Norway
Norway is long, steep and astonishingly beautiful. Fjords cut deep into the coast, fishing villages cling to jagged islands, and in the far north the sun either never sets or never rises depending on the season. It is expensive, but the scenery makes a case for itself.
Why it is on my list
The fjords and the Lofoten Islands. Few places pack so much dramatic landscape into a single country, from the long blue arms of the western fjords to red fishing cabins beneath sharp Arctic peaks.
Best time to go
Summer (June to August): long days, hiking, ferries running and the midnight sun north of the Arctic Circle.
Northern Lights: roughly September to March in the north, including Tromso and Lofoten.
Spring (May): waterfalls at full flow and fruit trees in bloom around Hardanger, with fewer crowds.
Autumn: golden hills and a good chance of aurora with milder weather.
Winter: snow, skiing and dark days. Some mountain roads and fjord attractions close.
Whales: orca and humpback season runs roughly November to January near Tromso.
Where to stay
Bergen: the gateway to the western fjords, with a colorful harbor and good food.
Flam and Balestrand: small fjord villages with scenic train and ferry links.
Geiranger and Alesund: dramatic fjord views and Art Nouveau architecture.
Lofoten (Reine, Henningsvaer, Svolvaer): rorbu fishing cabins are the classic place to sleep.
Oslo: a good arrival base for museums, the opera house and the harbor.
Known name: Hotel Union Geiranger and Fretheim Hotel in Flam are long established fjord hotels.
Getting there and around
Airports: Oslo (OSL) and Bergen (BGO) are the main entries. Direct flights from the US go mostly to Oslo, with seasonal service to Bergen.
Domestic flights: Widerøe and Norwegian connect Bodo, Leknes and Svolvaer for Lofoten.
Trains: the Bergen Line from Oslo and the Flam Railway are among Europe's scenic rides.
Ferries and Hurtigruten: the coastal route sails from Bergen to Kirkenes, passing the Lofoten region.
Driving: rental cars are the best way to reach Lofoten. Expect tolls, tunnels and ferries.
What to eat
Salmon and cod: fresh, smoked or cured, a national staple.
Stockfish and skrei: dried and winter cod, a Lofoten tradition.
Brunost: sweet brown goat cheese on waffles or bread.
Reindeer: served as stew or steak, especially in the north.
King crab: caught in the far north and served in Tromso and Kirkenes.
Waffles and cinnamon buns: the standard fuel for hikers.
What to drink
Aquavit: caraway spirit, often aged in barrels and sipped with seafood.
Craft beer: Norway has a strong microbrewery scene, with Oslo and Bergen good places to try it.
Coffee: Norwegians drink a great deal of it, and cafes are excellent.
Farm ciders: Hardanger is known for its fruit ciders.
Note: stronger alcohol is sold only at state run Vinmonopolet shops.
Don't miss
Geirangerfjord: a UNESCO fjord with waterfalls such as the Seven Sisters.
Naeroyfjord: a narrow fjord best seen by a quiet electric boat.
Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock): a cliff hike above Lysefjord.
Reine and Hamnoy in Lofoten: red cabins under steep peaks.
Trolltunga: a long, demanding hike to a rock ledge, best in summer.
Atlantic Road: a coastal highway of bridges that curve over the sea.
Tromso: aurora tours, a polar museum and a cable car.
Bryggen in Bergen: historic wooden wharf buildings.
Day trips and side trips
Flam from Bergen or Oslo: the railway plus a fjord cruise is a classic loop.
Mount Floyen: a funicular ride above Bergen.
Vesteralen: the quieter islands north of Lofoten, good for whales.
Svalbard: a flight north to polar bear country, with its own entry setup.
Festivals and events
Constitution Day: May 17, with parades and traditional dress nationwide.
Bergenfest: music festival, usually in June.
Oya Festival: Oslo music festival, usually in August.
Nordlysfestivalen: Northern Lights festival in Tromso, usually in January.
Lofoten International Art Festival and World Cod Fishing events: held at various times, so check dates.
Music and dance
Folk music: the Hardanger fiddle is the national instrument, heard at weddings and festivals.
Black metal and electronic: Norway has a famous underground metal history and a strong electronic scene.
Halling: an athletic folk dance with high kicks.
Nightlife
Norwegian nights are relaxed, with a focus on conversation, craft beer and live music. In the far north, bars double as aurora waiting rooms.
When people go out: Friday and Saturday, with many starting elsewhere before heading to bars after 10 pm.
Where the action is: Oslo's Grunerlokka and Vulkan, Bergen's Skostredet and Tromso's harbor pubs.
Good to know: alcohol is heavily taxed, so drinks are costly. Bars often close around 3 am.
Photography spots
Reinebringen: the viewpoint over Reine. The path has been upgraded with steps but remains steep.
Hamnoy bridge: the classic Lofoten shot at sunrise or sunset.
Flydalsjuvet: an overlook above Geirangerfjord.
Haukland and Uttakleiv beaches: Lofoten beaches, good for aurora reflections.
Drones: allowed with registration and rules, but banned in many protected areas and near airports. Check Norwegian Civil Aviation rules.
Cost of living
Overall: $$$$$, similar to or above New York.
Coffee: about $4.50 to $6.
Local lunch: about $18 to $28.
Dinner for two: about $100 to $160 with drinks.
Beer: about $9 to $13.
Mid-range hotel: about $180 to $300 per night.
Daily budget: about $200 to $350 per person.
Self catering and picnics cut costs a lot. Prices are approximate in US dollars as of 2026.
Working remotely
Wi-Fi: excellent in cities and most towns, with 5G widespread.
Coworking: good options in Oslo, Bergen and Tromso.
Time zone: 6 hours ahead of US Eastern.
Visa: Norway is in Schengen, so stays beyond 90 days need a permit. Check current rules.
Nomad rating: 3/5. Great infrastructure, high cost.
Good to know
Language: Norwegian. English is spoken very well by nearly everyone.
Currency: Norwegian krone (NOK). Cards are accepted nearly everywhere.
Plugs: Type C and F, 230V.
Entry for US citizens: visa free in Schengen for up to 90 days. Check current rules.
Getting around apps: Entur for trains and buses, Ruter in Oslo, Skyss in Bergen, Vy for rail.
Tipping: not required, though rounding up for good service is common.
Water: tap water is clean and tastes good.
SIM/eSIM: eSIMs are easy, and coverage is solid even in many remote areas.
Useful phrases
Takk: thank you.
Hei: hello.
Skal: cheers.
Unnskyld: excuse me.
Ha det: goodbye.
Meeting people
Social scene: polite and private at first, then warm. Outdoor activities are the best icebreaker.
Apps: Meetup, Facebook groups and hiking clubs like DNT huts and tours.
Etiquette: take your shoes off indoors and be on time.
Stay smart: the right to roam is generous, but leave no trace and respect private land.
Staying safe
Crime is low. The main risks are weather and terrain.
Check avalanche and weather forecasts before hiking, and carry layers even in summer.
Tell someone your hiking plans, and use the Varsom and yr.no apps.
Emergency numbers are 112 for police, 113 for medical.