Facts about Norway
Seasons and climate
There is a popular saying in Norway: "There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing." This is a country where you should bring your nicest bikini, the warmest woolen sweaters and your coolest wind- and waterproof gear!
...and this goes for all seasons!
Thanks to the temperate waters of the Gulf Stream, Norway has a much warmer and milder climate than other parts of the world at the same latitude, such as Alaska, Greenland, and Siberia. The coldest areas in the winter are often inland or far to the north.
Norway stretches from 57° to 78° north, so the climate varies a lot. There are great variations between north, south, inland and coast.
Winter in Norway is a magical time, with fantastic opportunities for cross-country skiing. However, snow conditions can be unpredictable, and darkness plays a significant role—December and January bring the shortest days of the year, with limited daylight hours. February often has dry snow with days slowly getting longer. In March and April, spring snow conditions begin to settle in, but if it’s cold enough at night, the snow can stay in good condition longer.
During winter, the Northern Lights are a must-see. While the best viewing is typically in Northern Norway, the southern parts has also seen some Northern Lights activity in recent years. For the most spectacular display, though, darkness is crucial, meaning mid-winter or northern regions are your best bet for a magical experience.
Spring brings longer days and increasing temperatures, but hiking in high mountain areas such as is not possible until late June due to remaining snow on the trails. However, May-June is beautiful for hiking in coastal areas, offering a fantastic opportunity to experience nature as it awakens, with waterfalls flowing at their fullest and trees beginning to blossom.
Summer in Norway is a season of long days, with unpredictable weather—it can be sunny one moment, then rain the next. This variability adds to the charm of the season, but it’s important to be prepared for changing conditions.
Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons in Norway. As the crowds thin out, you’ll find peaceful hiking conditions amidst the stunning autumn foliage. The forests and mountains are painted in shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a picture-perfect landscape. The air turns crisp, and the cooler temperatures make for great hiking conditions. It’s also a great time for those looking to experience Norway without the high-season crowds, and the weather, while variable, tends to be more stable than in summer.
Summer
Norway's summer climate provides an excellent backdrop for outdoor pursuits such as cycling and hiking. On a good day, the temperature can reach 25-30°C.
Generally, normal summer temperatures in Norway range from 10-25°C. The mountainous regions boast relatively stable weather, while the coastal areas experience more variability.
June, July, and August emerge as the prime months for cycling, with temperatures and conditions aligning perfectly.
July and August stand out as ideal months for invigorating mountain hikes, offering pleasant weather for elevated adventures.
A noteworthy aspect of Norwegian summers is the enchanting phenomenon of bright nights, particularly prominent in Northern Norway in June and July. As August and September approaches, the nights gradually gets darker.
Embrace the Endless Daylight
In the summer months, a remarkable phenomenon awaits you above the Arctic Circle - up to 24 hours of uninterrupted sunlight. This enchanting feature extends your daylight hours, providing an extended window to immerse yourself in the breathtaking sights and uncover new discoveries.
The farther north your journey takes you, the more prolonged the spectacle of the midnight sun becomes, casting its luminous glow and granting you extra moments to relish the beauty that surrounds you. Embrace the extraordinary experience of endless daylight, where time seems to stand still, and the magic of discovery knows no bounds.
Approximate dates when you can see the midnight sun:
The Arctic Circle: 12 June - 1 July
Bodø: 4 June - 8 July
Svolvær: 28 May - 14 July
Tromsø: 20 May - 22 July
Winter
In our ski trips, you'll explore regions with a stable winter climate, where temperatures typically range from 0°C to -15°C (on rare occasions down to -20°C). The mountain climate is dry, and with proper attire, these temperatures are usually manageable. Keep active, and layer up during breaks. The snow is typically dry, creating ideal conditions for skiing.
February: Expect dry, perfect skiing conditions, but brace for shorter days and colder temperatures. Proper dressing is key, and maintaining movement is vital. You'll have about 8 hours of daylight.
March - April: Conditions vary with dry and wet snow. You'll enjoy more daylight hours and often experience sunny weather, with about 10-13 hours of daylight.
Sunglasses and sun protection are essential, especially in high mountain areas where sunlight reflects in the snow, potentially causing serious harm. Even in cloudy weather, wear sunglasses.
In very cold conditions, use sun protection without water and opt for sunscreen with a high solar factor (20 and above). Children, being more sensitive, require extra protection.
Gear up, be mindful of the conditions, and ensure a safe and enjoyable skiing experience.
The Northern light (aurora borealis)
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, paint the Arctic night sky with ethereal hues. This natural light display is a celestial dance of charged particles from the sun colliding with Earth's magnetic field. Shimmering curtains of green, pink, and violet illuminate the darkness, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The Northern Lights are best observed north of the Arctic Circle, but have become more common further south in recent years.
The Norwegian Nature Diversity Act
The act has the purpose of protecting biological, geological and landscape diversity and ecological processes through conservation and sustainable use, and in such a way that the environment provides a basis for human activity, culture, health and well-being, now and in the future.
The act allows you to walk wherever you want, as long as nothing else is announced. This gives numerous possibilities for exciting excursions! Private ground and cultivated land, however, should not be trafficked, and…
- Nature must not be damaged!
- Always bring back your litter and never throw rubbish outdoors
- There might be stricter access to protected areas
- Show respect for people and animals
- Open fire is forbidden between the 15th of April and the 15th of September.
The Fjords
Norway has the highest concentration of fjords in the world, and nowhere on earth are there more fjords than in Fjord Norway. Formed when the glaciers retreated and seawater flooded the U-shaped valleys, the fjords have made Norway famous. The Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord feature on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The long Sognefjord and the Hardangerfjord, famed for their cherry and apple trees, are amongst the most visited. But the Lysefjord just outside of Stavanger (home to the famous Preikestolen or Pulpit Rock) and the Nordfjord further north are also very popular holiday destinations. National Geographic Magazine has named the fjords “the best unspoiled travel destinations in the world”. And the respected American newspaper Chicago Tribune has included Norway’s fjords on its list, Seven Wonders of Nature.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are not a big issue in the areas where our tours run. Mosquito repellent is sold in every grocery shop.
National parks
The significance of nature holds a special place in the hearts of the Norwegian people. We understand the delight that comes from scaling mountains, both majestic and modest, savoring moments of serene quietude, and experiencing the awe-inspiring force of untouched landscapes. Norway’s 47 national parks protect our finest areas of natural beauty for enjoyment and protection.
It is important to check what roules that applies in the area you are traveling in.
Bicycling within protected areas is restricted to designated trails and roads, and electric bikes are classified as motorized vehicles, making them ineligible for use in these areas.
Drone flying is strictly prohibited in certain sections of our protected areas. In the remaining regions, restrictions on drone usage may vary based on time and purpose. This precaution is taken to prevent disruptions to wildlife and other individuals within the protected area.
Meeting and Greeting
Norwegians are known for their friendliness and politeness. A firm handshake, eye contact and a smile is a common greeting.
Norwegians are egalitarian and casual; they often introduce themselves by their first name only.
Norwegians value punctuality, so arrive on time for meetings and social events. If you're running late, communicate it in advance.
Personal space is highly valued in Norway. Maintain a comfortable distance while conversing and avoid intrusive questions.
Norwegians tend to be a bit reserved, and it's not typical for them to be unclothed in the sauna. Instead, it is customary for individuals to wear something, such as a towel or swimsuit, during their sauna sessions.
Dining Etiquette
Norwegians are punctual in both business and social situations.
Table manners are more formal than one might expect of a culture that is informal and egalitarian.
Most food, including sandwiches, is eaten with utensils.
When you have finished eating, place your knife and fork across your plate with the prongs facing down and the handles facing to the right.
When someone is being toasted, raise your glass, look at the person, take a sip, look at the person again, and then return the glass to the table.
Helpful phrases
While over 80% of Norwegians can converse in English, particularly in major cities and towns, using a few basic phrases can enhance your travel experience. So, while not essential, it's always nice to sprinkle in some local language:
Hello/Hi: Hei
Goodbye: Ha det
Please: Vær så snill
Thank you: Takk
Excuse me/Sorry: Unnskyld
Yes/No: Ja/Nei
Do you speak English?: Snakker du engelsk?
Where is...?: Hvor er...?
How much does this cost?: Hvor mye koster dette?
I don't understand: Jeg forstår ikke
Have a nice trip: God tur
Norwegian kos (cosiness) goes way beyond the Danes’ “hygge”, the Americans’ “perfect moment”, and frenetic society’s “quality time”. Norway's mighty nature and distinct seasons inspire people to get together to create intimate moments of cosiness.
Say kos, and Norwegians picture everything from a cosy gathering around a candlelit kitchen table to holding hands while standing in awe in the middle of nature at night, watching the northern lights. Kos can also be used to describe simple things such as enjoying a cup of coffee and a freshly baked cinnamon bun.
Kos can be experienced almost anytime and anywhere, alone or together. It's a state of mind, a sense of calmness, of being present in the moment, and of deep well-being and contentment. But it can also be about fellowship, gathering people together, and sharing experiences.
(visitnorway.com)
Good to know
Navigating Banks and credit cards in Norway
In Norway, banks are predominantly located in cities, operating from Monday to Friday between 9 AM and 3 PM, with closures on weekends. Credit cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants across the country, providing a seamless and efficient payment experience for travelers.
Public transport
Norway boasts a well-developed network of interregional, regional, and local buses traversing the entire country, seamlessly connecting to our various trips. We're delighted to assist you with transfer planning for a hassle-free experience.
While the Norwegian railway network is not as extensive, key routes from Oslo to Trondheim, Trondheim to Bodø, and west from Oslo to Bergen offer modern trains with air-conditioning and comfortable seating. The journey treats you to stunning views of valleys, mountains, lakes, and fjords.
For optimal travel planning, we recommend utilizing the national travel planner, entur.no, available as a convenient app on App Store and Google Play. Entur empowers you to explore journey options, covering all modes of public transport nationwide bus, train, tram, railway, ferry, city bikes, and e-scooters. Moreover, you can effortlessly purchase tickets for trains and various public transport services directly through the app.
Mobile Phone Essentials
Carrying your mobile phone for emergencies is wise, but be mindful:
- Signals may be intermittent. Head uphill when reception is weak.
- Avoid fixed appointment times for calls, as signal availability varies.
- Pack essential charging equipment.
- Keep your phone warm to prolong battery life.
- Do not solely rely on your phone as the primary emergency tool.
While a valuable resource, understand its limitations and consider alternative means for a reliable emergency plan.
Health Considerations
For most medications, a prescription is essential, and foreign prescriptions are not recognized in Norway. Ensure you bring the necessary medicines with you, considering that Norwegian cities have relatively few pharmacies, usually around 2-3 for areas with approximately 30,000 inhabitants. In rural areas, you may find over-the-counter medications in grocery stores. Every countryside center is equipped with a doctor's office.
As an EEA member, possessing a valid European passport grants you equivalent basic medical rights to Norwegian citizens. However, we strongly recommend all our customers have comprehensive travel insurance for added peace of mind.
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