Norway is a long and mountainous country, and domestic flights are often the quickest way to travel between regions. Internal services connect destinations including Oslo, Bergen, Tromsø, Alta and Longyearbyen in Svalbard.
Keep all valuables, travel documents, medications, cameras and electronic devices in your hand luggage. We also recommend packing a change of clothes in case of any unforeseen luggage delays.
Before travelling, ensure you have:
- Passport
- Travel insurance documents
- Flight tickets and itinerary details
- Hotel confirmations
- Emergency contact information
- Copies of important documents stored separately from the originals
Digital copies stored securely on your phone or cloud storage can also be useful.
Norway uses Type C and Type F electrical plugs with a standard voltage of 230V.
UK travellers will require a travel adaptor.
Wi-Fi is widely available throughout Norway, including in hotels, airports, cafés and many public spaces. Even many remote communities enjoy excellent internet connectivity.
International roaming is available throughout Norway, although charges vary by provider.
Mobile coverage is excellent across most of mainland Norway, though signal strength may be reduced in some mountainous, wilderness and Arctic regions. Coverage in Svalbard is generally good around settlements but can be limited elsewhere.
Conditions vary greatly depending on season and location. We recommend:
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Warm layers
- Thermal clothing for winter travel
- Comfortable walking boots or shoes
- Hat, gloves and scarf for Arctic regions
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear for hotel spas and saunas
- Daypack for excursions
For wildlife holidays and photography trips, neutral-coloured clothing is often preferable.
Bring an adequate supply of any personal medication for the duration of your trip.
Keep medicines in their original packaging and carry copies of prescriptions where applicable.
A small personal first-aid kit containing pain relief, plasters, antihistamines and motion-sickness remedies can also be useful, particularly on expedition cruises.
Useful items for travelling in Norway include:
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Camera and spare memory cards
- Travel adaptor
- Daypack
- Reusable water bottle
- Waterproof bag for boat excursions
- Walking poles for hiking holidays
- Thermal flask for winter excursions
Norway offers exceptional wildlife, birdwatching and nature experiences.
Field guides, bird identification books and destination guides can greatly enhance your enjoyment, particularly when visiting Arctic destinations such as Svalbard and northern Norway.
Many travellers also download guidebooks and maps before departure.
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Norway and is among the purest in the world.
Carrying a reusable water bottle is highly recommended, particularly when hiking or exploring remote areas.
Taxis are widely available in cities and towns, although fares can be relatively expensive.
Ride-hailing services operate in some larger cities, and most taxis accept credit and debit cards.
Norway is one of the safest countries in the world and enjoys very low crime levels.
As with any destination, take sensible precautions with personal belongings.
When travelling in remote mountainous or Arctic regions, pay particular attention to weather forecasts and follow local guidance regarding outdoor activities and wildlife encounters.
Tipping is not compulsory in Norway.
Service is generally included in restaurant and hotel prices, although many visitors round up the bill or leave around 5–10% for particularly good service. Tipping guides and drivers is entirely at your discretion.