Norway (2024)

FAQs

Is Norway friendly to Americans? ›

The United States established diplomatic relations with Norway in 1905, following Norway's separation from its union with Sweden. The United States and Norway enjoy a long tradition of friendly relations based on democratic values and mutual respect.

With so much to see, it's good to spend at least 8 days in Norway. Whether you travel on your own or with a guide, you can experience the famous fjords, mountains and cities by train, car or cruise ship. An adventure awaits you with an 8-day Norway itinerary planned by the Norwegian travel experts at Nordic Visitor.

Soaring white mountains, breathtaking fjords, emerald-green forests, and exhilarating outdoor pursuits such as hiking and kayaking are a big part of what makes Norway famous. If you can peel yourself away from the fjords and forests, Norway is also known for its capital city, Oslo.

Norway is much more affordable

The Norwegian kroner has weakened against many other currencies in later years, reaching a historical low in 2023. This makes the country a less expensive destination for travellers.

Most Norwegians have a reasonable level of English. You will find that you can speak English in most shops and restaurants, as well as in public offices and with service providers. If you are not comfortable holding a conversation in English, it is even more important to learn Norwegian.

You may have heard that Scandinavia is famously expensive for tourists. High Norwegian salaries mean both the standard and cost of living in Norway is higher than many countries. While Norway does live up to its reputation of being an expensive place to visit, you can definitely enjoy an affordable Norway vacation.

If you're after incredible nature, scenic hiking, and a unique culture, Norway may just be the place for you. Keep in mind that, like Iceland, Norway doesn't tend to get as warm as some other destinations, so if you're looking for a place to work on your tan, you may have to look elsewhere.

However, according to the figures in Numbeo, a single person (living outside of Oslo) should be comfortable on a 500,000 - 600,000 NOK salary per year, while a family (living outside of Oslo) should be comfortable on an 800,000 - 1,000,000 NOK annual salary.

The oil and gas industries play a dominant role in the Norwegian economy, providing a source of finance for the Norwegian welfare state through direct ownership of oil fields, dividends from its shares in Equinor, and licensure fees and taxes.

It's called "koselig," and it's a combination of nature, companionship and coziness promoting personal well-being. Denmark has a similar concept, called "hygge." Nature-embracing countries such as Norway, Finland and Denmark have each recently led the list of the happiest countries in the world.

Why is Norway so loved? ›

Its scenery is spectacular. It oozes history. It's a foodie's delight. Ask any Norwegian and you'll hear a different reason why they love their country, so it's no wonder Norway was once voted the best place to live in the world.

Norwegians are proud of their traditions of equality and humanitarianism. The country often takes in refugees and people seeking asylum from other countries. The people of Norway have one of the highest standards of living in the world. Businesses are usually open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a short break for lunch.

Norway (Bokmål: Norge, Nynorsk: Noreg), formally the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic country in Northern Europe, situated on the Scandinavian Peninsula. The remote Arctic island of Jan Mayen and the archipelago of Svalbard also form part of Norway.

It's a safe country

Generally, crime in Norway is very low. It's safe to walk places by yourself, as violent crime is quite rare. Of course there is a difference to living in Oslo, and living in a smaller town in the countryside. You'll even notice, in some towns, people may leave bicycles out and unlocked.

Citizens of the United States (holding an american passport) do not need a visitor's visa but if you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a residence permit.

Norway is a Safe Country to Visit

Norway is known to be one of the safest countries in the world. Crime rates are extremely low even in major cities such as Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger.

As a non-EU/EEA citizen, you must apply for a long-stay visa to move to Norway for over three months (90 days). Although they are called long-stay visas, they are temporary residence permits. The types of long-stay visas depend on your purpose of moving to Norway.