Tucked away at the top of Scandinavia, Norway is the striking European gateway to the Arctic Circle. Jaw-dropping fjords, mountains crisscrossed by lazy streams, and raging rapids lure adventure-seekers in with promises of outdoor fun and the potential for exciting wildlife sightings – including polar bears. Once you’ve wandered Norway’s rugged landscapes, head to the country’s relaxed cities offering sophisticated nightlife and warm hospitality.
Visa requirements may change, so for the most up to date information we recommend using our Entry Requirements tool. Alternatively, check the Norwegian embassy website in your country of departure.
There aren’t any specific vaccine requirements needed for Norway. However, as advice can often change, you can check out our Entry Requirements tool for the most up-to-date details on vaccination requirements.
Norway experiences a wide range of weather conditions throughout the year, influenced by its diverse geography and latitude. Winters (December to February) are understandably very cold, with temperatures in the inland and northern regions regularly reaching -20°C (68°F). The coast is slightly milder, but it still often reaches -2°C (28.4°F) — snow is common all over the country.
Spring (March to May) gradually warms up, and temperatures tend to float around 5 to 15°C (41 to 59°F) in the South. Snow still tends to stick around in the north. Autumn (September to November) is similar, though rainfall is more common at this time of year than snow. Finally, Summer (June to August) brings warm and dry temperatures in the Southern and Eastern reaches of the country, and cooler but sunny temperatures in the North and by the coast. You can see highs of 25°C (77°F) here, and this is also the time when you can see the Midnight Sun.
The best time to visit Norway really depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re wanting to be outdoors, go hiking and cruise down the fjords, then Summer (June to August) is the time to come. This is when you’ll also be able to see the Midnight Sun. Winter (December to February) is the ideal time to enjoy skiing and snowboarding — plus, you’ll stand a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights, particularly in the North.
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) bring beautiful colours and fewer crowds — both good times to enjoy being out in nature.
While tipping is certainly not expected in Norway, it is appreciated. A general rule is 10-15% of the bill for wait staff, and a smaller amount for other service providers.
Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour programme, and an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from NOK 35 to NOK 60 per day, depending on the quality and length of the service. Ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.
At the end of each trip, if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is expected and appreciated. The precise amount is a personal preference, however NOK 350 to NOK 450 per person, per week can be used as a guideline.
Internet access in Norway is generally excellent, and you’ll find free Wi-Fi hotspots in many public places like restaurants, shopping and cafes, as well as in train stations and airports. It’s also pretty good in rural areas too. You should also be aware that if you’re using data on your phone from outside the EU, you may be subject to roaming charges.
There are plenty of ATMs all across Norway, and they’re better known here as ‘minibanks’. You’ll find them in outside banks, in shopping centres, and in many other public places in urban areas — even the tiniest villages tend to have one ATM. They tend to accept all kinds of cards, though you should check with your bank to see if you’ll be charged withdrawal fees. Norway also tends to be a cashless society, so you needn’t worry about bringing cash here.
As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com.
Norway is one of the world’s most LGBTQ+-friendly countries, and both same-sex marriage and same-sex adoption are legal here. Conversion therapy was banned in January 2024, and there are yearly Pride events in Oslo and Bergen too.
As part of their commitment, all CEOs receive LGBTQ+ inclusion training so every traveller feels respected and welcomed on all of our tours. We commit to making our tours a safe and inclusive place for people to express their authentic selves without judgement, free from any discriminatory language or harassment.
While travelling with G Adventures, all travellers must treat each other with dignity and respect to create an environment that is positive, safe, and where everyone feels welcome. You can find out more via our LGBTQ+ travel page.
Norwegian is the primary language spoken in Norway, and it comes in two written forms — Bokmål and Nynorsk. Additionally, Sami is spoken by the indigenous Sami people in Northern Norway, and English is widely spoken as a second language here too. Other minority languages include Kven, a Finnic language spoken in Northeastern Norway, and Romani.
Yes — the tap water is safe to drink in Norway. In fact, it’s considered some of the purest and cleanest water in the world. We recommend you bring a reusable water bottle for environmental reasons as there are numerous filling stations.
Norway consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world, and crime is extremely rare here. That being said, it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and also prepare for the weather, which can often be sub-zero — especially at altitude.
G Adventures takes all reasonable measures to ensure your safety and enjoyment while travelling with us. All of the included activities are properly vetted and regularly checked by us, and we take great care in choosing the right transportation, stays throughout your trip, and guides to lead your tour. However, there are always inherent risks when travelling — you can find out more via our travel safety page.
