Your Norway travel resources

Welcome to Norway!

It is so nice to have you here. Your carefully planned trip is finally taking place! And our local specialists have created the ultimate cityguides for Oslo, Bergen and Tromsø where they give the best tips on transportation, restaurants, activities, photo spots, cafés, and more. What city are you interested in?

General tips

> Cash & card payments
> Parking
> Sustainable travel tips
> Allemannsretten
> Alcohol and tobacco
> Norwegian language basics
> Emergency numbers

Cash & card payments

Cash is mostly unnecessary, even at street vendors and small businesses. It can be good to have some NOK (for example, American Express is not accepted everywhere). Withdraw cash on arrival at an ATM, 711 or Narvesen. Some gas stations only accept cards with a 4-digit code (you also won't be able to withdraw with your phone and/or smartwatch), so bring a debit card if you are on a road trip. 

You may need to notify your bank of your travels, so no cards are blocked. If your phone does not function internationally, you can buy a Norwegian SIM card at 7-Eleven or Narvesen kiosks on arrival. 

Parking

Most paid parking in Norway is managed through apps. EasyPark is the most widely used and works across the country. Download it before your trip and register your car and payment details in advance. For specific parking information for Oslo, Bergen and Tromsø, visit these city guides at the top of this page. 

Sustainable travel tips

Bring a reusable water bottle! It is good for your pocket and the environment. Norway has some of the freshest, cleanest water in the world. It is safe to drink out of almost all taps and often even directly from rivers or waterfalls.

Shopping: Pay attention to the source of your product, and ask the shop owner about their background so you can decide if your purchases offer a true physical representation of Norway. Support local artists and help small businesses to thrive! 

Recycling and waste: Norway has a good recycling and trash system. Many municipalities even separate a compost bin for food waste. Please follow the rules to separate  waste accordingly when available (and of course, do not litter)! Norway has a system for “pant” (beverage container return) at most grocery stores. Glass bottles cannot be returned; these are recycled with glass and aluminum.

Cuisine: Try a seasonal dish. In Norway, root vegetables are sustainable to eat in winter, berries in summer, and mushrooms in autumn. If possible, try to eat at places with smaller menus and locally-sourced ingredients.

Service: Tipping is not widely common in Norway. Some people tip servers up to 10% at restaurants. There are not expectations to tip other services like taxi drivers or tour guides. That said, most people are happy for an extra token of appreciation, so it is not offensive to offer if you feel a tip is well-deserved! 

Allemannsretten

Norway has the common law of allemannsretten known as “the right to roam”. We take pride in accessible nature without confines. Open camping is acceptable in most areas of the countryside, forests or mountains, as long as you are at least 150 meters away from the nearest dwelling. After one night, you need to relocate unless you are in a more isolated location. Coastlines are not generally owned by individuals. Some popular trails such as Trolltunga and Preikestolen have stricter rules or fees due to the excessive usage.

You are free to roam, but it is always recommended to stay on a marked path. This reduces risk of getting lost and it means less disruption of natural flora and fauna. Have respect for people and nature - this is the only way allemannsretten continues to thrive.

Alcohol and tobacco

Alcohol is acceptable among most communities in Norway. Public alcohol consumption is not legal - although you will see locals do so, especially in parks and by lakes or fjords on sunny days! However, we can’t condone this so please avoid this practice, since a fine or small punishment might be placed.

If you go to a local’s home for a dinner or gathering, it is custom in Norway to bring your own alcoholic beverages.

If you use “snus” (smokeless nicotine product common in Norway) please dispose of the used cartridge responsibly. Marijuana and all other drugs are illegal to sell or consume. 

Alcohol sales: There are strict rules regarding the sales of alcohol in Norway:

• Beer and alcohol <4% - Sold in grocery stores until 8pm on weekdays and 6pm on Saturdays.
• Wine, beer >4% and liquor - Sold at “Vinmonopolet”, a government-run business. Open until 5 or 6pm on weekdays and 3 or 4pm on Saturdays. Google maps will show you the locations and hours.
• Legal drinking age for beer and wine is 18, for spirits 20.

Note: Alcohol is not sold in stores on Sundays and national holidays, only restaurants and bars.

Norwegian language basics

Most Norwegians speak a high level of English, but they will be happy to hear people trying Norsk (Norwegian). Generally our culture is quiet in public and people keep to themselves, but we are quite helpful and friendly when approached for assistance.

Courtesies
Hei hei - Hello
Unskyld meg - Excuse me
Tusen takk - Thank you
Værsågod - You’re welcome 
Ha det bra - Goodbye

Niche sayings
Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlige klær! - No such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing!
Ut på tur, aldri sur! - A rhyme: Can’t be in a bad mood out on a hike!

Handy phrases

Hvor mye er klokken? - What time is it?
Kan jeg låne telefonen? - Can I use your phone?
Hvor er toalettet? - Where is the bathroom?

Emergency numbers

• Police - 112
• Ambulance - 113
• Fire - 110