TRAVEL TIPS
Norway- is a Scandinavian country encompassing mountains, glaciers and deep coastal fjords. Oslo, the capital, is a city of green spaces and museums. Preserved 9th-century Viking ships are displayed at Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum. Bergen, with colorful wooden houses, is the starting point for cruises to the dramatic Sognefjord. Norway is also known for fishing, hiking and skiing, notably at Lillehammer’s Olympic resort.
Trip Planning: The planning stage of your trip can be instrumental in its success and an enjoyable part of the experience itself. You have a world of options…and plenty to consider.
Entry and Exit formalities: Visitors must hold a passport valid for at least six months & beyond at the time of entering the Schengen countries. Some nationalities can obtain visa on arrival and for nationalities who requires visa please refer to Norwegian consulate website: www.vfsglobal.com/norway/uae/. Norway is part of the 26 Schengen State Countries.
Transportation: Figuring out how to get around is one of your biggest pre-trip decisions. Get our holiday expert best advice on deciding between your options. Based on your trip itinerary, our experts will help you choose wisely. You’ll also find a wealth of practical travel tips.
Money: Use your money wisely. Know the best time to use cash or card — and how to avoid unnecessary fees either way — as well as tipping etiquette, and how shoppers can take advantage of VAT refunds.
Phones and Technology: Phones and other smart devices can be huge time-savers…or expensive distractions. Get our tips for making the best use of technology during your trip, and for calling home with or without your own phone.
Packing Light: On your trip you’ll meet two kinds of travelers: those who pack light and those who wish they had.
Sleeping and Eating: Your hotel and restaurant choices can be a matter-of-face chore…or they can provide rich opportunities to connect with locals and their culture.
Health & Hygiene: Take comfort: Doctors, hospitals, launderettes, and bathrooms aren’t that different. Dealing with them can even be part of the fun of travel.
Sightseeing & Activities: Once you’re on the ground, the real fun begins…but it pays to have a thoughtful plan. Our experts will help you get oriented to your surroundings, use your sightseeing hours wisely, and find your way off the beaten path.
Things do & see:
Oslo- the capital of Norway, sits on the country’s southern coast at the head of the Oslofjord. It’s known for its green spaces and museums. Many of these are on the Bygdøy Peninsula, including the waterside Norwegian Maritime Museum and the Viking Ship Museum, with Viking ships from the 9th century. The Holmenkollbakken is a ski-jumping hill with panoramic views of the fjord. It also has a ski museum.
Bergen- is a city on Norway’s southwestern coast. It’s surrounded by mountains and fjords, including Sognefjord, the country’s longest and deepest. Bryggen features colorful wooden houses on the old wharf, once a center of the Hanseatic League’s trading empire. The Fløibanen Funicular goes up Fløyen Mountain for panoramic views and hiking trails. The Edvard Grieg House is where the renowned composer once lived.
Tromsø- a city in northern Norway, is a major cultural hub above the Arctic Circle. It’s famed as a viewing point for colorful Northern Lights that sometime light up the nighttime sky. The city’s historic center, on the island of Tromsø, is distinguished by its centuries-old wooden houses. The 1965 Arctic Cathedral, with its distinctive peaked roof and soaring stained-glass windows, dominates the skyline.
Stavanger- is a city in southwestern Norway. In the center of town, Stavanger Cathedral dates back to the city’s 12th-century founding. Stavanger Museum chronicles the city’s history and displays preserved wildlife. The Norwegian Petroleum Museum illuminates the oil industry with submersibles, a large drill bit and an escape chute. The shopping street Øvre Holmegate is known for its colorful houses.
Flåm- is a village in southwestern Norway, in an area known for its fjords. It sits at the end of Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the vast Sognefjord. The dramatic Stegastein viewing platform juts out high above the Aurlandsfjord. South of Flåm Harbor, the 17th-century wooden Flåm Church lies in the valley. The Flåm Railway offers valley and waterfall views as it climbs to a station on the Hardangervidda plateau.
Kirkenes- is a small town in far northeastern Norway, close to the Finnish and Russian borders. It’s known for its views of the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. The Borderland Museum chronicles the region’s history. The Russian Soldier Monument commemorates the area’s liberation from Nazi occupation by the Red Army in 1944. Each winter the Kirkenes Snowhotel is rebuilt from fresh snow.
Ålesund- is a port town on the west coast of Norway, at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord. It’s known for the art nouveau architectural style in which most of the town was rebuilt after a fire in 1904, as documented at the Jugendstilsenteret museum. There are panoramic views of Ålesund’s architecture, the surrounding archipelago and fjords from the Mount Aksla lookout.
Kristiansand- is a city in southern Norway. Its old town, Posebyen, features traditional wooden houses. In the center, neo-Gothic Kristiansand Cathedral is near the Sørlandets Museum, which displays Norwegian art from 1800 to today. The southeastern shoreline includes the Bystranda city beach, the 17th-century Christiansholm Fortress rotunda and Fiskebrygga quay, lined with fishmongers selling their catch.
Lillehammer- is a ski resort town in southern Norway. Its Maihaugen open-air museum displays buildings from the 1200s to the present. The nearby Norwegian Olympic Museum has exhibits chronicling Lillehammer’s 1994 Winter Olympics and features a biathlon simulator. Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena includes a chairlift with views over the park. North is the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track.
Fredrikstad- is a city and municipality in Viken county, Norway. The administrative centre of the municipality is the city of Fredrikstad. The city of Fredrikstad was founded in 1567 by King Frederick II, and established as a municipality on 1 January 1838.
Bodø- is a town in Bodø Municipality in Nordland county, Norway. The town is the administrative centre of Bodø Municipality and of Nordland county. It is located on the Bodø peninsula between the Vestfjorden and the Saltfjorden. Bodø is located just north of the Arctic Circle.
Drammen- is a city and municipality in Viken, Norway. The port and river city of Drammen is centrally located in the eastern and most populated part of Norway. Drammen municipality also includes smaller towns and villages such as Konnerud, Svelvik, Mjøndalen and Skoger.
Haugesund- is a municipality on the North Sea in Rogaland county, Norway. The town of Haugesund is the main population centre and administrative centre of the municipality. The town is also the main commercial and economic centre of the Haugaland region in northern Rogaland and southern Vestland.
Hamar- is a town in Hamar Municipality in Innlandet county, Norway. It is part of the traditional region of Hedmarken. The administrative centre of the municipality is the town of Hamar. The municipality of Hamar was separated from Vang as a town and municipality of its own in 1849.
Røros- is the administrative centre of Røros municipality in Trøndelag county, Norway. The town is located along the river Hyttelva and along the Rørosbanen railway line, about 10 kilometres south of the village of Glåmos and about the same distance north of the village of Os in neighboring Hedmark county.
Molde- is a city and municipality in Møre og Romsdal county, Norway. It is located in the traditional district of Romsdal. It is located on the Romsdal Peninsula, surrounding the Fannefjord and Moldefjord.
Harstad- is a town in Harstad Municipality in Troms og Finnmark county, Norway. The town is also the administrative centre of the municipality of Harstad.
Bodø- is a municipality in Nordland county, Norway. It is part of the traditional region of Salten. The administrative centre of the municipality is the town of Bodø. Some of the notable villages in Bodø include Misvær, Skjerstad, Saltstraumen, Løding, Løpsmarka, Kjerringøy, Sørvær, and Fenes.
Åndalsnes- is a town in Rauma Municipality in Møre og Romsdal county, Norway. Åndalsnes is in the administrative center of Rauma Municipality. It is located along the Isfjorden, at the mouth of the Rauma River, at the north end of the Romsdalen valley.
Sarpsborg or, historically Borg- is a city and municipality in Viken county, Norway. The administrative centre of the municipality is the city of Sarpsborg. Sarpsborg is part of the fifth largest urban area in Norway when paired with neighbouring Fredrikstad.
Alta- is a town in Alta Municipality in Troms og Finnmark county, Norway. The town is the administrative centre of the municipality and the major commercial centre in the western part of the county. The town is located on the southern end of Altafjorden at the mouth of the river Altaelva.
Halden- between 1665 and 1928 known as Frederikshald, is both a town and a municipality in Viken county, Norway.
Gjøvik- is a town and a municipality in Innlandet county, Norway. The administrative centre of the municipality is the town of Gjøvik. In 1861, the village of Gjøvik in the municipality of Vardal was granted town status and was separated from Vardal to form a separate municipality.
Grimstad- is a municipality in Agder county, Norway. It belongs to the geographical region of Sørlandet. The administrative center of the municipality is the town of Grimstad.
Sandefjord- is a city and the most populous municipality in Vestfold og Telemark county, Norway. The administrative center of the municipality is the city of Sandefjord. The municipality of Sandefjord was established on 1 January 1838. The municipality of Sandar was merged into Sandefjord on 1 January 1969.
Larvik- is a town and municipality in Vestfold in Vestfold og Telemark county, Norway. The municipality has a 110 km coastline, only shorter than that of neighbouring Sandefjord.
Porsgrunn- is a city and municipality in Telemark in the county of Vestfold og Telemark in Norway. It is part of the traditional region of Grenland. The administrative centre of the municipality is the city of Porsgrunn. The municipality of Porsgrunn was established on 1 January 1838.
Hammerfest- is a town that is also the administrative centre of Hammerfest Municipality in Troms og Finnmark county, Norway. It is located on the northwestern coast of the island of Kvaløya, just north of the village of Rypefjord and southwest of the village of Forsøl.
Tønsberg, historically Tunsberg- is a city and municipality in Vestfold in Vestfold og Telemark county, southern Norway, located around 102 kilometres south-southwest of Oslo on the western coast of the Oslofjord near its mouth onto the Skagerrak. The administrative centre of the municipality is the city of Tønsberg.
Skien- is a city and municipality in Vestfold og Telemark county in Norway. In modern times it is regarded as part of the traditional region of Grenland, although historically it belonged to Grenmar/Skiensfjorden, while Grenland referred the Norsjø area and Bø.
Svolvær- is the administrative centre of Vågan Municipality in Nordland County, Norway. It is located on the island of Austvågøya in the Lofoten archipelago, along the Vestfjorden.
Flekkefjord- is a municipality in Agder county, Norway. It is located in the traditional district of Lister. The administrative centre of the municipality is the town of Flekkefjord. The villages of Sira, Gyland, Rasvåg, Kirkehavn, and Åna-Sira are located in Flekkefjord.
Nordkapp- is a municipality in Troms og Finnmark county, Norway. Other settlements in Nordkapp include the villages of Gjesvær, Kåfjord, Kamøyvær, Kjelvik, Nordvågen, Repvåg, Skarsvåg, and Valan.
Egersund- is a town in Eigersund municipality in Rogaland county, Norway. The town is located along the southwestern coast of Norway, about 75 kilometres south of the city of Stavanger. The town is situated along a strait which separates the mainland from the island of Eigerøya.
Rjukan- is a town and the administrative centre of Tinn municipality in Telemark, Norway. It is situated in Vestfjorddalen, between Møsvatn and Lake Tinn, and got its name after Rjukan Falls west of the town.
Leirvik- is a town and the administrative centre of Stord municipality in Vestland county, Norway. The town lies along the southern coast of the large island of Stord, along the Hardangerfjorden. The town gained “town status” in 1997.
Å- is a village in Moskenes Municipality in Nordland county, Norway. It is located about 2 kilometres southwest of the village of Sørvågen on the island of Moskenesøya, towards the southern end of the Lofoten archipelago. It is connected to the rest of the archipelago by the European route E10 highway, which ends here.
Geiranger- is a village in western Norway, at the head of Geirangerfjord. The Norwegian Fjord Center has multimedia on the history of the region and its inhabitants. Part of the steep Trollstigen mountain road weaves through the village, connecting to Flydalsjuvet lookout, which has views over the fjord. The fjord’s waterfalls, including the Seven Sisters, the Suitor and the Bridal Veil, are visible by boat.
Mo i Rana- is a town and the administrative centre of the municipality of Rana in Nordland county, Norway. It is located in the Helgeland region of Nordland, just south of the Arctic Circle.
Steinkjer- is a municipality in Trøndelag county, Norway. It is part of the Innherad region. The administrative centre of the municipality is the town of Steinkjer which is located on the inner part of the Trondheimsfjord. The town is also the administrative centre for Trøndelag county.
Kongsberg-is a town and municipality in Viken county, Norway. Kongsberg is the administration center in Kongsberg municipality. The city is located on the river Numedalslågen at the entrance to the valley of Numedal. The municipality of Kongsberg was established on 1 January 1838.
Fjords – There is much beauty to behold in these narrow, deep sea inlets. Surrounded by high cliffs, the fjords of Norway are world renowned and are sure to exceed your expectations. Consider Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord. They are visited by roughly one million people every year.
Akershus Fortress – The building of Akershus Castle and Fortress was commenced in 1299 under king Håkon V. The medieval castle, which was completed in the 1300s, had a strategical location at the very end of the headland, and withstood a number of sieges throughout the ages. King Christian IV (1588-1648) had the castle modernised and converted into a Renaisssance castle and royal residence.
Fram Museum – The Polar Ship Fram – Fram is the strongest wooden ship ever built and still holds the records for sailing farthest north and farthest south. At the Fram Museum you can come on board the ship and see how the crew and their dogs managed to survive in the coldest and most dangerous places on earth – the Arctic and the Antarctic. The Fram Museum also has a polar simulator where you can experience the cold and the dangers of polar expeditions more than 100 years ago. Next to the main building is the Gjøa building with exhibitions on the Arctic and the Northwest Passage.
Holmenkollen Ski Museum & Tower – The ski museum in Holmenkollen, located underneath the famous ski jump, is the oldest of its kind in the world. The museum presents more than 4,000 years of skiing history, Norwegian polar exploration artifacts and an exhibition on snowboarding and modern skiing. The observation deck on top of the jump tower offers panoramic views of Oslo.
Museum of Science & Technology – The Museum of Science & Technology shows Norway’s national collection of technology, industry, science and medicine. The museum in the Kjelsås district offers exciting experiences and playful learning for the whole family, with over 100 interactive installations and more than 25 exhibitions on themes like technology, science, airplanes, cars and trains.
Natural History Museum – Norway’s largest collection of natural objects is available to the public in the Botanical Garden, the greenhouses and the Zoological Museum, which together make up the Natural History Museum.
Norsk Folkemuseum – Norwegian Museum of Cultural History – The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History is one of the world’s oldest and biggest open-air museums. Collected in the museum extensive grounds, there are 160 buildings, an old town centre and the famous Gol stave church, built in the 1200s.
The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet – Oslo’s Opera House is located right at the harbour, with an angled, white exterior that appears to rise from the water. It invites its visitors to climb its roof and enjoy panoramic views of Oslo and the fjord, all year round. The building’s interior is mainly oak, and the main hall is shaped like a horseshoe, reminiscent of classical theatres of the past. The opera is designed by the Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta.
The Viking Ship Museum – Museum on the Bygdøy peninsula with the world’s best-preserved Viking ships and finds from Viking tombs around the Oslo Fjord. The adventure film The Vikings Alive is screened throughout the day on the ceilings and wall inside the museum.
TusenFryd Amusement Park- Norway’s largest amusement park, with more than 30 fun attractions, great games, shops and places to eat. The park features attractions for all ages, including lots of rollercoasters, carousels, a log ride and much more. Barnas Fryd and Frydskogen are packed with rides and activities for small kids. In summer you can enjoy BadeFryd, a water park with a swimming pool, a swimming river and a huge waterslide.
Vigeland Sculpture Park – Sculpture park in the Frogner Park with more than 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland (1869–1943) in bronze, granite and cast iron, including The Angry Boy (Sinnataggen in Norwegian), The Monolith (Monolitten) and The Wheel of Life (Livshjulet).
Bergen Fish Market – Open daily, this market offers more than just fish. Explore the many stalls, snap some pictures, and check out the waterfront. Just a short walking distance from many museums and galleries.
Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf – Colorful Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf is one of Bergen’s most popular tourist attractions. Chock full of restaurants, studios, workshops, and boutique shops, its narrow alleyways and old wooden merchant houses simply beg to be explored.
Mount Fløyen (Fløyfjell) – To the northeast of Bergen rises Fløyfjell, a 319-meter peak offering magnificent views of the city and the surrounding area. If walking is not your thing, you can take a funicular to the top. When you’re done with the spectacular views of Bergen, leave the station behind and head to Blåmann – at 551 meters.
Grieg Museum (Troldhaugen) – is famous as the former home of Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg. Built in 1885, the well-preserved home is now the site of the Grieg Museum and is dedicated to the life and work of the composer.
Hanseatic Museum – The best preserved of Bryggen’s 18th-century merchant homes, Finnegård has housed the Hanseatic Museum since its opening in 1872. This former counting house provides an excellent insight into the lives of the German merchants from the Hanseatic League. The building, which was constructed in 1704, has its original interior and includes displays of weapons, furnishings, and equipment.
Bergenhus Fortress – The old Bergenhus Fortress has dominated the entrance to Bergen’s harbor since the late 16th Century, and remains one of the most impressive such structures in Scandinavia.
KODE Museums – The KODE consists of four locations in central Bergen, all of which are located along Lille Lungegård (Lake Lungegard). KODE1, previously known as Permanenten, holds several of the museum’s permanent collections, including the Silver Treasure, which features works in silver and gold that were created locally.
Mount Ulriken – Hiking up Bergen’s tallest mountain is one of the most popular for tourists and locals. There are multiple trails, with the most common starting points at either the Ulriken Cable Car station or the Montana Hostel.
Old Bergen Open-Air Museum (Gamle Bergen) – The old city district of Sandviken is the Open-Air Museum of Old Bergen, a living history museum, which brings tourists back to the early 19th century. The museum opened in 1946 as part of an effort to save Bergen’s historic buildings & preserves 55 original wooden houses, which once stood in the center of town.
Bergen Cathedral – Bergen’s splendid cathedral dates back to 1181, when it began life as a monastic church. It was while being rebuilt after fires in 1623 and 1640 that the cathedral received its present façade, while architect Christian Christie added its Rococo interior during renovations in the 1880s.
National Parks- You will see everything from waterfalls and glaciers to reindeer, lynx, and wolves. You can also enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities, from caving and canyoning to rafting. Consider Jostedalsbreen National Park, host to the largest glacier in continental Europe.
Trondheim – Colorful, laidback, and filled with students, Trondheim is a fun place to party and meet new people. Bustling with various restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs!
Preacher’s Pulpit – Preikestolen (Preacher’s Pulpit or Preacher’s Chair) is one of the most famous landmarks in Norway. An unusually flat and wide surface located atop a cliff, Preikestolen is only reachable by hiking a 4km trail.
North Cape – The northernmost tip of Europe, Norway’s North Cape is great for hiking, trekking, driving tours and more. Explore the jagged coastline and Finnmark, which includes six national parks.
Winter sports – Norway is one of the top ski destinations in the world, so if you’re into it, hit the slopes! Choose from any number of resorts, for snowboarding, telemark skiing, cross country skiing, or snowboarding. You won’t get many opportunities like this elsewhere! Lift tickets range from 350-450 NOK per adult, for weekdays.
Gamle Stavanger – One of the oldest parts of Stavanger, this area is composed of small, rock streets, lined with old white wooden homes built during the 18th century. Taking a walk down here is like going back in time. Be sure to take in the history and check out the various paintings, pottery, and more offered by local artists within the area.
Royal Palace – Built during the first half of the 19th century, the Royal palace is an interesting place to visit. Beyond the architecture, and historical significance, many come to see the changing of the guards. If you make it to Oslo, it is a neat stop to make during your afternoon adventure. The palace is open during the summer for guided tours.
Ringve Music Museum and Botanical Garden – Located in Trondheim, this a nice switch from your typical museum trip. Check out the awesome collection of musical instruments, walk around the park amidst the farm buildings, and enjoy lunch at the tea house. This is one of the most underrated stops in Norway.
Norwegian Folk Museum – There are many museums throughout Oslo showcasing Norwegian history and Viking tales, but this is perhaps the most interesting. Cross the Fjord to Bygdoy and immerse yourself in the history. The biggest attraction is the Gol Stave Church, dating back to 1200 AD, however, there are many other attractions to see.
Stavanger Jazz festival – If you are a jazz fan, you will definitely want to catch this! Held every May, this festival is a weekend-long, fully-packed event, featuring several of the most well-known jazz artists in the world.
Lofoten – Located far in the north, Lofoten is a picturesque area well worth the effort (and cost) to get there. The stunning landscapes and traditional lifestyle are only made more interesting by the climate. While the Lofoten distract is located within the Arctic Circle, winter temperatures there are actually quite mild, making year-round visits possible.
