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Ultimate Norway Travel Guide with 20 Essential Norway Travel Tips for 2024

Oh hello! Me again!!! I know, too soon but what can I say, I like to write, especially when it comes to a super-savvy Norway travel guide filled with uber useful Norway travel tips that you’re gonna love!

Because right now, the cosmos are telling me that you’re trying to plan the perfect Norway itinerary (furiously waving hands mystically so I look like a psychic).

Well, Fab! Because trust me, you’re gonna love it. And you don’t need to go broke when you travel to Norway either, contrary to popular belief.

But, let’s keep it real. Because whenever you visit a new country, you make mistakes. It’s inevitable. You have no idea how traveling to Norway works and will have some epic, “whoopsie” moments in the process.

Which is good. Because I mean who wants to vacation in a place that is exactly like home? Well, maybe some people but not this chick right here. I like to take chances, make mistakes, and let things happen (a la the Magic School Bus).

And although some mistakes are cute and totally innocent, some are Grand Canyon level problems that will needlessly stress you out as you travel through Norway.

And in good old, Girl with the Passport fashion…I made a ton of Norway travel mistakes and stressed out about them for you (Hello anxiety, we meet again).  Shocking… to no one ever since I attract catastrophe like cheese attracts a mouse.

Actually, wait. That’s a lie. Mice don’t actually like cheese but whatev. You know what I’m throwin’ down. I digress though.

BasicallyI’m about to get down and dirty and reveal my biggest travel blunders while I was destroying, I mean touring, the insanely beautiful, safe, and friendly Scandinavian country of…Norway (insert drum roll here).

So onwards and upwards, to some Norway travel tips that don’t suck! And, a warm welcome to the whimsical world of Norway travel. Because there are so many beautiful places in Norway that it’s kind of hard to know where to start when planning a trip to Norway.

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Contents show

1. Underestimating the Sheer Size of Norway

detailed map of Norway and the neighboring countries.

With a population of just 5.3 million people, it’s easy to think that Norway is a tiny country that is super easy to get around.

But that assumption would be totally wrong! Yeah, that’s a total lie, as you can clearly see in the detailed Norway map above.

In reality, all those gorgeous Norwegian fjords and mountains, that make for exquisite Instagram selfies (kidding), are the same geographic boundaries that impede all of your attempts to travel Norway.

Therefore, when planning a trip to Norway, always give yourself plenty of time to get from one Norwegian town to the next. I mean, between ferry rides across fjords and epic train journeys, you may spend your entire vacation actively traveling in Norway and not actually seeing anything.

And as much I love traveling, sleeping on a train for the duration of my vacation is not my idea of a good time.

I mean, did you know that the distance between Oslo and the Northernmost portions of Norwegian Lapland, is the same as the distance between Oslo and Rome Italy?

Yeah, I didn’t know that either!! So, the moral of the story? Give yourself plenty of time to travel Norway and plan accordingly.

Fun Little Factoid: Just in case you’re not in the know, Norway is a country in Scandanavia (A sub-region of Europe that includes Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. It’s also sometimes defined more broadly to include Finland and Iceland too) and has a population of around 5.2 million people – a place that is routinely named one of the top countries to visit/live in the world.

2. Assuming Everything in Norway is Insanely Expensive

The rocky shores of Mjelle Beach and the hills in the distance in northern Norway. A Norway travel guide could not be complete without a pic of this place.
The rocky shores of Mjelle Beach in northern Norway.

When reading a Norway travel guide and planning a trip to Norway, the first thing that people wonder is, “Is Norway expensive to travel to?”

And while I don’t consider Norway to be cheap, which is why you’ll definitely need this guide to Oslo on a budget, I also wasn’t dumpster diving just to find my next meal.

So what’s the truth? Is Norway expensive? Well no, if you use common sense and these money-saving tips.

So instead of taking a taxi, use public transportation. Instead of eating out for lunch, buy something at the supermarket Instead of renting a hotel room, try and book an overnight train trip. Instead of buying water, bring a water bottle.

Get the Idea?

In fairness though, I may be a bit bias since I live in New York and everything there is like Richie Rich level expensive.

HoweverI was able to find a hotel room for $70 a night, at one of the best hotels in Bergen Norway (Augustin hotel) so clearly, a soda doesn’t always cost $10 a can.

Full disclosure though? That was at the end of April which is still considered the offseason. So things are probably very different during the high season when Bergen is flooded with four cruise ships daily.

Pro Tip: Eating out in Norway can get expensive fast! Therefore, one of my top Norway travel tips is to do like the locals do and get some meals from the local grocery store.

Unlike many other European countries, Norway doesn’t have a culture where they go out to eat ALL THE TIME. Also watch out when buying those souvenirs from Norway. They can be pricey.

3. Buying Food at a Convenience Store or Gas Station when Roadtripping Norway

The gorgeous old building of Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim is amazing and one of my fave Norway travel tips is to avoid the convenience stores and visit it instead.

No, no, a thousand times no. This is honestly one of my biggest Norway travel tips.

Whatever you do, back away from the store, unless you need some gas. Then buy away,

But Seriously. The prices of food and drinks at these places are not convenient in any way, shape, or form. And by no means are they helping you travel Norway cheap.

Therefore, when traveling through Norway, Stock up on goodies at the supermarket so that you can avoid the insanely inflated prices that these places offer.

Unless of course,  you’re Mr. Monopoly and have money to burn when planning a trip to Norway. Then my friend, stay classy and rock on.

4. Not Wearing Sunscreen

I feel like most people assume that when you’re in Nordic countries, the sun doesn’t really exist. It’s almost like you believe that the sun won’t hurt you because you are at such a high latitude.

Sorry, wrong answer. That’s why my general rule is that if you can see the sun, then it can burn you. At least, that’s true for me. Although, I’m so pale that I’m practically see-through. So I may be an exception.

But in general, It’s always a good idea to wear sunscreen when you’re out in the sun all day, even if it’s cloudy because yes, you can get burned through the clouds (been there, done that. It’s a talent really).

I mean, you don’t have to bathe in sunscreen but a little extra never hurts. And if you hate sunscreen (the fewer liquids I travel with the better), you can always rock a super awesome hat like this.

5. Not Considering Winter Closures

The snow coated hills and a boat on the water showing just why one of the best Norway travel tips is to visit during winter.

Between the roads and attractions, a lot of things can be shut down during the winter.

And it makes sense. Because if you have 3 hours of sunlight and 12 feet of snow outside then chances are, no one is gonna risk life and limb just to hang out at a local museum.

But, this general Norway travel tip applies to off-season too! Because technically speaking, high season runs from the beginning of May through the end of September.

Therefore, travel through Norway during high season and you can expect large crowds, although everything will be open.

However, If you’re like me and visit in April, even if the weather is nice, most attractions will be closed or running on a more limited, winter schedule.

This means that while the crowds will be light and the hotel prices will be cheap, you won’t get to see as much. But a much better scenario than the soul-crushing hordes of tourists that descend, like locusts, upon Bergen in the summer.

That’s why for me, the best time to travel to Norway is in the off-season (October – April) because yes, I am an anti-social, recluse of sorts. Not Howard Highs bad, but on that spectrum.

Another added perk is that depending on where you go, you might even be able to see the northern lights while travelling in Norway.

6. Assuming You’ll Only Eat Fish

Okay, so while Norway is known for its love of fish, especially the dried and salted variety, Norwegian cuisine has come a long way since the days of old.

Yes, my friends.If you are a vegan or a vegetarian or just hate eating fish, you’re in luck (dollar, dollar bills y’all) because there are still a ton of things for you to eat.

Why? Most restaurants have hopped on the pop-culture bandwagon and embrace current dietary trends. That’s why many restaurants now offer at least a veggie burger of sorts on their menu.

Me? I’m the vegetarian weirdo who travels to Norway and tries Ethiopian food for the first time.

No regrets though. I loved eating with my hands and yes, the food was amazing (nom, nom, nom). So head to the Horn of Africa (in Bergen) because it’s worth it (dare I say finger-licking good?).

Pro Tip: Although I personally am not into the fishy goodness, Norway is known for having the BEST salmon and actually introduced the food to the Japanese in the 1980s. Therefore, be sure to try some quality salmon as you travel through Norway. Sure, it’s not cheap. But it’s delicious and will be a truly authentic Norwegian meal.

7. Taking Your Bag Into a Museum With You

An aerial view of Lillehammer, Norway with its green trees and interspersed buildings in the summer. Visiting this gorgeous spot is just one of the many Norway travel tips that I have to offer.

Yeah no. This is a total party foul. In Norway, you do NOT take your backpack with you, into a museum.

Nope! Instead, you place your bag in a locker and walk around the museum empty-handed.

Why? No idea. I bet it has something to do with not damaging priceless artifacts around you. Just heed this Norway travel advice and don’t be like me and go all the way to the basement to pee, come back up to the entrance, to just to go right back down to the basement because you forgot to put your belongings in a locker.

Some other sage advice when planning a trip to Norway? In most hotels, the electricity will only go on when you place your keycard in the designated keycard holder.

Seriously. I don’t know how many times I almost broke my toe while frantically feeling my way to the door. Yeah, crashing into door frames and sporting black eyes at breakfast is not the way you want to start your trip to Norway.

Therefore, don’t scramble around trying to, go towards the light (LoL. Terrible but I had to). Just place your keycard in the holder and all will be right with the world.

8. Not Considering How Long (or short) the Days Are

Some of the beautiful white homes you'll find in Skudeneshavn, Norway,
Skudeneshavn, Norway,

Now, this all depends on how far north you go, but no matter where you are in Norway, the days are probably way shorter, or longer than you’re used to.

Yup, typically in the winter, the sun will rise around 10 am and set around 3 pm. Therefore, this natural occurrence can really cramp your style if you’re doing a bunch of outdoor activities.

Therefore, use this list of Norway travel tips to help you plan accordingly and do anything outdoors during daylight hours.

Also, remember that some people’s moods can be affected by the lack of light. Me? Not so much.

Truth be told though, I think I’d have a harder time in the summer, trying to sleep when the sun was still up.

Asa result, just be aware of it and you should be totally fine. It just really throws off your sense of time and you generally feel like it’s way earlier or later than it actually is.

9. Not Booking Hotels or Train Tickets in Advance

An aerial view of rcuise ships inside Geirangerfjord and the towering green mountains aroun it in Norway.
An aerial view of cruise ships inside Geirangerfjord in Norway.

When I was booking my tickets planning a trip to Norway, I was shocked at how quickly everything filled up.

I mean sure, this would be no surprise during the busy summer months, but I was going in the offseason!

Well, guess what?  A lot of other people think this way too. As a result, train tickets and hotel rooms can book up fast.

That’s why, one of my Norway travel tips is to try and book your train tickets/hotel rooms at least 90 days in advance, just to be safe.

Plus, if you do this, you’ll score cheaper train tickets since you’re planning so far in advance. Actually, you can really only buy train tickets up to 90 days in advance but whatever.

Just remember that the quicker you book things, the better.

10. Not Cleaning Up After Yourself

Pulpit Rock with its bird's eye view of the surroundings and the numerous people on it.

So I feel like, in Norway, there is more social consciousness. People just seem to be more aware of their actions and how they affect society as a whole.

The result? Lights will only turn on when someone is in the room, people at buffets are encouraged not to waste food, and people actually clean up food they drop on public transportation.

Crazy Right? Maybe I’m just used to the inability of New Yorkers to take care of communal spaces, but I was stunned to see some dude actually picking up bits of his sandwich that fell on the tram floor.

Legit, I felt like I was on another planet where total slobs are shamed into appreciating and yes, even caring for public spaces (Not a bad thing to conform to).

Seriously, New Yorkers need to step up their game because we’re disgusting. Instead of cleanliness, we have rats the size of cats just chillin’ in our subway stations like, “Yo ma, pass me that pizza would ya?”

That’s why, if you’re travelling in Norway, be prepared to clean up after yourself.

11. Cash Is Optional

I’ve noticed this before, but you really don’t need cash in Norway, at least not in the populated areas where I was.

A Debit card? You betcha since some transactions require a pin number. But in general, I didn’t exchange any cash because I didn’t need to. I mean, even the public transportation ticket machines take cards. So yeah, I kind of felt like, “Ehh…what’s the point?”

Therefore, no need to exchange cash you’ll never need again (I know you’ll really miss those insanely high fees for transferring from one currency to the next).

Instead, embrace this ever-growing no cash trend and feel the financial freedom (I sound like a cheesy credit card commercial).

In truth though, there was one locker that required change, but I borrowed a coin from the museum admission desk and it was totally fine.

Pro Tip: Just in case you’re not sure, Norway does NOT use the Euro as its currency since they are a part of the EEA or European Economic Area. Therefore, don’t try to pay for things in Euros. Instead, use the local currency of the Norwegian Kroner (NDK). But as I said, you can use a card to pay for just about everything.

12. Trying to See Fjords and the Northern Lights in Oslo

A waterside view of Oslo, Norway with the boats docked at the pier and the lit up buildings in the background. It is just one of the amazing sights that you will see in this Norway travel guide.
A waterside view of Oslo, Norway.

Yeah, I hate to burst your bubble, but the Northern Lights won’t be dancing around the entirety of Norway in the winter.

One of those Norway travel tips that is sad but totally true. Especially since not only do you need clear skies, but you also need to be near the Arctic Circle in places like Tromso to see the Northern Lights, at least if you want to see them at their most vibrant.

But just know that even if you are near the Arctic Circle, this still doesn’t guarantee that you will see these natural beauties.

I mean, sure, I was personally above the Arctic Circle. But,the Northern Lights I saw were kind of crappy. Nothing like the advertisements that leave you in awe of all the vibrant colors and lights magically swirling through the sky (we call this photo editing).

Similarly, you also won’t be seeing any jaw-droppingly beautiful fjords in Oslo either.

Sorry but fjords and the stunning topography that they create are only found on the Western coast of Norway (Bergen is a great place to see them).

Therefore, when planning a trip to Norway, you can’t just fly into Oslo and witness a stunning array of fjords that stretch out as far as the eye can see. Sorry but I just don’t want you to be totally disappointed when you get to Oslo and find no fjords insight.

13. Trolls are Everywhere!

Between the playgrounds, street art, statues, and souvenir shops, you will literally find a troll around every corner.

And they are super creepy! Trust me these aren’t the cute, 90s troll dolls with jewels in their belly that you could rub and make a wish.

Nope. They must be found in some traditional, Norwegian folklore because they are everywhere.

Sure, I find them totally weird, but clearly, other people do not. Plus, people generally consider most of what I do pretty odd so who am I to judge?

 14. Say No to Tipping

Houses siting along the water at the base of a fjord in Flam, Norway with the green hills in the background. Visiting these is one of the best things you can do in Norway.

Norwegians are so nice that I literally had a waiter return the tip I left him.

Shocking but true!

And then when I tried to convince him to take it, he just smiled and told me that if people do tip, it’s only 5%.

But, he quickly reiterated to me that no tip was necessary and graciously thanked me for my patronage.

Yeah, talk about being a world away from waiters in New York City who will practically spit on you if you leave them anything less than 20%. But lesson learned.

15. Not Spending Enough Time in Nature

The vibrant northern lights above Tromso, Norway. If there is one Norway travel tip that you should heed, its that you should bundle up when you head out to see the northern lights.
The vibrant northern lights above Tromso, Norway

Look, Norway is known for a plethora of things, but its magnificent cities aren’t one of them.

Don’t get me wrong! I’m not knocking the cities in Norway. They have their own distinctive charm and appeal. But if they were totally chaotic mega centers of urban life then Norway would lose some of its natural appeal.

No, on the whole, Norway is known for its stunning natural beauty, which is why you should definitely do a Norway in a Nutshell tour while you are in the region.

Between the fjords, majestic rivers, and snow-capped mountains, this country is truly a playground for any and all outdoor enthusiasts.

Therefore, get out of the city and experience all of the best hikes in Norway! Because no matter what you like, there is something for you in this stunning landscape.

I mean, you name it and they have it since you can go zip-lining, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, not so strenuous hiking (for this chick right here), river cruising, and so much more.

And trust me, if this city slicker can find a way to enjoy nature then anyone can!

You’ll also love the fact that most national parks and outdoor locations are totally free for visitors to use since Norwegians believe that all people should have free access to public lands.

Yup, three solid cheers for Norway. Hip, hip, hooray!

Pro Tip: Because of the very Norwegian idea of  “Allemannsretten”, or the fundamental right of every person to public access, you can pretty much pitch a tent just about anywhere you want in Norway – unless a sign explicitly says not to. So, one of my many Norway travel tips would be to live it up, go wild camping and embrace the Norwegian love of the great outdoors. Just be respectful, clean up after yourself, and leave no trace behind.

16. Polar Bears Will NOT Be Wandering With You Through the Streets

Polar bears playing in the snow. Obviously one of the Norway travel tips is that these bears aren't everywhere so don't be disappointed when you don't see them in the streets.
Aww! Cute little polar bears…that you probably won’t see in Norway. AKA, another one of those facts about polar bears that would surprise.

Umm, I feel like this is one of those Norway travel tips that didn’t need to be explicitly stated. But I guess I do since I’ve had more than one person ask me if they will meet any polar bears as they frolic through the streets of Norway.

So yeah, obviously I need to clarify a few things when planning a trip to Norway. Actually, I don’t need to clarify much since there’s a pretty short answer to the above question.

And that answer is no. In fact, there aren’t any wild polar bears on the mainland of Norway at all! Yeah, if you actually want to see some polar bears in their natural habitat, then you’ll need to fly all the way to Svalbard, a super cool archipelago that sits smack dab in between mainland Norway and the North Pole.

Because in this place? Well, there are actually more polar bears than people. That being said though, polar bears still like to steer clear of people, and incidents of polar bears actually mauling people is super rare.

17. Assuming Nobody Speaks English

Although English may not be widely spoken in many other parts of the world, it’s definitely spoken just about everywhere in Norway.

Therefore, when planning a trip to Norway, don’t feel like you HAVE to know Norwegian to chat with the locals.

Is it nice to know a few phrases and to show respect for people’s culture? Absolutely. So one of my many Norway travel tips would be to learn at least a few common Norwegian phrases before traveling to Norway.

But don’t feel intimidated and like you can’t chat with people if you don’t know Norwegian because the vast majority of Norwegians know English.

They may be a little shy about chatting with you in their non-native language, but most locals can probably understand you and help you with any questions you might have.

18. Don’t Be Scared! Norway is Super Safe!

Some of the historic, colorful homes you'll find lining the streets of Fredrikstad in Norway.
Some of the historic, colorful homes you’ll find lining the streets of Fredrikstad in Norway.

Like most of the countries in Scandinavia, Norway is super safe. In fact, Norway is known for being one of the safest countries in the world since crime rates are exceptionally low – even in major urban centers like Bergan, Oslo, and Stavanger.

Does that mean you should wander around flashing large wads of cash and throw caution to the wind? No. Still take all the usual precautions when visiting a major urban area.

But, you definitely don’t need to gird your loins and freak out if you have to walk alone down the street in the middle of the night. Yeah, the vast majority of crimes in Norway are non-violent burglaries, so no need to worry, especially if you are traveling alone.

Pro Tip: Like in most major European cities, when planning a trip to Norway, watch out for pickpockets when traveling to large, touristy areas throughout the summer months. It’s still safe but it’s not unheard of for people to get pickpocketed.

19. Don’t Get A Taxi If You Are On A Budget

In Norway locals will very rarely take a taxi and with good reason. Before you ask, it isn’t because the taxis are not safe. Quite the contrary. Taxis in Norway are safe and clean. They are also easily accessible from the airports. The problem however is the cost associated with the taxi. 

A short drive could run up a tab of over 50 euros and in some cases that could even cross 150 euros. Now if you don’t mind the splurge that’s fine but for many locals, they prefer not to. Another reason why Norwegians don’t bother with the cabs is because the public transport is excellent and so much cheaper!

20. Be Flexible When Planning Your Itinerary

No matter whether you plan your itinerary during the peak season or during the shoulder season (or even off season) you will find that the weather in Norway is rather unpredictable. You may have checked the forecast the day before and have woken up to pouring rain. Obviously outdoor activities in this kind of weather would not really be fun.

Given how unpredictable the weather is, it is always good to have a backup plan. Museums and indoor activities are always a good bet. Another good tip is to add an extra day or two to your itinerary in a place that you really want to do something. That way if it does rain, you know you still have time to catch your bucket list item the next day.

This is also very true when it comes to spotting the Northern lights. You can’t always be certain you will see them, so give yourself a few days so that you don’t miss the view of a lifetime!

Must-See Attractions in Norway

1. Vikingskipshuset

Located in Oslo, this amazing museum showcases three Viking ships that were hauled ashore 1,100 years ago and used in elaborate burial riituals.

These ceremonial burial sites were the final resting place of the vessels and a trove of worldly possessions meant to serve the deceased in the afterlife.

So, items found at the site include food, clothes, furniture, chariots, weapons, and even dogs for companionship.

Excavated in the region of Oslofjord during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these artifacts, along with the ships, were meticulously conserved.

They sit inside this gorgeous museum and stand as a poignant window into the world of the Vikings.

Among the trio of ships, each named for their discovery sites—Oseberg, Gokstad, and Tune—the Oseberg ship is the most grand since is home to a ton of cool Viking-age artifacts.

The Gokstad measures 24 meters in length and was crafted around 890. It is well-preserved and is the quintessential model of a Viking longship.

Then there’s the smaller Tune ship, with only fragments remaining.

So, be sure to visit when you are in Oslo and use a complimentary audio guide to get the most out of your visit. Just know that the museum isn’t set to reopen until 2026.

2. Trollstigen

Another one of the most beautiful places in Norway is Trollstigen. Meaning “Troll’s ladder” in English, this iconic road is a marvel of engineering that zigzags dramatically through 11 switchbacks with a steep 1:12 incline.

Opened in 1936 and built over eight years, it traverses the mountainside, offering motorists a thrilling drive—especially when rain transforms the cliffs into a veil of waterfalls.

Traffic often narrows to a single lane, adding to the appeal of this journey for adrenaline junkies who are looking for the most scenic drives in Norway.

At its peak, architectural wonders of rusted steel and concrete have been erected, providing a stark contrast to the wild terrain.

Visitors can even stand on one of the seemingly floating platforms that sit along the road and enjoy sweeping views of the area.

Spanning a distance of about 38km, the drive connects Valldal to Andalsnes and meanders through Reinheimen National Park.

This park is another must-see place in Norway since wild reindeer roam throughout the area. Just know that the road is only open seasonally from late May through mid-October, depending on the snow.

3. Magdalenefjord

The stunning bay of Magdalenefjord in Nordvest Spitsbergen is encircled by a series of majestic peaks and gorgeous glaciers that make it a great place to stop along the western coast of Spitsbergen in Svalbard.

Visit on a day when the sun shines bright, or during the onset of storm clouds, and you might just feel like you’re in Arctic heaven.

Most of the time, the area is visited during extended cruise excursions. After all, visitors love learning about Magdalenefjord’s links to the Dutch whaling industry in the 17th century.

In fact, remnants of old blubber-boiling stations can still be seen at Graveneset, near the fjord’s entrance. You can also marvel at the well-preserved graves of whalers that are dotted around the area.

4. Nidaros Domkirke

Stop by Trondheim and experience the awesome beauty of Nidaros Domkirke.

It is the most extensive medieval structure in Scandinavia and represents the northernmost extension of Gothic architecture in Europe.

The cathedral’s external west wall is a marvel of ornamentation, featuring Biblical statues depicting scripture alongside notable Norwegian bishops and monarchs.

Many of these are recreations of original medieval works, now preserved in a nearby museum.

A notable element of the church is the colorful stained glass adorning the rose window on the cathedral’s western side.

Central to the cathedral is the altar, marking the burial site of St. Olav, the former Viking ruler who introduced Christianity to largely pagan Norwegians.

The initial stone cathedral dates back to 1153, with the existing crossing and chapter house being completed between 1130 and 1180.

Below, the crypt there are an array of medieval gravestones, with most restored from fragments.

Visitors are free to explore, with guided tours offered from early June through August. I suggest doing one since it will allow you to better appreciate the historical significance of this magical place.

If you can, visit during an organ recital so that you can enjoy some beautiful music. Afterward, climb the tower’s 172 steps (open from mid-June through mid-August) for excellent views of Trondheim.

5. Atlanterhavsveien

A guardrail sits around a curving road in Norway with green grass around it and a road that climbs to stunning views.

The Atlantic Ocean Road, a short stretch of highway that is barely 8km long. It marries engineering prowess with natural grandeur while connecting 17 islets via bridges above the churning sea below.

The route features sweeping views that are only enhanced by vibrant fall foliage during the autumn season. You can also see whales and seals just off-shore if you visit at the right time of year

So, whether you start from Molde, and go through the town of Bud, or start from the north, and go through Kristiansund via a subsea tunnel, it’s one of the most beautiful drives in Norway.

Plus, the route is dotted with elegant viewpoints at Eldhusøya’s walkable island and Askevågen’s glass-fronted platform.

However, the real highlight of any visit is the Storseisund Bridge since it contorts elegantly across a dramatic stretch of road from Eide to Averøy.

Expert Tip: If you don’t want to drive along the road then you can use Eide Auto buses to visit. They run all year long and connect Molde with Kristiansund all year long.

Five buses operate daily from Monday to Friday, with two on Saturday, and one on Sunday. The trip will take a little over two hours.

Norway Travel Guide FAQs

What is the Best Month to go to Norway?

The best months to go to Norway are June, July, and August. This is when most roads and hiking trails are open for the summer.

Plus, the days are longer and the temperatures are warm, allowing you to head outside and enjoy the stunning landscape all around you.

How Many Days in Norway is Enough?

If you’re planning a Norway itinerary try to spend at least 5 days in the country. This way you can enjoy some of the best things to do in Norway without feeling overwhelmed and rushed.

Is Norway Friendly to Americans?

Yes, Norway is friendly to Americans. Americans are more than welcome and most people in Norway speak fluent English.

Plus, most locals are happy to help you if you get a little lost or have a question about something.

Is Norway Expensive to Visit?

Yes, Norway is a very expensive place to visit. However, you can save money by doing a lot of hiking or by enjoying some of the free things in Norway.

You could also rent a campervan and save money on hotels that way.

Well cool kids, that just about wraps up this epic Norway travel guide and my 18 super sweet Norway travel tips.

I hope you now have everything you need for planning a trip to Norway and feel like you’re ready to travel through Norway like a total pro.   

And if you found this post even a little bit useful, feel free to pin this now so that you can read it again later!

 

Jonny Gridseth

Monday 3rd of May 2021

A well written article. I´m Norwegian, from outskirt of Aalesund. Now retired in Portugal. It´s a good idea to book hotel or Airbnb in advance. When covid-19 is over everyting, probably full booked. As you say, avoid food from gas stations. Very expencive and bad. If you are on the road, buy food at supermakets with discount. You find a listing of them on internet. Enjoy Norway without ruin yourself

girlwiththepassport

Monday 3rd of May 2021

Thank you so much Jonny! Such great advice and I always love visiting Norway! I hope I can visit again some day soon!

Benzini Campers

Saturday 20th of February 2021

Finally different and unique content about travelling Norway! Thank you for sharing your tips. I think I´m gonna share it further since everybody should know this before visiting.

girlwiththepassport

Tuesday 23rd of February 2021

Thanks so much for reading.

Ness

Tuesday 30th of June 2020

Thanks! Hoping to travel there for the first time this year.

Also sorry that some people think it’s ok to be so ridiculously rude to you when all you’re doing is trying to help people have a good trip.

Thanks again for your help!

girlwiththepassport

Thursday 2nd of July 2020

Aww, thanks Ness. That is so nice to hear. And I hope you have an amazing trip. I absolutely loved Norway. And yeah, I don't really get it since it's free and if they don't like it they 100% do not have to read my blog. Hope your trip works out and stay safe!

Ilnorme Phillips

Saturday 15th of February 2020

Beautiful Country

girlwiththepassport

Sunday 16th of February 2020

totally agree!

AnotherSoloFemaleTravelerButWhoCares

Sunday 19th of January 2020

I mean, sure, you do like to travel and give tips but man, those things are on Captain Obvious level. I am sure you can do better than "Oh btw you need to plan in advance" and that you should find supermarkets for lower prices. Who could have guessed that they could save money by not eating out every day? And who goes to a country without looking at the map to determine the best route and how much would it take to get around? If you go there to see the Northern Lights, the first thing you google is "where to see Northern Lights" in case you've missed your 3rd grade Geography classes, so unless you have no common sense whatsoever, you know they don't have fjords and NL in Oslo. Most of the things are valid for the majority of the European countries, so it would be a good tip to clean-up after yourself no matter where you are, you know - good ol' manners and shite. And really - you are giving tips on how not be broke after Norway and don't even mention Airbnb and Couchsurfing? If you want to be useful you don't write vague BS, you include specific details. Even describing how to open Google Street View to check the route between your drop off point and your place to stay would have been more useful.

Lisa

Sunday 12th of June 2022

@AnotherSoloFemaleTravelerButWhoCares, Wow! Why are you so rude? I've travelled all over the world for years and still found useful info in this blog.

MB

Sunday 3rd of January 2021

Hi... have you ever heard the golden rule.. do unto others as you have them do to you”? Offhand, I would say no since the way you responded to the authors work.

I have read MANY articles that give suggestions on touring Norway. I have a friend there who has helped a lot as well. Yet the author of this article mentioned MANY things I wasn’t yet aware of. The article was therefore helpful and written in a great informal style. I have made a few changes to my upcoming trip because of her article.

Katherine

Friday 10th of July 2020

You're upset because a free blog post didn't cover everything you personally think it should have? That's a pretty high horse you're on. I know that some things seem self-explanatory, but not everyone has the benefit of the same education level, or life experiences as you, so these tips are great for everyone.

Marrah

Wednesday 8th of July 2020

Obviously you do care, leaving a 10000 words comment.

And not everyone is good at planing or maybe they are more of spontaneous and think everything will be fine, while tips like this actually makes your holiday fine. You get to know what is expected and how to fix the situation without go into panic.

Novice in Norway ??

Saturday 7th of March 2020

Wowza! That was really awful “Solo traveler”. If it didn’t help you that’s really ok and nothing to be hateful about. ? You didn’t pay her to plan your trip. You are welcome to start your own blog.

Thanks for sharing Passport. I forgot that many museums don’t allow back packs and I’m traveling with a 4 & 5 yo so any reminder that helps avoid extra trips up the stairs/on the elevator is welcomed! I love Ethiopian food so will look into that restaurant.

? Looking forward to my April trip to Bergen/Oslo.