10 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Norway

Norway is a beautiful, well-developed country in Europe, and yet traveling around Norway can provide some serious culture shock. Whether you’re currently planning a trip or simply daydreaming of visiting one day, here are 10 things you need to know before visiting Norway.

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10 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Norway

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Get to know the magical country of Norway before you get on the plane. This will set you up for maximum enjoyment while limiting unpleasant surprises. Let’s dive in!

1. Norway is a Scandinavian and Nordic Country.

Norway is a Nordic country and part of Scandinavia. Surprisingly, these are not interchangeable. In fact, these are completely different subsets of countries. While Scandinavia is tied by linguistic and cultural similarities, the Nordic region is connected historically and politically.

Nordic Countries: Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland

Nordic Region: Also includes the Faroe Islands and Greenland + Aland, Jan Mayen, and Svalbard Islands

Scandinavia: Norway, Sweden, Denmark

What’s the difference between Scandinavian and Nordic?
The Scandinavian peninsula is considered Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. In this region, they also share similarities in language and culture.

Meanwhile, the Nordic region is tied together culturally, historically, financially, and politically but not linguistically.

2. The cost of Norway can catch you off guard.

Official Norwegian currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK)

Be prepared for sticker shock. Norway is an expensive country!! In fact, Norway’s cost of living is among the highest in the world. Accommodations, transportation, activities, food, etc. are all far more expensive than I would have ever expected. Please take this into consideration when you plan your trip! To give you an idea of cost, a cup of coffee can be $5 and a beer can easily be $10+!

Unlike some parts of Europe, you won’t be limited to using cash. Credit cards are now accepted everywhere, usually with no minimum limit. Some places will however require a PIN and not let you sign for it, so ensure your card is enabled for that.

3. Most Norwegians can speak English.

Official language in Norway: Norwegian

One of the most impressive parts of European cultures is how many people are multi-lingual, and Norway is no exception.

Most Norwegians you encounter will speak Norwegian as their primary language, but they will also know a number of other languages, including English. In fact, it’s estimated that 90% of Norwegians speak English as a second language.

This makes it easy for travelers to communicate. However, learning a few basic Norwegian phrases like takk (thank you) or hei (hello) can go a long way.

4. Norway is an incredibly safe country.

Norway is one of the safest countries in the world. This makes traveling to Norway perfectly safe, even if you’re a solo female traveler, as I was the first time I visited. The crime rates are low in the cities and the country-side, and you really don’t have much to worry about.

Most crimes tend to be home and office burglaries, but as a best practice, always be aware of your surroundings and travel with travel insurance just in case. There is always the small chance of being a victim of a crime.

Want extra help staying safe?
Here are 35 safety tips for travelers.

5. Norway’s weather is no joke.

Outside of the cost of Norway, the weather was the next most surprising element to traveling around Norway. I visited at the end of March, and I must say, in all of my years of living, I apparently had never really encountered snow… Norway has snow. It was up to the roofs of houses with snow drifts much deeper.  

Skiing is of the utmost importance in Norway.  That’s right, cross-country skiing is a real mode of transportation! Yes, I realize it’s ridiculous that I did not know this, but it’s just a hobby in Ohio where I grew up, not an actual necessity to get from point A to point B. We have cars for that!

It can be exceptionally cold and the weather can change rapidly. Check the weather before you pack, expect snow unless you’re visiting in the middle of summer, and take lots of layers so you can adjust to all of the temperatures you may encounter during a day.

6. Getting around Norway is easy but time consuming.

Public transportation in Norway is great, and it’s easy to book and use even if you don’t speak Norwegian. However, it will be expensive, and it may take a long time to get anywhere.

While Norway may look small on a map, the distances are big. It can take 38 hours to drive the length of Norway! Then account for the natural wonders, like the fjords and mountains, and you will need to add additional time to get from point A to point B as your route will certainly not be a straight line.

7. Food and drink in Norway are expensive!

The food in Norway is delicious but surprisingly expensive. Instant diet? Maybe. The prices are about 3x that of the average US city prices. In fact, one of the most important things to remember is that you can (and should) stop in grocery stores and 7-Elevens to fulfill your hunger and pricey coffee needs.

Also important to note is that the water is “potable”, or safe to drink from the tap. I highly recommend saving a bit of money by carrying a refillable water bottle.

Are you a budget conscious traveler?
Read 44 Tips to Save Money While Traveling to get the most bang for your buck in Norway!

8. Norway is an outdoor paradise.

You may know that Norway is truly stunning with fjords, mountains, and the Northern Lights, but did you know that National Parks and most outdoor areas are free to use? That’s right… in this very pricey country, you can enjoy some of the best sights for free! Think Trolltunga, Pulpit Rock, and beyond!

This is due to “Allemannsretten” or every man or woman’s right of public access. This means there aren’t entrance fees, and you can come and go as you please, including camping throughout most of Norway. This freedom to the outdoors can also help you visit Norway on a budget.

9. Catch the Northern Lights in Northern Norway.

While Norway is a spectacular place to catch the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, you can’t usually see them down in Oslo or Bergen. You will need to travel further north to Lofoten, Bodo, or Tromso to see the Northern Lights.

Also, remember that during the summer it may be too bright to see them at all. If they are on your “Norway Bucket List” you will want to plan you trip between October and April for the best chance of seeing them.

10. Activities throughout Norway vary greatly.

As Norway is a long country with an extensive coastline, there are a wide variety of activities available throughout the country. Whether you like cities or nature, you’re sure to find something you love. Hike through the mountains, cruise through the fjords, sleep in an ice igloo under the Northern Lights, learn to dog sled or reindeer sled!

There really is something for everyone in Norway!

Check out these amazing options:

I hope these 10 things you need to know before visiting Norway prepare you for your trip abroad! Norway is a truly magical place and worth the high costs you may incur on your trip.

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4 Additional “Fun” Things I Learned by Visiting Norway

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While these “fun” facts won’t truly help you travel Norway better, I do want to share a few things I learned during my travels through Norway. Consider it a bonus in case these things strike your fancy!

1. In Norway I learned… what a duathlon is.

As it turns out, there is such a thing as a duathlon that features cross-country skiing and target shooting. Who knew?? I feel confident if my cross-country skiing didn’t fail me, my target shooting would! That being said, watching people train and compete in this sport is quite fun!

2. In Norway I learned… skiing is possible without snow.

When it’s warm-out, people roller ski. It’s like roller skating, but with skis on wheels and poles. This can be seen in the parks throughout the country in the summertime. Maybe you want to try your hand at it? Honestly, it’s probably more up my alley than snow skiing.

3. In Norway I learned… the perks of working in Norway.

Norwegians get a lot of time off of work. The first time I went to Norway, I happened to be there over Easter. This is when I learned that they typically get ~11 days off for Easter. Easter! For many, this means a ski trip to the mountains. They also get a week at Christmas, a few random holidays, AND five weeks of personal vacation time. Sign me up!! (In case you were not aware, I’m from the United States where time off work is extremely limited.)

4. In Norway I learned… to beware of the trolls.

Throughout your trip to Norway you will run into many a troll. You don’t actually have to beware of them as they are just figurines and statues, but they are a fun little add. Turns out, this is all rooted in Norwegian folklore. They’ve taken that folklore and turned it into a fun memory of the country. In fact, you’ll find troll dolls, postcards, and figurines in almost every gift shop. While you’re exploring the country, you should also keep an eye out as there are some hidden trolls spread through!

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Plan Your Travels through Norway

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Hopefully you’ve enjoyed this post and learned a thing or two that will help you prepare for your trip to Norway. After all these 10 things to know before visiting Norway would have saved me from a lot of culture shock and maybe a bit of embarrassment as I stood in awe of some of the basics I’ve mentioned here.

Here are some additional posts to help you plan your trip!

• 15 Best Things to Do in Oslo, Norway
• Where to Stay in Oslo, Norway: The Best Hotels & Areas
• Do It Yourself “Norway in a Nutshell” Tour
• Oslo to Bergen: Driving One of the Most Epic Road Trips in Norway
• Travel Oslo to Bergen by Train: Taking the Bergensbanen
• 11 Things to Know Before Visiting Bergen, the Fjord Capital of Norway
• Is Bergen, Norway Worth Visiting? Find out!
• The True Cost of Visiting Bergen, Norway: Know Before You Go!
• Where to Stay in Bergen, Norway: Best Areas and Hotels in Bergen
• Best Time to Visit Bergen: Deep Dive into the Seasons of Bergen
• How to Spend 2 Days in Bergen
• 21 Best Things to Do in Bergen, Norway
• 8 Amazing Places to Stay in Tromso: Hotels for Your Bucket List
• 19 Best Things to Do in Tromso, Norway: Season-by-Season

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