Escorted Tours to Norway
Language: Norwegian
Currency: Norwegian Krone
Time Zone: CET/GMT+1
Tipping: In Norway tipping is not expected as a service charge is always included in the bill, however you can tip for exceptional service should you feel it necessary.
The most Western of the Scandinavian countries, Norway is a mysterious realm of natural phenomenon. Elongated and beautiful, it is home to Northern Lights that illuminate the winter skies with strange glows and flickering beams and the Arctic Land of the Midnight Sun, where the sun never sets during summer months. Jaw-dropping fjords, glaciers and powerful waterfalls, nine of which are among the twenty highest in the world, further seal Norway's status as a simply stunning realm and a must-visit destination on an escorted tour.
With around 1,190 fjords in Norway, the country is most famed for its majestic Fjords. Deemed the 'soul of Norway', their credentials speak for themselves; in 2011 the Fjords featured number 3 in Lonely Planet's 8 Voyages of a Lifetime and the National Geographic Traveler Magazine called them the 'world's most iconic destination'.
As you would expect, the vast majority of Norway escorted tours come in the shape of relaxing cruises which are the best way to appreciate and get right into the heart of the stunning Fjords. Cruises are popular throughout the year, with dedicated Northern Lights cruises going specifically in search of the magical Aurora Borealis. Look out for cruises which voyage to Alta, where the Northern Lights are usually at their best.
In addition to sky-gazing and cruising past glaciers (a sail past the famous Briksdal Glacier is another popular cruise inclusion), cruises will take in a number of popular ports of call. Eidfjord, Olden, Alesund, endearing Tromso which is the largest settlement beyond the Arctic Circle, Narvik and Bergen - gateway to the Fjords - are all regular stops and the Fjord cities tend to be just as pleasing as the Fjords themselves. To completely appreciate the beauty of the region, cruises range from 7 days to longer 19 day cruises which also take in Russia.
Weather
Thinking of travelling to Norway? Check out the average temperatures for when you plan to visit courtesy of BBC Weather
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Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Bergen |
1.5°C |
1°C |
3°C |
6°C |
10.5°C |
13°C |
15.5°C |
15.5°C |
12.5°C |
8.5°C |
5.5°C |
3°C |
Tourist offices
To find out further information about Norway, visit their tourist board website at: http://www.visitnorway.com/uk
The beauty of travelling in an escorted tour or by cruise is that you'll be in the safest hands when it comes to holidaying in foreign lands. To help you have an enjoyable holiday in Norway, take a look at these useful tips and advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO):
Health and Travel Insurance
If you are a UK national ordinarily resident in the UK, you can use your UK passport to access state provided medical treatment, if it becomes necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms as Norwegian nationals.
It’s important to take out appropriate travel insurance for your needs. Use of your passport is not an alternative to travel insurance and you should have both before you travel. This does not cover all health-related costs, for example, medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment and non-urgent treatment.
It is best to seek local advice before eating mussels harvested off the coast or certain breeds of fish from fjords and lakes.
Should you need to dial an ambulance whilst in Norway, call 113 . If you are taken to a medical facility for treatment contact your insurance company immediately.
Entry Requirements
If you are planning to visit Norway, you must meet the following passport requirements.
Your passport must be:
- Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
- Valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
Please note: If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. These extra months do not count towards your passport validity.
Visas
You can travel to Norway for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
Please note that any previous visits you have made to the Schengen countries within the last 180 days will count towards your 90-day limit.
Passport stamping
Your passport will be stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through Norway as a visitor. These passport stamps are used to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit in the Schengen area.