Travel guide
Norway holidays: a travel guide for UK visitors
Mirror-still fjords, midnight sun and the Northern Lights — Norway is one of the world’s great cruising destinations, dramatic in every season.
Why visit Norway
Norway is built for slow, scenic travel. Its coastline folds into deep fjords — Geirangerfjord, Nærøyfjord, the Lysefjord — where waterfalls tumble straight into the water and small villages sit beneath snow-streaked peaks. In summer the sun barely sets; in winter the Northern Lights ripple over the Arctic north. Cruises are the classic way in, gliding past scenery you simply cannot reach by road, with stops in handsome Bergen and the cafés of Ålesund along the way.
Best time to visit
June to August brings the long days of the midnight sun, the greenest fjord scenery and the mildest weather — peak season for fjord cruises. For the Northern Lights, travel between late September and March, when the Arctic nights are dark enough to see them. Spring and autumn are quieter, with snow-capped peaks above still-green valleys.
Top things to do in Norway
- 1
Cruise the UNESCO-listed fjords
Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord are protected by UNESCO for good reason — sheer cliffs, ribbon waterfalls and farms perched impossibly high. Seeing them from the deck of a ship is the definitive Norway experience.
- 2
Explore Bergen and the Bryggen wharf
Norway’s gateway to the fjords, Bergen pairs colourful Hanseatic warehouses on the Bryggen waterfront with a lively fish market and a funicular up Mount Fløyen for views over the city and sea.
- 3
Chase the Northern Lights in the Arctic north
From Tromsø and the far north, the aurora dances across clear winter skies. Many autumn and winter cruises sail specifically into the Arctic Circle in search of it.
The cheapest Norway holidays right now
Lowest lead-in prices first, from live availability. Open one for its dates, and book directly with its operator.
Norway travel questions
- Is Norway expensive to visit?
- Norway is one of Europe’s pricier countries, particularly for eating out and alcohol. A cruise can be great value here, as your accommodation, meals and scenic travel are bundled together — useful in a country where restaurant prices run high.
- What is the best month to visit Norway?
- For the fjords and the midnight sun, June, July and August are best, with mild weather and long, light days. For the Northern Lights, travel between late September and March, when the Arctic skies are dark.
- Is Norway safe for tourists?
- Norway is one of the safest countries in the world for travellers, with very low crime. The main things to respect are the weather and the terrain — dress for changeable conditions, especially in the mountains and the far north.
- Do UK citizens need a visa for Norway?
- No. UK passport holders can visit Norway without a visa for tourism. Norway is in the Schengen Area, so the 90-days-in-180 limit applies across all Schengen countries combined.
- What is the best way to see the Norwegian fjords?
- A cruise is widely considered the best way to experience the fjords. Ships sail deep into waterways that are hard to reach by road, giving you uninterrupted views of the cliffs, waterfalls and villages from the deck.
- When can you see the Northern Lights in Norway?
- The aurora is visible on clear nights from late September to late March, and is best seen in the Arctic north around Tromsø and beyond. Dark skies and a little patience are the key ingredients.
- What currency does Norway use?
- Norway uses the Norwegian Krone (NOK), not the Euro. It is one of Europe’s most card-friendly countries, so you may barely need cash, but a small amount is handy for occasional purchases.
- Do they speak English in Norway?
- Yes, very widely and to a high standard. English is taught from a young age, and you will have no trouble communicating in hotels, restaurants, shops and on board ship.
- How long is a typical Norwegian fjords cruise?
- Fjord cruises vary widely. Short breaks of around five to seven nights take in the headline fjords and Bergen, while longer voyages of a fortnight or more reach the Arctic Circle and the North Cape.
- What is the midnight sun in Norway?
- Above the Arctic Circle in summer, the sun does not fully set, giving round-the-clock daylight. From May to July you can be out on deck watching the fjords at midnight in soft golden light.
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