NorwayExplained is your practical, plain-spoken guide to traveling to and in Norway, moving here, and settling into everyday life. Written in clear American English by a lifelong Norwegian, this site blends local insight with step-by-step advice so you can make good decisions and enjoy Norway on your own terms. If you want to understand how things actually work here, you are in the right place.
In short, NorwayExplained helps you plan smarter trips, navigate Norwegian systems with less stress, and get the most from your time here. We focus on accurate information, real-world details, and timeless tips that work in every season.
Curious about public transport quirks, grocery store etiquette, mountain safety, or how to rent an apartment without headaches. You will find it all here. Let’s take a deeper dive into how NorwayExplained is built to help you.
Our Story
NorwayExplained grew out of years of working with international visitors, students, and families who had the same questions over and over. As a Norwegian who has lived here all my life, I kept noticing two gaps. First, travel advice often skipped the practical details that actually change your day. Second, moving and living guides were either too generic or too complicated. I started collecting notes, itineraries, and local scripts for friends, then realized more people could benefit. That folder became NorwayExplained.
The goal was simple. Write the kind of guide I would share with a close friend visiting for the first time or moving here for work. Keep it straightforward, current, and kind.
Our Mission and Values
Our mission is to make Norway feel approachable without flattening its culture. We do that by focusing on three values.
Clarity. You get plain explanations and stepwise guidance. No fluff.
Reliability. We verify facts, check official rules, and time test every tip in real life.
Respect. Norway has deep traditions and a strong outdoor culture. We encourage visitors and newcomers to enjoy it responsibly.
What You Will Find On NorwayExplained
The site is organized around the questions you ask most.
Travel Planning. Airport transfers that make sense, how to read train and ferry timetables, regional itineraries that fit your timeframe, and seasonal advice for the fjords, Lofoten, Tromsø, Oslo, Bergen, and beyond. You will also find safety notes for winter driving, hut-to-hut hiking, and glacier tours.
Day-to-Day Norway. Supermarket basics, pharmacy know-how, how to pay for parking, tipping norms, Sundays in Norwegian cities, and what to expect from public holidays. These are the small things that spare you a lot of confusion.
Moving and Living. From D-numbers and bank accounts to apartment hunting, winter clothing that actually works, school systems, and health services. We break down the steps in sequence, with notes on where newcomers typically stumble.
Culture and Etiquette. Polite reserve, outdoor codes, equality at work, and how Norwegians socialize. The aim is not to make you blend in instantly, but to help you avoid the unforced errors that can feel discouraging.
Who Is Behind The Site
I am a Norwegian born and raised, with many years of experience helping tourists, expats, and students navigate life here. I have worked frontline with travelers in multiple regions, and I still test routes, hikes, and services personally before recommending them. You will see me reference local habits and seasonal rhythms because they matter. For example, I will tell you which Oslo tram stop is easiest with two suitcases or how the first snowfall changes mountain parking availability.
When I say a hike is family friendly, it means I have walked it with families and watched where kids tend to slow down. When I share a winter packing list, it is built from gear that has survived sleet on the coast and minus temperatures in the interior.
How We Research And Keep Information Updated
Norway changes steadily, not wildly. Prices adjust, timetables shift, rules get updated, and popular places add new systems. We review guides regularly, re-check essential links, and keep offline notes on route changes and seasonal closures. When something is uncertain, we say so. If a rule or schedule is likely to change by season, we flag it clearly and show you how to double-check before you go.
We also pay attention to reader questions. If three people ask the same thing in a month, it becomes an article or an update.
Our Editorial Approach
Every guide begins with a practical outcome. What do you need to decide, book, or do. Then we add context so you understand why Norway works the way it does. You will notice we use short paragraphs, clear subheadings, and direct language. This is deliberate. The point is to help you act with confidence.
We do not chase trends for clicks. If a small museum or a local bakery belongs in your itinerary more than a crowded viewpoint, we will say so. And if a popular experience is still worth your time, we will show you how to time it well and enjoy it without stress.
How We Earn Money
NorwayExplained is free to read. To keep it that way, we use a mix of display ads and carefully chosen affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we trust or have tested. If we would not suggest it to a friend, it will not appear here. Editorial independence comes first.
Who We Write For
Curious Travelers. You want fresh air, interesting food, and plans that actually work. We help you choose between the scenic route and the express train, decide if a rental car makes sense, and pack the right layers.
Newcomers And Expats. You are starting a new chapter here. We walk you through paperwork, explain unwritten rules, and translate the everyday rituals that make life smoother, from ski season to scooter rules.
Families And Small Groups. Norway is excellent for slow travel. We point you toward kid-friendly hikes, indoor options for rainy days, and city neighborhoods that balance calm with good coffee.
Our Norway-First Lens
Everything we publish is grounded in Norwegian conditions. Weather is a character here, not background noise. So is distance. That is why our guides include realistic travel times, shoulder season advice, and alternatives for storm days. We also carry a strong respect for nature. We encourage Leave No Trace principles, proper trail choices, and safe decision making in the mountains and along the coast.
How To Use Our Guides
Start with your must-do list and your dates. Then read our region or city guides for realistic timing. Follow the step-by-step sections to book transport, accommodation, and key activities in the right order. Check our seasonal notes and packing lists before you fly. If you are moving, use our moving checklists as your sequence and tick off tasks weekly.
If you prefer to keep spontaneity, pick our shortlists. They give you a few great choices in each place so you can decide on the day without losing time.
Accessibility And Inclusion
NorwayExplained aims to serve a broad audience. Where possible, we indicate wheelchair access, stroller friendliness, family changing facilities, and low-stimulation options. Norway’s terrain can be challenging, but many museums, ferries, and urban walks are accessible. If an access detail is missing, tell us. We will research and add it.
Partnerships And Media
We collaborate with regional boards, activity providers, and accommodation partners who share our standards for safety, transparency, and guest care. Partnerships never guarantee a positive review. If we feature a partner, it is because the experience is genuinely good and reliably delivered. For media inquiries or collaboration ideas, we are open to honest conversations that put the reader first.
Get In Touch
Have a question we have not answered yet. Notice something that changed. Want a deeper guide for your city or region. Send us a message through our contact page. We read every note and update our guides based on what helps you most.
Norway rewards those who arrive prepared and curious. With solid information and a bit of local rhythm, your trip or new life here becomes lighter, calmer, and far more rewarding. We are glad you are here, and we are ready to help you experience Norway with confidence.