Easter is a major holiday in Norway, and it looks a little different than what many visitors are used to. We call it Påske, and it is both a family celebration and a national week of escape to cabins and ski trails. Because of this, store schedules shift quite a bit, and the country slows … Read more
If you’re coming to Norway to hike, you’re in good company. We grow up on trails here, and the country is packed with shops that can kit you out for anything from a quick city-forest walk to a week in Jotunheimen. The trick is knowing where to look, what’s worth buying locally, and how to … Read more
Shopping for electronics in Norway is straightforward once you know where to look. Whether you want a laptop for a semester abroad, a camera for the fjords, or a new coffee machine that survives Norwegian winters, the market here is a mix of reliable chain stores, strong online retailers, and specialist shops with surprisingly deep … Read more
Norway has a reputation for beautiful but challenging roads, long tunnels, and iconic bridges. To build and maintain all that infrastructure, the country uses road tolls. If you are picturing a classic toll plaza with booths and cashiers, you can let that go right now. Norway no longer uses traditional toll booths. Everything is automated … Read more
Norway has a reputation for order, rules and tidy systems. That part is true. But living here my whole life has also taught me that Norway quietly trusts people a lot. That trust shows up in everyday freedoms that surprise many visitors and new residents. Several things you might assume are off limits are not … Read more
Harstad/Narvik Evenes Airport (EVE) is the gateway to the northern fjords, the Lofoten wall, and the wide skies of Vesterålen. Because distances are long and the weather can change fast, planning your onward journey pays off. Whether you prefer a quick airport bus, a scenic drive along the E10, or a multi-stop adventure with ferries … Read more
Sandefjord Airport Torp is the handy low-cost gateway to Norway’s south-east, serving Oslo, Vestfold, Telemark, and parts of Viken and Innlandet. If you are flying in on a weekend break or beginning a longer Norwegian itinerary, you will find that connections from Torp are straightforward once you know the options. Trains link the airport with … Read more
If you have looked at train tickets in Norway, you have probably seen an option called Vy Pluss. This is Vy’s more comfortable seating class on long-distance trains like the Bergen Line, Sørlandsbanen, and some regional routes. You also see a similar “Plus” name on certain Vy express buses, which refers to larger, nicer seats. … Read more
Lofoten looks small on the map, but it doesn’t travel small. Those craggy mountains, white-sand beaches, and fishing villages strung along the E10 are beautiful, yes, but they also take time to reach and to feel. As someone who grew up in Northern Norway and still returns to Lofoten regularly, I can tell you that … Read more
Norway has debated a tourism tax for years, and now it is finally moving forward. If you plan a trip after 2025, you may see a small extra charge on overnight stays in the busiest destinations. Locals often call it a besøksbidrag, which literally means visitor’s contribution. The idea is simple: a modest fee that … Read more