Norway Car Hire

Guide to Norway

Great outdoors

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll be in your element in Norway and the lively mountain village of Geilo is a great base for striking out into the majestic terrain of Hardangervidda and Hallingskarvet National Parks. Here you can see pounding waterfalls during summer and hop on your snowboard in the winter – wonderful!

Culture and customs

Norway has a well-deserved reputation as a tolerant and welcoming nation which defends gender equality and civil rights. It prides itself in upholding an open form of civic nationalism where all citizens are valued contributors. Jante Law is the pillar of Norwegian culture and as such, values like humility, respect, equality, and simplicity are prioritised

Sport

The saying ‘Norwegians are born with skis on their feet’ is testament to the nation’s rich snow sports traditions and if you’re a fan of fresh powder and stunning slopes, it’s one of the best places in the world for downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding. However, the most popular sport is football and it’s played widely by males and females at all levels.

Things to do in Norway

Enjoy outdoor activities

In Norway’s stunning national parks and other areas of natural beauty, you can hike along scenic trails and lose yourself amidst lush scenery. Alternatively, try adventure sports like kiteboarding, rock climbing and BASE jumping, or even the extreme triathlon, comprising a 3.8km swim in ice-cold waters, 160km bike ride and full 42km marathon to finish – whew!

Sample charming cities

Norway's no slouch when it comes to cities. Alesund, Trondheim and Bergen and capital Oslo are replete with elegant architecture and modern edifices epitomising Scandi-cool. If you're interested in the fascinating history and culture of this part of the world, you can also find excellent museums and galleries around the nation's urban centres.

Learn about the indigenous Sami

This country is also home to the Sami, Europe’s only indigenous people, who have survived as reindeer herders in the Arctic Circle for the last 3000 years. These are Europe’s most northerly indigenous inhabitants and at Karasjok and Kautokeino you can join their dogsled expeditions, learn to throw a lasso and even camp under the stars in a traditional lavvu tent.

Eating out in Norway

Breakfast of (Vi)kings

Pickled herrings are traditional Norwegian breakfast fare, but scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and cured meat, cheese and liver pate are also popular. Hotels typically serve a continental breakfast complemented by some hot dishes like bacon and sausages to warm your belly before a big day in the great outdoors. Bear in mind that breakfast is usually a light meal for Norwegians and sometimes consists solely of a cup of strong, black coffee – they prefer to save themselves for lunch, which is ideally taken at around 11am.

Eating on the road

As you might expect, Norwegian fish is superb, and you’ll get the freshest, tastiest dishes direct from any of its fish markets. Purchase your favourite meal as a takeaway and enjoy it at a scenic spot nearby – it’s the ultimate street food in this part of the world. However, if fish isn’t your thing choose something delectable from the ‘dagens’ – cheap and filling daily specials in local cafes.

National favourites

It’s fair to say that some of Norway’s best-loved dishes are acquired tastes, but if you’re feeling adventurous, embracing the cuisine is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture. Fish features heavily – try the rakfish (fermented trout) or lutefisk (balls of mackerel or cod) if you want to dine like an old-school local. Alternatively, Gubrandsdalsost cheese is created from goat or cow’s milk whey and has a brown hue and surprisingly sweet taste.

Norway Transport

Airports

Norway is well served by international and local airports. The busiest by far is Oslo (OSL), which connects to multiple domestic destinations as well as cities further afield like London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Dublin, Madrid, Moscow, Las Vegas, New York and many more. It’s supported by Bergen Airport (BGO) Trondheim Airport (TRD), and Stavanger Airport (SVG).

Public transport

Norway has an extensive and well-established public transport system supported by trains, underground rail, buses, and ferries and there are several different companies offering local and long-distance routes. If you’re travelling by tram, train, bus or the underground in larger towns and cities, it’s cheaper to pre-purchase your tickets from official offices or MIX and Narvesen kiosks.

Driving

Driving in Norway is still the best way to see its dramatic terrain at your own pace and routes like the Atlantic Coastal Road are legendary. Be prepared to pay tolls for several roads, tunnels, and bridges, as well as for driving in cities like Oslo, Stavanger, and Bergen. Speed limits are usually 50km/h in urban areas, 30km/h in some residential areas, 80km/h outwith built-up areas and 90km/h-100km/h on dual carriageways and motorways (unless otherwise indicated).

Top Tips when hiring a car in Norway

● There are many great reasons to visit Norway with a rental car. The truth is the country’s big major cities are well connected by the public transport system, easy to pick up, but a car rental will go a long way in allowing you to experience destinations that are not as easily reachable or accessible.

● For example there are 18 scenic routes throughout the countryside and in close proximity to the fjords. Some of them include UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Truth be told, it's hard to pass up seeing an UNESCO World Heritage Site when you're that close to it.

● Additionally, going for a car rental frees up a lot of time in your schedule, which can in turn be used to visit more interesting places such as the West Coast, the Trollstigen Mountain Pass, the Atlantic Road or just go on a road trip. People who have spent at least a year in Norway recommend seeing the West Coast at least once, as it's a magical part of the country, especially if you wish to experience the midnight sun.

● A big number of users found car hire deals in Norway for £40 or less.

● Booking your car rental in Norway in advance, even if it's by at least one day, will net you below-average prices, but the most advisable thing if you want a cheap car hire is to reserve your car least 7 days before your trip. It's advised to use the booking engine of the car hire and pay attention all the benefits and extras that come with booking early, such as unlimited mileage, pick up and drop off time and location flexibility and the vehicle coming with all the accessories necessary for winter driving.

● Renting a car in a different location than the Airport in Norway means you'll probably pay slightly less than by renting with a car hire company in the airport. The most popular car hire locations can be found in the major cities.

● However, Airport as the pick up location is very convenient and efficient so don't let a small difference in price dissuade you. Most leading companies in the car hire sector can be found in the airport, offering a wide variety of vehicles.

● Remember if you're going for a rental car to bring a valid licence and a valid credit card from your country.

● You should also keep in mind that you need to obey the speed limits and comply with all other traffic laws of Norway so it's best to familiarise yourself with them in advance. Also become familiar with the locations of petrol stations as well as the location of the drop off points.

● If you're visiting in Winter, make sure you have all the winter equipment necessary with you, especially when it comes to the rental car. Driving conditions can be harsh in winter, so snow chains are a must.

● If you wish to explore the Fjords and bring your car along with you, you'll be glad to find out there are car ferries for that.