12 Essential Things to Know About Traveling to Norway
Planning a trip to Norway and need advice? There is so much to see and do it can be easy to overlook things when you are planning.
Norway can be explored via foot, boat, planes and trains. I spent six weeks in Norway backpacking so I’m confident that my experience can help others!
A quick guide to Norway Travel Tips:
✅ Download the Entur travel mobile app
✅ Pack layers, weather in Norway can change in a moment!
✅ Trust your instincts when hiking, tell someone what hike you are going on.
12 Travel Tips for visiting Norway
Here are the top 12 essential things I wish I knew before traveling to Norway:
1. Public transit apps for each region
It is possible to travel throughout Norway almost entirely via public transportation. Below you will find the apps I recommend downloading based on the city/region.
✅ Entur → provides all public transportation options for your route
✅ Vy → similar to Entur but offers exclusive tickets for certain routes
Shan’s tip: Always buy your tickets online or via the app to avoid surcharges. This applies to both buses and ferries.
2. Download these apps
In addition to the public transportation apps, I recommend downloading these before your trip.
- Hjelp 113 → Emergency app that can get connect you to first responders
- yr.no → Norwegian weather app
- Park4night → Provides campsite details in the area
3. Rated one of the safest countries to visit
As a solo female traveler, I thrived in Norway, I never felt unsafe. You should still be mindful of your surroundings when traveling, however the crime rate is extremely low in Norway.
4. Norwegians keep to themselves, they’re not rude 🙂
During my travels to Norway, I found the Norwegian people to be very friendly; they just tend to keep to themselves. The best way to describe them in my opinion, is that the Norwegians won’t bother you or go out of your way to help you. However, if you do ask for help they are incredibly friendly and accommodating.
Shan’s tip: The most common greeting I found in Norway was “Hi, Hi or Hey, Hey”. Use the following phrase to say thank you, “takk”.
5. Eating in Norway
Norwegians usually have a light breakfast and lunch. I’d recommend booking hotels that include breakfast since the buffets are wonderful. Be prepared to eat dinner between 5-7 PM, even with the endless daylight in the summer.
✨ Planning a trip to Norway? Don’t miss my new guidebook: Journey Along the Coastal Pilgrim Trail.
6. Norwegians love tacos and pizza
A visit to Norway isn’t complete without experiencing Taco Friday! All of the grocery stores promote taco ingredients towards the end of the week, it’s that popular. Norwegians also love their pizza, if you are staying at a hotel with a stove be sure to grab a box of Grandiosa.
7. Camping in Norway
Norway has a law in place, “right to roam”, that allows anyone to camp as long as it’s 150 meters (500 feet) from private property. Before camping be sure to check for signage as some owners do post no camping, but that’s rare.
8. Don’t underestimate hikes
There are so many bucket-list hikes in Norway so I can understand wanting to do them all. However, the hikes in Norway are strenuous and have high elevation. Be sure to prepare ahead of time, notify family/friends of your location and never be ashamed to turn around.
Shan’s tip: The Hjelp 113 app is a must-have in Norway! Once you’ve downloaded the app it can track you at any time in case of an emergency. I also recommend having the Garmin In reach with you at all times.
9. Save money and eat at city markets and local food spots
It should come as no surprise that Norway is very expensive. I found the best way to save money in terms of food was eating at local fish and food markets. If you’re camping or staying at a place with kitchen facilities, grocery shopping is the best alternative to eating out every day.
Shan’s Tip: Pack a few reusable grocery bags so you don’t have to pay for bags at the grocery stores!
10. Don’t take out cash
You’ll be hard pressed to find an establishment that doesn’t accept credit cards in Norway. However, if you’re like me and you prefer to have a little cash, I would recommend taking out no more than $100 USD in NOK just in case.
11. Pack a sleeping mask
If you’re visiting Norway in the warmer months, a sleeping mask is a must have. While many hotels have black out curtains, the daylight can still find its way into a room or tent. Here are my top two sleep masks:
✔️ Weighted sleep mask → I used this mask when I was in transit, the weighted mask helped!
✔️ Blackout sleep mask → I used this mask when I was in my van or tent when I didn’t have blackout curtains
12. Pack layers
Whether you are visiting in the winter or summer, I recommend packing layers as the weather in Norway changes quickly.
Final Thoughts
Norway is an incredible country that can be enjoyed whether you decide to travel via public transportation or rent your own car. If you read through my tips you’ll be in great shape for your Norwegian adventure.
Now it’s time to start planning your next adventure, Cheers!
