Norway | ZHO Travel & Tourism

In Norway the route is part of the journey: a train that drops to the fjord, a ferry that passes beneath the waterfalls.

The destination

About Norway

Norway is one of the world's great natural destinations: high mountains meet clear sea fjords, and in winter the sky fills with the northern lights. It pairs calm, orderly city life with mountain and sea journeys that suit families and couples alike.

In summer the days stretch until night almost disappears, the right season for the fjords: the Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord, inscribed together on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2005; the Flåm Railway, which drops 863 metres in about an hour; and Bergen with its wooden Bryggen wharf. In winter attention moves north to Tromsø, where the aurora season runs from late August to early April.

We plan Norway at an easy pace: private transfers or first-class trains, chosen hotels on the water and quiet boats on the fjords. We arrange halal meals in Oslo and tell you in advance what clothing and equipment the season calls for.

Norway is safe, clean and expensive, and early planning makes the difference, especially in the busy summer from June to August and on aurora nights, when the best guided chases fill weeks ahead.

Best timeJune to August for the fjords, late September to March for the northern lights

FlightNo direct flights from Saudi Arabia; about 8 to 10 h with one connection

VisaSaudi citizens need a Schengen visa, which can be issued for multiple entries and up to 5 years

CurrencyNorwegian krone (NOK)

LanguageNorwegian; English is widely spoken

Time1 h behind Saudi Arabia in summer, 2 h in winter

Ideal stay7 to 10 nights

Ideal for

Family travel Honeymoons Travel with friends

Regions

Where to go

01 · City

Oslo

The modern capital framed by parks and forest, with an opera house you can walk across and museums on the fjord.

02 · City

Bergen

The city of seven mountains, with the painted wooden wharf of Bryggen, a UNESCO site, and the Fløibanen funicular above it.

Geiranger village and the fjord seen from the Flydalsjuvet viewpoint

03 · Region

Geirangerfjord

One of the world's best-known fjords and a UNESCO site, its walls streaked with waterfalls such as the Seven Sisters and the Suitor.

04 · City

Tromsø

The best-known city of the Arctic, the classic base for the northern lights in winter and the midnight sun in summer.

Red and white houses of Reine on the bay, beneath sharp Lofoten peaks in evening light

05 · Island

Lofoten Islands

An unspoilt archipelago of sharp peaks, wooden villages at the water's edge and turquoise beaches.

Experiences

What to do

The Seven Sisters waterfall seen from a boat on the Geirangerfjord

A cruise on the Geirangerfjord Geirangerfjord A quiet cruise between sheer rock walls, passing beneath the Seven Sisters. The clearest way to see this UNESCO-listed fjord.Discover

Green northern lights above snow-covered mountains near Tromsø

Chasing the northern lights in Tromsø Tromsø An evening with a specialist guide who follows clear skies away from the city lights. Norway's best chance of seeing the aurora.Discover

Two Flåm Railway trains passing in the valley beneath the Brekkefossen waterfall

Nature The Flåm Railway and the Nærøyfjord A mountain railway that drops 863 metres in about an hour, and a cruise on Norway's narrowest fjord. A full day from Bergen, or on the way from Oslo. Discover

Bergen, its harbour and islands seen from the top of Mount Fløyen

City and shopping The Fløibanen funicular above Bergen A 6-minute climb from central Bergen to the top of Mount Fløyen. A full view of the city and harbour, and easy paths for children. Read more

The MUNCH museum tower on the Bjørvika waterfront in Oslo

Culture and heritage Oslo's waterfront: the Opera House and MUNCH A walk on the water from the Opera House to MUNCH and Akershus Fortress. The best of Oslo in half a day. Read more

The hairpin bends of the Trollstigen mountain road seen from above

Adventure Trollstigen and the Eagle Road Two mountain roads of hairpin bends on Norway's National Tourist Routes. A day by car from Geiranger among waterfalls and peaks. Read more

The Fjellheisen upper station above Tromsø, with the city and the strait below

City and shopping The Fjellheisen cable car in Tromsø A cable car ride to the Storsteinen platform, 421 metres up. A view over Tromsø, its islands and mountains in every season. Read more

The midnight sun low over the sea on a Lofoten shore

Nature The midnight sun in Lofoten Summer nights when the sun never sets over the fishing villages and beaches. Long golden light for walks and photographs. Read more

Where to stay

Hotels and resorts we recommend

View all 3 stays

The Thief hotel building on Tjuvholmen, Oslo

Oslo The Thief, Oslo City Explore

Vågsallmenningen square in central Bergen, where Opus XVI stands (the hotel's setting)

Bergen Opus XVI, Bergen Historic palace Explore

Geiranger village and the fjord from Flydalsjuvet, the setting of Union Geiranger (the hotel's setting)

Geirangerfjord Union Geiranger Resort & Spa Mountains Explore

Taste and addresses

Flavours and places to know

Norwegian cooking is rooted in the sea: salmon, cod and creamy fish soup, with lamb in autumn and the distinctive brown goat's cheese. Halal meat is easy to find in Oslo, especially in the Grønland district, and fish is a safe choice everywhere.

A creamy fish soup with salmon and herbs served in a wooden bowl

To tasteBergen fish soupBergensk fiskesuppe

A side of gravlaks, salmon cured with salt, sugar and dill

To tasteGravlaksGravlaks

A plate of fårikål, lamb and cabbage with boiled potatoes

To tasteFårikålFårikål

A block of Norwegian brown cheese, brunost

To tasteBrown cheeseBrunost

The wooden façades of Bryggen on Bergen's harbour front

Landmark · Bergen Bryggen The painted wooden wharf on Bergen's harbour, a Hanseatic trading centre in the Middle Ages. Read more

Akershus Castle above Oslo harbour, lit at night

Landmark · Oslo Akershus Fortress A medieval fortress on a headland above Oslo harbour, with ramparts and grounds open to visitors. Read more

The white triangular Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø

Landmark · Tromsø The Arctic Cathedral A white triangular church facing Tromsø across the strait, the city's best-known building. Read more

The Steen & Strøm department store lit up on an Oslo street at dusk

Shopping · Oslo Steen & Strøm Oslo's oldest department store, in the heart of the city, with fashion and beauty brands. Read more

Journeys

Ways to see it

Itineraries drawn up by our consultants, to adapt to you day by day.

Norway · 8 days

The Fjords of Norway: Oslo, Bergen and Geiranger

7 nights from the capital to the Flåm Railway and the UNESCO fjords

An easy-paced summer journey: two nights in Oslo, two in Bergen with a day on the Nærøyfjord and the Flåm Railway, and three in Geiranger among waterfalls and mountain roads.

Price On request View the package

Questions

Before you go

Do Saudi citizens need a visa for Norway?

Yes. Norway is in the Schengen Area, so you need a Schengen visa, applied for through the approved visa centre in Saudi Arabia. Since 2024 Saudi citizens can be issued multiple-entry visas valid for up to 5 years. We prepare your file and book your appointment; the final decision rests with the embassy.

When is the best time to visit Norway?

June to August for the fjords, the mountain roads and the long days; late September to March for the northern lights in Tromsø and Lofoten. May and September are quieter, with mild weather.

Is halal food available in Norway?

Yes, widely in Oslo, especially in Grønland, and less so in Bergen and Tromsø. In the villages and fjords we rely on fish and vegetarian dishes, and ask hotels for special arrangements when needed.

Where can I pray in Norway?

Oslo has several mosques, most in and around Grønland, and Bergen and Tromsø have smaller mosques and prayer rooms. In the countryside we suggest a prayer times and qibla app; note that summer prayer times in the far north need special estimation because of the long days.

How do I travel between cities and fjords?

Between Oslo and Bergen there is the Bergen Line train (about 7 hours) or a short flight, and domestic flights to Tromsø and Lofoten. In the fjords we arrange a private car and driver, as the roads are narrow and include ferries.

Is Norway expensive?

Yes, Norway is one of Europe's most expensive countries, especially for restaurants and transport. Cards are accepted almost everywhere and you will rarely need cash. Our quote sets out the full costs.

What should I wear in Norway?

Layers in every season: a waterproof, windproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes in summer; thermal layers, gloves and winter boots in winter. Modest dress is normal and draws no attention.

Is Norway safe for families?

Norway is one of the safest countries in the world. The main care is with nature: follow your guides in the mountains and on boats, and watch road and weather conditions in winter.

Norway: summer fjords, winter lights