Norway

If you’re looking to hike, explore the fjords and experience the midnight sun, we recommend summer (June – August). Temperatures are pleasant and the days are longer. But don’t expect tropical 30 degrees. Daytime temperatures usually stay in the 20s and can drop to 10 at night. Especially in mountainous areas. If you’re lucky, you can experience a pleasant 25 in the south by the sea. Rainfall is frequent and heavy throughout the year.

If you like winter sports and would like to see the Northern Lights, visit Norway during the winter months (December – February), especially the northern part of the country. For those who prefer fewer tourists and want to experience the beautiful autumn colours or the awakening of nature in spring, the autumn (September – November) and spring (March – May) months are also a great choice. It’s important to remember that the weather in Norway can be extremely changeable, so it’s a good idea to be prepared and bring appropriate clothing.

Prices for services, food, accommodation and transport are quite expensive in Norway. This is due to a combination of several factors. High wages, wealth from oil resources and a high level of social security.

Compared to the Czech Republic, Norway is much more expensive. Food and drink in restaurants, accommodation and transport services. While in Prague you can get a beer for 60 CZK, in Oslo the same volume of beer can cost 120 CZK or more. The price of a simple lunch in a restaurant in Norway can reach five hundred, while in the Czech Republic you would pay much less for a similar meal. Prices for food in supermarkets are about 3 times higher than in the Czech Republic.

However, the quality of service and products in Norway is high, and many visitors find the experience adequate for the higher price. It’s also worth bearing in mind that wages in Norway are among the highest in the world, which partly offsets the higher cost of living for locals. If you’re planning a trip to Norway, it’s a good idea to set a budget in advance and prepare for higher expenses.

Norway has an extensive network of quality roads that connect most parts of the country, including remote areas. Due to the country’s mountainous terrain and many fjords, you may encounter a number of tunnels and bridges. Some mountain roads may be closed in winter or require winter equipment.

Public transport in Norway is efficient and reliable. Larger cities such as Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim have extensive bus, tram and train networks. Intercity trains and buses connect most cities and towns and are a popular way for tourists to travel.

Car rental is the most popular option for those who want to explore Norway at their own pace. Caravans are very popular, especially in the summer months, as they allow flexible and comfortable travel with accommodation “on wheels”.

Because of the fjords and archipelagos, Norway has an extensive network of ferries, which are often an essential part of travel. The ferries are comfortable, offer spectacular views and are relatively inexpensive.

Many Norwegian cities and some roads have tolls. Instead of traditional toll gates, automatic vehicle recording with cameras and payment transponders is often used in Norway. If you rent a car, it may have a transponder installed, otherwise you will be able to pay online or at local payment stations. Tourists are advised to familiarise themselves with the payment system before travelling. You can find more information here.

The time it takes to explore Norway depends on what you want to see and experience in the country. Norway is a vast country with many different attractions, so it can be difficult to fit everything in during a short visit.

If you only have a few days, focus on one or two key areas. For example, you could visit the capital Oslo and explore its cultural and historical sights, or spend a few days in one fjord area, such as Nærøyfjord or Geirangerfjord.

In one week, you can combine a visit to the capital with a trip along the west coast, where there are many beautiful fjords. You may also have time to visit Norway’s second largest city, Bergen, and take a trip on some of the popular treks in the area.

Two weeks will give you a deeper immersion into Norway. You can visit Stavanger, Bergen, Trondheim and Tromsø, explore more fjords, trek in Jotunheimen National Park and even visit the Lofoten Islands. You also have the opportunity to explore northern Norway and the polar regions in more depth.

If you are serious about exploring Norway and have more time, we recommend spending at least 3 weeks on the road. You can explore more remote areas like Nordkapp (the northernmost point in Europe) or go on longer treks. Our round trip from southern Norway to Nordkapp, taking in the top attractions, treks and towns, took us over a month. So if you have the opportunity, set aside more time or combine travel with remote work.

Eating out in Norway can be quite expensive, but there are ways to indulge in local specialities at more affordable prices. The first step is local supermarkets. Buying ingredients and preparing your own food or semi-finished products is often more cost-effective than eating in restaurants. The most popular supermarkets in Norway are Coop, Rema 1000 and Kiwi. Most of them offer ready-to-heat soups, fresh salads from the buffet or a wide selection of seafood. For travellers in a caravan, having your own kitchen is an advantage, allowing you to cook anything, anywhere. Even in campsites or guesthouses you can often find communal kitchens where you can prepare your own meals. Plus, supermarkets are widely available in Norway, so even in remote areas you will come across a place where you can stock up.

For a taste of authentic Norwegian cuisine, try some of these dishes:

Rakfisk – fermented fish, a typical Norwegian delicacy.

Klippfisk – dried and salted cod.

Brunost – a brown cheese with a distinctive sweet taste.

Kjøttkaker – Norwegian meatballs, traditionally served with mashed potatoes.

Gravlax – marinated salmon, often served with mustard sauce.

If you’re into drinking, Norway is known for its world-class microbreweries, so don’t miss out on the local beer. However, expect higher prices, especially due to high excise taxes on alcohol. Coffee lovers will be pleased to know that Norway boasts a rich coffee culture, with countless cafés serving great espresso. And for coffee? How about a traditional cinnamon snail?

In Norway, electronic payment is widespread, and many shops and services prefer cashless transactions. Credit and debit cards are commonly accepted almost everywhere, including small shops, cafés, restaurants and even in marketplaces or remote areas. However, if you plan to visit very remote areas, it may be a good idea to have some cash for emergencies.

In Norway, tap water is usually very clean and safe to drink. Although some people drink directly from the fjords during their trips, this is generally not recommended because of the possible salt, micro-organisms and other substances. It’s always best to drink water from proven sources.

Norway has a unique law called “Allemannsretten”, which allows camping almost anywhere in the countryside, as long as it is no closer than 150 metres from the nearest dwelling. You can camp here, or stand in your car for up to 48 hours in one place, as long as you don’t cause any damage or get in the way. Norway is the only country in Europe with this right.

If you prefer more comfort and facilities, there are many campsites to choose from all over Norway. These campsites offer a variety of facilities, from basic tent pitches to fully equipped huts and caravans. Camping in Norway can be more expensive compared to other European countries, especially in furnished campsites. The average price for a mid-range campsite is NOK 400 (approx. 850 CZK) per night.