Norway

Scandinavia is one of the world’s most progressive regions when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights with Sweden, Norway, and Denmark all exemplifying a modern approach to sexuality and gender. In 1981 Norway became one of the first countries in the world to enact an anti-discrimination law aimed at protecting LGBTQ+ people.

Things to do in Norway

Hiking

Going for a hike in Norway is an exciting experience, perfect for those seeking thrilling outdoor adventure combined with breathtaking scenery. With a huge variety of trails on offer, ranging from coastal paths to mountainous climbs, there’s something for all levels of ability. Research your trip ahead of time to choose the best trail that suits your personal preferences and physical needs. Popular routes include Trolltunga, Preikestolen, Romsdalseggen Ridge, and Besseggen Ridge.

The Viking Ship Museum

The Viking Ship Museum in Oslo provides a window into the intriguing world of the Vikings. Home to three authentic 9th-century ships, this museum is visited by history lovers and curious adventurers alike. Admirers can gaze upon beautiful carvings and learn about construction methods used in Viking times. For a truly interactive experience, take a guided tour or row a replica ship in the nearby area. Spend an afternoon here and embark on an unforgettable journey; explore the ancient relics and delve into the captivating history of these seafaring warriors.

Skiing

For the winter enthusiast, Norway is a top destination for skiing. With numerous ski resorts offering lessons throughout the year, it’s important to book your accommodation and ski spots in advance. From beginner lessons to advanced skiers, you’re sure to find an instructor that suits your needs. Skiing in Norway also offers a chance to experience its culture and history at local villages, with traditional cuisine and friendly locals.

Aurora Borealis

Those hoping to have an unforgettable view of the Northern Lights should seek out spots unspoiled by light pollution. Sites farther away from cities and towns typically offer better visibility, as do places with mountains in the background. Norway is particularly known for its stunning shows of the Aurora Borealis, and some of the most popular viewing locations are Tromso, Narvik, and Lofoten.

If you’re looking to see the Northern Lights in Norway, your best bet is during the winter months from October to March. At this time of year, there is less light pollution and more hours of darkness that make it easier to spot the Aurora Borealis. Be sure to dress warmly though and keep an eye on weather forecasts in order to enjoy clear skies for peak viewing.

Since it gets cold during the winter nights, make sure you have dressed appropriately in warm layers if you plan on waiting for hours for this celestial display. You’ll need gloves, boots, scarves and hats along with your coat as well as your camera or binoculars. Capturing the beauty of the Northern Lights with those tools is essential.

To capture the spectacular beauty of the Northern Lights, always remember to bring your camera and video recorder. Utilizing a tripod and taking as many shots as possible with an adjusted ISO, shutter speed, and white balance will result in better-quality images. Having extra memory cards on hand is also suggested since long exposure shots require large files. By doing all this, you are sure to have a great record of this amazing natural phenomenon.

• January

  -7°C - 1°C

  January is a cold month nationwide, with daily averages only reaching -3°C in Oslo. Further north temperatures will be even colder and snowfall is also very common.

• February

  -7°C - 2°C

  February is also very similar to January, cold temperatures in Oslo and even colder daily averages further north. Daily sunshine starts to increase from here onwards as we progress through the winter into spring.

• March

  -3°C - 6°C

  March sees a slight increase in rainfall as the temperatures get slightly warmer. Further north the total hours of sunlight increases to 5.

• April

  7°C - 16°C

  The weather in April continues to get warmer, with temperatures rising to 5°C in Oslo. Further north temperatures remain colder but daily sunlight hours continue to increase.

• May

  7°C - 16°C

  May sees an increase in temperature with Oslo averaging at around 12°C. May is the start of spring, and with it brings 7 hours of sun during the day.

• June

  11°C - 20°C

  Moving further into spring, June brings more good weather. Longer sunnier days and warmer temperatures with the average reaching 16°C in Oslo.

• July

  13°C - 22°C

  July is Norway's warmest month, with the average in Oslo reaching 18°C. In previous years Norway has seen warmer summers, but it is hard to predict when the heat wave arrives each year.

• August

  12°C - 20°C

  August continues to be a warm month, but is the rainiest month with around 90mm of rain on average.

• September

  7°C - 16°C

  September is a pleasant month, temperatures start to drop again but there is less rain compared to August. September is on the cusp of the dark season so the days start to get shorter.

• October

  4°C - 10°C

  October is the start of the dark season, with around 3 hours of sunlight in total. Because of this, temperatures drop right down with averages in Oslo only reaching 7°C.

• November

  -1°C - 4°C

  November is a good time to visit if you are looking to catch the Northern lights in all their glory. Due to there only being 1 hour of sunlight during the day, there is plenty of time in darkness to see them!

• December

  -5°C - -1°C

  In December temperatures get even colder and there is still only an hour of sunlight during the day. Expect plenty of snow as well and don't be surprised if temperatures stay sub zero.

Oslo Gardermoen Airport is the biggest and busiest airport in the Scandinavian country, offering both international and domestic flights. Other airports you can fly into are Bergen Flesland Airport, Trondheim Vaernes Airport, and Stavanger Sola Airport. Do note that if flying from outside of Europe, you may have to transfer through another European city first. Prior to your flight, it’s important to check the entry requirements and travel restrictions that may be applicable based on your country of origin or any current COVID-19 restrictions.

Visiting Norway requires advanced planning. Citizens of certain countries may be able to obtain a Schengen visa from their travel agency or embassy, which allows up to a 90-day stay in Norway. Other travelers will need to apply for regular work, visit, or study permit before entering and make sure they have the correct documentation ready.

Traveling to Norway by sea has never been easier, with numerous ferry companies providing routes from multiple countries. Fjord Line offers trips from Norway to Denmark and the United Kingdom, Color Line operates between Norway, Denmark, and Germany, and Scandinavian Seaways runs services throughout Scandinavia. Passengers can enjoy comfortable seating and delicious food on board as they journey in comfort straight toward this picturesque country.

Traveling around Norway by rail is an excellent way to explore and appreciate its many varied landscapes. InterRail passes make train travel in Scandinavia simple, with Norway included. These passes range from single-country tickets to ‘Global Pass’ options that offer unlimited rail access across 30 European countries, including Norway.