Norway
Between deep fjords, dramatic mountains, and the Lofoten Islands: your complete guide to visiting Norway.
Our Guide to Norway
-
Flair
Spectacular, vast, and scenically unmatched.
-
Travel season
June through August for long days and hiking — or winter for the Northern Lights.
-
Travel duration
Two weeks to really do the fjords justice.
-
Currency
Norwegian Krone — but honestly, you can go almost entirely cashless here.
-
Tipping
Not expected — service is usually included in the price.
-
Getting around
A rental car gives you the most freedom; the Hurtigruten coastal ferry is iconic and worth it.
Where is Norway located?
Norway is the northernmost country in Europe and one of the northernmost countries in the world. A large part of Norway lies above the Arctic Circle.
The country is largely shaped by its coastline — bordered by water to the north, south, and west.
To the east, Norway shares its longest border with Sweden. To the north it borders Finland, and to the northeast, Russia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What language do they speak in Norway?
People speak Norwegian in Norway.
You’ll get by just fine with English — Norwegians speak it really well, and in many places you can even manage with German.
What currency is used in Norway?
Norway uses the Norwegian Krone (NOK). One euro is roughly 10 kroner.
The good news: you’ll need almost no cash. Norwegians pay by card for practically everything, no matter how small the amount.
Is Norway expensive?
Yes, Norway is expensive — and it’s better to know that going in than to be surprised. That said, if you plan ahead, you can definitely save a bit here and there.
Food, drinks, and eating out are where you’ll feel it most. A 0.5 l beer runs around 4 euros at the supermarket and about 10 euros at a restaurant. A 1.5 l bottle of water costs 1 to 2 euros at the store, and a regular loaf of bread is around 5 to 6 euros.
Campgrounds, on the other hand, are actually quite reasonable by European standards. On average, a pitch with electricity costs around 25 to 30 euros.
Is Norway safe?
Norway is a very safe destination. As in any European city or busy tourist spot, keep an eye on your valuables — but overall, crime rates in Norway are genuinely low.
One safety note worth adding: if you’re driving in Norway, stay alert. Roads can be seriously narrow, steep, and winding.
Take it slow, communicate with oncoming drivers when needed, and don’t forget the parking brake when you stop for photos. Keep those things in mind and Norway’s roads are absolutely manageable.
Can you drink the tap water in Norway?
Tap water in Norway is safe to drink everywhere — and honestly, it’s some of the best-tasting water you’ll find anywhere. No chlorine aftertaste, no issues. It genuinely tastes like fresh spring water.
Norway has water in abundance, so save your money and skip the bottled stuff. Just refill your bottle from the tap.
Do you tip in Norway?
Tipping is not expected in Norway. That said, if you had a great experience, it’s perfectly common to round up the bill by a little — or a lot, depending on how happy you were.
How much time should you plan for Norway in an RV?
It really depends on how far you want to go.
In two and a half to three weeks, you can cover roughly 2,000 kilometers from Oslo via Ålesund and Bergen, along the west and south coasts all the way to Kristiansand.
You can find detailed tips for an RV road trip here.
Don’t try to cram in too many miles and sights. You’ll almost never be able to drive at the maximum speed limit — and when you can, it’s only because the limit drops to 50 km/h (31 mph).
In two to three weeks, you can comfortably explore southern Norway and the west coast. If hiking is on the agenda, research a few trails ahead of time and plan for at least two nights at each stop — that way you’ve got a buffer day if the weather turns.
