The Basics
Country: Norway
Where is it: Norway is located in northern Europe, bordering the North Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Sweden.
Why do people go here: The Western Fjords are a big draw to this country blessed with beautiful scenery, a low crime rate and one of the highest standards of living in the world. The capital, Oslo, is vibrant and modern, and overflows with tourists during the long, warm summer days. Travel through the vast countryside is easily facilitated and beautiful. Skiing is also a prime draw, as are the Northern Lights.
What are the main entry points: Travelers to Norway often take a ferry from Denmark into one of the coastal towns, or fly into Oslo.
Currency used: Norwegian kroner
Country Code for Phones: 47
Area codes for Major Cities: Oslo 22
Religion: Evangelical Lutheran 86% (state church), other Protestant and Roman Catholic 3%, other 1%, none and unknown 10%
Population: 5 million
Ethnic Breakdown: 89.4% Norwegian and Sami 10.6% other
Government: Parliamentary democracy under constitutional monarchy
Languages: Norwegian (official) with small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities
Travel Information
Major Cities: Oslo
Attractions: Oslo, Skiing, Fjords
Accommodation: Norway Hostels, Norway Hotels
Tourism Office locations and links: Norway- NORTRA Drammensveien 40 P.O. BOX 2893 Solli N0230 Oslo, Norway +47 22 92 52 00;; FAX: +47 22 56 05 05;norway@nortra.no /www.visitnorway.com/
Off-the-Beaten-Path: Yes = Ja, No = Ingen, Please = Behag, Thank you = Mange takk, Do you speak English? = Gji De taler Engelsk?
Health Issues: No vaccines are required to enter Norway. Health care in on par with the rest of Europe and the U.S.
Tips for Visiting
When to go: Endless summer days and warmer weather make July and August popular times to visit. Unfortunately, everyone else knows this and accommodation can be a bit hard to come by. Winter months are long and dark.
Common Phrases: Yes = Ja, No = Nei, Please = Vaer saa snill, Thank you = Mange takk, Do you speak English? = Snakker De Engelsk?
Specific Events/Holidays: Constitution Day, 17 May (1814); note – on 14 January 1814 Denmark ceded Norway to Sweden; resisting Swedish domination, Norwegians adopted a new constitution four months later; on 14 August 1814 Norway was proclaimed independent but in union with Sweden; on 7 June 1905 Norway declared the union with Sweden dissolved.
Getting Around: There are only a few set train lines through the country. Buses, although expensive, are the only way to see the fjords. Eurail is valid in Norway. Driving around the fjords is not recommended.
Good to know: The currency of Norway is known as one of the most solid currencies worldwide.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Norway is the Oslo Airport Gardermoen.
Need more information?: Check out the Norway travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
