NORWAY

 

Ahhh, Norway. A country full of majesty, class, and charm! While it does not often get characterized as budget-friendly, it is still a world-class travel destination! From picturesque fjords to snow-capped mountains to dense forests, you will have a hard time finding a place with a more impressive resume. And with 47 national parks, you better make sure to pack your hiking boots!

  • Updated COVID-19 Travel Information:

  • Currency:

    • The official currency of Norway is the Norwegian Krone (NOK). Unlike Denmark, Euros are not accepted here. If you carry any cash, make sure it is NOK, not EUR. It is also worth noting that credit and debit cards are the way to go when making purchases in Scandinavian countries; cash is being slowly waned out.

      • $1 USD = 8.5 NOK

  • Pricing for Leisure Travelers:

    • Average Hotel Expenses = 1,125-1,250 NOK/Night ($135-$150 USD/Night)

    • Average Food/Drink Expenses = 290-415 NOK/Day ($35-$50 USD/Day)

  • Pricing for Backpackers:

    • Average Hostel Expenses = 220-305 NOK/Night ($26-$36 USD/Night)

    • Average Food/Drink Expenses = 165-250 NOK/Day ($20-$30 USD/Day)

  • Communication:

    • Norwegian is the country’s official language but, as with all Nordic nations, you’ll find that most everyone is also fluent in English.

  • Transportation:

    • Train: This is the best mode of transportation for getting around Norway when taking into account efficiency and comfort. You can purchase tickets directly through Vy (Norway’s national train service; formerly NSB), SJ (Sweden’s state-owned train operator), or Rail Europe.

    • Airplane: Flying is not a bad option if you are strapped for time and don’t plan to visit Norway’s smaller towns. The two main airlines servicing the country are Norwegian Air (low-cost airline) and SAS (Scandinavian Airlines). You can also find great last-minute deals on Skyscanner.

    • Bus: Traveling by bus is not very popular in Norway due to poor road conditions and expensive ticket prices. If you do want to go this route though, book through Nor-Way Bussekspress or BusBud.

    • Taxi/Uber: Uber currently does not service Norway, but you can find taxis everywhere. Be wary though, they’re quite pricey. Stick to public transportation if possible!

  • Miscellaneous:

    • Norwegians are taught from a very young age to be independent and self-sufficient. Following suit, Norway is not part of the EU nor do they use the Euro.

    • If you have the means, be sure to add the Lofoten Islands to your itinerary. A quick Google image search of its arctic fjords will help you understand why! It’s also a world-renowned place to see the northern lights! All of that said, this region is not easy to get to. The most efficient way is to fly into Bodø and then take a 3.5-hour ferry to Svolvær.

    • Of Europe’s 40+ countries, none have a longer coastline than this Scandinavian nation.

    • Before my trip to Scandinavia, I read the book The Almost Nearly Perfect People, written by British journalist Michael Booth. Each country (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) has its own section and although I do not love that it is a Brit writing about the culture of a place he was not born, I do like that it gives you a view of life in each country as an outsider/tourist/traveler. Take the facts with a grain of salt, but it gives some good context!

BERGEN

OSLO