Practical Information

Weather Conditions/Climate:

The most distinctive characteristic of Scandinavian weather is its changeability! During your visit to Scandinavia you will most likely experience both sunshine and rain, or snow in wintertime. It can also get very windy at times, during all seasons of the year. The temperatures will vary according to season, altitude, latitude and how near the coast you are.

To give you a general idea of how the temperatures may vary, here is a table of average temperatures for different times of year in different regions:

Please keep in mind that these temperatures are provided to give you only a general idea, and in reality can vary widely. During summer for example, you may experience temperatures as high as 35C/95 F or as low as 5C/40F!

Norway stretches from 57 to 71 degrees Northern latitude. The Polar Circle crosses the country at about the middle of its length. In June and July, north of the Polar Circle, the sun shines 24 hours a day (when skies are clear, of course). Likewise, in December and January the sun never rises in Northern Norway. Also the southern part of Norway enjoys more than 18 hours of sunshine a day during the summer, but very little daylight during wintertime - only 5-7 hours a day.

Clothing:

Summer: You have to prepare for both rain and sunshine. You will need light wear for warm days and sweaters/jackets for the evenings and cooler days.

Winter: Bring good, warm boots with thick soles, a warm, padded windproof overcoat, gloves, scarf and a hat that protects your ears.

Spring & Fall: Even if you are not likely to experience extreme temperatures, you still need a warm, windproof jacket, good shoes, gloves and a cap in addition to lighter clothing.

We will be happy to give you more detailed recommendations for what kind of clothing to pack after you decide on your trip details, i.e. where you will go, when you will go, and what activities you will engage in.

Electricity:

230v/50hz. Americans bringing electrical equipment will normally need an adaptor. Please contact your local supplier.

Visa and Passport:

Most citizens from the western world can enter Norway without a visa. All you need is a valid passport. If you are in any doubt, please let us know your citizenship status and we will check this for you in good time before your trip to Norway.

Currency & Credit Cards:

Norway's currency is called "norske kroner (NOK)". 1 krone is divided into 100 øre, but the smallest denomination used is 50 øre, and therefore all prices are rounded to the nearest 50 øre, even if the prices are quoted in denominations of 10 øre. There are bank notes (paper currency) in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 kroner.

All major Credit Cards are accepted virtually everywhere in Norway, and international "minibank" (ATMs) are plentiful, especially in the larger towns.

• Norway Consular Information Sheet

Distances/Traveling by car:

Norway is quite a large country compared to other European countries, with an unusual, long, thin (in the North) shape. Added to this, almost all of Norway is either covered by mountains or divided by fjords, sounds and inlets. As a result, surface travel by cars, trains and other means takes time!

To help you plan your trip in Norway and to other Scandinavian countries, we have included this table of distances and approximate travel time (no stops included):

The roads in Norway are generally two-lane, narrow and windy except for roads in and close to the biggest cities. The normal speed limit on the main roads outside cities is 70-80 km/45-50 miles per hour, but often it is not possible to drive faster than 50-60 km/30-38 miles per hour on average.

On the other hand, you will be able to see and experience a lot when you travel by car around Norway. The roads serve both local and thru traffic, so they generally pass through places where people live rather than being straight superhighways, as in many other countries. You will experience the countryside with its constantly changing scenery - and riding in one of our comfortable cars, we are quite certain that you will enjoy yourself!

Food & Drink:

FOOD: As our client and as a visitor to Norway, you will normally have the opportunity to choose between traditional Norwegian food and international, perhaps more familiar, food. Of course we recommend that you try traditional Norwegian food, but we will always do our utmost to serve you the food that you prefer!

DRINK: For many decades the Norwegian government has followed a strict policy aimed at reducing the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is highly taxed and retail sales are tightly controlled by a state-owned monopoly. Therefore all alcoholic drinks are very expensive and often hard to obtain. However, very costly wines are often available to very competative prices.

Norwegians love to drink water and the country boasts some of the world's best drinking water, coming directly from deep mountain springs and remote glaciers. Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.

For futher questions, offers and price quotations, please go to Booking or post@norwegian-adventures.com

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