Overview Country

Norway
A rugged rocky country carved by sea and ice

A man sits on the cliff edge of Mount Trolltunga watching the sunset in the snowy Norwegian mountains near Odda, Rogaland, Norway

You’ll never forget your first fjord moment. Standing on the deck of a ship, surrounded by towering cliffs and hanging waterfalls, that’s when the monumental scale of these glacial creations hits you. Norway’s fjords are truly spectacular. Of course, there’s more than great coastal scenery on offer. You can enjoy the midnight sun in summer or the northern lights in winter, relish abundant wildlife and healthy hikes, or discover local traditions and Viking heritage. We’ll help you see Norway your way.

A woman wearing a traditional Norwegian costume at a folk festival.
where it is

Where it is

Northern Europe

When to go

When to go

April to October

Why go there

Why go there

Dramatic coastline
Hurtigruten
Midnight sun

what to see

What to see

Bergen
Lofoten islands
Fjords

Experience coastal Norway during your Hurtigruten cruise

See the coast with Hurtigruten

Experience coastal Norway during your Hurtigruten cruise

The cruise that isn’t really a cruise is the best way to experience coastal Norway. Smart Hurtigruten ships sail daily up the coast from Bergen.

Famous Bryggen street with wooden colored houses in Bergen, Norway

Bergen and the fjords

Famous Bryggen street with wooden colored houses in Bergen, Norway

A visit to Norway isn’t complete without seeing the majestic fjords, and we’ll help you choose the best. Plus beautiful Bergen makes the perfect base for exploring.
Fancy going to Bergen & the fjords?

The stunning opera in Norway's capital Oslo

A relaxed royal capital

The stunning opera in Norway's capital Oslo

Oslo, the Norwegian capital, regularly ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities. Come for Munch and stay for brunch in a relaxed urban setting.

Typical red fishermen's houses in a harbour on the Lofoten Islands, Norway

Where mountains and ocean meet

Typical red fishermen's houses in a harbour on the Lofoten Islands, Norway

Stunning scenery, great wildlife and delicious seafood. If all that wasn’t enticing enough, the Lofoten Islands are a top spot for seeing the northern lights.

A mother polar bear keeps an eye on her two cubs resting in the Norwegian Arctic in Svalbard

Travel in Norway

A mother polar bear keeps an eye on her two cubs resting in the Norwegian Arctic in Svalbard

The topography of this long mountainous country makes travelling overland a challenge. There are some wonderfully scenic train rides, such as the famous Flam Railway, but the further north you go, the harder it is to get around. The drive between Oslo and Bergen was considerably shortened with the opening of the world’s longest road tunnel, the 24.5km Lærdal Tunnel. Our favourite way to see the rugged coastline is by boat so ask us for details.

Norway facts

At over 1750km long, Norway is easily the longest country in Europe. In fact, Oslo is closer to Zurich than to the northernmost point of Norway. This country of around 5.5 million people is a constitutional monarchy that gained independence from Denmark in 1905. Its oil and gas reserves have made it one of the world’s wealthiest countries, with high life expectancy (and high prices). Norway is a member of NATO but a popular vote in 1994 rejected joining the EU.

How to know the time zone

Time zone

UTC +1

Check the flight time

Flight time

2-4 hours from Switzerland

local currency

Local currency

Norwegian krone

Dial code by country

Dialling code

+47

Norway