Norway

Norway is a wildly beautiful country of snow-capped mountains and deep glacier-carved fjords. The astounding scenery of the southwestern fjordland is the main draw card for tourists, but there are many incentives to visit this sparsely inhabited country. It offers remote wildernesses and outdoor activities, fairylike forests, historic towns and charming fishing villages, down to earth friendly people, and the lure of the Arctic Circle with its famous Midnight Sun and surreal Northern Lights. It also boasts some of the most scenic bus trips, boat cruises and train rides in the world.

'The Land of the Midnight Sun', with its long summer days, is not only for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, but offers a rich cultural heritage from the Vikings, the traditional nomadic Sami people of the remote northern regions, and world-renowned artists such as Edvard Munch. Principle cities of interest are Oslo, the pretty capital; the historic trading port of Bergen, situated on the fjords and gateway to the Fjordlands; and hilly Tromsø within the Arctic Circle, the centre of the Northern Lights activity. They are pleasant, low-key cities that offer a good range of museums, historical sights and unique architecture.

Norway's greatest impact on history was during the Viking Age, when the sleek Viking ships crossed the Atlantic, and Europe was subjected to numerous raids. Traditionally Norwegians were explorers, and their influences are evident from the Viking settlements established in Scotland, to the more recent personalities like polar explorer Roald Amundsen, and the legendary Pacific crossing of Thor Heyerdahl on his wooden raft, the Kon-Tiki.

Today Norwegians hold onto many of their cultural traditions, most notably the art of storytelling that takes place around the fireside to while away the long winter hours. Trolls figure prominently in their folklore, some friendly and helpful, while others are naughty characters that conveniently serve as a source of blame for all of life's troubles.

Climate

Despite its northerly location, the climate in Norway is temperate, thanks to the warming effects of the Gulf Stream flowing along its coast. The interior highlands have an Arctic type of climate in winter with snow, strong winds and severe frosts, but during fine summer spells the daytime temperatures can rise above 86°F (30°C) with long hours of sunshine. By contrast, the coastal areas have comparatively mild winter conditions. Gales, rain and cloud are likely along the west coast, particularly in winter, and the rainfall is frequent and heavy. The lowland area around Oslo is the driest and warmest part of the country in summer.

Money

The official currency is Norwegian Krone (NOK) divided into 100 ore. Larger establishments accept major credit cards and travellers cheques. Use of credit cards is widespread, with Eurocard/Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club the most common. Visitors should be aware that credit cards are generally not accepted as a means of payment in Norwegian supermarkets and petrol stations. Foreign currency and travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks and major post offices, as well as many hotels and travel agents, although for poorer rates. ATMs are available in all towns and cities.

Passport Visa

All visitors to Norway must have sufficient funds, return or onward tickets and all documents needed for further travel. Passports should be valid for at least the period of intended stay. Some European countries require only their National Identity Card if coming as a tourist to Norway. The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• United States citizens require a valid passport but no visa is needed for stays of up to three months in any six-month period.
• British Citizens, British Overseas Territories Citizens (Bermuda) and passport holders with the right to abode in the UK must have a valid passport, but no visa is required for stays of up to three months in any six-month period.
• Canadians must have a valid passport but no visa is required for a stay of up to three months in any six-month period.
• Australians must have a valid passport but no visa is required for a stay of up to three months in any six-month period.
• South Africans require a valid passport. Holders of temporary passports are not allowed. A visa is required for travel to Norway.
• Irish nationals must have a valid passport but no visa is required for stays of up to three months in any six-month period.
• New Zealand citizens must have a valid passport but no visa is required for a stay of up to three months in any six-month period.

Health

Travellers should seek local advice before eating certain types of fish from the lakes and fjords and mussels from along the coast. The standard of healthcare is high. A reciprocal agreement exists between UK and Norway under which British nationals are covered for emergency treatment while visiting Norway as long as they hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Travellers should ensure that they have adequate travel and medical insurance.

Embassy Consulates

• Royal Norwegian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 333 6000.
• Royal Norwegian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7591 5500.
• Royal Norwegian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 238 6571.
• Royal Norwegian Embassy, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6273 3444.
• Royal Norwegian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 364 3700.
• Royal Norwegian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 662 1800.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Oslo: +47 2130 8540.
• British Embassy, Oslo: +47 2313 2700.
• Canadian Embassy, Oslo: +47 2299 5300.
• Australian Consulate, Oslo: +47 6758 4848.
• South African Embassy, Oslo: +47 2327 3220.
• Irish Embassy, Oslo: +47 2201 7200.
• New Zealand Consulate-General, Lysaker: +47 6711 0030.