Comparison of temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| North Cape | -3 | -2 | -1 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 5 | 1 | -3 |
| London | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 15 | 20 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 15 | 10 | 7 |
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Oslo | -3 | -2 | 2 | 7 | 12 | 17 | 20 | 18 | 11 | 7 | 2 | -2 |
| London | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 15 | 20 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 15 | 10 | 7 |
General note:
Below is an information overview. The conditions of entry, as well as the political and health situation, can change anywhere in the world at any time. We therefore recommend checking the website of the Foreign Office (www.gov.uk) before your departure.
Geography:
The Norwegian west coast lies on the European North Sea, the north coast on the Barents Sea and the south coast on the Skagerrak, the connection between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. The archipelago of Spitsbergen, located in the Arctic Ocean, is also part of Norway.
Form of government:
Constitutional monarchy
Capital:
Oslo
Religion:
Predominantly Protestant Lutheran, also Roman Catholic and partly Muslim.
Language:
The country‘s official language is Norwegian.
Note: The languages used on board are Norwegian and English.
Climate:
The Gulf Stream and air flows from the North Atlantic ensure a moderate climate at the coast. Generally speaking, the southern flatlands have warmer summers and colder winters than the coastal regions. Rain falls all year round, and in winter there are heavy snowfalls.
Electricity:
230 volts AC, 50 hertz. Note: On board, 220 volts AC, 50 hertz. An adapter is required.
Local time:
Between Norway (UTC+2 hour) and UK (UTC+1 hour) there is the whole year a time difference of 1 hour.
Making telephone calls:
For telephone calls to the UK, please dial the country code 0044 (+44) first. For telephone calls to Norway, please dial the country code 0047 (+47) first. Omit the first zero in the area code.
Country and people:
Norway offers a fascinating combination of nature and culture. The country is characterised by its majestic fjords, which were formed by glacial movements. Norwegians are known for their openness and hospitality. They are often close to nature and can be found hiking, skiing or fishing in the great outdoors. In urban areas, they are accustomed to a wide variety of cultures and lifestyles. In Norway, it is not necessarily customary to tip. Nevertheless, service providers appreciate small gratuities of around 5-15% if the service was particularly good. Of course, it is up to each individual to decide whether and how much to tip.
Entry requirements for British citizens:
Norway follows Schengen area rules. Your full ‘British citizen’ passport must have:
• Less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)
• Valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Check your passport is stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through Norway as a visitor. Border guards will use passport stamps to check if you are complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If relevant entry or exit stamps are not in your passport, border guards will presume that you have overstayed your visa-free limit. From 12 October 2025, the European Union’s new Entry / Exit System (EES) will begin. When travelling into and out of the Schengen area, for short stays, you may need to:
• Have your fingerprints and your photo taken
• Answer the Schengen Border Code questions EES may take each passenger a few extra minutes to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border once the system starts. For more information, please visit: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/pub
Nationals of other countries are advised to enquire at the Embassy of Norway about the entry requirements applicable to them. Whilst we endeavor to provide guidance where necessary, we can not be responsible for any problems encountered (whether at any point of entry or elsewhere) in the event that passport and visa requirements are not satisfied. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/.
Additional packages:
Although your trip already includes a comprehensive package, you also have the option of choosing added extras. We recommend booking the following package:
Full board: 9× lunch with regional products: only £260 per person.
Currency:
The currency is the Norwegian Krone (NOK). 1 crown = 100 Øre. Course (as of December 2025): 1 GBP = 13.50 NOK; 1 NOK = 0.07 GBP.
Banks/Credit cards:
Money can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and main post offices during opening hours. Purchases can be paid for in cash or with major credit cards, with card payment being preferred. High fees may be charged by the respective bank for cash withdrawals. For further information on using your bank cards abroad, please contact your bank.
Please note: The currency on board is the Norwegian krone (NOK). On sea voyages along the Norwegian coast, it is possible to pay by credit card on board the ships. Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Please have your PIN for your credit card ready. You can also use your cabin card to pay for snacks, drinks, meals, excursions and guided hikes. The balance will be settled at the end of your sea voyage.
Customs regulations:
Norwegian customs regulations are very strict. The import of alcohol and tobacco, is subject to strict conditions. Even small violations of the limits are severely punishable. High import duties are payable when importing cars.
If you are bringing currency with a value corresponding to more than 25,000 NOK (approx. 1,850 GBP) to or from Norway, you have to notify Norwegian Customs.
If you have fished under the auspices of a registered tourist fishing camp, the export quota is maximum 18 kilos of fish or fish products, provided that the organized fishing can be documented.
Further customs information regarding the import of goods can be obtained from the embassy of your destination country. This is the only place from which to obtain legally correct and binding information.
Important: If you are travelling to Great Britain from outside the UK, your personal allowances mean you can bring in a certain amount of goods without paying tax or duty. If you go over your allowances you must declare all your goods and pay tax and duty on all the goods in that category. Please inform yourself about the current customs regulations: www.gov.uk/bringing-goods-into-uk-personal-use/arriving-in-Great-Britain.
Conduct on board:
Smoking: On all Hurtigruten ships, smoking, including e-cigarettes and vaping, is only permitted in designated areas on the outer decks. However, all forms of smoking are strictly prohibited even in the designated areas during port and refuelling times. It is also strictly forbidden to throw cigarettes overboard into the sea. Smoking is strictly prohibited in all cabins. Violations will result in a fine.
Alcohol: A maximum of two bottles of alcohol (max. 1.5 l) may be brought on board per person. Anything above this amount will be confiscated and returned to you on the final day. Alcohol purchased on land must be reported to reception before departure. The consumption of alcohol that you have brought on board yourself is generally not permitted.
Clothing: Formal clothing or evening wear is not required, however a jacket or blazer is a good idea. The weather in Norway changes quickly, which is why the ‚onion‘ approach is advisable. Breathable but wind- and water-proof clothing should also be brought along, together with a hat, gloves, scarf and functional clothing.
Country-specific safety advice:
Tourist activities require thorough preparation and equipment, especially in the north and in winter. Safety measures should be observed. The weather conditions should be checked constantly, tours should be undertaken with a local guide if in doubt, and particular caution should be exercised when hiking on glaciers.
Special criminal provisions:
Caution is advised when hiking along the Norwegian-Russian border, as the border is monitored and even the smallest transgressions are prosecuted.
Drug offences and violations of customs and fishing regulations are strictly prosecuted. Carrying narcotics usually leads to arrest at the border, imposition of an entry ban or imprisonment. Alcohol consumption is prohibited in public places and parks.
Anglers should make sure they are fully informed about local conditions. Violations result in very high fines, which must be paid on the spot. Fishing near fish farms is strictly prohibited.
Medical information:
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC – https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries) on the Travel HealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad.
Medical care:
Anyone requiring regular medical care should find out about the facilities available in the sparsely populated parts of Norway. There may be problems accessing certain services in different regions. Outside normal business hours from 8.00 a.m. to 3.00/4.00 p.m., local emergency centres (Legevakt) can be contacted.
At the emergency dental service (tannlegevakt), payment must usually be made on site in cash or by credit card. You should get a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) before leaving the UK. You can also contact your health insurance company for information on current regulations.
It is recommended to take out international health insurance with the option of medical repatriation to the UK.
Customers must ensure that they are in good physical and mental health in line with the trip in question. Customers must enquire about the physical mobility and psychological autonomy required for this trip.
All information is subject to change/Last updated: December 2025
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