Things To Do
in Norway
Norway is a Nordic nation famed for its dramatic fjords, rugged coastlines, and pristine Arctic landscapes. It blends cutting-edge design and sustainable living with a deep respect for nature and a strong welfare system. In summer, long days and midnight sun invite fjord explorations, while winter offers auroras, snow sports, and cozy fjell lodges.
The country prides itself on high quality of life, pristine outdoors, and a rich Viking and maritime heritage that informs contemporary culture and cuisine.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at a local café near Karl Johans gate, savoring freshly baked pastries and strong coffee. Spend time walking past the Royal Palace grounds as the morning light gleams off the manicured lawns. Feel the vibrant pulse of the city waking up as shops open and locals commute to work.
Head to the Vigeland Sculpture Park to admire over 200 granite and bronze sculptures set against lush parkland. Explore the nearby National Gallery to see iconic works, including Edvard Munch’s paintings. Dive into the Nobel Peace Center for an interactive insight into global peace efforts.
Dine on traditional Norwegian dishes, such as reindeer stew or fresh salmon, at a waterfront restaurant in Aker Brygge. Watch the sun dip behind the Oslofjord, casting golden hues across the harbor. Then enjoy a lively bar or cultural performance in the hip Grünerløkka district.
Depart Oslo Central Station on the iconic Bergen Railway, famous for its panoramic windows and high-altitude route. Savor a freshly brewed coffee as the train climbs through the Hallingskarvet mountains, with snow-capped peaks glistening in the early light. Engage in conversation with friendly locals and fellow travelers, sharing excitement for the day ahead.
Pause at the mountain village of Finse to breathe crisp air and see the imposing Hardangerjøkulen glacier. Continue your ride through cascading waterfalls and verdant valleys, each view more stunning than the last. Arrive in Bergen in the late afternoon, ready to explore the historic Hanseatic wharf.
Stroll along Bryggen’s colorful wooden houses and soak up the medieval atmosphere as dusk falls. Choose a cozy seafood bistro to sample the freshest cod or shrimp plucked from the nearby fjords. End your night with a leisurely walk to Mount Fløyen’s viewpoint, where city lights twinkle beneath a starry sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $15-25 |
| 🍝Three-course dinner for two (mid-range restaurant) | $60-110 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night for two | $120-210 |
| 🚌Public transport pass (monthly) | $60-90 |
| 🛒Grocery shopping (weekly basics) | $40-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural landscapes and easy access to outdoor adventures
- High-quality infrastructure and safety standards
- Excellent seafood and sustainable cuisine
- Well-preserved cultural heritage and vibrant cities
- High prices, especially for dining and accommodation
- Long-distance travel between regions can be time-consuming
- "Hei" - Hello
- "Takk" - Thank you
- "Vær så snill" - Please
- "Unnskyld" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Kan du snakke engelsk?" - Do you speak English?
- "Hvor mye koster dette?" - How much does this cost?
- "Hvor ligger toalettet?" - Where is the toilet?
- "Jeg forstår ikke" - I do not understand
Places to Visit in Norway
Visit one of these nice places.
A striking white-marble venue with a sloped roof that rewards photographers with sweeping harbor and city views.
One of Norway’s most iconic fjords, offering dramatic waterfalls and towering cliffs for grand landscape shots.
A dramatic cliff edge over Lysefjord; sunrise or sunset provides spectacular light.
A jagged rock over a glacier-fed valley—challenging but immensely photogenic.
Steep climb above the village of Reine with panoramic Arctic seascapes and dramatic peaks.
Aurora skies and snowy cityscapes provide ethereal night photography opportunities.
Food in Norway
Norway Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional lamb and cabbage stew considered Norway's national dish; best enjoyed in autumn during family gatherings.
Must-Try!
Fermented fish typically served with flatbread and sour cream; a Nordic delicacy often paired with aquavit.
Norwegian meat cakes made from beef or pork, usually served with gravy, potatoes, and vegetables.
A caramel-sweet brown whey cheese enjoyed on bread or crackers.
Dried whitefish rehydrated in lye, popular around Christmas; typically served with potatoes, peas, and sauce.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively indoor market offering local produce, cheeses, cured meats, and seasonal bites.
Historic fish market by the harbor with fresh seafood and waterfront views.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Be on time for appointments and reservations as a sign of respect.
Respect quiet conversations in public spaces and avoid loud conduct on public transport.
Respect the Right to Roam (allemannsretten): leave-no-trace, avoid disturbing wildlife, and respect private property.
Safety
Tipping in Norway
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not required in Norway; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for exceptional service is appreciated but not expected.
Credit/debit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted; cash is less commonly used, especially in urban areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long daylight hours (even 24 hours north of the Arctic Circle) make hiking and cruising ideal. Pack light layers, sunscreen, and a waterproof layer for sudden showers.
Cool, crisp air with russet foliage; great for road trips and fewer crowds. Bring a warm layer and a rain jacket.
Snowy landscapes and Northern Lights; days are short in the north—plan daylight activities and bring warm, waterproof gear.
Meltwater and blooming valleys create fresh panoramas; expect changing weather and mix of sun and showers.
Norway at Night
Hiking in Norway
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A classic day hike with a dramatic cliff-edge viewpoint over a fjord.
A strenuous multi-hour hike to a spectacular rock platform above a valley lake.
A renowned ridge walk in Jotunheimen with striking lake views and rugged terrain.
A boulder wedged in a crevasse above a deep valley; famous for dramatic photography.
Scenic ridge walk with views of the Rauma river and surrounding peaks.
Airports
How to reach Norway by plane.
Norway’s largest international gateway with extensive domestic and international connections; accessible by train and highway into Oslo.
Major hub for Western Norway with domestic and some international routes; convenient for accessing fjord regions.
Gateway to Central Norway with connections to Oslo and regional destinations.
Key hub for the Stavanger region and nearby fjords; strong North Sea connections.
Gateway to Northern Norway and a popular base for aurora trips.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population with deep ties to language and cultural traditions.
Indigenous people with distinctive cultures and arctic reindeer herding in the north.
Growing communities from Poland, Lithuania, Somalia, Syria, and other countries contributing to culture and economy.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A national pastime with an extensive network of trails across the countryside.
Widely followed, with strong domestic leagues and youth participation.
Popular in schools and clubs, especially in winter months.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in cities; look for vegetable-forward dishes and dairy-rich staples. When in doubt, ask for seasonal sides or fish-free options.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Norway.