NORWAY
We have gathered some useful information to help you plan and best prepare for your next adventure to Norway! Browse through the information below or visit our travel bonanza for more stories and tips!
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Under Norwegian law, you are entitled to healthcare help in Norway in the event of emergency or serious illness. EU / EEA citizens are entitled to emergency care under the EHIC. As in other countries, private travel insurance will insure against hefty health treatment bills.
In urgent situations an ambulance can be called by dialing 113.
Some pharmacies in central locations in Oslo are open 24 hrs, but in general, opening hours for pharmacies in Norway are between 8am and 4pm and offer the usual over-the-counter medication. It is recommended to bring a supply of medication which is only available on prescription.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Citizens of any EU/EMA country do not require a visa upon arrival in Norway. A valid passport is required which is valid until the date you intend to leave Norway. Norway also holds visa exemption agreements with a list of countries outside Europe, which can be found here, please check with your foreign department if you are unsure.
Citizens of countries that don’t hold a visa exemption agreement with Norway need to present a visa upon arrival, which allows you to stay in Norway for up to 90 days. You will also need to present a passport which is valid for at least another three months after the end of your visit.
SARS-COV2 INFORMATION
You can find up-to-date health and travel advise in relation to the ongoing COVID19 pandemic and traveling to and in Norway on the pages of the Norwegian Tourist Board.
MONEY AND PRICE LEVEL
The currency used in Norway is the Norwegian Krona (NOK). It is possible to exchange money in banks, post offices, designated currency exchange offices and bigger hotels. It is widely common to pay by card in Norway, even for smaller amounts and some hotels or taxis will not accept cash anymore. Nevertheless, ATMs are widely available and it is recommendable to carry small amounts of cash. Banks are usually open between 9am and 3.30pm Monday to Friday.
Norway is an expensive country and you should budget accordingly. On average, a meal in an inexpensive restaurant costs between 150
- 200NOK while a three course in a mid range restaurant will easily come to 400NOK per person, excluding drinks. A cappuccino starts on average from 40NOK, a soft drink from 30 NOK and a beer from 80 NOK.
Service charge is included in hotels and restaurants, but it is common to allow 5 - 10% extra for good service. Taxi fares are usually brought to a rounded amount.
OPENING HOURS
Shops in Norway are generally open Monday to Saturday between 9am and 6pm, some shops are open until 9pm and supermarkets may open for 24 hours.
Tourist Information are open between 9am and 7pm Monday to Friday, between 10am and 6pm on Saturdays and on Sunday afternoon. In small towns or remote areas of Norway the tourist information only opens over the summer months. General opening times for museums and other attractions are between 9am and 6pm, often longer in summer. Some are closed on Mondays and only open on the weekends over the winter.
ELECTRICITY
The voltage is 220V/50hz and sockets fit the standard European plugs with two rounds.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
January 1
New Years Day
Friday before Easter
Good Friday
Monday after Easter
Easter Sunday
39 days after Easter Sunday
Ascension Day
7th Monday after Easter
Whit Monday
May 1
Labour Day
May 17
National Holiday
December 25
Christmas Day
December 26
St Stephens Day
FESTIVITIES & EVENTS
Tromsø
Northern Lights Festival - classical and contemporary music festival
January
Kristiansund
Opera Festival - opera, ballet, art and concerts
February
Holmenkollen
Ski Festival - large festival with the World Cup in Nordic Skiing and biathlon, ski jumping and cross-country
Early March
Narvik
Winter Festival - sport events, carnival, concerts and opera
Second week of March to mid April
Rena to Lillehammer
Birkebeiner Intl Ski Race
mid March
Voss
Jazz festival
First week of April
Bergen
International Music Festival
Late May to early June
Oslo Fjord
Faerder Sailing Race
Mid June
Honningsvåg
Nordkap March
Mid June
Stavanger
Emigration Festival - exhibitions, concerts, theater and folklore
Mid June
All Norway
Midsummer night
June 23
Kvinesdal
Emigration Festival
Late June to early July
Tromsø
Midnight sun marathon
Late June
Oslo
Exxon Mobil Bislett Games - Intl athletic competition
Early to mid July
Molde
International Jazz Festival
Mid July
Oslo
Norway Cup International Youth Soccer Tournament
Late July to early August
Telemark
International Folk Festival
early August
Vinstra
Peer Gynt Festival - music, art and parades
Early August
Oslo
Jazz Festival
Second week of August
Oslo
Chamber Music Festival
Mid August
Oslo
Oslo Marathon
Mid September
Oslo
Nobel Peace Price Ceremony
December 10
All Norway
Midsummer night
June 23
