Norway

• By Plane – Most international flights will arrive and depart from Oslo (OSL). However, flying around inside Norway is easy with connecting flights to Bergen (BGO), Stavanger (SVG), Tromso (TOS), Trondheim (TRD) and others.
• By Train – It is easy to get to almost anywhere in Norway by train. There are more than 1,864 miles of railway line traveling across 2,577 bridges, through 733 tunnels, and passing by mountains, lakes and, of course, fjords. Rail routes of note include The Bergen Railway connecting Oslo with Bergen, the Flam Railway, The Dovre Railway between Oslo and Trondheim and The Rauma Railway between Dombas and Andalsnes. You can research ticket prices and train routes on Vy’s website (formerly the NSB, the official train company in Norway).
• By Bus – If you are looking to go shorter distances, buses in Norway are a great option. But if traveling a long distance, opt for the train as it is typically much faster and less expensive. Vy now owns Nettbuss and operates specific routes throughout Norway. NOR-WAY Bussekspress is another major operator and its routes cover most of Norway.
• By Car – Travel by car is very easy in Norway and renting a car is relatively uncomplicated. But there are a few things to keep top of mind: First, while most roads in Norway are well-maintained, mountain and rural roads can be very narrow, winding and, in the mountains, very steep. Second, speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour and they are strictly enforced – fines for speeding are high and enforced. If you rent a car, know the speed limits (a driver is expected to know them) and stay within them at all times – Norway is such a beautiful country there is no need to race through it after all! Third, all rental cars will be outfitted with an AutoPASS device to automatically pay tolls without stopping and, yes, you will pay a convenience fee for this. No special driver’s license is needed aside from your United States license if you are there for less than a year.
• By Ferry – As one might expect, a country with so many fjords and such a lengthy coastline would have a robust ferry service. In addition to numerous express boats and ferries connecting towns and villages, the Hurtigruten serves 30 ports on its daily route up and down the coast from Bergen to Kirkenes. It is a classic and amazingly beautiful way to experience Norway, as well as a sometimes more direct way to travel in the coastal area. Be sure to read Hurtigruten Cruises: Travel booking tips.

Language – Norwegian is the official language of Norway (Sami is recognized as an official language in some northern parts of the country), though frankly in most areas of the country, you will do just fine with English. Before you go, however, do try to learn a few basic words in Norwegian as it will help break the ice and may even open a few doors for you.

Learn to speak a bit of Norwegian so you can get around more easily and don’t stand out as a tourist! Read our story Start to learn languages – Top language learning apps and websites.

Time Zone — UTC (+01:00)

Currency — Norwegian Krone (KR)

Best time to visit — May the weather is typically ideal. June through September are also very nice, though more crowded.

Country Code — +47

Health –  Ticks are prevalent between April through November in the southernmost part of Norway and up the coast from Oslo to Helgelandskysten. These ticks can carry Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Be sure to use insect repellent or wear insect repellent clothing when walking in forests and fields. Ask your doctor about needing a TBE vaccination if you plan to spend significant time walking in these areas.

For over-the-counter medications and other minor health issue advice (sore muscles, cough, cold, etc.) you will go to an “Apotek” or pharmacy. Should you need a doctor or emergency care while in Norway, be sure your health insurance will cover you internationally — and know at what level. We strongly advise purchasing travel health insurance that will cover you in the event of an emergency.

Vaccinations – No vaccinations are required to enter Norway. However, it is very important you understand what vaccinations and immunization proof is required before travel as rules certainly change. The CDC Traveler’s Health page is your best and most up-to-date source for finding what shots are recommended and which are required for any country in the world.

Travel Advisories – Before you travel, we would recommend checking to see if there are any travel advisories or warnings issued for your intended country of travel. Also, for U.S. citizens, we do recommend that you register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

Emergencies – To reach the police, fire department or ambulance service, dial 112. Calling 112 is free from any landline or mobile phone. This is throughout Europe.

Late spring to early autumn (think May through early October) are the best times to visit if you are seeking warmer, sunnier weather — this is also the most crowded time to visit as a result.

To check the latest weather for any destination you are thinking of heading to in Germany, visit our weather page complete with weather radar and minute-by-minute forecasting.