🕒 ‘When and how to buy alcohol in Norway: store hours and Vinmonopolet’

Hey, if you're planning a trip to Norway and you're into shopping, it's always a good idea to check out the opening hours and alcohol purchasing regulations before you head out. There are a few things you should know about when visiting Norway. First, shops don't follow the same opening hours as back home, so you might need to pop to a specialised shop like Vinmonopolet to stock up on alcohol. I know how hard it can be to avoid those awkward situations when you're out shopping on holiday or in the evening. Read our article and you'll be all set for whatever surprises life throws your way!

When are shops open in Norway?

Most supermarkets in Norway are open from 8:00 to 22:00, Monday to Saturday, which is really helpful! Sunday is a day when shops are usually closed, especially in our lovely little towns and rural areas. I totally get it, though, because in the bigger cities there are shops that are open until 8:00 or 9:00 p.m., which is really helpful. So, if you need to buy something on Sunday, just look for 24-hour shops or petrol stations, because they also sell basic groceries.

I was wondering if you could tell me how the opening hours are different on public holidays?

Hey, just so you know, on public holidays like Christmas, New Year's Eve and national holidays, shops might be open a bit differently than usual. They usually close much earlier, around 4 p.m. or even 2 p.m., especially on the eve of public holidays, so it's best to plan ahead! It's always a good idea to check the opening hours of your local supermarket or shops before you head out so you don't find yourself disappointed when you get there and the product you need is sold out.

How does Vinmonopolet, the alcohol shop, work?

Hey, so Vinmonopolet is this really cool chain of specialised shops in Norway. They've got all sorts of amazing stuff, including alcohol with an alcohol content of over 4.75%! Don't worry if you can't get to the Vinmonopolet store at the right time, as it has strictly limited opening hours: You're more than welcome to come and see us Monday to Friday between 10:00 and 18:00, and on Saturdays from 10:00 to 15:00. They are closed on Sundays and public holidays, so you can relax and enjoy your visit without the worry of finding them open. Hey, just a heads-up for you guys – this restriction is in place across Norway, so it's a good idea to plan ahead if you're thinking of stocking up on alcohol for the holidays.

How to buy alcohol at Vinmonopolet?

Hey, just so you know, if you're thinking of buying alcohol at Vinmonopolet, they'll just ask to see your passport to make sure you're over 18 (or 20 if it's stronger alcohol). Hey, just so you know, the shops here have got a great selection of drinks, like wine, spirits and beer. But, it's true that alcohol in Norway is a bit more expensive than in other countries, as taxes are quite high. With the restrictions on alcohol sales, it's a good idea to plan ahead and stock up.

I was wondering if you can buy alcohol in supermarkets?

Don't worry - Norwegian supermarkets only sell alcohol with an alcohol content of up to 4.75%! So, that's all the beer, cider and low-alcohol wine in! You can find these lovely drinks in shops such as Rema 1000, Kiwi, Coop and others. It's always worth remembering that although you can find alcohol in supermarkets, the selection is often quite limited. For those special spirits though, you'll still need to pop over to Vinmonopolet.

So, what should you consider when buying alcohol in Norway?

Just a heads-up: there are a few things to keep in mind when you're buying alcohol in Norway. First, just so you know, alcohol is not sold after 8 p.m. on weekdays and after 6 p.m. on Saturdays. And just a friendly reminder that when you're buying alcohol at Vinmonopolet, you're not allowed to take it with you to enjoy on the street. We kindly ask you to respect the restrictions on alcohol consumption in public places, and we thank you in advance for your cooperation. If you're going to drink alcohol, it's best to do so in a restaurant or bar where it is permitted, or on private premises.

Where to buy alcohol on public holidays?

It can be a bit of a struggle to get your hands on a drink during public holidays because Vinmonopolet and the supermarket are closed. Hey, if you're planning a holiday in Norway, it's always a good idea to get your shopping done early. Especially if you're thinking of visiting before Christmas or New Year's Eve. But don't worry, in big cities, you can always find cafes and bars selling drinks, and you can even order drinks online if that's more convenient for you (depending on where you are).

I totally get it – you might be wondering where you can buy alcohol at the airport.

I totally get it, you might be wondering where you can get your hands on a few drinks while you're in Norwegian airports. Well, you're in luck! Many of the duty-free shops have awesome deals and prices that'll make your heart sing. Hey, just a heads-up: it's worth keeping in mind that there's a limit to how much alcohol you can bring into the country. If you're arriving in Norway from outside the Schengen area, you're more than welcome to bring in up to 1 litre of spirits or 2 litres of wine, as well as 5 litres of beer!

Norway is a lovely place to visit, with its own special rules about buying alcohol and when shops are open. Hey, if you're planning a trip soon, it's always a good idea to check the opening hours of shops and Vinmonopolet ahead of time. And just a friendly reminder to be aware of the rules around purchasing alcohol, too! Hey, I totally get it – we all want to enjoy our holidays without any nasty surprises. So, here are some super simple tips to help you have a comfy and pleasurable break.