Why Fly to Norway
Norway earns its reputation. Fjords that look photoshopped, mountains you can actually hike, a coastline that stretches all the way to the Arctic — this is one of Europe's most dramatic countries, and it delivers on the hype. Oslo is a genuinely liveable, walkable capital with world-class museums and easy fjord access. Bergen is the kind of place people mean to stay two nights and end up staying five. Further north, Tromsø sits above the Arctic Circle and is your best base for northern lights, the midnight sun, and Sami cultural experiences that feel nothing like a tourist trap.
Beyond the scenery, Norway is well-organised for travelers. Infrastructure is excellent, English is spoken almost everywhere, and the outdoor culture is deeply ingrained — locals hike, ski, and kayak as a matter of course. Cities like Stavanger and Trondheim often get skipped but both punch well above their weight. Stavanger puts you within reach of the Lysefjord and the famous Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) hike. Trondheim has the stunning Nidaros Cathedral and a relaxed student-city energy that makes it easy to spend a couple of days.
Best Time to Visit Norway
Summer — June through August — is peak season for good reason. Temperatures sit between 15–25°C, hiking trails are open, fjord ferries are running, and the midnight sun means you're not losing hours of light. It's also the most expensive and crowded period, especially in Bergen and the Flåm Valley. If you want summer conditions without summer prices, aim for late May or early September — shoulder season hits a sweet spot of decent weather, fewer tourists, and lower costs. Winter (December–February) is a different trip entirely: cold (down to -15°C in the north), short days, and some mountain roads closed. But if your goal is northern lights, skiing, or a genuinely atmospheric Arctic experience, it's the right call — especially in Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands.
Getting Around Norway
Norway is long and narrow, which makes domestic transport a real consideration. Domestic flights are worth it for covering serious distances fast — Oslo to Tromsø is a 2-hour flight versus a 20+ hour drive. Norwegian Air and SAS connect most major cities. Trains are scenic and comfortable for routes like Oslo–Bergen (the famous Bergensbanen) or Oslo–Stavanger, but the rail network doesn't reach far north. Ferries and express boats fill the gaps, especially along the western fjords. For the fjord region, a combination of train, ferry, and bus — like the Norway in a Nutshell route — is practical and genuinely spectacular. Renting a car gives you freedom on the fjord roads, but drive cautiously: the routes are narrow, winding, and sometimes vertiginous. Always check road conditions before heading into mountain areas, particularly in winter.
Visa & Entry Requirements
Norway is part of the Schengen Area. EU/EEA citizens don't need a visa — a valid passport or national ID card covers stays up to 90 days. UK passport holders get 90 visa-free days in any 180-day period; your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years and be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure. US citizens also enter visa-free for up to 90 days — same 90/180-day rule applies, with your passport valid for at least 3 months beyond departure. Border agents may ask for proof of onward travel and sufficient funds (at least NOK 500 per day). Important heads-up: from late 2026, travelers from the US, UK, and other visa-exempt countries will need an ETIAS authorization before travelling — it's an online pre-approval, not a full visa, but don't skip it.
Money & Budget
Norway uses the Norwegian Krone (NOK). Cards — contactless especially — are accepted virtually everywhere, including small cafés, rural ferry crossings, and market stalls. You can travel almost entirely cashless, though it's sensible to keep a small amount of cash for very remote areas. Norway is genuinely expensive: a sit-down meal runs NOK 200–400, a beer around NOK 100, and a day of public transport NOK 250–350. Budget accordingly:
- Budget: NOK 1,000–1,500/day — hostels, self-catering, buses
- Mid-range: NOK 2,000–2,500/day — hotels, eating out regularly, trains
- Luxury: NOK 3,500+/day — top hotels, guided tours, fine dining
Buying groceries from supermarkets like Rema 1000 or Kiwi is one of the most effective ways to control costs without sacrificing your trip.
Top Cities to Visit in Norway
- Oslo: The capital balances urban edge with outdoor access — visit the Viking Ship Museum, the Munch Museum, and take a ferry to the Oslofjord islands.
- Bergen: Surrounded by seven mountains and home to the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf; the perfect launchpad for fjord exploration.
- Stavanger: Gateway to Lysefjord and the Preikestolen hike, with a well-preserved old town and a surprisingly good food scene.
- Trondheim: Norway's historic north — Nidaros Cathedral is genuinely awe-inspiring, and the city has a laid-back, student-friendly atmosphere.
- Tromsø: Your Arctic base. Northern lights in winter, midnight sun in summer, whale safaris, and authentic Sami cultural encounters.
- Ålesund: An Art Nouveau gem rebuilt after a 1904 fire, set across a cluster of islands with extraordinary fjord and mountain views.
FAQ — Flights to Norway
Which airports in Norway receive international flights?
Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) is the main international hub and your most likely entry point. Bergen Flesland (BGO), Stavanger Sola (SVG), and Tromsø Langnes (TOS) also receive international and European routes. If you're heading straight to the north, flying into Tromsø directly saves significant ground travel time.
How far in advance should I book flights to Norway?
For summer travel, book 3–5 months ahead — prices climb fast for June, July, and August. Winter flights to Tromsø for northern lights season (November–February) also sell out early. Shoulder season (May or September) gives you more flexibility and generally better fares, but booking 6–8 weeks out is still smart.
Is it worth flying into a smaller Norwegian city instead of Oslo?
Often yes, depending on your itinerary. Flying into Bergen and out of Oslo (or vice versa) is a classic one-way route that lets you cover the fjord country without backtracking. If Lofoten or Tromsø is your priority, flying directly there rather than transiting Oslo saves a full day of travel and is usually worth the extra cost.