15 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Norway

Introduction

So, you’re thinking about heading to Norway, huh? Trust me, I get it! The place has been on my bucket list for ages, and I finally made it happen. I’m talking about jaw-dropping waterfalls, super interesting old wooden churches, and yes, even some ways to make a quick buck—or should I say Kroner? Stick around because I’ve got 15 things you’ve got to know before you step foot in this Nordic paradise.

PANT What’s this you ask?

We bought our food and drinks from supermarkets thus saving lots of money and the added bonus was Norway’s PANT system. This is basically a can return thing whereby you get paid to return cans and plastic bottles to the supermarket. We were getting 2 NOK(15p) for a lager can and 3 NOK(22p) for a 2 litre coke bottle. Well, they say every little helps!

Driving in Norway

Remember to drive with dipped headlights even during daytime. It’s against the law not to. The speed limit is mostly 60 -70km an hour, so it takes longer to drive anywhere. Many Norwegians get round this by nipping across to Sweden and driving up to the north along the border, as the speed limit in Sweden is 110KM. The roads seemed narrower than here in the UK with a metal barrier on one side and a steep drop on the other. I admit I felt a bit scared driving there, but this could be due to them driving on the right. And as for the roundabouts I was totally discombobulated having to look for traffic coming from the left!

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Tunnels in Norway

There are dozens to drive through. We drove through the longest road tunnel in the world which is 24.5km. The Laerdal tunnel links Aurland and Laerdal, in the heart of Sogn. Built in 2000, it provides a ferry free connection between Oslo and Bergen. Every 6 km the area is widened, and special vivid blue lighting provides a delightful experience as you cruise through! Oh, and there’s no toll to pay!

Norwegian Stave Churches

I’d seen plenty of photos of these strange Medieval Wooden Churches, but nothing could prepare me for seeing one in person. They are weird and wonderful, and like nothing we have here in Britain. They date back to the 12^th Century and are wooden structures covered in thick tar to protect them from the elements. There are around 28 left but there used to be over a 1000. If you’re touring the country and see one, do stop and have a closer look. We went inside some of them including the oldest called Urnes Church which is in Ornes. Do get your drone out if you’ve got one. I took some fantastic footage for my portfolio and showreel.

Brown Cheese

Debs says this is served in thin slices at breakfast and can be bought from the supermarkets. Don’t be put off by its strange colour for cheese…it’s absolutely yummy! I personally didn’t try it as I am vegan but you will have to take her word for it! There is no picture for it as she scoffed it in seconds!

A Costly Cheers: Experiencing Norway’s Hefty Drink Prices

We paid eye-watering prices for drinks in bars. £10 for a glass of lager and you don’t even get a full pint because you get at least an inch(3cm) of froth on top, and £12 for a very small cocktail! Not good! I found out from the bar staff that the government taxes alcohol heavily to prevent alcoholism.

Exploring Norway’s Majestic Waterfalls

There are thousands of them gushing down the mountains. Pretty awe inspiring really. We even came across a massive one in the middle of a town called Honefoss. Apparently, they freeze over in Winter – that would be amazing to see.

Drones

If you’re into flying your drone in Norway and I certainly recommend you do because the scenery is magnificent. However, you’ll need to register your drone for Norway, get insurance for Norway and take a short online test too.

Sunday Shopping

With strict Norwegian laws shops are shut on Sundays, apart from Petrol Stations, so don’t get caught out if you’re self-catering.

The People

The Norwegians we met were kind, sweet good natured people. And they all speak perfect English. Say no more!

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Beds

If you’re planning on staying in apartments or hostels I strongly advise you to take a bottom sheet, a single duvet cover and a pillowcase each, otherwise you’ll get charged to rent some from the apartment. Yes I did say single duvet cover because Norway doesn’t appear to have any double beds. A double bed is created by pushing 2 single beds together and they only use single duvets, so a couple will each have a single duvet. I think this is quite a good idea because it obviously stops one person hogging the double duvet and leaving their partner out in the cold. As an avid viewer of Scandi Crime Dramas like ‘The Bridge’ I always noticed this unusual phenomenon during bedroom scenes!

Underfloor Heating in Bathrooms

I didn’t realise how fantastic this is and how a soaking wet floor dries out quickly after a shower. Also brilliant for drying soaking wet hiking boots.

Toll Roads

There are loads of toll roads which have automatic number plate recognition so unlike tolls in France and Germany you don’t have to stop. The car hire company takes a deposit when you pick up your car and its automatically deducted. The same goes for ferries.

Hiking in Norway

If you like hiking I urge you to get waterproof boots. We did a lot of tramping through streams of water flowing down the mountains and we bounced along lots partially submerged planks across never-ending rivers of water. I thought my boots would be alright, but I could never have anticipated getting so soaked through. I found myself after about a 100 metres into a hike of deciding between a twisted ankle hopping from rock to rock across yet another stream, or saying Nah I’ll save my ankles and just have wet feet for the next 5 hours and embrace paddling.

Bergsetbreen Glacier Walk

A moderately challenging route on AllTrails, taking an average of 1 h 43 min to complete. For 30% off AllTrails click here. 🥾

Conclusion

Well, there you have it! Those are my top 15 must-knows for your Norwegian adventure. Whether you’re planning on road-tripping through narrow lanes or you’re all about capturing that perfect drone shot of the fjords, Norway is a stunner. Just make sure to pack your waterproof boots and get ready to experience some seriously cool stuff—like a waterfall right in the middle of a town! I hope these tips help you as much as they helped me. Safe travels and catch you on the next adventure!

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