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With its awe-inspiring Northern Lights, breathtaking fjords, and pristine wilderness, Norway makes for an ideal destination for solo travel. It has a great safety record, friendly locals, and a diverse range of activities you can get into.
This guide delves into the benefits of traveling solo in Norway, top attractions, local food and culture experiences, adventure activities, accommodation, and safety tips for a fun trip to the Scandinavian country.
Why Norway is Perfect for Solo Travelers
- Safety First
Norway is one of the safest countries for solo travelers, making it perfect for anyone venturing alone. With low crime rates, safety tips for solo travelers in Norway are easy to follow. You can explore confidently, knowing that help is always nearby if needed.
- Diverse Experiences
Solo travel in Norway offers diverse experiences, from breathtaking fjord cruises to vibrant city life. Enjoy local food experiences, cultural activities, and adventure opportunities like hiking and skiing.
- Easy Navigation
Norway boasts an efficient public transport system. Whether you’re planning a solo trip to Oslo or exploring the fjords, you’ll find clear signage and helpful locals. Most Norwegians can speak English fluently, which means you can easily ask for directions or recommendations during your travels.
Where to Stay in NorwayÂ
When planning a solo travel itinerary for Norway, choosing the right accommodation is essential. The country offers a wide range of options, from backpacker hostels to luxurious hotels, catering to various preferences and budgets.
- HI Bergen Hostel Montana
- Address: Johan Blytts vei 30, 5096 Bergen, Norway
- Contact: +47 55 20 80 70
- Description: A relaxed, mountainside hostel offering free breakfast and valley views.
- Tromsø CoCo Apartments
- Address: Vestregata 4, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
- Email: [email protected]
- Description: Features dorms and private rooms with access to a well-equipped kitchen.
- Hotel Union Øye
- Address: Norangdal 41, 6196 Norangsfjorden, Norway
- Contact: +47 70 06 21 00
- Description: A hotel dating back to 1891, offering cozy dining and charming rural views.
Must-Visit Spots for Solo Travelers
Explore top attractions for solo travelers in Norway, including iconic landmarks, scenic landscapes, cultural experiences, relaxation zones, hiking spots, and picturesque photography locations, that capture the essence of this beautiful country. If you are looking for solo travel experiences in Norway, here are a few recommendations:
Iconic Landmarks
This famous cliff rises 604 meters above the Lysefjord, offering stunning views. The hike to Preikestolen is challenging but rewarding, making it a must-visit for adventure-seeking travelers looking for breathtaking photography spots and solo hiking spots in Norway.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Address: 4110 Songesand, Norway
Nearest town: Municipality of Strand in Rogaland county
Best time to visit: You can go year-round but, for hiking, May to October is ideal. If you visit between November and April, you’ll need special equipment, like head torches and crampons, and a guide.
How to reach: Drive from Stavanger to the Preikestolen parking lot or take a bus from Stavanger city center to Preikestolen Mountain Lodge. You can also take a ferry from Stavanger to Tau, and then continue to Preikestolen Fjellstue.
Located in Oslo, this park features over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. It’s the world’s largest sculpture park created by a single artist and is free to enter, making it an ideal spot for solo travelers to reflect and enjoy art.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Address: Nobels gate 32, 0268 Oslo, Norway
Nearest landmark: Frogner Park
Best time to visit: Late afternoon or just before sunset is ideal. Summer season, which lasts from June to August, is the best time to visit due to warm and pleasant temperatures.
How to reach: Take bus 20, subway line 2 or 3, or tram 12 or 15 from Oslo Central Station to the Vigelandsparken stop. You can also drive or cycle to the park.
Cultural Experiences
- Bryggen Wharf
A UNESCO World Heritage site in Bergen, Bryggen is a historic harbor with colorful wooden buildings. Explore its unique shops and cafes while learning about Norway’s Hanseatic heritage through guided tours.
Address: 5003 Bergen, Norway
Nearest landmark: Bryggen Museum
Best time to visit: Any time of day is great. May to August is the best time of year to visit.
How to reach: Take a Line 10 bus or a taxi from Bergen to the Bryggen Wharf.
Tromsø is known as the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’ and is one of the best places for solo travel in Norway to witness the Northern Lights. Guided tours provide an unforgettable experience under the auroras.
Nearest town: Movik
Best time to visit: Late August to mid-April
How to reach: Take a flight from Oslo to Tromsø or a bus from locations like Alta, Narvik, Bodø, or Fauske. Alternatively, you can take a boat or cruise to Tromsø. Drive to Tromsø from Oslo, if you have a car.
Relaxation Zones
- Frogner Park
Located in Oslo, this expansive park offers beautiful gardens and walking paths. It’s a perfect spot for solo travelers to unwind, enjoy nature, and take in the impressive Vigeland sculptures scattered throughout the park.
Address: Kirkeveien, 0268 Oslo, Norway
Timings: Open 24 hours
Nearest landmark: Museum of Oslo
Best time to visit: Spring (April to June) is ideal because the rose garden is in full bloom. Visit early morning on weekdays to avoid crowds.
How to reach: Take bus numbers 20, 28, 30, 31, 12N, 2N, 45, or FB1 to either Frogner Plass or Volvat, both of which are a short walk to the park.
- Geirangerfjord
This stunning fjord is known for its dramatic cliffs and waterfalls. You can take boat tours or simply relax by the water while soaking in the breathtaking scenery that makes Norway famous.
Nearest town: Ã…lesund
Best time to visit: May to August because the waterfalls are at their fullest.
How to reach: Take a flight to Alesund from either Oslo or Bergen and then, a bus or car to Geiranger. Alternatively, take a bus directly to the village.
Dining Solo in Norway
There are many local food experiences for solo travelers in Norway. Here’s a guide to help you navigate dining in the Scandinavian country.
Casual Eats
Located in Bergen, this cozy eatery serves delicious burgers, salads, and crepes. With a friendly atmosphere and a local artsy crowd, it’s a perfect spot for solo diners to enjoy a relaxed meal while soaking in the ambiance.
Timings: Monday to Wednesday, 11:00 (11 am) – 22:00 (10 pm); Thursday to Saturday, 11:00 (11 am) – 23:00 (11 pm); Sunday, 12 noon – 22:00 (10 pm)
Recommended dishes:
- Vegetarian lasagna
- Falafel Wrap
- Chicken Wrap
- Potato and Leek Soup
- Vegan Cheesecake
An indoor food market featuring over 30 stalls, Mathallen is ideal for solo travelers wanting to sample various cuisines. From Asian to Mediterranean dishes, you can grab a bite and enjoy the lively atmosphere while meeting fellow food lovers.
Timings: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 (10 am) – 20:00 (8 pm); Sunday, 11:00 (11 am) – 18:00 (6 pm)
Recommended dishes:
- Tacos from Breddos Tacos
- Duck Confit Sandwich from Galopin
- Homemade dumplings and wontons from Hong’s Bao Bao
- Pizza and wine from Pizzavino
- Gelato from Paradis Gelateria
Fancy Options
- Lysverket
Lysverket in Bergen is a Michelin-starred restaurant offering a modern Norwegian fine dining experience with locally sourced seafood, dry-aged meats, and seasonal vegetables. Guests can enjoy a sophisticated atmosphere with a 10-course tasting menu and attentive service that highlights the best of Nordic cuisine.
Timings: Tuesday to Saturday, 18:00 – 23:00; Sunday & Monday, Closed
Recommended dishes:
- Oyster
- Horseradish
- Ceviche
- Bergen’s Best Fish Soup
- A Snapshot from Our Garden
Budget Eats
- Trekroneren
A popular spot in Bergen known for its delicious hotdogs, including reindeer sausage options. This casual eatery is perfect for solo travelers looking for quick and affordable bites without sacrificing taste or quality.
Timings: Monday to Wednesday, 11:00 (11 am) – 03:30 (3:30 am); Thursday to Saturday, 11:00 (11 am) – 04:00 (4 am); Sunday, 12 noon – 03:30 (3:30 am)
Recommended dishes:
- Reindeer Sausage with Mustard, Lingonberry Sauce, and Fried Onions
- Scandinavian Hotdog
- Kabanossi Hotdog
- Polse I Lampe
- Wild Game Hotdog
Cafes for Work and Relaxation
Løvetann Café in Bergen is a women-owned establishment that offers a warm and friendly environment. With a menu featuring vegan and vegetarian options, it’s perfect for those seeking healthy local food experiences. The café has a cozy atmosphere, making it suitable for both work and relaxation.
Timings: Sunday to Thursday, 11:00 (11 am) – 21:00 (9 pm); Friday, 11:00 (11 am) – 21:30 (9:30 pm); Saturday, 10:00 (10 am) – 22:00 (10 pm)
Recommended dishes:
- Hand of Fatima
- Falafel Salad
- Homemade Kombucha
- Ginger Beer
- Hummus with Pita
Final Tips for Solo Dining in Norway
- Be open to sharing tables: Many restaurants encourage communal seating, which can help you meet fellow diners.
- Try local cuisine: Don’t miss out on traditional Norwegian dishes; they offer a unique taste of the culture.
- Use apps: Consider using apps, like TripAdvisor or Yelp, to find highly-rated restaurants nearby.
- Ask for recommendations: Most Norwegians speak English well, so don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations or assistance.
- Cashless transactions: Norway is increasingly cashless; ensure you have a card that works internationally.
Activities Perfect for Solo Travellers
Norway offers a multitude of activities perfect for solo travelers, catering to various interests and adventure levels. From thrilling outdoor experiences to relaxing escapes, here are some top recommendations.
Adventure and Thrill
- Via Ferrata Kyrkjeveggen
Located in Ã…krafjorden, Via Ferrata Kyrkjeveggen offers an exhilarating hiking and rock climbing experience with stunning views. Challenge yourself on the cliffs while enjoying the thrill of scaling steep rock faces amid beautiful scenery.
Address: Fjæravegen 138, 5598 Fjæra, Norway
Contact: +47 90 84 49 18
Email: Send an e-mail to mail@a-nature.no, robert@a-nature.no, or laila@a-nature.no. You can also submit your query on their website.
- Dog Sledding in Svalbard
Experience the Arctic wilderness by joining a guided dog sledding tour by groups like Green Dog Svalbard, Arctic Husky Travellers, and Svalbard Husky. Glide across snowy landscapes while learning about local culture and history.
Best time: March to May
Price range: NOK 1,090 and NOK 2,000 per person
Indoor Adventures
- Ice Climbing on Nigardsbreen Glacier
Learn ice climbing techniques on a glacier. Guided tours by companies, like Jostedalen Breførarlag, Go Fjords, and Fjord Tours, provide all necessary equipment and instruction, making it accessible for beginners while offering a thrilling experience.
- Escape Rooms in Oslo
Test your problem-solving skills in one of Oslo’s many escape rooms such as Escape Games, Kingdom of Escape Rooms Oslo, and Perfect Escape, among others. These interactive experiences are great for solo travelers looking to engage their minds while meeting new people in a fun and challenging environment.
Social Experiences
- Cooking Classes
Engage with local cuisine by taking a cooking class in Bergen or Oslo. These classes often attract fellow food enthusiasts, allowing solo travelers to bond over shared culinary experiences while learning about traditional Norwegian dishes.
Recommendations:
- Bergen Culinary School
- Stene Matglede
- Kulinarisk Akademi
Luxury Escapes
- Luxury Cruise through the Fjords
Treat yourself to a luxury cruise through Norway’s breathtaking fjords. These cruises often include gourmet meals and comfortable accommodations, allowing solo travelers to relax while soaking in stunning natural beauty.
Recommendations:
Solo Travel Safety: Emergency Numbers
Familiarize yourself with emergency numbers in Norway to ensure getting help immediately if necessary.
- Police and general emergency number: 112
- Medical emergencies: 113
- Fire services: 110
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FAQs
Why is Norway famous?
Norway is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, including majestic fjords, the Northern Lights, and the Midnight Sun. It also boasts rich Viking heritage, vibrant cities like Oslo and Bergen, and outdoor adventures such as hiking and skiing.
Is Norway a good place to travel alone?
Yes, Norway is an excellent place for solo travelers. It is known for its safety, friendly locals, and well-developed infrastructure, making it easy to explore cities and nature independently while enjoying various activities.
Can a single girl travel to Norway?
Absolutely! Norway is considered safe for solo female travelers. The country has low crime rates and a welcoming culture, allowing women to explore freely and confidently without significant concerns about safety.
Is Norway cheap or expensive?
Norway is generally considered expensive compared to many other countries. Costs for accommodation, food, and activities can be high, but the unique experiences and breathtaking scenery often justify the expense.
How can I enjoy nightlife in Norway?
Visit vibrant cities like Oslo or Bergen where you can find bars, clubs, and live music venues. Join local events or festivals to meet people and experience the lively atmosphere unique to Norwegian nightlife.
