🛍️ ‘Don't miss out on your shopping: when shops and Vinmonopolet are open in Norway’

Imagine you've arrived in Norway and you're looking for gifts and delicious delicacies, but all the shops are closed. Or maybe you're looking for a bottle of wine to enjoy on a romantic evening, but the well-known Vinmonopolet is closed. We want to make sure your holiday is absolutely perfect, so we've put together a handy guide to when the shops and wine monopolies are open.

I know how important it is to know when your local supermarket is open, so here are the opening hours for your convenience.

Most grocery stores and supermarkets in Norway are open from 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 or 11:00 p.m. on weekdays, which is really convenient! On Saturdays, they close a bit earlier, usually around 6:00 or 8:00 p.m. On Sundays, many shops are closed, except for the small 24-hour outlets and petrol stations, which are always there for us!

We know how important it is to know when you can get to Vinmonopolet, so we're happy to let you know when it's open.

Don't worry, though, because Vinmonopolet is a state monopoly on the sale of alcohol stronger than 4.75%. You'll be pleased to hear that Vinmonopolet is usually open from 10:00 to 18:00 (on Thursdays and Fridays, some are open until 19:00 or 20:00, which is really convenient!). Don't worry if you're planning a trip to Vinmonopolet on Saturday and you find that it's closed - it's just closing earlier at the weekend, usually around 15:00. Just a heads-up that Sundays are closed.

I hope you have some lovely public holidays and weekends coming up!

During national holidays such as Christmas, Easter, Constitution Day (17 May) and New Year's Day, you'll find that almost all shops, including Vinmonopolet, are closed. Hey, just a friendly reminder to check the schedule in advance, especially on days before public holidays when shops close earlier. 😊

I totally get where you're coming from, and I'm here to help you find the best place to buy groceries on Sunday.

Just so you know, there are some really lovely little shops that sell groceries on Sundays. You've got options like Joker, Bunnpris and KIWI Minipris. You'll be pleased to know that these shops are often open on public holidays, though the selection is usually a bit limited.

Why not treat yourself to a night-time shopping trip? You could also check out some 24-hour shops!

It's worth knowing that there aren't many 24-hour supermarkets in Norway. But don't worry, you can always find basic groceries and snacks at petrol stations, even at night.

Why not plan your shopping in advance?

If you're planning a trip to more remote areas of Norway, it's a good idea to plan your shopping in advance. In small towns and rural areas, shops close early and have long breaks, so it's best to be prepared!

I totally get it, online shops and delivery can be a bit of a hassle sometimes.

If you have an urgent need, don't worry, some supermarkets offer home delivery services via online services. Please bear in mind that delivery is not available in all regions, though.

I totally get it – sometimes you really need to get to the airport and buy some last-minute essentials.

Don't worry if you forget to buy something important – duty free shops at airports and shops at train stations usually have longer opening hours and are open seven days a week!

Here are some super handy apps for you!

If you're ever unsure about when your favourite shops and shopping centres are open, don't worry! There are some really handy apps you can use, like Google Maps or the websites of official stores. They'll quickly show you the opening hours, so you can plan your day or evening out with confidence!

Just a friendly reminder to please make sure you buy your alcohol in advance!

Don't worry if Vinmonopolet is closed early or on Sundays, there are still other options! It's always a good idea to buy alcohol for parties, holidays and weekends in advance.

Norway is a country with a unique rhythm of life, so it's really important to plan your shopping when you're there. Hey, I totally get it – nobody wants to be caught short when they're trying to enjoy their holiday. So, here's a little help from me to you: here are the opening hours of the shops and wine monopolies so you can avoid any inconvenience and really enjoy yourself! We've got some great tips to make your holiday in Norway as comfortable as possible.

I totally get it, we all want to learn more useful life hacks and travel tips, don't we? We've got lots more helpful information for you in our other sections, such as 'Prices and costs', 'Cuisine and gastronomy' and 'Shopping and souvenirs'. We're here to help make your stay in Norway as pleasant and comfortable as possible!