top of page
Image by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen

NORWAY

DESTINATION GUIDE

As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real Norway in a way like no other. Known for its remarkable landscapes and joyous, social people, we’ll guide you through the very best that trips to Norway have to offer. Our pace of travel gives you the time to absorb the wild setting and quirky cities, moving from the iconic to the unexpected without a hurry. Peppered around fjords, glaciers, lakes, natural fortresses and coastal islands, we will find cities that sparkle with Nordic charm. Learn of Viking history, indulge in obscure local delicacies and soak up a contemporary culture alive with film, music, theatre and art. Ride the funicular railway in Bergen and visit the many museums of Oslo to connect with the true heart of Norway. Travel with us and unlock the infinite possibilities thanks to our exclusive Triploves Highlights.

"Scandinavia is just as much and sometimes more about the journey than the destination. It is like watching national geographic out the window as we're driving around the Norwegian Fjords. Driving in to Geiranger in Norway is one of the most stunning drives you can do in the world. I've visited 80 countries and haven't seen any better yet"

Lasse,, 

Travel Director

Norway at a

glance

Currency

Norwegian krone

Winter avg temp

-3°C

Summer avg temp

17°C

Time Zone

GMT +2

Capital City

Oslo

Language

Norwegian

Good Morning

God morgen

Good evening

God kveld

Image by Annie Spratt
Image by Warren Sammut
Image by Mikita Karasiou

With quirky cities, Viking histor and remarkable wild landscapes filled with fjords, glaciers, lakes, coastal islands and the spellbinding Northern lights, Norway is a jewel of Scandinavia. Join your expert Trafalgar Travel Director and embrace the wonders of Nordic life.

Image by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen
Image by Jason Leung

Our top 3 things to do in Norway

Norway’s intrepid history, emotional terrain and European location provide an intriguing mix of activities. Travel with Trafalgar and we will show you the very best.

Explore Norway's rich seafaring heritage in Oslo

Norway’s remarkable seafaring heritage will unfold in the capital of Oslo, which sits at the head of a 60-mile fjord with a mountainous vista. Spend time walking through four nautical museums clustered together in Bygdøy, and be amazed by ships, instruments, treasures and artefacts from saltier days gone by.

Visit Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Cathedral

Travel back to the 18th century with a visit to Gamle Stavanger, a neighbourhood of historically preserved houses. Originally home to the sardine canning industry, these white cottages will delight you with their gabled terracotta roofs, cobbled pavements, black lanterns and overflowing flower boxes.

Drive north past fjords, lakes and forests

With this country’s astonishing arrangement of sea, sky and rock, there’s no better way to explore than by taking the road. You will find true appreciation for Norway as we wind past fisherman’s cabins, berry farms and tranquil lakes towards the forests and soul-stirring fjords.

Best museums in Norway

With a famed history of explorers from the Vikings to Thor Heyerdahl, the museums we visit have rich stories that combine education and enjoyment. Journey with Trafalgar and you will feel Norway’s history at your fingertips.

Viking Ship Museum

Take in the world’s best-preserved Viking ships, the Gokstad, at the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo. These black, ornate treasures whisper the secrets of Norway’s heritage and highlight the immense skill required for crafting these vessels. Spare time for the Oseberg, a ship used as burial for two women surrounded by burial gifts that can still be seen.

Kon-Tiki Museum

Step into the ultimate museum for adventurers and explorers, the Kon-tiki Museum in Oslo. This space is home to a library of 8,000 books as well as vessels and maps pertaining to the infamous 1947 Kon-tiki expedition led by Norwegian writer and explorer, Thor Heyerdahl. Be transported to Polynesia, South America, the Galapagos and beyond.

Fortress of Akershus

Strategically located at the very end of Oslo’s headland, the Fortress of Akershus was built in the 1300’s to house and protect the royal. One of the best things to do in Oslo, you will feel the weight of history in a space that withstood a number of sieges throughout the ages and later served as a military base.

Best food in Norway

Enjoy traditional Norwegian food in the very place the meals originated. With simple ingredients and rich flavours, the dishes we share with you on a trip to Norway will connect you with the authentic culinary heritage of the country.

Lefse

The Norwegian lefse is a flatbread, strikingly similar to the Mexican tortilla or North Indian roti, with the Nordic variety made with flour and milk or cream with various Nordic fillings. Try it savoury with potatoes and sweet with cinnamon and brown sugar.

Fårikål

Traditionally served in Autumn to mark the rounding up and returning of grazing mountain sheep, the lamb, cabbage and potato stew of fårikål can now be enjoyed year-round. Considered the national dish of Norway, it’s a must during trips to Norway, particularly when cool weather rolls in.

Pickled Herring

Experiment with slithers of herring during your Norway trip, trying this fish smoked above a fireplace, raw, boiled, buttered or simmered in beer. A big part of the Norwegian diet still to this day, this meal is a cultural necessity when visiting even if the initial concept makes you squirm.

Mountain boots

Even if your Norway holiday is more focused on museums and restaurants than trekking and outdoor activities, wearing mountain boots will make you feel at home with the Norwegian spirit. Even if all you do in them is eat fårikål and drink mulled wine.

Plasters

With lots of walking to be done in the forests, mountains and cities, plasters for blisters may prove useful during your trip; particularly if you’re wearing new shoes that haven’t been broken in.

Sleeping mask

During the Norwegian summer, there are times when the sun never goes down. Pack a sleeping mask if you need a complete blackout in order to sleep.

Sunscreen

Even during the winter, ice fields and glacier territory can reflect the sun and burn your skin. Pack sunscreen to save a crimson glow appearing in your holiday photos.

Picnic blanket and a good book

Enjoy the scenery of Norway by finding a moment of stillness in a park with a blanket, a good book and a thermos of coffee. The picnic blanket may take up space in your bag, but it will double as extra warmth when the weather gets cool.

What to pack for Norway

Image by Alice Donovan Rouse

Other things to know before you go

Depending on your nationality, you'll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter. Please check this well in advance of your trip departure date here. Some countries also require passports to have 3-6 months left on them before the given expiry date, so be sure to double check this before booking your travels.

Road Trip Adventures

Slide into your seat, grip the wheel, start the engine, and hit the open road. From Norway to South Africa, the tundra to the rainforest, there is no limit to what you can reach with four wheels and an adventurous spirit. The road trip is no longer a means to get from point A to point B in your country; it crosses borders into new places, allowing for pure freedom in exciting destinations. Measure your next journey in viewpoints, road signs, and the people you'll meet along the way!

Guide to Norway Visa Application

Learn about the types of visas and the step by step process of obtaining a visa for Norway and quarantine regulations in this comprehensive guide.

  This includes types of visa applications, what to declare, and what is prohibited.

Keep in mind these handy tips for a smart, stress-free, and on-time visa application experience! 

bottom of page