Norway Guide
What are the top tips for first-time travellers to Norway?
Unlike many other countries in Europe, Norway does not currently use the Euro. Instead, the Norwegian krone (NOK) is the country’s official currency. If you’re spending time in Norway during a European holiday, be sure to change some of your money into krone before your flights to Norway land. Don’t change over too much money though, to avoid being left with excess once you move onto your next destination. Credit cards are widely accepted in Norway, so you may not need a large supply of krone with you as you travel.
Many Norwegians speak some English, which can help make getting around, asking for directions and exploring easier. However, as with visiting any country where English is not the primary language, it’s a good idea to learn a few common phrases in Norwegian before you visit.
Norway has a reputation as being quite expensive to visit, but there are several ways that you can save money as you travel. Choose public transport over taxis as you explore Norway’s towns and cities, and buy food from supermarkets or prepare your own meals instead of eating at restaurants for every meal. Entry to Norway’s scenic national parks is free, as is camping, allowing you to connect with nature after your flights to Norway without breaking the budget.
Norway experiences shorter daylight hours during winter and much longer periods of daylight in summer. Depending on where in Norway you plan to visit during your travels, it’s possible that you may not see daylight for days during winter or a sunset in summer. These extremes are more common in the northernmost reaches of the country, especially in areas that sit within the Arctic Circle. It may affect your travel in southern Norway too however, particularly in winter. In Oslo, the country’s capital, you can expect just six hours of daylight in winter and 18 hours or more in summer.
When is the best time to visit Norway?
If you’re wanting to enjoy fair weather and great sightseeing during your stay, the best time to visit Norway is summer months, from June to August. The days are at their longest during the summer and the greatest number of daylight hours is experienced at this time of the year, providing plenty of time to explore the country’s top attractions and admire its natural beauty. This also happens to be Norway’s peak tourist season. If you’re thinking about booking your flights to Norway to arrive in summer, it’s best to secure both your flights and accommodation well ahead of time.
If you prefer to travel outside the peak tourist season, Norway is lovely during the shoulder months of May, September and October. At these times, the weather is still pleasant enough to head outdoors and enjoy the country’s natural attractions, but the number of tourists is much lower. If you’re looking for cheap flights to Norway, you may also be able to find a better deal for travel during these months.
Winter in Norway is cold, with temperatures dropping below 0℃. It is the best time to visit if you are wanting to see the Northern Lights. Winter isn’t the ideal time to visit however if you are wanting to explore Norway mainly by road, as some major routes may be closed at this time. The cost of Norway return flights may increase for Christmas travel.
What are the top experiences for visitors to Norway?
Chase the Northern Lights
Seeing the aurora borealis, otherwise known as the Northern Lights, in person is one of Norway’s unmissable experiences. The Lights are visible from mid-November to February, when coloured curtains of light dance across the dark night sky. For your best chances of seeing this incredible natural phenomenon, make your way north after arriving on your flights to Norway. The city of Tromso, a two-hour flight from Oslo, and the Lofoten Islands, located just off Norway’s west coast, are among some of the best places in the country to see the Northern Lights.
Explore the Norwegian fjords
There are more than 1,000 fjords scattered across Norway, offering an abundance of spectacular scenery to discover next time you book Norway return flights. Bordered by dramatic cliffs and filled with sparkling waters, these breathtaking geological formations can be discovered in so many different ways. Join a day cruise through some of the country’s most captivating fjords, set out on a kayaking adventure and admire their beauty at a slower pace, or enjoy a hike with a view. Some of Norway’s most popular fjords include the UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed Geirangerfjord, and Naeroyfjord. Both are among the deepest and longest of their kind in the world.
Discover Oslo’s cultural side
Although Norway may be lauded for its natural beauty, its urban centres shouldn’t be overlooked. And there’s more to the country’s capital than first meets the eye. If your cheap flights to Norway touch down in Oslo, take some time to discover the city’s rich cultural scene. Oslo is home to an assortment of art galleries and museums, catering to a broad range of tastes. Stop by the Viking Ship Museum to see fascinating archaeological finds dating from more than a thousand years ago, or head to the Munch Museum to learn about the life and works of Edvard Munch, the artist behind The Scream. If live performances are more to your liking, plan a visit to the Oslo Opera House to see the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet take to the stage. The city also features an impressive urban art scene with captivating murals in a variety of different art styles plastered on the sides of buildings. Discover these as you set out on a walk through Oslo’s streets, making sure to look up to avoid missing some of the best works.
FAQs
What airlines fly to Norway?
To fly from New Zealand to Norway, you’ll need to board several connecting flights. There are no direct flights. Flights to Norway from New Zealand are available with Qatar, Air New Zealand, Qantas, Emirates and British Airways. Some flight legs may be aboard partner airlines.
What time of the year is best to visit Norway?
For the ideal weather conditions, the best time to visit Norway is in summer, from June to August. May, September and October are also good times to visit if you are looking to explore Norway without the crowds of an European summer.
How long are flights to Norway?
Flight time to Norway varies depending on airline and number of stopovers. Flights from Auckland to Oslo with just one stopover take about 26 hours or more. Flights from New Zealand’s other major cities, such as Wellington, usually require at least two stopovers and can take upwards of 30 hours.
