10 Things to Know Before Visiting Norway: Essential Norway Travel Tips for Families
- rachnamone
- Jul 31, 2023
- 7 min read
Updated: Nov 25
Planning a family trip to Norway? Whether you're dreaming of fjords, waterfalls, glaciers or a slow, scenic road trip, this guide covers all the important things to know before visiting Norway. These Norway travel tips for families will help you plan smarter, save money, and enjoy your journey stress-free.
Norway Is Perfect for a Family Road Trip
Norway is built for travellers who love open roads, dramatic landscapes and spontaneous stops. If you're planning a Norway road trip with kids, driving is the best way to explore at your own pace. Renting cars is completely hassle free and after a couple of hours of driving you do get the hang of driving on right side of the road (dont worry!). Infrastructure is just amazing! and i can't recommend doing a Norway road trip with kids!
👉Read our easy to follow, 14 days road trip itinerary, perfect for slow travel -
Here are few important Things to Know Before Visiting Norway -
1. How to Get There
Arriving in Norway is simpler than most travellers expect. Several airlines now offer direct and budget-friendly flights from Delhi to Copenhagen and Oslo, making it easy to start your Scandinavian adventure.
If you choose to fly into Copenhagen, a short connecting flight to Oslo is the most convenient option — and the route we personally took. Airlines like Norwegian and SAS offer smooth, frequent connections from Copenhagen to major Norwegian cities including Oslo, Bergen, Tromsø, and Stavanger, making it easy to plan your trip based on your itinerary.
2. Visa Essentials for Indians
Indian travellers planning a trip to Norway will need a Schengen visa, as Norway is part of the Schengen region. The application is submitted through VFS Global, which forwards your documents to the Norwegian Embassy for processing.
It’s best to start your visa application at least 2 months before your travel dates, especially if you're travelling during peak holiday seasons. Processing times can vary — and delays are common — so don’t be surprised if your passport arrives just a few days before departure.
Preparing your documents early and booking your VFS appointment in advance can make the process much smoother.
Our visa arrived just 4 days before the travel date and that was one nail biting experience!
3. Currency
The official currency of Norway is the Norwegian Krone (NOK). During our trip, the exchange rate averaged around ₹7 for 1 NOK, but it’s always best to check the latest 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. When to Visit
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
Why We Recommend the Shoulder Season
If you prefer fewer crowds, milder weather, and better prices, the shoulder season (May–June or September) 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
5. Food
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. 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. 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.
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.
6. Accommodation
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. 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.
7. Transport
Within Oslo, an Oslo Pass is extremely useful—it covers public transport and provides free or discounted entry to many attractions. But to truly experience Norway’s natural beauty, we highly recommend exploring beyond the major cities.
Why We Recommend a Road Trip
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
Public Transport Options
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 - Activities -
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 blog Åndalsnes Travel Guide 2025 for Families with Kids
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) that spark curiosity and keep children engaged. The aquariums in Ålesund and Bergen also make for memorable outings with kids.
But the true charm of Norway lies in its great outdoors. Here, children can unleash their natural curiosity and boundless energy — the landscapes become their playground. 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?
Norway is an extremely safe country to visit. Crime rates are very low. But definitely do not leave valuables on the front seat of the car when you go sightseeing.
Very unlikely that you would encounter any dangerous animals.
Exercise caution near waterfalls and glaciers, keeping a safe distance or hiring a local guide for closer exploration.
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 tips help you plan a smoother, happier trip—and inspire you to finally make that dream Norway adventure happen.
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.
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