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🎒What you definitely need to take with you on a trip to Norway: a complete checklist for tourists

Norway is a country that surprises even the most experienced travellers with its weather. Rain, sun, wind and even snow can change several times in one day. Therefore, it is important to pack the right things so that you are comfortable and prepared for anything. In this article, we have compiled a detailed checklist of the most important things to take on a trip to Norway and prepared 10 detailed answers to common questions asked by tourists (110–130 words each). See the following blog sections: ‘Useful tips for tourists’, ‘Weather and seasons’, ‘Medicine & insurance’, ‘Transport, roads, car rental’ and others.

Winter travel gear laid out on a wooden floor by the window.

❓10 FAQ: what to take with you to Norway

1. What documents must I take with me to Norway?

The mandatory set of documents includes:

  • Passport (valid for at least 3 months after the trip).
  • Schengen visa (if required).
  • Medical insurance (minimum coverage of €30,000).
  • Confirmation of accommodation booking.
  • Tickets there and back.
  • Bank statement or cash to prove financial solvency.
  • Driving licence and international driving permit (if you plan to rent a car).

We also recommend making electronic copies of all documents and storing them on your phone or in the cloud. It is best to keep the originals with you in your hand luggage and the copies separately in your checked luggage. For a detailed guide on how to prepare your documents, please refer to the ‘Useful tips for travellers’ section.

2. What clothes should I take to Norway in summer and winter?

For summer in Norway, you will need:

  • A lightweight waterproof and windproof jacket (membrane).
  • A fleece or sweater for the evening.
  • Comfortable waterproof boots or trainers.
  • Thermal underwear (for hiking in the mountains and in the north).
  • Trousers and shorts for warm days.
  • Swimsuit (for saunas and swimming in the fjords).
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen.

For winter, the list gets much longer:

  • Down jacket or insulated jacket.
  • Warm hat, scarf, mittens.
  • Thermal underwear (merino wool or synthetic).
  • Insulated trousers and winter boots.
  • High wool socks.
  • Balaclava or mask for wind and cold.

For a detailed guide on choosing clothes for each season, see the ‘Weather and seasons’ section.

3. What gadgets and equipment are best to take to Norway?

Recommended gadgets:

  • Smartphone with offline maps (Maps.me), weather forecast (Yr.no), transport apps (Entur, Vy).
  • Power Bank (at least 10,000 mAh), especially for winter trips.
  • Adapter for type F sockets (Euro standard).
  • Camera or action camera for beautiful nature shots.
  • Compact tripod (for photographing the Northern Lights).
  • USB-C adapter for the car (if you are renting a car).

Tips on communication, internet and useful apps are described in detail in the ‘Communication and Internet’ section.

4. What to put in a first aid kit for Norway?

The first aid kit should include:

  • Painkillers and antipyretics (ibuprofen, paracetamol).
  • Cold remedies (nose drops, cough tablets).
  • Antiallergic agents (antihistamines).
  • Motion sickness remedies (dimenhydrinate).
  • Plasters and bandages.
  • Sunscreen (SPF 30–50).
  • Mosquito and tick repellents (in summer).
  • Antiseptic and antibacterial ointment.
  • Medicines for stomach upsets.

For more information on medicines and insurance, see the ‘Medicine & Insurance’ section.

5. What currency should I take with me to Norway?

The main currency in Norway is the Norwegian krone (NOK). It is best to take a small amount of cash for minor expenses and pay for the rest by bank card (Visa or MasterCard). Euros are rarely accepted and at an unfavourable exchange rate.

It is best to withdraw cash from ATMs within the country rather than exchanging money at the airport. Take cards from different banks with you for security and in case one of them is declined. Additional tips on money, cards and exchange rates can be found in the ‘Prices and costs’ section.

A woman in a winter jacket loads bags onto a car roof rack.

6. What to take for a road trip in Norway?

If you plan to rent a car, take the following with you:

  • International driving licence (recommended).
  • Car charger for gadgets.
  • Car holder for smartphone.
  • Maps or GPS navigation.
  • Thermos flask and thermos for hot drinks.
  • Sunglasses (for driving and at dusk).
  • A reflective vest (often provided by rental companies).

For useful tips on car rental, roads and traffic rules, see the section ‘Transport, roads, car rental’.

7. What items are essential for hiking in the mountains and fjords?

For active recreation, you will need:

  • Waterproof hiking boots.
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers.
  • A backpack (20–30 litres for day trips).
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses.
  • A thermos and a reusable water bottle.
  • Snacks (energy bars, nuts).
  • A headlamp.
  • Walking sticks (especially for mountain routes).
  • Rain cover for your backpack.

For more information about mountain routes and equipment, see the section ‘Nature, national parks and active recreation’.

8. Should I take an umbrella with me?

Umbrellas are often useless in Norway due to strong winds and frequent light rain. It is much more practical to take a good raincoat or a membrane jacket with a hood. This is convenient both in the city and on hikes. If you want to take an umbrella, choose a compact, durable and wind-resistant one. For more information about the climate and weather conditions, see the section ‘Weather and seasons’.

9. What should you not take to Norway?

Do not take:

  • Large amounts of cash in euros (they are rarely accepted).
  • Unnecessary equipment and heavy gadgets (take only the essentials).
  • Shoes or clothing that gets wet quickly.
  • Disposable plastic tableware (the environment is important in Norway, reusable items are preferred).

10. What to take if you are going to see the Northern Lights in winter?

Take the following additional items:

  • A tripod for your camera.
  • Spare batteries or a power bank.
  • A thermos with a hot drink.
  • Very warm clothing and hand warmers.

For more details, see the section ‘Northern Lights and Astronomy’.

A young woman with a yellow backpack smiles against a mountain landscape.

Being well prepared will help you enjoy the beauty and nature of Norway to the fullest without any unnecessary worries. Use our detailed checklist to make your trip comfortable, safe and full of pleasant experiences!

Marina
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Marina

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