Backpacking Norway Need To Know

Basics

Entry

Norway is a member of the borderless Schengen Zone, meaning you can freely move to other member states without the need for multiple visa applications and passport controls.

Citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland don’t need a visa to enter the Schengen Zone, and can generally stay for as long as they wish.

A vast amount of passport holders from other countries can also enter the Schengen Zone visa-free for up to 90 days including; Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States.

Citizens of visa-exempt nations need only produce a passport which is valid for the entirety of their stay, but other nationals require a Schengen visa and must have a passport which has at least 3 months’ validity beyond their period of stay.

For official information visit a Norwegian Embassy or your home government travel bureau.

Getting Around

Official Europe wide rail passes can be obtained through Rail Europe

More details are to come in this section, but you can read about general advice regarding Getting Around When You Get There

Accommodation

Norway has plenty of hostels in major towns, cities and tourists areas.

The average price of a hostel is 215-325 NOK (€25-40) a night.

All hostels in Norway will provide linen and bathroom facilities. Usually there will be cooking and internet facilities as well as common and laundry rooms.

Read more about Accommodation When You Get There and Living in Hostels

Food And Health

The standard of food safety and hygiene is good, but food is expensive and you will need to cook for yourself.

Water is completely safe to drink from all kitchen taps in Norway, unless stated.

Medical facilities are good, but make sure you have adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.

EU and EEA citizens should get a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving home. The EHIC isn’t a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but it entitles you to state provided medical treatment that may become necessary during your trip.

Other nationalities may also have reciprocal health care agreements, find out from your government travel bureau.

Always contact your GP around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Visit here for Recommended Vaccinations and read here for more about Travelling Health In General

Weather & Time To Go

Due to the gulf stream, Norwegian weather is more pleasant than many people think, with summer temperatures occasionally reaching 30°C. Winters around the southern and western coast are moderate and rainy, but southeast winter temperatures of -10°C to -15°C are common. Inland and up north there is significant snowfall and temperatures can easily fall below -25°C. Days are very long in summer and very short in winter; north of the arctic circle the sun never rises during winter and never sets during summer.

Communications

Internet and wifi is widespread and accessible in most hostels. Local pay-as-you-go SIM cards for your mobile phone and international calling cards are cheaply available.

Dangers And Considerations

Crime levels in Norway are low, but take sensible precautions to avoid mugging, bag snatching and pick pocketing.

Possession of even small quantities of drugs can lead to heavy fines and/or imprisonment.

In winter, some parts can drop to as low as -25°C. If in mountainous areas, particularly in winter, check weather forecasts and conditions and make sure you’re properly equipped. Don’t undertake any activity alone (including hiking).

Seek specialist advice if travelling to Svalbard or Arctic regions.

Dangers constantly change. Always check with your foreign office (British Foreign Office webpage) or travel advice bureau for the latest information regarding your destinations safety.

Read more about Safety And Security here