Norway at a Glance

WHY VISIT NORWAY?

Norway is a destination full of charms, including its famous fjords, Viking legends, thriving cultural heritage and quaint fishing villages. From north to south, it is a nature lover’s paradise that also boasts numerous trendy cities to explore.

Whether you’re an adventure seeker or simply want to cuddle under a natural lightshow in a glass igloo, Norway won’t disappoint.

While visiting this Scandinavian nation you could stroll through its regal capital city and sail along miles of coastlines. Or drive through meandering mountain roads and hike one or more of its nearly 300 mountain peaks. All of this, and more, awaits you on a holiday to Norway.

• Browse holiday packages to Norway

What’s more, thanks to the variety of landscapes, natural phenomena, activities and ways to get around, Norway makes a fantastic destination year-round.

In summer, the extended daylight of the midnight sun is perfect for cruises and road trips. Come in winter and instead be rewarded by ideal conditions for viewing the northern lights and fluffy snow to go dog sledding. 

HOW TO GET TO NORWAY

Norway is served by more than 50 airports. The main international airports are Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Tromsø, Trondheim, and Ålesund.

The majority of Norway tours with Nordic Visitor start in Oslo or Bergen. Both Oslo-Gardemoen Airport and Bergen Airport are served by several international airlines and regional carriers, so you’ll have plenty of choice.

For tours in the northern part of Norway, the main airports are located in Tromsø and Kirkenes. 

Major international airlines that fly to Norway include SAS, British Airways, Ryanair, Icelandair, FinnAir and American Airlines. SAS and Norwegian operate domestic flights within Norway, including to Svalbard.

See more details with our page on flights to Norway.

GETTING AROUND

Norway is one of Europe’s most mountainous countries and also claims the longest coastline of the continent. You can then imagine why this Scandinavian destination offers incredible journeys by land and sea. 

There are many ways to get around the different places you’d like to see. Read more below to pick the best way to travel at your own pace.

Travel independently by train and cruise to see such iconic sights as the Norway in a Nutshell® route between Oslo and Bergen. Here you’ll combine travel by land, through lush forests and along steep mountain roads, with fjord cruises.

To see more of Norway from the sea, a coastal voyage offers a comfortable way to enjoy the country’s famous scenery. Board a ship that will sail you from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes inside the Arctic Circle. You’ll have opportunities to stop at historic port cities and for shore excursions along the way.

Or maybe a road trip is your go-to way to explore. Take the wheel and you could experience Norway’s scenic coastal highways and zig-zagging mountain roads on an unforgettable journey. 

• Check out ways to see Norway, including family-friendly tours and active travel packages

In the capital city, Oslo, you can rely on a comprehensive public transportation system consisting of buses, trams, trains, metro (the T-bane) and boats. Tickets and passes can be purchased at several locations in the city, including Oslo-Gardermoen Airport and Trafikanten, the information centre just outside of Oslo Central Station.

We also recommend purchasing an Oslo Pass, which includes free travel on the public transportation system in addition to discounts on entry to museums and attractions.

Note: English is widely spoken in Norway, so you should have no problem getting around. See more about the Norwegian language to learn a few useful words in advance of your stay.

WEATHER & WHEN TO VISIT

There really isn’t a bad time to visit Norway, and Nordic Visitor offers tours year-round so you can pick what’s right for you.

When you travel to Norway will depend on what you want to do and see most. Do you want to go hiking and kayaking? Are you keen to maximise daylight for driving and sightseeing?

Then May to September is the best time for your trip. These months enjoy the warmest weather of the year, the longest daylight hours and best driving conditions. Some roads may close during the winter, so our self-drive tours of Norway are only available during the summer season.

Are you keen to experience the phenomenon called the midnight sun, in which the sun doesn’t set below the horizon? Then come in late June, early July and make sure to head north, as it is strongest inside the Arctic Circle. Just make sure to bring a sleeping mask!

May to August is also when you could go on a small guided group tour.

Do you prefer winter scenery? November through March is a great time for holidays in the country's northern regions. This is because during these months you’ll have the best opportunities for viewing the northern lights in Norway.

In fact, in Northern Norway, you'll experience the polar night in later December, early January. At the opposite of the midnight sun, this is the phenomenon when the sun doesn't rise above the horizon. This gives you greater chances of seeing the northern lights, with even more darkness.

You'll also find ideal snow conditions for dog-sledding, snowmobiling, skiing and other winter sports.

Finally, October and April are considered the shoulder season in Norway and this is when there is more availability and fewer visitors. This means that you'll have more attractions to yourself. You may also see some lovely autumn colours throughout October.

• Check out the selection of Norway summer tours and winter packages
• Or look up all northern lights tours

And what should you pack for your trip around Norway? Like other Northern European countries, in Norway it's best to be ready for any weather. That means that no matter the season, you need a warm jumper or fleece, a waterproof jacket and good walking shoes or boots for all sorts of terrain.

Prepare for your holiday to Norway by reading our useful packing guide filled with local tips. 

TOP THINGS TO SEE AND DO

There are countless things to see all around Norway, from natural sights to historical attractions. Here are some suggestions for you:

• Oslo, the grand capital city with museums and royal residences
• Fjords like Sognefjord, Geirangerfjord and Lysefjord
• The “Paris of the North”, Tromsø, with its Arctic Cathedral
• Bergen, the western city also called the “Gateway to the fjords”
• The coastal cities of Ålesund and Trondheim
• The mountainside Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil waterfalls
• The scenic Lofoten Islands and its charming fishing villages
• The Arctic coastline and the North Cape
• Pulpit Rock and Trolltunga rock formations
• Svalbard’s frozen landscape and polar bears

See more Norwegian attractions by region.

Norway also offers a wide range of cultural and outdoor activities. In fact, you’ll want to fill your days with some of the excursions and adventures mentioned below to make the most of your trip.

Food & Culture

• Try traditional Norwegian foods like salmon and goat's cheese
• Learn about Norway’s Viking heritage at a number of historical museums
• Admire modern art at sculpture parks and international galleries
• Enjoy the nightlife in sophisticated Oslo and try their local brews
• Experience the Sami culture in Northern Norway

Nature & Adventure

• Lace up your boots for a hike through nature
• Take a fjord cruise to spot waterfalls and wildlife
• Kayak along pristine waters to take in the superb landscape
• Hunt for the northern lights in the Arctic Circle
• Take a cruise along the rugged coastline
• Try dog sledding or hopping on a reindeer sleigh
• See the peaks of Norway while skiing

With Nordic Visitor you can add optional activities and day tours, either at the time of your booking or on location during your stay. Your dedicated travel consultant will be able to advise you about available activities, timings, what's doable in your itinerary, and more.

If you would like to include more activities into your Norway holiday, we recommend booking a package that includes more time at each overnight location (for example, with two or more nights at the same accommodation).

• Browse all culture & history tours of Norway