Norway Tour Packages

1. About Norway
2. Tidbits
3. Things Indians Must Remember When Travelling To Norway
4. India and Norway Relationship
5. Our Best Norway Tour Packages
6. Norway At A Glance
7. Top Reasons To Visit Norway
8. The Best Time To Visit Norway for Indians
9. Things To Do In Norway
10. Food & Cuisine
11. Dos and Don’ts For Indian Travelers When Visiting Norway
12. Shopping
13. Art and Culture

Norway’s magnificent landscapes, historic legends and spectacular Northern Lights have always tempted Indian tourists. Though travelling to Norway promises an exciting adventure, there are a few things you need to know about the country before you get started.

Norway is a constitutional monarchy with a population of approximately 5.4 million, of whom around 1.4 million live in and around Oslo, the capital. King Harald V is the Head of state. The King does not have as much political power as its parliament, the Stortinget, which commands the highest authority with 169 members.

Offshore oil and gas exports are one of Norway’s primary sources of national income. The climate in Norway is different in the north and south. While winters are long and cold in the north, the coastal climate in the south makes them much milder. Norway is expensive, but the cost of a trip can vary greatly, depending on your choices about things to do and places to stay. This Scandinavian country has land borders to the east, including Sweden, Finland, and Russia. In the North, it is surrounded by the Barrent Sea, while the Norwegian and North Sea surround the country in the South.

Some famous tourist attractions in Norway, like the Vigeland Park, the stunning fjords, Trolltunga, Oslo City Hall, the Botanical Gardens in Oslo, Kjerag Mountain and Sognsvann Lake, are free to visit.

A great way to reduce the cost of your Norway trip is to explore the country’s beauty yourself. Most cities have hop-on-hop-off buses that take you to famous landmarks and attractions.

Norwegian traditional cuisine would be bland for most Indians, but you may want to try sweet treats like buns, waffles and some of Norway’s best cheeses.

Norway and India share deep historical roots, dating back to the 1600s when a Danish-Norwegian trading station was established in Tranquebar (Tharangambadi), Tamil Nadu. India and Norway have enjoyed a cordial and friendly relationship since 1947. Today, Norway and India, both ocean nations, mutually seek to develop the oceans’ vast economic, scientific, and ecological potential. Norway’s expertise in renewable energies helps support and improve private and public sector initiatives in India to meet the increase in energy demand.

• Known as the land of the ‘Midnight Sun’.
• It is frequently named in the list of World’s Happiest Countries.
• While Norwegian is a single language, there are two ways of writing it – Bokmål and Nynorsk.
• 98 to 99 per cent of electricity is derived from hydroelectric power.
• At 24.5 km, Lærdalstunnellen is the world’s longest road tunnel.
• Bryggen in Bergen was listed as the first Norwegian World Heritage Site in 1979.
• Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord in Fjord were listed by UNESCO in 2005 for their breathtaking natural beauty.
• The Arctic fox is one of the most endangered mammals in Norway.
• People celebrate National Day on 17th May by wearing the Bunad, a traditional Norwegian costume.
• Brown cheese is a staple on Norwegian meal tables.
• The Norwegians probably invented skiing with rock carvings dating back 4000 years depicting skiers.
• Norway has won more medals in the Winter Olympics than any other country – 405 medals, including 148 gold medals.
• The Norwegian town of Bergen has the world’s largest gingerbread town, which was put together by thousands of volunteers.
• You cannot give birth on the island of Svalbard and must travel to mainland Norway.

Like India, Norway has much to offer, especially its historical and cultural heritage. If you are planning a visit to Norway, there are a few things to understand before the trip.

• While May is good, June to August is the best time to visit Norway. However, November to March are extremely cold.
• The official language is Norwegian, but most people speak English fluently.
• Indian Passport holders need a Schengen Visa to enter Norway.
• India doesn’t have direct flights to Norway; most flights have a layover in Germany or Amsterdam.
• The Norwegian currency is the Krone, so it’s better to carry the Krone than the Euro, but you can buy mostly anything with a credit card.
• Norway has very high health and safety standards, so you don’t have to worry about personal security.
• The tap water is of very high quality and safe to drink.
• Ensure you keep safe from accident-prone areas like glaciers, waterfalls, and ocean waves.
• Always carry extra clothing from India, especially rainwear and warm jackets, since the weather in Norway is unpredictable between seasons.
• You need not add a service charge to your restaurant bill since it is already included.
• Norway currently offers multiple vegan and vegetarian food options for Indians. If you are not adventurous enough to try local cuisines, it is always best to carry Indian pre-mixes for the trip.
• Norway is one of the safest countries in the world. Though crime rates are very low, beware of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas.

Apart from historic sites and natural wonders, Norway is known for its safety standards, the overall happiness of the people, and the beautiful Northern Lights. Norway offers an efficient transport network, incredible natural and man-made attractions, spectacular scenery and an excellent atmosphere that will make it the trip of a lifetime. Here are some reasons you must book a Norway tour package right away.

Cities like Oslo and Bergen offer modern amenities and a laidback vibe due to their traditional architecture and mountainous backdrops. Head to Oslo, the capital of Norway, to experience Norwegian culture through its various museums. Witness the spectacular and majestic Fjords of Bergen and explore the fascinating museums, delicious restaurants, and unique shops as you stroll around Bergen’s historic harbour district, Bryggen.

Norway’s coastline offers spectacular Instagram-worthy photo opportunities. From taking selfies at Pulpit Rock while standing on a sheer cliff that overlooks the pristine blue waters to capturing Kjeragbolten, the iconic boulder between two cliffs, there’s no dearth of unique photo opportunities.

One major reason to visit Norway is to experience the magical Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights. Dry weather, long winter nights, and a lack of clouds make conditions favourable for viewing the Northern Lights.

The charming coastal towns of Norway are breathtakingly beautiful and are worth a visit. A walk around the city makes you fall in love with its simple, rustic fishing villages and quaint houses along the water. Thanks to many glacier formations, Norway is also known for its spectacular waterfalls. With a fall of 182 meters, the Voringsfossen Waterfall is the most famous and most visited spot in Norway. The water cascades down the mountainside, making for a spectacular view.

Norway’s summer season (June to August) offers pleasant weather and longer days, making it the best time to book a Norway tour package. But it all depends on what you want to do in Norway. Norway’s winters are cold, with short days, and it may not be very convenient to see the country’s amazing sights unless you want to indulge in winter sports.

Summer offers the best weather and extended daylight to enjoy Norway’s pristine coastal waters, magnificent mountains, scenic waterfalls and thermal lagoons. The temperature ranges from 13℃ to 18℃ during the summer months. Mid-June to mid-August is considered the best period to visit the fjord valley. You can also witness the Northern Lights during the summer because the clear skies and pleasant evenings help you see them best. Summers are usually warm, but be prepared for a change in weather, especially in the north.

While it is summer in Norway, it’s still cold for Indians. Remember to carry plenty of warm clothes and a waterproof jacket.

• Explore the warm lakes and go boating or kayaking.
• Enjoy the adventurous landscapes by hiking in the mountains or cycling in the woods.
• Stroll through historic sites and museums to understand the history and culture of Norway.
• Watch the spectacular waterfalls and iconic fjords as they offer the best views during runner season.
• Try the famous Mt. Ulriken zipline in Bergen and see the city differently.
• Celebrate the Midnight Sun Marathon in Tromsø, held in June.

• Expect long queues in major attractions and places like Oslo, Bergen, Flåm and Tønsberg.
• You may see packed crowds at hiking spots and waterfalls.
• Book your stay and itinerary in advance, as most places get packed during summer.
• Prices will be higher for accommodations and flights.

If you want to avoid the peak and off-seasons and explore Norway in a relaxed atmosphere, travel during May, September, or October. Commonly known as the shoulder season, these months have fewer crowds and pleasant weather. Travel fares, accommodations, and other expenses will be less expensive than during the peak season, and you will have longer days to explore the country at your own pace.

• May is the best time to explore Norway’s waterfalls, as the snow melts around this time.
• Between September and November, catch the beautiful transition of Norway’s greenery, which changes into autumnal shades of red, orange, and yellow.
• Explore Norway’s most famous national parks and hiking trails with fewer tourists around you.
• Take your kids mushroom and berry picking since autumn is an excellent time for outdoor activities.
• Ride a bike or take a wildlife safari to explore the local villages and enjoy the natural habitat. If you visit in October, you can catch the Lillehammer Jazz Festival, a festival of musical expression.

• Lately, due to the increasing popularity of the shoulder season, Norway has turned into a year-round destination.
• Weather during the shoulder season can be unpredictable; hence, carry rain and winter wear to avoid getting wet and cold.
• Check regarding festivals and cultural event timings since some are specific to summer.

If you wish to make the most of your Norway tour package, November to March is the best time to experience snow. Most Indian tourists avoid the cold season due to subzero temperatures. The temperatures in the north fall as low as -3℃, while the coast side gets around 2°C during winter.

• Experience the magic of the Northern Lights since these are the prime months.
• February and March have slightly longer days, making them the best time to check out outdoor activities like skiing and ice skating. Other activities include rides on snow coaches and snow scooters. Tourists often go ice fishing, horse sleigh rides, dog sledding, and more.
• Head to the northern coast towards Lofoten or Tromso to watch whales.
• Norway lights up for Christmas, especially in Bergen. The city offers plenty of fun and beautiful sights and activities, from Christmas markets to the world’s biggest gingerbread town as part of the festivities.

December and January are the darkest and coldest months of the year, making it difficult to stay outdoors for too long.

Norway has something for everybody. From fun amusement parks and cosy farms to unforgettable adventures and experiences, the country is an excellent destination for both young and old.

• Discover the stunning natural beauty of the Norwegian fjords on a scenic fjord cruise and a waterfall cruise from Bergen, or take a trip to Oslo Fjords for sightseeing on an authentic sailing ship.
• Go on a family rafting tour in Voss using large, steady rafts. This exciting activity brings a lot of water and joy to everyone!
• Climb Mount Sandviken and Stoltzekliven and take in the magnificent views, making for a great family photo.
• Visit the Bergen Base Camp for a thrilling zipline experience.
• Spend a day with your family at the Njardarheimr Viking Village in Gudvangen, and go back a thousand years. Here, you can learn about Norway’s history, culture, and the Viking community.
• Attend cultural activities like festivals, concerts and art exhibitions.

• Oslo offers a lot of attractions and museums for children, with activities and exhibits that keep kids engaged.
• Take your kids to the Natural History Museum to learn about the amazing life of Vikings and to experience 17th-century Bergen.
• Visit the Museum of Science & Technology and watch your kids play and learn with over 100 interactive installations. The children can explore more than 25 exhibitions on themes such as technology, science, aeroplanes, cars, and trains.
• A trip to Tusenfryd, Norway’s largest amusement park, will give your children various options for joyful roller coaster rides.
• Whether it’s the magnetic experiments, creating short stop-motion animation, playing construction games, or experiencing 360-degree rotary bicycles, the VilVite Science Museum in Bergen keeps your child completely engaged.
• You can take your kids to the Aquarium of Bergen to watch the seals and sea lions up close in huge outdoor tanks. Little kids can touch spider crabs, sunflower starfish, and sea urchins in the tide pool area.

• Watching the Northern Lights is one of the most romantic things to do in Norway. Experience the magical phenomenon with your partner as you watch the skies getting painted green, violet, blue, and yellow.
• Oslo is one of the most romantic places, offering unique experiences to couples, such as musical performances in the Vigeland Museum and at the National Theatre.
• You can unwind by booking a couples’ pampering treatment at one of the many luxury spas.
• Take a romantic sailing and dinner cruise along Oslo’s picturesque waterway.
• You can take your partner to Akershus, Oslo’s 14th-century castle. In this fairy-tale-like structure, you can stroll together during sunset.
• If you are an adventurous couple, you can go hiking in the Jotunheimen and view picturesque landscapes with marvellous mountains and spectacular lakes from atop.

While you may be tempted to explore Norway alone, you must know that a DIY trip is not easy. For one, Norway and India are very different culturally. For Indians who aren’t accustomed to the idea of personal space, Norway could come across as a cultural shock – any distance less than 2 metres while speaking to a Norwegian can be overwhelming to them.

Food in Norway is expensive, and local cuisine can be bland. Unless you are willing to survive on bread and cheese or fish and potatoes, you’ll need an experienced tour company to handle your food requirements and ensure you don’t have to spend the entire vacation budget on food.

At GT Holidays, we create customised Norway tour packages that focus on your holiday goals and ensure your primary needs, such as food and travel, are met.

Norway is a coastal country. Seafoods like king crab, salmon, sardines, and herring make up much of its cuisine, along with meat and vegan and vegetarian options. The traditional Norwegian food may be bland for Indian taste, but one good thing is that it’s guaranteed to be fresh. If you like fish, then you may find something delicious on a Norwegian cruise.

Norwegian breakfasts mainly include fish in various sauces and marinades with hard-boiled eggs. Lefse, a soft flatbread made of flour and milk, is often eaten with smoked fish, cheese, butter or jam. Lunches are hotdogs or open-faced sandwiches, while dinner is usually fish and red meat.

Some of the popular foods in Norwegian cuisine are:

• Fårikål: Usually prepared at the beginning of autumn, Fårikål is made using small pieces of lamb on the bone, potatoes, cabbage, wheat flour, and black pepper.
• Kjøttkaker: Made with meatballs of minced and fried beef served with mashed peas, boiled potatoes and a lingonberry jam, Kjøttkaker is one of Norway’s most common traditional dishes.
• Smalahove: A traditional Christmas special, Smalahove mainly consists of a lamb head cooked slowly over several hours and usually accompanied by mashed potatoes.
• Rakfish: One of the most popular dishes in Norway, Rakfish is mainly salted trout that’s fermented over two or three months. It’s cut into slices and served raw, accompanied by onions, vegetables, fish or potatoes, and sauce or cream.
• Geitost: Norway’s best-known cheese, Geitost, is made of goat milk and tastes a bit sweet and sour with a touch of caramel. Due to its colour, it is also called brunost (brown cheese). It is used mainly in breakfast dishes.

Understanding the ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ before arriving in Norway is essential to avoiding unnecessary and uncomfortable situations.

• Carry a written prescription from your doctor if you carry essential medicines for personal use.
• Do carry credit cards: Most places in Norway prefer credit cards over cash due to their advanced electronic payment system. Cash is used mainly by tourists, but the locals like it if you pay by card.
• Do carry jackets: The weather in Norway can be very unpredictable, with untimely rains or cool winds. Get ready for such situations by bringing winter and rainwear along with you.
• Maintain a comfortable distance from others in public, as standing too close can make people uncomfortable.
• Speak softly and politely when conversing, as moderate noise levels and volume are essential in public spaces.

• Do not discuss personal finances around Norwegians; it is considered impolite and intrusive.
• Do not criticise the Norwegian royal family is its seen as disrespectful in Norwegian culture.
• Do not wear flashy clothing in Norway. The residents value modesty and prefer practical attire over extravagant outfits.
• Do not cut lines while waiting in queues, as it is considered rude.

Shopping in Norway is a unique experience because of the beautiful markets and the unique pieces you can take back home as a souvenir. Norway is known for its sophisticated, chic and classy vibe. It offers many famous local items like jewellery, sweaters and chocolates. Most cities and towns in Norway have retail shops open from Monday to Saturday, but the business hours may vary, so you should always check in advance. Also, remember that you can only use Norwegian Krone as currency or a credit or debit card while shopping.

Here are a few exciting things you can get back home from your Norway trip:

Luxury shopping: Stavanger Storsenter is all about fashion. With over 70 shops spread over four complexes, it is considered one of the best destinations for luxury shopping.

Sølje jewellery: Pronounced as “sol-ya,” which means shiny and sunny, these vintage pieces, such as pins and brooches, can be found in Oslo’s Street markets, like Vestkanttorve.

Freia Chocolate Shop: Norway’s leading chocolate makers offer the classic melkesjokolade, made with milk from Norwegian cows, and a Kit-Kat-like Kvikk Lunsj as the popular choice of chocolates in their shops nationwide.

Linie Aquavit: Aquavit, which translates as “water of life” or “firewater,” is one of Norway’s oldest spirits, made since the 15th century. It is shipped from Norway across the equator to Australia and back again, crossing the Equator twice, and shaken up in oak sherry casks, giving it the best flavour. You can find the alcohol in Vinmonopolet and duty-free shops.

Authentic Norwegian sweaters: Dale of Norway knitwear, mainly sweaters, has been crafted using 100 percent pure wool since 1879. Authentic knitwear, which features beautiful patterns based on nature and history, can be bought in the Dale of Norway stores in Oslo and Stavanger.

Viking drinking bowls: Look for these Viking-themed memorabilia to take back home in any souvenir shop. Most bowls have shapes like ships, with dragons carved at both ends.

Norwegian brown cheese: Take home this popular Norwegian cheese made from a combination of milk, cream, and whey. It is delightfully sweet, savoury, and creamy, tangy.

Troll figurines:Trolls played an important role in Norwegian mythology, so carved wood statues of them have long been a popular traditional gift. They come in various sizes and shapes.

Norway is known for its vibrant arts and culture sector, which includes award-winning museums, architectural masterpieces, and renowned food, film, and music festivals. Halling is a vigorous Norwegian folk dance for couples.

• Norwegian culture believes in equality, reflected in their day-to-day relationships, regardless of gender, status, or age. Norwegians always address people by their first names, including elders. Norwegians dress and act informally and treat each other with a sense of equality, with men and women sharing the responsibility of house chores as well as the upbringing of their children.
• Norway’s artistic history dates back to rock carvings and paintings from the Stone Age. You can visit the Alta Museum to look at Northern Europe’s largest prehistoric art collection.
• The eighteenth-century Norwegian form of folk art known as “rosemaling” (or “rose painting”) is popular to date, and you can spot the colourful floral patterns in villages throughout Norway.
• Edvard Munch, the most famous Norwegian artist known for “The Scream,” was an expressionist painter and printmaker. “The Scream” is considered one of the most iconic paintings in modern history.
• Kistefos in Oslo is where Norwegian art, sculpture, architecture, and history merge.
• Visit Vigelnd Park in Oslo to see over 200 sculptures created by Gustav Vigeland. One of his most famous pieces, “The Angry Boy,” is supposed to bring good luck to anyone who touches it!
• KODE Art Museums and Composer Homes in Bergen city holds some of Norway’s most diverse collections of arts and crafts, design, and musical compositions.
• Norway’s love for art can be seen in the city of Ålesund. After a devastating fire in 1904, a team of young Norwegian architects redesigned the town influenced by the Art Nouveau movement, taking inspiration from natural forms of flowers and plants.