Pristine wilderness, midnight sun, a progressive capital city, and diverse natural resources ensure that in Norway, tourism and business alike thrive. Once home to the fierce Viking warriors, modern day Norway offers a peaceful escape, with one twelfth of the inhabitants of Great Britain sparsely dotted around a region that shares its borders with Sweden, Finland and Russia. For holidays in Norway, most leisure visitors flock to the mountain peaks and attractive fishing villages on the south western coast. Norway's plentiful oil and gas reserves and shipbuilding industries are the focus for business visitors.
Famous fjords include Sognefjord, the world's second longest, and Gerangerfjord, an Unesco world heritage site. Inland from the quaint medieval port of Bergen is Lillehammer, former Winter Olympic resort, where skiing, hiking and bobsleigh riding are popular. Tromso is the largest city north of the Arctic Circle, where the midnight sun lights up summer and the Northern Lights dance on winter skies. The capital, Oslo, is a scenic eight-hour train ride from Bergen but transportation within Norway is generally good. In Oslo, star attractions include the dazzling waterfront Opera House and the Edvard Munch Museum.
Currency
Norwegian Kroner (NOK)
Visa Requirements
No visa required for EU nationals, Canadians, Americans or Australians
Language
Norwegian, but English is spoken by 75%
Timezone
GMT +2
Weather
Cold, snowy winters, but surprisingly warm summers
Dialling Code
00 47
Electricity
220V. European two-pin plugs are standard
Health and Safety
EU citizens should apply for a European Health Insurance Card before departure, which entitles them to free or reduced cost treatment in all EU countries. This only covers emergency treatment so comprehensive travel and medical insurance are strongly advised.