Norway Holidays

What can you find in Norway that you won’t find elsewhere?

Mighty fjordlands and dramatic coastline. In Norway’s craggy northwest, the long blue waters of the Vestfjord are often graced with orcas while the Lofoten Islands archipelago, adorned with painted fishing villages, sheltered bays and dramatic peaks (perfect for the Instagram feed), exudes rugged beauty. Beyond the Arctic Circle, admire Lysefjord from the famous Preikestolen cliff, teetering at 1,982ft (those with vertigo beware) as well as UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, one of the world’s most picturesque inlets with its dwarfing mountains and wild waterfalls.

Who are Norway holidays best for?

Norway holidays are perfect for families. Spend a weekend in Oslo canoeing on the surrounding lakes, inspecting Viking ships up close in the Viking Ship Museum and meeting the farm animals at 18th-century Bogstad Manor. If you have more time on your Norway family holiday, children can re-enact Disney’s ‘Frozen’ on the grand fjords, to the backdrop of magical waterfalls and wildlife. Alternatively, if you're the type who might like to ski by boat or take a snowmobile safari through polar bear country, you've come to the right place. Original Travel can arrange tailor-made adventure trips to the fjords of western Norway and the Arctic island archipelago of Svalbard, both of which major in big, bold scenery. The fjord region is, quite simply, one of the most dramatic destinations anywhere in the world, while Spitsbergen, the main island in Svalbard, is a frozen landscape of glaciers, mountains and fjords full of blue icebergs – think the Scottish Highlands during an Ice Age with added polar bears and you'll get the picture.

What are the best ways to discover Norway?

We recommend travelling the country in a hire car, so that you can linger or roam as you please during your trip.

Armed with our top tips and little black book, there’s no shortage of activities. But before you set off to more rural pastures, Oslo offers a wealth of cultural treats. For an art-filled break, spend the weekend in Oslo, admiring world famous works by Edvard Munch in the dedicated Munch Museum. You can see his most famous painting, ‘The Scream’, in the National Gallery alongside works by El Greco and Pablo Picasso. Don’t miss a concert at the University of Oslo Aula, if only to admire its decoration – Munch himself was commissioned to decorate its large walls in 1914. Then stroll the Grunerlokka neighbourhood where the artist grew up and whose residences remain unchanged since the 19th-century. Today the neighbourhood still retains its creative streak with cool coffee culture and shopping scenes. Start at Munch’s first address, Thorvald Meyers gate 48, then follow the timeline to Fossveien 7 where his beloved sister (and possible inspiration for The Scream) died of tuberculosis. Meanwhile, fill in the gaps embracing your inner hipster, dipping into achingly cool Scandi shops, sipping on cocktails in a trendy neighbourhood haunt come night time and dining on inventive tapas.

Aside from a Munch-inspired tour, we can easily sweep you through the city’s highlights, including the Royal Palace, Stortinget (Norway’s parliament), the National Theatre and the Akershus Fortress (which was the inspiration for the castle in Disney’s ‘Frozen’, so is a must-visit for anyone with children in tow). Not to mention some world-class museums and standout restaurants – naturally we’ll reserve the best tables in advance. Along with dining in some world-class establishments, take part in the country’s taco-eating tradition. The Friday night event (called ‘Fredagstaco’) has become a cultural phenomenon, whereby families sit down to eat together and share the Mexican dish.

A special experience in Norway:

Spend a long weekend in the Norwegian fjordlands in a traditional lafta (interlocking log) style lodge or a more contemporary style hotel immersed in nature. Kayak along the rivers without another person in sight and see extraordinary wildlife such as lynx, wolves and reindeer during a trip to the Langedrak Nature Park. Birdwatching is popular activity while visiting the Svalbard archipelago, a region characterised by ice caves and mountains, and around 30% of the world’s Atlantic puffins reside in Norwegian territory (a species which is instantly recognisable thanks to their colourful beaks). For those in search of a winter wonderland, the Valdres region (located just a few hours from Oslo by car), is filled with frozen lakes and snow-dusted forests. Here you can ski, snowshoe and experience what it’s like to be a musher with dog-sledding through the snow-clad landscape. Warm-up in between activities with rejuvenating spa treatments, sauna sessions and cosying up in front of your hotel’s fire.

Undoubtedly one of the most magical experiences in Norway is the chance to spot the elusive Northern Lights, and Tromsø, a city situated above the Arctic Circle in northern Norway, is an excellent place to see them from. Plan your trip between October and April to optimise your opportunity to catch sight of the iconic Aurora Borealis. Our travel experts can help design your tailor-made itinerary to incorporate this dazzling natural phenomenon.

Best Time to Visit Norway:

Despite its high latitude, Norway experiences a fairly temperate climate, and the coast is also blessed with relatively warm weather thanks to the Gulf Stream. Unfortunately, the weather can still be quite variable across the country and there are periods of heavy rainfall. Temperatures range from up to 30°C in summer and as low as -40°C in some remote areas during the winter. Unlike the rest of Scandinavia, however, winter is not the country’s only season and the surrounding sea isn’t frozen. In Oslo and Bergen, temperatures climb to around 20°C during summer and drop below 0°C in the winter months. The northern position of the Lofoten Islands means that the North Atlantic Drift, Norwegian Current and Gulf Stream all influence the climate here, although surprisingly both summer and winter are fairly mild. Finnmark, located in Norwegian Lapland, is one of the country’s coldest regions and has reached a record cold temperature of -51.4°C in Karasjok. Visit our guide page on the best time to travel to Norway for more information.

FAQs

Things to do

What can I experience in Norway?

From the extraordinary natural beauty of the fjords, forests and waterfalls, to exciting winter activities like snowmobiling, ice fishing and husky dog sledding, Norway is ideal for anyone who’d like to see and try something new.

Where should I go in Norway?

If seeing the Northern Lights is number one on your wishlist, then head to Tromsø, which is in the centre of the lights’ oval, so there’s a higher chance of seeing them. For more breathtaking scenery, add Geirangerfjord and Sognefjord to your itinerary, or venture into the snowy landscape of Svalbard. And if you want the best of both worlds, Oslo is home to plenty of art, architecture and culture but still within easy reach of beautiful countryside.

Culture

What is Norway known for?

Norway is known for its impressive fjords, which are bodies of water longer than they are wide, with steep land on three sides. You might also associate Norway with the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, which can be seen in the northern area of the country between September and March.

Although this part of the world is often thought of as being linked to winter and winter sports - the Norwegian team has won a plethora of medals at the Winter Olympic Games - visiting in summer can be a highlight. From mid-May to mid-July, depending which region you’re in, you can experience a phenomenon called the Midnight Sun, where the sun never sets.

What food and drink should I try in Norway?

You can try local seafood, such as salmon prepared in many ways, or meat such as reindeer - meatballs and stews are common. Traditional Norwegian food includes lots of dried or fermented meats and fish; cheese; bread; root vegetables and roasted meat. Norway is also known for its excellent beer.

Can I drink the tap water in Norway?

The tap water is very good and generally you’ll be served tap water for your table unless you explicitly request bottled water.

Planning your trip

Where can I stay in Norway?

- Hotels: Chic, clean and efficient, there’s a lot to love about Norwegian hotels. In cities like Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim you can enjoy panoramic cityscape views, with teasing glimpses of the mountains and fjords beyond.
- Countryside lodges: The perfect bases for a dreamy escape in nature. Nestled in valleys like Boverdalen are secluded retreats (think old wooden structures promising the comfort of a fireplace and forest views) while in the northern Nordenskiöld glacier, an Arctic chalet lets you experience true idyllic isolation.
- Fishermen’s cabins: Standing on stilts along the Norwegian coast are cabins (known as rorbuers) which were once used by fishermen. These sturdy timber cabins can be found in the likes of Reine, just a stone's throw from the adventures awaiting in the Lofoten Islands.

Learn more about accommodation in Norway with our guide.

How far in advance should I book a trip to Norway?

We advise booking as early as possible. Activities are seasonal and can get booked up quickly.

What's the best way of getting around in Norway?

With Norway’s extensive transport network, you can travel seamlessly from A to B while soaking in the journey’s surrounding landscapes.

- If you want to see the fjords: Sandwiched between the blue sky and blue waters, ferries weave around the islands and fjords and visit popular spots along the west coast like Bergen, Flam and Sognefjord.
- If you prefer a quick-but-eco-conscious journey: Reliable, speedy and spacious, Norway’s extensive train network threads through the country and links major cities like Oslo, Trondheim and Bergen.
- If you like to stay flexible: Norway is a great country to be independent and explore by car. You can venture to remote places that are sometimes inaccessible by any other forms of transport in Norway.

Read more about transport in Norway in our guide.

What side of the road do they drive on in Norway?

In Norway they drive on the right side of the road.

Where can I see the Northern Lights in Norway?

The best places to see the Northern Lights in Norway are Bodø, Kirkenes, Lofoten, Narvik, Svalbard, and Tromsø.

Local information

What is the capital of Norway?

Oslo is the capital of Norway. The largest city in the country, it sits at the head of the Oslo Fjord in the south east, and is known for being a hub of history and culture.

What language is spoken in Norway?

Norway has two official languages: Norwegian and Sami. Norwegian is the most widely spoken language, while Sami is a group of indigenous languages belonging to the Sami people. In Norway, the most commonly spoken Sami languages are North Sami, Lule Sami and South Sami.

What plugs are used in Norway?

Norway uses the standard European plug with two round prongs. You can use adapter types labelled ‘C’ or ‘F’, which are sometimes referred to as Northern Europe adapters. Voltage is 220 volts.

What currency does Norway use?

Norway uses a currency called kroner (NOK), which is divided into 100 ore. Many places accept payment by debit or credit card or by phone, but it’s wise to carry some cash. Norway doesn’t accept foreign currency and some supermarkets and petrol stations don’t accept card payments.

What's the time zone in Norway?

Norway is on Central European Time (CET), which is an hour ahead of the UK both during winter and when the UK switches to BST during the summer.

Travel information

Where can I find the latest travel advice for Norway?

The latest travel advice for Norway is available on the UK government’s foreign travel advice pages.

How long does it take to fly to Norway from the UK?

It takes approximately two hours and five minutes to fly to Norway from the UK (London).

Do I need a visa to visit Norway?

No, if you have a British passport then you don’t need a visa. If you plan to stay for longer than 90 days you must apply for a residence permit.

Do I need vaccinations to visit Norway?

No, although it’s wise to make sure you’re up-to-date with all your vaccinations. Your GP surgery will be able to advise you.