(Last updated: 2 Jul 2011)

Visas

Australian passport holders on business do not require a visa to enter Norway when visiting for up to three months.

Climate

Coastal areas have a moderate climate owing to the Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift. Inland temperatures are more extreme with hot summers and cold winters (November to March). In general, the lowlands of the south experience colder winters and warmer summers than the coastal areas. Rain is distributed throughout the year with frequent inland snowfalls during the winter. The northern part of the country inside the Arctic Circle has continuous daylight at midsummer, and twilight all day during winter. Light to medium-weight clothing is worn in summer and waterproofing is advisable throughout the year.

For weather details in Norway, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Ground transport

Even though Norway is a very long country, travelling is easy. If you are driving, take the less travelled roads and experience what Norway has to offer of natural beauty. The Norwegian State Railway has a well-developed network and where the railway stops the buses take over, and where a road ends a ferry takes over. If you choose to travel by air you will find a good network of routes and connections.

The Airport Express Train (Flytoget) website has information and train schedules. Tickets for the Airport Express Train can be purchased together with air tickets at your travel agency. Tickets are also available at all Airport Express Train stations, at ticket counters as well as card and cash ticket vending machines. There is no seat booking on the Airport Express Train.

The Airport Bus runs between downtown Oslo and Oslo Airport every 15 minutes. First bus from Oslo Bus Terminal departs at 04.05 am. The trip takes about 47 minutes one way.

Airport Taxi is a special fare offer from Oslo Taxi to and from Oslo Airport to destinations in the Oslo region. Go to the Taxi Information desk in the arrival hall and ask for ‘Airport Taxi’.

All InterCity and Express Trains on the stretch Skien - Oslo - Lillehammer - Trondheim run via Oslo Airport. Train schedules are available at NSB Customer.

Hotels

The quality and range of accommodation in Norway is good. You can choose any form of lodging from first-class hotels to private rooms. The tourist offices can assist in mediating reservations within all categories. If you are going to be travelling in Norway during high season and plan to visit the largest cities or well-visited areas, you should book accommodation ahead of time.

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Norway. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

Health

Vaccinations are not required for citizens of nations determined by the World Health Organization to be infection-free. Ask your insurance agent or broker before you travel if your health plan is valid in Norway. If it is not, medical fees must be settled in cash. Medical fees in Norway are reasonable compared to those of most Western nations.

Norwegian pharmacists by law cannot honour a prescription written out-of-country, so bring enough prescription medication for your stay. If you run out of a prescription, a Norwegian doctor must be contacted to write a new one.

By planning in advance, disabled visitors will find travel in Norway to be fairly accommodating. Most hotels, particularly in the cities, have special rooms for disabled visitors.

Time zones and time differences

Norway is 10 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.

To find out the current time in Oslo, view the World Clock.

Dialling codes

Norway's country code is 47.

For calls to Norway from Australia dial: 0011 + 47 + area code + telephone number.

For calls from Norway to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.

For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.

Public holidays

January 1 – New Year’s Day
May 1 – May Day
May 13 – Ascension
May 17 – Constitution Day
May 24 – Whit Monday
December 24-25 – Christmas

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The currency is the Norwegian krone (NOK).

Electricity and water

Norway’s power supply is 220 volts, 50Hz. The round two-pin plugs are the most common.

Dining

Because of Norway's long tradition as a fishing nation, fish has always been an important ingredient on the Norwegian menu. However, Norwegian farms as well as good stocks of game, have also contributed to the Norwegian kitchen with high quality meat. In recent years Norwegian chefs have been winning international prizes, with a tendency to redefine traditional dishes with a new twist. In recent years, there has also been a veritable explosion of ethnic restaurants that serve their own national specialities.