Practical Info A-Z

The Allemannsretten (Right to Roam) is one of the greatest laws in the world and a cornerstone of Norwegian culture. It guarantees everyone — Norwegians and tourists alike — the right to move freely in nature and stay overnight there.

What is allowed

• Hiking and cycling everywhere in the open countryside (utmark) — mountains, forests, beaches, plateaus
• Camping for up to 2 nights at the same spot, at least 150 meters from inhabited houses
• Picking berries and mushrooms
• Swimming in lakes and the sea
• Fishing in the sea (saltwater) without a license
• Making fires — but not between April 15 and September 15 in or near forests (risk of forest fires)

What is NOT allowed

• Camping on cultivated fields, in gardens or on fenced private land (innmark)
• Leaving trash — take everything you brought with you
• Motorized vehicles off-road
• Fishing in freshwater (rivers, lakes) without a license — a permit (Fiskekort) is required here

The Allemannsretten is based on trust and respect. The golden rule: Leave the place as you found it — or better. "Leave No Trace" is not a request, but a duty.

Norway is an angler's paradise. The rules:

• Saltwater (sea, fjords): Free and license-free for everyone! Only hand fishing allowed (no nets, no traps).
• Freshwater (lakes, rivers): Fishing license (Fiskekort) required. Available online, at tourist offices, and sports shops. Prices: 50–500 NOK per day, depending on the water.
• Salmon fishing: Special license required + mandatory disinfection of equipment (against parasites). Very expensive but legendary — the rivers Gaula, Namsen, and Alta are among the best salmon waters in the world.
• Catch limits: In the sea, a maximum of 18 kg of fish per person for export. Within Norway, no quantity restriction for personal consumption.

German Embassy Oslo

• Address: Oscars gate 45, 0244 Oslo
• Phone: +47 23 27 54 00
• Emergency outside office hours: +47 23 27 54 00 (follow the announcement)
• Web: oslo.diplo.de
• Office hours: Mon–Fri 9:00–12:00 (Consular section)

Austrian Embassy Oslo

• Address: Thomas Heftyes gate 19-21, 0264 Oslo
• Phone: +47 22 54 02 00
• Web: bmeia.gv.at/oeb-oslo

Swiss Embassy Oslo

• Address: Bygdøy allé 78, 0268 Oslo
• Phone: +47 22 54 23 90
• Web: eda.admin.ch/oslo

Norway is not an EU member but is part of the Schengen Area. This means:

• Germans, Austrians, Swiss: ID card or passport is sufficient. No visa required.
• Border controls: Generally no controls at land borders (Sweden, Finland) and airports from the Schengen Area. Random checks may occur when entering by ferry (Denmark, Germany).
• Stay: Up to 90 days without further formalities.
• Customs: Norway is not in the EU Customs Union! Observe import restrictions, especially for alcohol and tobacco (strictly regulated).

Customs Allowances (Entry into Norway)

Alternative: Exchange spirits quota for wine/beer (e.g., omit 1l spirits = 1.5l more wine).

On holidays, shops are closed (including supermarkets!). Restaurants and tourist facilities usually remain open.

Norway is one of the safest travel countries in the world. Medical care is excellent, and crime is low.

Medical Care

• The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is accepted in Norway (despite non-EU membership, thanks to the EEA agreement)
• Legevakt (emergency medical service): Available in every major city. Copayment: approx. 400 NOK (35 €)
• Pharmacies (Apotek): Well-stocked, even in smaller places. Boots and Vitusapotek are the largest chains
• Travel insurance: Highly recommended — especially repatriation insurance for mountain rescue (can cost thousands of euros)

Emergency Numbers

Natural Hazards

• Weather: Weather changes in the mountains can go from sun to snowstorm in minutes. Always check yr.no (Norway's best weather app).
• Avalanches: A real danger in the mountains in winter. Avalanche service: varsom.no
• Currents: Strong currents can occur in fjords and along the coast. Swim only at supervised beaches.
• Moose & Reindeer: Be careful on roads, especially at dusk — a moose can weigh up to 700 kg.
• Vipers: Norway's only venomous snake (Hoggorm). Bite is painful but rarely life-threatening. Common in southern Norway and along the coast.

Norway's currency is the Norwegian Krone (NOK). Norway is NOT in the Eurozone.

Exchange Rate

1 EUR ≈ 11–12 NOK (as of 2026). The rate fluctuates — check current rates at xe.com or in the banking app.

Payment

Norway is practically cashless. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted everywhere — even at kiosks, market stalls, mountain lodges, and in taxis. The Norwegian payment app Vipps is ubiquitous but not usable for tourists (Norwegian account required).

• Cash: Rarely needed. Still common at some flea and farmers' markets. ATMs (Minibank) are available in every city.
• Tipping: Not obligatory, but customary: 5–15% in restaurants for good service. In cafes and bars, rounding up is common.
• Fees: Watch out for DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion) — always pay in NOK, never in euros, to avoid hidden surcharges.

Norway has an excellent digital infrastructure — even in remote areas.

• EU Roaming: Although Norway is not in the EU, the EU roaming agreement also applies in Norway (EEA member). Your German SIM card works at domestic rates — calls, SMS, and data volume as at home.
• WLAN: Almost everywhere available for free in hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Limited on campsites and in remote cabins.
• Mobile Network: 4G/5G coverage is excellent, even on the Lofoten and in Northern Norway. There may be gaps in deep fjord valleys and tunnels.
• Norwegian SIM Card: Only necessary if you don't have EU roaming. Prepaid cards from Telia, Telenor, or Ice are available in kiosks (Narvesen, 7-Eleven).

Norway's toll system is fully automatic and unmanned: Cameras capture your license plate, and the bill comes by mail. There are no barriers and no stopping.

Where is toll charged?

• Bomringer (city rings): Around Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Trondheim, and other cities. Passage: 25–70 NOK (2–6 €).
• Tunnels and bridges: Many large structures are financed by tolls. After repayment of construction costs, the toll is often abolished.
• Individual road sections: Especially in Western Norway and on scenic routes.

AutoPASS for Foreigners

Register your vehicle at autopass.no/visitors with a credit card. Advantages:

• 20% discount on all toll stations
• Automatic billing via credit card
• No surprise bills by mail

Without AutoPASS, you will receive a bill by mail (via the rental car provider or to your home address) — with an administrative fee.

Typical Toll Costs

Norway's weather is unpredictable — this is not a warning, but a fact. The onion principle (multiple layers) is mandatory.

Essential Packing List

Norwegian opening hours are shorter than in Germany — especially on Saturdays and Sundays:

* Small supermarkets (Joker, Bunnpris) may open on Sundays if they have less than 100 m² of retail space.