10 Things to Know Before Visiting Norway: Essential Norway Travel Tips for Families
- rachnamone
- Jul 31, 2023
- 10 min read
Updated: Jul 22
Planning a family trip to Norway? Here are the essential things to know before visiting Norway — from visas and weather to food, transport, and money — so you can plan smarter, save time, and enjoy a stress-free journey. Whether you're dreaming of fjords, waterfalls, glaciers, or a slow, scenic road trip, these Norway travel tips for Indian families cover everything you need before you go. If you're planning a Norway road trip with kids, driving is the best way to explore at your own pace.
👉Read our easy to follow, 14 days road trip itinerary, perfect for slow travel -
📍Quick Summary — Norway Travel Tips for Indian Families
# | Category | Key Tip |
1 | Visa | Schengen visa via VFS Global - apply 2 months ahead |
2 | Currency | Norwegian Krone (NOK), ~₹9.5–10/NOK - mostly cashless, cards work everywhere - mostly cashless, cards work everywhere |
3 | Best time to visit | May-June or September (shoulder season) for fewer crowds and better prices |
4 | Getting there | Fly via Copenhagen, then connect to Oslo, Bergen, or Tromsø |
5 | Food | Eating out is expensive - cook in Airbnbs, carry ready to eat Indian meal packets, Indian restaurants in Oslo |
6 | Stay | Airbnbs and cabins with kitchens are more affordable than hotels - book early |
7 | Transport | Self-drive road trip recommended; Oslo Pass useful for the city |
8 | Safety | Very safe - just don't leave valuables visible in the car, and keep distance from glaciers/waterfalls |
Here are few important Things to Know Before Visiting Norway -
1. How to Reach Norway from India: Flights, Routes & Duration
There's no direct flight from India to Norway, but reaching Oslo is still straightforward. Air India operates a direct Delhi–Copenhagen flight (around 8.5-9 hours), and from there it's a short 1-1.5 hour connecting flight to Oslo, Bergen, Tromsø, or Stavanger on Norwegian or SAS.
This was the route we took ourselves, and it works well for families - one long-haul sector instead of two, then a quick regional hop to finish the journey.
Round-trip fares from Delhi to Copenhagen typically start around ₹45,000–₹60,000 in economy depending on season, with the Copenhagen–Oslo leg adding roughly ₹5,000–₹10,000 more. Booking 2–3 months ahead and flying in the shoulder season (May–June or September) tends to get the better fares.
2. Norway Visa for Indians: Schengen Visa Requirements & Fees
Indian travellers need a Schengen visa to visit Norway, since Norway is part of the Schengen region. Applications go through VFS Global, which forwards documents to the Norwegian Embassy for processing. VFS Norway centres operate in 8 Indian cities - Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Pune.
Visa fee: around €90 (~₹8,000–8,500), plus a VFS service fee, bringing the total to roughly ₹9,500–10,500 per applicant.
Processing time: officially 15 working days, but it's best to apply at least 2 months before travel — during peak season (June–August), delays are common and processing can stretch to 30-45 days.
Preparing your documents early and booking your VFS appointment in advance makes the whole process smoother.
Our visa arrived just 4 days before the travel date — one nail-biting experience!
Planning More Than Just Norway?
If Norway is part of a your bigger Europe itinerary — maybe combined with Denmark, Switzerland, or Austria - our complete blog on How to plan a Europe trip from India - a detailed step by step guide - walks through visas, budgeting, choosing cities, and sample multi-country itineraries, so you can build out the rest of your trip with the same level of detail.
3. Norway Currency Guide: Do You Need to Carry Cash in Norway?
The official currency of Norway is the Norwegian Krone (NOK). During our trip, the exchange rate averaged around ₹7 for 1 NOK (May 2023) - but rates have shifted significantly since then. As of 2026, the rate is closer to ₹9.5–10 for 1 NOK, so always check the live rate before you travel.
The good news? You won't need much cash in Norway. The country is almost entirely cashless, and even small purchases can be made using a credit or debit card. From fuel stations and toll payments to cafés and supermarkets, card payments are the norm.
To avoid poor rates, skip exchanging money at airports. Instead, consider carrying a forex card loaded with NOK or simply rely on your international credit/debit card. Just remember to inform your bank about your travel dates so your card transactions in Norway aren't flagged or blocked.
4. Best Time to Visit Norway With Kids: Season-by-Season Guide
We travelled to Norway in late May and early June, which is springtime across the country. Temperatures were surprisingly cold — often below 10°C everywhere except Oslo, where it stayed between 11–14°C. If you're travelling with kids, pack warm layers, thermals, and waterproof jackets!
Summer (July–August) — Peak Travel Season
Summer is the most popular time to visit Norway. Almost all major roads, including Trollstigen (which was closed during our visit), are open. Expect warmer days, clearer skies, and minimal rain, making it perfect for hiking and outdoor adventures. One of the biggest highlights of summer is the Midnight Sun, where the sun barely sets — giving you incredibly long daylight hours to explore.
But… summer is crowded. This is peak season, so:
Hotels and flights are more expensive
Popular viewpoints like Geirangerfjord, Dalsnibba, and Stegastein can have long queues
Rental cars get sold out early
We Recommend the Shoulder Season to travel to Norway (May–June or September)
If you prefer fewer crowds, milder weather, and better prices, the shoulder season is ideal. You may still encounter cold days and occasional road closures, but the trade-off is worth it - quieter viewpoints, scenic drives, and a more relaxed pace.
Just pack well:
Thermals for kids
Insulating layers
A good waterproof jacket
Waterproof shoes for everyone
What About Winter (October–March)?
Norway in winter is stunning for Northern Lights hunting, but with very short daylight hours, icy roads, and many rural attractions closed - it's not the easiest season for a family road trip with young kids. If Northern Lights are on your list, it's worth planning as a separate, more focused trip.
5. Food in Norway for Indian Families: Vegetarian Options & Costs
Food in Norway can be quite expensive, so if you're travelling on a budget, it's smart to cook most of your meals and save restaurants or cafés for special experiences. As a rough guide, eating out averages ₹4,500–5,000 per person per day (breakfast, a café lunch, one restaurant dinner), while cooking your own meals can bring that down to ₹2,500 or less. Most Airbnbs and cabins come with fully equipped kitchens, making it easy for families to prepare quick and healthy meals.
Norway has well-stocked grocery stores like Rema 1000, Kiwi, and Coop, offering everything from yogurts, salads, bread, eggs, cheese, vegetables, and fruits. If you prefer familiar tastes, you can also carry ready-to-eat Indian meal packets from India, which come in handy on long driving days.
For easy meals on the go, pasta and pizza are widely available and kid-friendly, and typically cost 120–250 NOK at cafés and food halls. Norwegian staples such as pancakes (Pannekaker) and hot dogs (Pølse) are not only delicious but also among the more affordable food options you'll find - often priced 40 to 80 NOK.
Vegetarian and Indian food options are available mainly in Oslo and the larger cities. Once you venture into smaller towns or fjord regions, vegetarian and Indian dishes may be limited, so plan accordingly — this is where carrying meal packets and cooking in your Airbnb really pays off.
6. Where to Stay in Norway With Kids: Airbnbs, Cabins & Hotels
Accommodation options outside Norway's major cities can be limited, so booking well in advance is essential — especially during summer and school holidays.
For our trip, we preferred staying in Airbnbs and family cabins, which turned out to be far more cost-effective than hotels. As a rough benchmark, a 3-star hotel in Norway runs ₹10,000 per night, while a well-located Airbnb or cabin with a kitchen often works out cheaper per person once you factor in the money saved on meals. These stays often come with fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, and spacious layouts — huge advantages when travelling with kids.
Choosing an Airbnb not only helps you save money by preparing your own meals, but also offers a more local, homely experience. Many hosts provide helpful tips about nearby attractions, grocery stores, and scenic routes that you might otherwise miss.
If you're planning a road trip through fjords, mountains, or rural regions, secure your stays early to get the best locations and prices.
For a full breakdown of exactly where we stayed - including which Airbnbs had the best kitchens, washer/dryers, and views - see our Where to Stay in Norway With Kids: Our Family-Tested Airbnbs guide.
Not sure what to look for in a family-friendly Airbnb, wherever you're headed?
Our Airbnb with Kids checklist covers exactly what to check for — safety, kitchen essentials, laundry, host communication — plus a free downloadable checklist you can use for Norway or any future trip.
7. Getting Around Norway: Road Trip vs Public Transport
Within Oslo, an Oslo Pass is extremely useful — it covers public transport and provides free or discounted entry to many attractions. Here's everything families need to know about where to buy, how to use and what is covered in Oslo pass - The Ultimate Family Guide to Exploring Oslo with the Oslo Pass
Inorder to truly experience Norway's natural beauty, we highly recommend exploring beyond the major cities. Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Norway, especially for families. The roads are beautifully maintained, driving is safe and straightforward, and rental companies offer a hassle-free pickup and drop-off experience. A road trip gives you the freedom to stop at waterfalls, fjord viewpoints, lakes, and charming villages — many of which you would simply miss on public transport.
👉 Thinking of renting a car in Norway? Here's everything families need to know — from prices to driving rules to the best rental companies — Tips for Renting a Car in Norway for a Family Road Trip
👉If this is your first big road trip with kids, our 13 Tips to Make Your Family Road Trip With Kids Fun and Hassle-Free covers the packing and sanity-saving basics before you get to Norway specifics.
If you prefer not to drive, Norway has some of the world's most scenic trains and long-distance buses. Routes like Oslo–Bergen or Trondheim–Bodø are incredibly picturesque and family-friendly. These options make it possible to enjoy Norway comfortably even without a car.
But if you want flexibility, comfort, and the ability to explore hidden gems at your own pace, a Norway road trip should definitely be on your list.
8. Things to Do in Norway With Kids: Activities for Every Age
Norway caters to adventure enthusiasts with offerings like hiking, rock climbing, base jumping, and more. However, this doesn't exclude those seeking leisurely experiences. From glaciers to fjords and snow-capped mountains, Norway offers a diverse array of sights and experiences, without having to climb for hours or jump off a cliff (though you can do that too!)
👉 Check out our blogs:
9. Is Norway Child-Friendly?
Absolutely — Norway is a fantastic destination for family getaways, especially when traveling with kids. It feels like a giant wonderland designed for little adventurers, and being famously known as the land of Trolls adds an extra layer of magic to the experience.
Oslo offers an ideal urban break for families, with numerous interactive museums (like the Fram Museum, included in the Oslo Pass) that spark curiosity and keep children engaged. The aquariums in Ålesund and Bergen also make for memorable outings with kids. Norwegian playgrounds are some of the most interesting playgrounds we have been to on our trips.
But the true charm of Norway lies in its great outdoors. Whether it's running along fjords, exploring forests, or spotting waterfalls, there's endless space to play, discover, and connect with nature.
10. Is It Safe?
Yes — Norway is an extremely safe country to visit, with very low crime rates. A few practical precautions still apply for families:
Don't leave valuables on the front seat of the car when you go sightseeing
It's very unlikely you'll encounter any dangerous animals
Exercise caution near waterfalls and glaciers — keep a safe distance or hire a local guide for closer exploration. See our Best Glaciers to Visit in Norway With Kids guide for which glacier walks are family-safe and which need a guide.
Visiting Norway — especially on a family road trip — is one of those experiences that stays with you long after you're back home. Its peaceful landscapes, well-planned infrastructure, and family-friendly attractions make travelling here surprisingly easy and incredibly rewarding. With the right planning, the right layers, and an open mind, Norway becomes a place where both kids and adults can slow down, explore, and truly connect with nature. We hope these things to know before visiting Norway help you plan a smoother, happier trip — and inspire you to finally make that dream Norway adventure happen.
Planning your Norway road trip? These guides might help:
Norway Family Road Trip Guide: 14-Day Itinerary - day-by-day route, driving times, and budget
Where to Stay in Norway With Kids - our family-tested Airbnbs, base by base
Exploring the Fjords of Norway: Complete Family Travel Guide - which fjords to prioritize and where to stay near each one
Best Glaciers to Visit in Norway With Kids - Briksdalsbreen, Nigardsbreen, and Bøyabreen compared
Åndalsnes Travel Guide for Families - Trollstigen, Trollveggen, and the Romsdalen Gondola
The Ultimate Family Guide to Exploring Oslo with the Oslo Pass - is the Oslo Pass worth it for your family
Tips for Renting a Car in Norway for a Family Road Trip - driving licence rules, EV vs petrol, insurance
10 Things to Know Before Visiting Norway - the practical stuff we wish we'd known
Complete Norway Packing List for Indian Families - clothing for every season, documents, medical supplies, and food from home
Exploring Oslo with the Oslo Pass: Is It Worth It? - real cost breakdown for 48 hours, and if it's worth the money
Planning More Than Just Norway?
Checkout our complete guide DIY Trip from India Abroad on a Budget walks through planning and budgeting, so you can build out your trip with the same level of detail.
FAQs About Visiting Norway
1. Do Indians need a visa for Norway?
Yes. A Schengen visa is required, and applications are submitted through VFS Global. Apply a couple of months early.
2. Is Norway child-friendly?
Very! Cities have great museums and aquariums, and the outdoors is a huge playground for kids.
3. When is the best time to visit Norway?
Late May–June and September are ideal — fewer crowds, good weather, and better prices.
4. Is renting a car in Norway easy?
Yes. Roads are excellent, rentals are simple, and a car gives full flexibility. Book automatic cars early.
5. Is food expensive in Norway?
Eating out is pricey. Most travellers cook in Airbnbs and pick affordable options like pancakes, hotdogs, pizza, and pasta.
Really helpful and practical perspective shared here. The travel tips for families visiting Norway provide valuable insights into cultural expectations, planning considerations, and ways to make the experience smoother and more enjoyable. It also helps readers better understand how infrastructure, tourism services, and public information systems contribute to a well-organized and visitor-friendly environment. This topic connects well with ideas explored in a public policy innovation seminar & course for executives in Oslo, Norway, where professionals examine how policy design, service delivery, and innovation can improve citizen and visitor experiences while supporting sustainable national development.