Money

Norway is a digital country. Not all places accept cash payment, but they do all accept card. You probably won’t need cash.

Currency: The Norwegian Krone (NOK) has dropped significantly over the last years, and is now historically low. Which is good news for foreign visitors: Everything in Norway has become 30 % cheaper for you.

Climate

In January, we expect temperatures around -5°C (which is 23°F). Bring winter clothes! Wool garments, winter coat, hat, scarf, gloves and proper shoes.

Public transport in Oslo

Download the Ruter app before traveling to Oslo. Add it to your phone and setup payment info. This is where you will buy your transport tickets.

You could also consider the Oslo Pass, if you want a package deal/discount on museums and public transport.

Flying to Oslo

For most international visitors, the easiest way to get to Oslo is via airplane to Oslo Airport Gardermoen. There are direct flights to Oslo from most of the major European airports. Make sure to book tickets well in advance, or else the prices will rise dramatically!

From Gardermoen, take a train to Oslo S (the central station). There are two different options: the overpriced Airport Express trains, and the regular trains operated by Vy. Both take around 20 minutes. If you want to take a Vy train, they all depart from platform 4 at the airport. All trains will stop at the central station - for example RE10 Asker, RE10 Drammen, RE11 Skien or R12 Kongsberg.

Tickets for the regular trains can be bought in the Ruter app. You will need a single ticket for 4 zones. (Just buy a ticket from Oslo Airport to Oslo S).

Airport Express tickets (if you want the expensive option) can be purchased at the airport, in the Airport Express ticket vending machines.

Gardermoen is a very effective, streamlined airport. There are seldom any issues. Even though you should always show up with sufficient time to make your flight, you don’t have to go out of your way to be at the airport several hours in advance.

Traveling within Oslo

In general, Oslo is a very compact city. Most places in the city center are within walking distance. There are also buses, trams and subways. For those, you can buy single-tickets (or a 24-hour ticket) in the Ruter app. You will only need tickets for zone 1.

Accommodation, hotels

There is a good selection of budget options if you want to save on accommodation expenses!

Another option is to share a hotel room with other travelers. Try your luck on our Telegram group! Maybe somebody else is also looking for people to share a room with.

On Sundays, many/most businesses are closed

With a couple of exceptions. If there’s a specific one you want to visit, check first online if it’s open on Sundays. Usually, cafés, restaurants and museums are open.