Norway Travel Guide for Americans
Everything you need to plan your trip to Norway: when to go, how much it costs, and where to fly from.
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About Norway
Norway is the most expensive country in Europe, but it's also one of the most stunning—think dramatic fjords carved by ancient glaciers, Arctic wilderness where you can see the Northern Lights, and some of the cleanest air and water on Earth. The culture is understated and egalitarian: Norwegians are friendly but not effusive, work-life balance is sacred, and outdoor living (friluftsliv) is basically a national religion. Most visitors come for the natural drama—hiking in Patagonia-like terrain, kayaking through Geirangerfjord, or chasing Aurora Borealis in winter. The country runs on hydroelectric power, so it's genuinely sustainable, and the food scene has gone from fish-and-potatoes to world-class in the last decade. Fair warning: a beer costs $10–14, a dinner entrée $25–40, and a hotel room $150–250 even in small towns. You'll need serious money or serious budget hacking to make this work.
At a Glance
Trip Cost: What to Expect
Getting Around
Norway's train system (NSB/SJ) is excellent and the best way to see the country without renting a car—the Bergen-Oslo route and Flam Railway are iconic. Book intercity trains 2+ weeks ahead for 30–40% discounts; last-minute tickets cost double. Buses (Flixbus, NOR-WAY) are cheapest but slowest. Domestic flights with SAS, Wizz Air, or Norwegian Airlines are surprisingly affordable for long distances (Oslo to Tromsø: $60–120 if booked early). Car rental costs $50–70/day plus $15–20/day road tolls, GPS rental $8/day, and gas is $6–7/gallon—only rent if you're doing serious mountain/fjord exploring off-train routes. In cities, public transit (buses, trams, ferries) is excellent but pricey ($3.50–4 per ride); get 7-day passes ($35–50). Domestic ferries are scenic and sometimes cheaper than driving.
Practical Tips
Buy a Telenor, Telia, or Tele2 SIM card at Oslo Airport (ground floor, multiple shops), any 7-Eleven, or press/kiosk. Telenor is most reliable. Prepaid plans: 5GB data + 100 min calls = 199 NOK (~$19/month); 10GB = 299 NOK (~$29). eSIM available from Telenor if your phone supports it. Coverage is near-universal except remote mountain areas. Data speeds are consistently 4G+ in cities. Activation is instant. Local calls are cheap; calling the US costs 0.99 NOK/min on most plans (use WhatsApp/Viber instead). WiFi is ubiquitous in cafés, hotels, and libraries.
Tipping is NOT expected in Norway—service charges are included in all prices, and wages are high. That said, Norwegians don't resent it. Round up to nearest 50 NOK in restaurants (3–5% of bill) if service was exceptional, or leave coins. Tipping taxi drivers is not standard; round up if you want. Hotel staff, tour guides, and housekeeping don't expect tips but appreciate 50–100 NOK if staying 3+ nights. Credit cards are used for 95% of transactions—carry minimal cash. Don't tip at bars; it's genuinely not done.
Norway is one of the safest countries on Earth—violent crime is virtually nonexistent, pickpocketing is rare, and police presence is visible but unobtrusive. The biggest risks are natural: avalanches in winter, cold-weather exposure, and remote hiking accidents. Petty theft happens in Oslo, Bergen, and tourist areas (bike locks on rental bikes, watch bags in crowded areas). Drunk behavior in nightlife districts on weekends is common but not directed at tourists. No neighborhoods are truly dangerous, though eastern Oslo neighborhoods are less polished. Scams are virtually nonexistent. Train and bus travel is completely safe. Drive defensively in winter; ice and fog cause accidents, not crime. Overall: safer than most US cities.
Book rail passes (Norway Rail Pass, 3–7 days) through Rail Europe before arrival—they cost 40–60% less than buying tickets in Norway and work on most routes except mountain trains (Flam, Flamsbana). A 7-day pass costs ~$380 vs. $550+ buying individual tickets. Pair it with one or two domestic flights (booked 3+ weeks early on Wizz Air or Norwegian at $40–90 one-way) to skip long train rides on Oslo-Tromsø or similar. This cuts travel time by 70% and hotel days by 1–2. For summer (June–August), book everything 12 weeks ahead—ferries, glacier tours, and accommodations fill up. Skip the tourist traps: don't pay 180 NOK for a coffee in a fjord village; buy groceries at REMA 1000 or Coop (chains everywhere), make sandwiches, and eat like a local. Finally, the Northern Lights are not guaranteed even in winter—if you're aurora-hunting, plan 4+ nights in Tromsø/Svalbard and use the extra nights for alternative activities (dog sledding, ice fishing, museums) so you don't waste money on a failed trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
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