Norway Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Norway and not sure where to start? This page lists all our Norway travel guides, based on first-hand travel experiences across multiple regions of the country.

From the classic fjord regions and road trips in western Norway to Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands in the north, plus Svalbard in the High Arctic, you’ll find practical starting points for every type of Norway trip. Explore detailed destination guides, ready-made itineraries, and planning tips to help you decide where to go and what to see for summer or winter trips.

Start here:

Florli village as seen from the boat at Lysefjord in Norway
Lysefjord near Stavanger
Watching Northern Lights in Tromso Norway
Auroras in Tromso
Flamsbana scenic railway trip from Flam to Myrdal in Norway is one of the best things to do in Flam
Flamsbana scenic railway trip from Flam to Myrdal

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Norway Travel Guides

Browse our Norway guides by region:

Stavanger Region (Southwest)

Flam (Southwest)

Lofoten (Northern Norway)

Tromsø Region (Northern Norway)

Svalbard – Spitsbergen (Arctic Region)

How to Plan Your Trip to Norway

This section focuses on the practical side of planning a trip to Norway – from how to get around and where to stay, to when to book tours, how to manage your budget, and what to pack. These tips will help you turn your itinerary ideas into a realistic, well-planned trip and avoid the most common planning mistakes when traveling in Norway.

Getting Around & Car Rental

Norway is a large and very spread-out country, so it’s unrealistic to see several regions in just a week or two by car alone. In addition, driving in Norway is generally slow, with typical speeds of around 50–80 km/h even on main roads between towns and cities, which makes travel times longer than many visitors expect.

For longer distances between regions, flying usually saves a lot of time and can also be cheaper than driving, since hotels and car rental in Norway is expensive. Renting a car, however, is the most flexible option for road trips in the fjord regions and for reaching smaller towns and trailheads. To get the best prices and availability, book well in advance. You can compare prices here.

Along the coast and inside the fjords, you’ll often have to take ferries. In most cases, you simply show up and take the next available departure, but some longer routes and popular summer crossings are better booked in advance.

Another practical way to see Norway – especially if you want to cover long coastal distances without driving – is by cruise. Coastal and fjord cruises can be a convenient transport option as well as a sightseeing experience. See our guide for when and why this makes sense: Norway cruise travel.

Accommodation

In Norway, accommodation availability often matters just as much as price. In popular areas such as the fjord regions, the Lofoten Islands, or Svalbard, the number of hotels and rentals is limited, and the best places sell out well in advance.

If you’re traveling in July or August, or planning a winter trip to Tromsø, it’s best to book accommodation as soon as your dates are fixed. Waiting usually means higher prices and far fewer good options, especially in smaller towns and remote locations.

See our destination-specific hotel guides below for area advice, booking tips, and recommended places to stay.

Tours

While you can explore much of Norway independently, tours are essential for some experiences. In particular, fjord cruises, wildlife and whale-watching trips, and winter activities such as husky sledding or snowmobile tours can only be done with licensed local operators and guided excursions.

In high season and during the winter peak, popular tours often sell out well in advance. If you already know your travel dates and must-do activities, it’s best to book ahead.

TIP: For our own trips, we book all organized activities via GetYourGuide. They offer all the best options in one place, plus clear booking conditions and free cancellation on most tours.

 
 

Budget

Norway is not a budget destination, but with a bit of planning, you can keep costs under control. Try to travel in the shoulder season when accommodation and car rental prices are lower, and book hotels, rental cars, and popular tours as early as possible – especially for July–August and winter trips in northern Norway.

Choosing self-catering accommodation, shopping in supermarkets, and focusing on free activities such as hikes, viewpoints, and city walks can also make a noticeable difference to your overall budget. For more tips and real-world examples, see our full guide below:

Packing for Norway

Packing for Norway takes a bit more planning than for many other European destinations, especially if you’re combining cities, fjords, and mountain areas in one trip. Weather can change quickly, even in summer, so layering, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes are essential. In winter, proper thermal layers, insulated footwear, and weather-proof outerwear are a must.

For a practical breakdown and real packing examples based on our trips, see our detailed packing guides below.

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Norway travel tips and advice