Norway Travel Information 2026: Transport, Costs, Seasons, and Regions to Stay

Thor
Jan 11
5 min read

This Norway travel information page is written for travelers who want practical planning details. Norway is a long country with major distance differences between the south, the fjords in the west, and the Arctic north. Planning is simplest when you choose a clear region focus and match it to the season, transport style, and daylight.

Last updated: January 2026

Foggy mountains surround a valley with colorful houses by a lake. Gray sky and mist create a serene, moody atmosphere.

Norway travel information for travelers: Quick overview and key details

Quick overview

Best time to visit: Late May to early September for long daylight, road trips, fjord logistics, and hiking access. February to March for winter conditions with increasing daylight. September to March is commonly chosen for Northern Lights conditions in the north.
Typical stay length: 5 to 10 days for a first trip (shorter works well if you focus on one region).
Daily budget (excluding flights): Budget 110 to 190 EUR, mid-range 200 to 340 EUR, comfort 360+ EUR.
Main gateways: Oslo Airport (OSL) is the largest entry point, with Bergen (BGO), Stavanger (SVG), Trondheim (TRD), and Tromsø (TOS) as common regional gateways.
Best regions to base yourself: Oslo and Eastern Norway, Bergen and the fjords, Stavanger and Southwest Norway, Ålesund and Northwest fjords, Trondheim and Central Norway, Tromsø and Northern Norway, Lofoten.

Key facts

Country: Norway
Local currency: Norwegian krone (NOK)
Language: Norwegian (English is widely used in visitor settings)
Time zone: CET (summer: CEST)
Emergency numbers: Police 112, Ambulance 113, Fire 110
Non-urgent police: 02800
Out-of-hours medical help (not life-threatening): 116 117
Tap water: Generally safe to drink
Power sockets: Type C and F, 230V

Transport

Getting to Norway

Most international arrivals enter by air, typically via Oslo Airport (OSL) or one of the major regional airports in Bergen, Stavanger, Trondheim, or Tromsø. Coastal ferries, cross-border rail, and road links can also be relevant for travelers arriving from Sweden, Denmark, or Germany.

Useful official starting points:

Airports and airport transport pages: Avinor
National tourism planning: Visit Norway

Getting around Norway

Norway has long distances and varied terrain, so transport choices strongly affect both budget and itinerary pace.

Flights: Useful for long north-south distances and Arctic itineraries.
Trains: Strong on core corridors, especially Oslo to Bergen and Oslo to Trondheim.
Coaches: Practical in regions with limited rail coverage and for fjord-area connections.
Ferries: Common on the west coast and essential for many islands and fjord crossings.
Car rental: Often the most flexible option for fjords, scenic roads, and remote areas, but costs can be high.

For route planning:

National journey planning (public transport across operators): Entur
Rail operator and timetables: Vy

Costs and money

Norway is generally a high-cost destination, with accommodation, dining, and transport as the main expense categories. Costs are more predictable when you pre-book transport, choose a clear region focus, and plan a mix of free outdoor experiences with a limited number of paid attractions or guided activities.

Card payments are widely accepted across Norway, and cash is not commonly required for normal visitor spending.

Indicative examples in euros, to make budgeting easier:

Local public transport (city ticket): often about 4 to 6 EUR, depending on city and ticket type.
Coffee: often about 4 to 7 EUR.
Budget restaurant meal: often about 18 to 32 EUR.
Mid-range dinner: often about 30 to 65 EUR per person, depending on venue.
Beer in a bar: often about 9 to 14 EUR.
Hotel room: often about 120 to 260 EUR per night in cities, with higher prices during peak periods and weekends.

Seasons and planning

Late spring to early autumn

This is typically the most flexible period for road trips, hiking, fjord cruises, and long daylight. It is also the busiest season, and accommodation in popular fjord areas and Northern Norway can book out early.

Autumn

Autumn can be strong for cities and coastal travel with fewer crowds. Mountain weather becomes less predictable, and some seasonal services reduce frequency outside core summer.

Winter

Winter travel is common for Northern Lights, winter activities, and city breaks. Daylight is limited in much of the country, especially in the far north, so outdoor planning is more daylight-dependent.

Regions to stay

Oslo and Eastern Norway

Best for first-time visitors who want a major city base, museums, dining, and the widest transport connections.