most rugged coastlines in the world as well as around 50,000 islands, Norway has a lot to offer to outdoor enthusiasts. The most popular sight includes the Norwegian fjords, long, deep inlets of sea between high cliffs. It’s also home to Viking sites and Norse Mythology. Thor fans would know that things like the Bifrost Bridge to Asgard and Odin are all from this magical destination. Are you considering traveling to Norway anytime soon? If so, there are some things you need to know to make the most of your trip. Here are 7 must-read tips for visiting Norway.
Travel Tips for Norway
1. Book a Tour
While Norway is a modern country that’s relatively easy to travel around, it’s also a lot bigger than you think. Getting from the fjords to the Northern Lights to the bigger cities involves a lot of driving, and costs can add up quickly if you aren’t careful. No matter how you like to travel, it’s likely worth booking a holiday tour or vacation guide to help you navigate this country. Visit Norway Tours | Norway Package Holiday Tours & Places to See In Norway for more information on the best ways to get around.
2. Learn Some Norwegian Words
It’s always polite to learn a bit of the language when you’re traveling to a new place. While you don’t need to take a class on Norwegian vocabulary, learning a few words and common phrases will go a long way. Most Norwegians speak excellent English, but they’ll be very impressed if you can say a few basics in their native tongue.
Norwegian Phrases
- Takk – Thank you
- Ja – Yes
- Nei – No
- Unnskyld – Excuse me
3. Beware the High Prices
Norway is one of the most expensive countries to visit in the world. Even a stay in a hostel can run you over $70 a night. Make sure you budget enough for accommodations, travel, experiences, and dining while you’re in Norway. Even if airline prices are low, that doesn’t mean the travel expenses are budget-friendly. Similarly, avoid complaining about high prices in Norway during your visit. This is seen as rude, and Norwegians already know their country is expensive.
4. Dress Warm
It’s important to dress warm while in Norway, even in the summer months. The weather can be very cold in the winter and similarly chilly in the summer, even with sunny skies. It’s best to always be prepared with layers, especially if you’re spending a lot of time outside (which you should). Invest in a good pair of outdoor shoes, a warm coat, and many different layers. Norway is also prone to rain so pack a raincoat.
5. Visit the Supermarket
Food and drink are notoriously expensive in Norway. You might think you can save some money by visiting the convenience store or a gas station on the way to your next destination. Surely this is the best place to find cheap snacks? Nope! The prices at “convenience” stores are generally the most expensive around, so always stock up on snacks and other items at local grocery stores.
6. Beware of Winter Closures
Let’s be honest: winters are cold in Norway. Also, since it’s at such a high latitude, there is limited sunlight during the winter months. This leads to a lot of roads, attractions, and more being shut down in the wintertime. If there are only 3 hours of sunlight, why would they keep all of the roads open if it’s too risky? This is something that makes sense, and you’ll need to work around it if you aren’t traveling during “high season” between May through September.
7. Book Accommodations in Advance
You might think that because Norway isn’t as “popular” of a destination, you can get away with a lot of last-minute travel accommodations. This isn’t the case today, especially in the peak times during the summer. Trains, flights, and hotel rooms book off fast, even in the offseason. The best thing you can do is to book things as early as possible. This will also save you a lot of money in the long run.
Are you planning a trip to Norway? Whether this is your first trip or you’ve been before, listen to the tips above. There’s so much to explore in this gorgeous country. Just make sure you know what to expect before you go.
