Europe
Norway
Fjords, mountains and Arctic light with excellent safety and English. One of the world's most expensive countries; distances are long and weather sets the plan, so book trains ahead.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautionsDetails
- Visa93 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyNOKUS$1 ≈ kr9.62Details
- Price level91%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English5/5Spoken almost everywhereDetails
- PlugsType C, F230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 112 · Ambulance 113 · Fire 110
- Tap waterYes, drinkableExcellent tap water everywhere; locals also drink from clear mountain streams.Details
- LGBTQ+Marriage equalityVery accepting; Oslo Pride each June draws big crowds, and same-sex couples are unremarkable nationwide.Details
- Internet157 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 145 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightEEA licences are valid; most others work for short visits if in Latin script, otherwise carry an IDP.
Where to go in Norway
7 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OsloCapital city | 4/5 | $2,910–4,370 | May–Sep | 13/100 |
| BergenCity | 5/5 | $2,490–3,740 | May–Sep | 28/100 |
| TromsøCity | 5/5 | $2,700–3,950 | Feb–Mar, Jun–Jul, Oct | 24/100 |
| Lofoten IslandsIslands | 5/5 | $2,700–3,950 | Feb–Mar, Jun–Aug | 24/100 |
| StavangerCity | 5/5 | $2,700–3,950 | May–Sep | 24/100 |
| ÅlesundTown | 5/5 | $2,390–3,530 | May–Sep | 32/100 |
| TrondheimCity | 5/5 | $2,490–3,640 | May–Sep | 31/100 |
When to visit Norway
June–August for fjords, hiking and midnight sun; late September–March for northern lights in Tromsø and Lofoten; February–April for skiing.
Good to know
Entry
- Schengen member: non-EU visitors give fingerprints and a face photo to the Entry/Exit System (EES) on first entry.
- ETIAS pre-travel authorisation isn't required yet and has no confirmed start date; check the EU site before you fly.
- Svalbard is outside Schengen: if you need a Schengen visa, get a double-entry one to return to the mainland.
Laws visitors break by accident
- The drink-driving limit is 0.2‰, and speeding fines are among Europe's highest.
- Open fires in or near forests are banned 15 April–15 September.
- Wine and spirits sell only at Vinmonopolet; supermarket beer sales stop at 20:00 (18:00 Saturday).
Etiquette
- Take shoes off indoors at homes.
- Follow the right to roam: camp 150 m from houses, leave no trace.
- Personal space and quiet on public transport are valued.
- Punctuality matters; arrive on time.
Tipping
Service is included. Rounding up or up to 10% for great restaurant service is appreciated, not expected.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI)
- Governor of Svalbard: visas and immigration
- EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
- Speedtest Global Index, Aug 2026
- Entur
- Bolt in Oslo
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.