Tours to Norway

The best time to visit Norway is during the summer months (June to August), when the weather is at its warmest and the days are long. This is the ideal season for outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking and cycling. It’s also perfect for cruising through the fjords and experiencing the magical Midnight Sun, where the sun barely sets. 

That said, Norway is a year-round destination. If witnessing the Northern Lights or going whale watching is high up on your bucket list, plan your trip between December and March, as this is when the nights are longest and nature puts on its most dramatic winter show.

Located in Northern Europe, Norway is part of the Scandinavian region alongside Sweden and Denmark. Due to its northern latitude, much of the country experiences a temperate or sub-Arctic climate, though summers can be surprisingly mild and pleasant. While the summer months are ideal for sightseeing in cities like Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim, Norway offers unique experiences throughout the year, from chasing the Northern Lights to husky sledding and whale watching. Here's a season-by-season guide to help you plan your visit:

Spring: Between March to May, Norway finally awakens from its winter slumber. This is a scenic time to visit Norway with blooming landscapes and snowmelt resulting in dramatic waterfall cascades. Birdwatchers will also appreciate Norway at this time of year, too, especially in coastal and northern areas. Experience Springfulness (meaning the joy felt at this time of year) on one of our Norway small group tours at this time of year. Daily average temperatures range between -2°C (in northern areas like Tromso) to 5°C. 

Summer: Norway's summer runs between June to August and is peak travel season. This is beacuse you have long daylight hours and the warmest weather of the year, with average daily temperatures of 12-21°C. In the north you can experience the rare Midnight Sun (where the sun doesn't set). Fjord voyages are at their most scenic, but city life is where it's at – best appreciated on our Discover Scandinavia tour.

Autumn: September, October and November form Norway's autumn season. It's a beautiful, transitional time to visit with crisp air, golden foliage and, towards the end of the season, the Northern Lights beginning to appear. Expect daily average temperatures of 1.9°C to 17°C.

Winter: From December to February, winter transforms Norway into a snowy wonderland. Though daylight is limited, the dark skies are perfect for spotting the Northern Lights. In the northern regions you can go husky sledding and whale watching, while winter sports like skiing and snowshoeing come into their own. Expect daily average temperatures of  -6.8°C to 0°C. Coastal areas are milder thanks to the Gulf Stream.

Solo travel in Norway is straightforward and rewarding. With low crime rates, excellent tourist infrastructure and a reputation for safety, many solo travellers report feeling comfortable exploring the country on their own. As with any destination, it’s important to follow local safety advice and use common sense.

If you're planning to venture into Norway’s mountains or remote hiking trails, navigation can be challenging and even risky, particularly in unpredictable weather. That’s why joining a small group tour is a smart choice, as it offers both safety and camaraderie. Over half of our small group tours are made up of solo travellers, so you’ll be in great company with like-minded adventurers. Plus, you’ll have an expert tour leader guiding the way.

On our Polar voyages to Norway, you’ll enjoy a balanced mix of guided excursions and peaceful downtime aboard the M/V Sylvia Earle.

Whether or not you need a visa depends on your nationality. For many, including the UK, you can visit Norway as a tourist for up to 90 days (within a 180 day period) as it's part of the Schengen area. 

Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

Norway's main international airport is Oslo Airport, which flies to and from over 100 destinations worldwide. Other major international airports include Bergen and Tromso – and these are the two start points for our Norway trips. For the majority of our tours, your tour leader will meet you at the airport arrivals, where a free airport transfer is available if you arrive on day 1 of the trip. See the trip page's details to find out more. 

Travelling by train, bus and boat are the best ways to get around Norway, plus simply exploring by foot for bigger cities. It can be tricky to organise and navigate, though, so we recommend joining one of our small group tours. We use a mix of public and private transport, including ferries, allowing you to travel at ease knowing that all the logistics have already been organised for you!

Arctic char. Kjøttkaker. Brown cheese. Norway's cuisine reflects its natural landscapes, coastal heritage and seasonal traditions. You'll tuck into fresh seafood like salmon and cod, hearty dishes like lamb stew (fårikål) and unique flavours like brown cheese (brunost). Breads, pastries, and waffles are everyday staples, often paired with coffee (it's a national obsession). For drinks, try aquavit, a spiced spirit, or explore Norway’s growing craft beer scene. 

While traditional Norwegian cuisine is meat- and fish-heavy, there are some dishes like lefse (potato flatbread) and svele (pancakes) that can have veggie twists, and vegetable stews can easily be made vegan. The country has made significant strides in offering plant-based options; for example, Oslo is a hub for plant-based menus. 

On our Polar voyages, you'll enjoy more time on board, which means more opportunities to relax and dine in the spacious, welcoming dining room. Each evening, a variety of delicious courses is served, accompanied by complimentary house wines, beers, and soft drinks. For full details on what's included, please refer to the specific trip page.

If you have any allergies or dietary requirements, remember to tell us at the time of booking and remind your tour leader on day 1 of your trip.