Travel to Norway — everything you need to know
When to go to Norway?
- June – August — Summer — fjords and midnight sun : Hiking (Trolltunga, Preikestolen), fjords accessible by kayak and ferry, midnight sun above the Arctic Circle. Temperatures 18–24°C in Oslo.
- December – March — Winter — northern lights : Northern lights in Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands (best Oct–Mar). Alpine and cross-country skiing. Fascinating polar night (polarnatt).
- September – October — Autumn — colours and quiet : Spectacular foliage, fjords without crowds, first northern lights. Cool temperatures (8–14°C). Ideal for hiking before the snow.
Weather in Norway
Check the weather city by city, starting with Oslo.
- Oslo: daytime highs from 0 to 23 °C depending on the season, 70 mm of rain per month on average.
- Tromsø: daytime highs from -3 to 19 °C depending on the season, 91 mm of rain per month on average.
- Bergen: daytime highs from 5 to 20 °C depending on the season, 208 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Norway?
Norway is the queen of fjords: the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, the northern lights over Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands, the North Cape and the midnight sun, red fishing villages perched over the Atlantic. One of the most spectacular natural landscapes in Europe — and one of the most expensive. The land of trolls, trams, and fish oil.
Fjords — Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord (UNESCO)
The fjords of western Norway are UNESCO-listed: Geirangerfjord with its Seven Sisters waterfalls, and the Nærøyfjord (the narrowest in the world, 250m) are the most photographed in Scandinavia. The panoramic ferry, kayaking in turquoise waters between 1,400m cliffs, and mountain villages make up the quintessential Norwegian experience.
Highlights : Geirangerfjord cruise — Seven Sisters waterfalls, Kayaking in the Nærøyfjord (day trip), View from Dalsnibba (1,500m above the fjord), Flåm–Gudvangen ferry (Sognefjord fjord route).
Lofoten — Islands of light
The Lofoten Islands are an archipelago of granite peaks rising from the North Atlantic: red fishing villages on stilts (rorbuer), white sand beaches in an Arctic setting, northern lights in winter and midnight sun in summer. It's the most photographed place in Norway — and one of the most beautiful in Europe.
Highlights : Reine village — the most photographed in Norway, Northern lights over the rorbuer (Oct–Mar), Ryten hike — view over Kvalvika beach.
Trolltunga and Preikestolen — Iconic hikes
Trolltunga ('the troll's tongue') is a rock jutting out 700m above Lake Ringedalsvatnet — one of the most popular (and demanding) hikes in Europe. Preikestolen ('Pulpit Rock') offers a 604m sheer drop over the Lysefjord with an iconic view. Both hikes can be done independently or with a guide.
Highlights : Trolltunga (23km round trip, 1,100m elevation) — 2 days recommended, Preikestolen — 3,800m round trip, view over the Lysefjord, Kjeragbolten — boulder wedged in a crevasse at 1,000m, Aurlandsfjord from Stegastein — suspended viewpoint.
Oslo — Culture and Vikings
Oslo is a dynamic capital in an exceptional natural setting: the Viking Ship Museum (three original 9th-century longships), the Bygdøy district with its museums, the modern opera house by the fjord (you can walk on the roof), and Vigeland Park with its 200 granite sculptures. A city that combines nature and culture, best explored by bike.
Highlights : Viking Ship Museum (Vikingskipshuset) — original longships, Oslo Opera House — walk on the white marble roof, Vigeland Park — 200 outdoor granite sculptures, Bygdøy Island — museums + beach in summer (ferry from Oslo).
Ski resorts — Geilo, Hemsedal & Voss
Between Oslo and Bergen, the Norwegian mountains host friendly ski resorts nicknamed the Norwegian Switzerland. Hemsedal, Geilo and Voss offer alpine slopes, cross-country skiing and extreme sports amid fjord scenery. Year-round, the Flåm railway connects these peaks to the waters of the Hardangerfjord.
Highlights : Hemsedal — the Norwegian Switzerland, Voss — skiing and extreme sports, Geilo — family resort, Myrdal & Flåm Railway, Hardangerfjord in summer.
Travel budget for Norway
Norway is one of the most expensive destinations in the world. A beer in a bar costs 10–12 €, a restaurant meal at least 25–40 €. Transport (trains, ferries) is expensive but efficient and spectacular. Wild camping is legal (allemannsretten).
- Backpacker : 150–220 €/j — Camping + supermarket + public transport
- Comfort : 250–400 €/j — 3★ hotel + restaurants + guided excursions
Practical tips for travelling to Norway
- Flight from Paris : ~2h (Norwegian, SAS, direct Air France CDG–Oslo Gardermoen). Many daily flights.
- Visa : No visa required — Schengen area. A French ID card is sufficient.
- Currency : Norwegian krone (NOK). Cards accepted everywhere (even markets). Cash is almost never needed.
- Language : Norwegian. English is spoken by almost all Norwegians — communication is easy.
- Electricity : Type C/F (European) — 230V. No adapter needed.
- Health : No particular precautions needed. Ticks in forested areas (summer). European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) valid.
- Midnight sun : Above the Arctic Circle (Tromsø, Lofoten): midnight sun from May to August. Polar night from November to January.
- Right to roam : The allemannsretten allows camping anywhere in nature (>150 m from a house) and hiking freely on all land. A fundamental Norwegian rule.
Compare Norway with other destinations