Ten tips for the traveller

1. About Norway

Norway has a population of about 4.8 million and covers an area of 385,155 square kilometres. The earliest signs of human settlement in Norway date back to 9000 BC. Norway was united to one kingdom in 900 AD and got its own constitution in 1814. The official Head of State is King Harald V.  Oslo is the capital city and the currency is Norwegian Kroner.

2. Weather

Norway has four seasons. The winter months are the time to experience the spectacular Northern Lights, in particular the period from October to March. The winter climate for the inland areas of northern Norway is typically dry and cold, while the Gulf Stream provides a milder climate on the coast and keeps the harbours ice free throughout the year.
Weather forcast

3. Road conditions

In winter, some roads may on occasion close due to weather conditions. We therefore advise you to check conditions before starting your journey across mountain passes. For further information, please contact the Road User Information Centre on telephone 175 (+47 815 48 991 from abroad). This is a 24-hour service. Alternatively, you can go to VisitNorway.com for updated information.

4. Clothing

Good clothing is very important for an enjoyable and successful trip to northern Norway. Opt for layers, with a good, windproof/waterproof jacket over a warm, woollen jumper. Norwegian houses are typically very warm inside, so it's nice to be able to take off a jumper when you are indoors. Make sure you have a good woollen hat that covers your ears, scarf, gloves and thick woollen socks in walking boots with non-slip soles. Many Norwegians carry a pair of indoor shoes and change when dining or enjoying activities indoors.

5. Activities

Lofoten, Narvik, Tromsø, Alta, Kirkenes, Kautokeino, Karasjok are all popular destinations in northern Norway. You may want to find your base in a town and enjoy daily excursions to the wilderness. If you want to stay at the very heart of nature or learn more about local traditions, there is a wide choice of unique accommodation, including camps, wooden cabins and traditional Bed and Breakfast hosted by the locals. Spitsbergen, the biggest island in Svalbard, is the dream destination for those who want to explore a truly Arctic landscape and wildlife.

6. The cuisine of northern Norway

Seafood is a major part of northern Norway cuisine. Try "mølje", a broth made from either fish or meat, or dig into a juicy king crab leg. Along the coast, fresh cod, coalfish, halibut and haddock are on the menu, while the inland and mountain regions tempt you with reindeer, elk and goat meat. For dessert, try the local delicacy of cloudberries with whipped cream - highly nutritious and absolutely delicious!

7. Information on alcohol

The age limit for purchasing beer and wine is 18 years and 20 years for spirits. Wine, spirits and strong beer are only sold at Vinmonopolet - special shops that are wholly owned by the state. Such shops are found in the larger cities and towns.  Beer can be bought at supermarkets. However, in some small towns/villages, they have special outlets for the sale of beer.

8. Shopping in northern Norway

Knitted sweaters, jewellery and local food are items you should consider buying when you travel in Norway. Other popular souvenirs to buy include trolls, pewter, silverware, porcelain, hand-painted wooden articles, goat and reindeer skins, furs, glassware and ceramics. Look for the "Tax Free" logo in over 3,000 shops across Norway to enjoy a 12%-19% tax refund.

9. Booking your holiday

Contact your local tour operators or travel agents for a package or tailor-made holiday. Alternatively, you can book directly with tour operators in Norway for ground arrangement. Many of them offer multi-lingual services and an online booking service.

10. Further information

Visitnorway.com and the web sites of regional tourist offices provide useful travelling tips. You can also download e-brochures from most of these sites.  To get frequent updates on travel news in Norway, you can now join the Visitnorway.com group on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and view our latest videos on YouTube.