It always scores high on lists such as the Global Peace Index, which places Norway above the US and many European countries in terms of safety.

Weather-wise, winter can bring occasional heavy snowfall. Fortunately, Nordic Visitor travel consultants are on call 24/7 in case of any road closures, so pack appropriately and weather won’t be a concern.

Norway’s weather is best between May and September, when it's usually mild and clear. July tends to be the warmest month. In winter, conditions can be pretty cold and this can extend into spring.

Of course, the weather in Scandinavia and the Nordics can be changeable in all seasons. We always advise you take extra light layers to Norway, even in summer. For more information, read our guide on what to pack for Norwegian breaks.

The best time to visit Norway depends on what you want to do. The summer months, June to August, provide longer days and even the famous midnight sun. This makes summertime ideal for hiking, cycling or cruising.

The ‘shoulder season’ of May and September is still pretty warm by Scandinavian standards. Visit then and you can expect fewer tourists and vibrantly coloured scenery.

Wintertime brings longer nights and colder temperatures--sometimes downright chilly! Of course, this means the potential for snow. And in northern Norway, your chances of spotting the gorgeous northern lights increase when days are shorter.

The best places to see the northern lights in Norway are Tromsø, Kirkenes and above the Arctic Circle, including the Lofoten islands. Your chances increase depending on your distance from city light pollution and the month you visit.

In Norway your chances of seeing the northern lights are greatest between September and April, with October through March being the best months.

Dark nights are essential if you wish to see the northern lights, aka the aurora borealis. This means the summer months of May to August are largely ruled out, as the sun may not set at all in northern areas of Norway during this season.

This is really down to personal preference, but let us give you some pointers.

Self-drive is good because you can travel at your own pace, go where you choose (within reason of course) and stop whenever you like. This is great for photographers, honeymooners and free spirits. Also, parents: self-drive is great for both snack and bathroom breaks.

Rail travel naturally involves a certain commitment to timetables. But taking a train is a very convenient way to travel. Everyone on board is free to enjoy the views along all the scenic routes, as none of your group is at the wheel.

Coastal cruises and ferries give you a unique perspective, admiring the fjords while gliding along them. Again, you have schedules to follow, but everyone can freely enjoy the sights.

Hopefully these tips should give you an idea of what you’d prefer. You can also narrow your choice by using our tour search filters to find your must-see attractions. Many of our packages combine a variety of travel methods, so if you’re not heart-set on driving, you can always contact our travel consultants to give you advice.

A self-guided tour (or independent tour) is one where you receive an itinerary, travel information and amenities such as accommodation arranged by a travel agent. You will not have a tour group or hired guide, but you will have the added freedom to explore in your own time.

Nordic Visitor has a travel consultant available 24/7 by phone in case something goes amiss, so you’re getting the best of both worlds: the chance to roam as you like, but a person to steer you if you feel lost or unsure.

One popular version of self-guided tours is self-drive, which of course includes car rental as an important amenity. However, compared to Iceland, the railway and ferry networks in Norway provide you with an added variety of self-guided transport options.

In most cases, yes. Many of our packages are flexible, with daily departures. The notable exceptions are our guided small group tour packages, which have pre-set start dates.

We advise that you book your package first to secure your tour. It may be worth checking potential flights times and prices first, but be aware some airlines and flight booking websites raise their prices between visits, so remember to do research using Private or Incognito mode.

Once your tour is confirmed by email, purchase your flights. If you have missed out on flights, please get in touch with us to change the dates of your tour.

We always advise our guests to dress sensibly throughout the year. Many of Norway’s attractions are outside and the weather is typically Scandinavian. That’s why we suggest packing clothes you can layer, choosing thinner items for summer and thicker for winter.

You will find more information on what to pack and wear, including summer or winter essentials, in our handy guide. But for a quick idea, consider this packing basics list:

• Rucksack
• Jumper or fleece
• Waterproof jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes or boots
• Umbrella or poncho
• Scarf
• Gloves
• Hat
• Binoculars (for cruise-goers)
• Sun cream and sunglasses (summer)
• Sleep mask (summer)
• Foot warmers (winter)