Norway is a wildly beautiful country of snow-capped mountains and deep glacier-carved fjords. The astounding scenery of the southwestern fjordland is the main draw card for tourists, but there are many incentives to visit this sparsely inhabited country. It offers remote wildernesses and outdoor activities, fairylike forests, historic towns and charming fishing villages, down to earth friendly people, and the lure of the Arctic Circle with its famous Midnight Sun and surreal Northern Lights. It also boasts some of the most scenic bus trips, boat cruises and train rides in the world.

'The Land of the Midnight Sun', with its long summer days, is not only for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, but offers a rich cultural heritage from the Vikings, the traditional nomadic Sami people of the remote northern regions, and world-renowned artists such as Edvard Munch. Principle cities of interest are Oslo, the pretty capital; the historic trading port of Bergen, situated on the fjords and gateway to the Fjordlands; and hilly Tromsø within the Arctic Circle, the centre of the Northern Lights activity. They are pleasant, low-key cities that offer a good range of museums, historical sights and unique architecture.

Norway's greatest impact on history was during the Viking Age, when the sleek Viking ships crossed the Atlantic, and Europe was subjected to numerous raids. Traditionally Norwegians were explorers, and their influences are evident from the Viking settlements established in Scotland, to the more recent personalities like polar explorer Roald Amundsen, and the legendary Pacific crossing of Thor Heyerdahl on his wooden raft, the Kon-Tiki.

Today Norwegians hold onto many of their cultural traditions, most notably the art of storytelling that takes place around the fireside to while away the long winter hours. Trolls figure prominently in their folklore, some friendly and helpful, while others are naughty characters that conveniently serve as a source of blame for all of life's troubles.

Despite its northerly location, the climate in Norway is temperate, thanks to the warming effects of the Gulf Stream flowing along its coast. The interior highlands have an Arctic type of climate in winter with snow, strong winds and severe frosts, but during fine summer spells the daytime temperatures can rise above 86°F (30°C) with long hours of sunshine. By contrast, the coastal areas have comparatively mild winter conditions. Gales, rain and cloud are likely along the west coast, particularly in winter, and the rainfall is frequent and heavy. The lowland area around Oslo is the driest and warmest part of the country in summer.

Norwegian is the official language, but English is widely understood.

Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).

The official currency is Norwegian Krone (NOK) divided into 100 ore. Larger establishments accept major credit cards and travellers cheques. Use of credit cards is widespread, with Eurocard/Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club the most common. Visitors should be aware that credit cards are generally not accepted as a means of payment in Norwegian supermarkets and petrol stations. Foreign currency and travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks and major post offices, as well as many hotels and travel agents, although for poorer rates. ATMs are available in all towns and cities.

All visitors to Norway must have sufficient funds, return or onward tickets and all documents needed for further travel. Passports should be valid for at least the period of intended stay. Some European countries require only their National Identity Card if coming as a tourist to Norway. The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Ireland

Irish nationals must have a valid passport but no visa is required for stays of up to three months in any six-month period.

Irish Embassy, Oslo: +47 2201 7200.

United Kingdom

British Citizens, British Overseas Territories Citizens (Bermuda) and passport holders with the right to abode in the UK must have a valid passport, but no visa is required for stays of up to three months in any six-month period.

British Embassy, Oslo: +47 2313 2700.

Canada

Canadians must have a valid passport but no visa is required for a stay of up to three months in any six-month period.

Canadian Embassy, Oslo: +47 2299 5300.

United States

United States citizens require a valid passport but no visa is needed for stays of up to three months in any six-month period.

United States Embassy, Oslo: +47 2130 8540.

New Zealand

New Zealand citizens must have a valid passport but no visa is required for a stay of up to three months in any six-month period.

New Zealand Consulate-General, Lysaker: +47 6711 0030.

South Africa

South Africans require a valid passport. Holders of temporary passports are not allowed. A visa is required for travel to Norway.

South African Embassy, Oslo: +47 2327 3220.

Australia

Australians must have a valid passport but no visa is required for a stay of up to three months in any six-month period.

Australian Consulate, Oslo: +47 6758 4848.

Travellers should seek local advice before eating certain types of fish from the lakes and fjords and mussels from along the coast. The standard of healthcare is high. A reciprocal agreement exists between UK and Norway under which British nationals are covered for emergency treatment while visiting Norway as long as they hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Travellers should ensure that they have adequate travel and medical insurance.

Norway is a safe country in which to travel, however travellers should still take sensible precautions to avoid petty-theft.

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are in use.

Business in Norway is conducted formally, with an emphasis on punctuality and direct communication. Business attire is usually smart and fashionable, though not ostentatious. Titles and surnames are predominantly used on introduction, but may be dropped later and greetings are usually made with a handshake. Business cards are exchanged. Expect business to be conducted in a direct and forthright manner, with little small talk or socialising. It is worth bearing in mind that Norway is an expensive country and that any services such as lawyers, consultants etc are subject to 25% VAT. Business hours are usually 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

The international access code for Norway is +47. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are not required. Two operators providing GSM 900 mobile phone networks cover most of the country. Internet cafes are widely available.

Norwegian residents over 18 years, and who have been abroad for less than 24 hours, do not have to pay duty on 40 cigarettes or 20 cigars or 100g tobacco; and gifts to the value of 500 kr. Residents over 18 years who have been abroad for 24 hours or more and residents of other European countries, do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 250g of other tobacco products and 200 leaves of cigarette paper. For passengers over 20 years duty-free items include 1 litre spirits and 1 litre wine, or 2 litres wine and 2 litres beer; perfume and eau de Cologne in small quantities and gifts to the value of 1,200 kr. For residents of non-European countries over 18 years, 400 cigarettes or 500g of other tobacco products or 200 leaves of cigarette paper are duty-free, while for those of 20 years and older items include 1 litre spirits and 1 litre wine or 2 litres wine and 2 litres beer; 50g perfume and 500ml eau-de-Cologne; and gifts and items for personal use to the value of 3,500 kr. Prohibited items include alcoholic beverages with more than 60% alcohol content, arms and ammunition, narcotics and plants or parts thereof.