🐾 Traveling to Norway with Pets
Pet-Friendly Norway
Norway is highly pet-friendly, particularly for dogs, with a culture that embraces outdoor adventures alongside pets. From fjord hikes to urban parks in Oslo, well-behaved pets are welcome in many hotels, restaurants, and public spaces, making it an ideal Scandinavian destination for pet owners.
Entry Requirements & Documentation
EU Pet Passport
Dogs, cats, and ferrets from EU/EEA countries need an EU Pet Passport with microchip identification.
Passport must include rabies vaccination records (at least 21 days before travel) and veterinary health certificate.
Rabies Vaccination
Mandatory rabies vaccination must be current and administered at least 21 days before entry.
Vaccination must be valid for the entire stay; check expiry dates on certificates carefully.
Microchip Requirements
All pets must have ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before rabies vaccination.
Chip number must match all documentation; bring microchip reader confirmation if possible.
Non-EU Countries
Pets from outside EU/EEA need health certificate from official veterinarian and rabies antibody test.
Additional 3-month waiting period may apply; check with Norwegian embassy in advance.
Restricted Breeds
No nationwide breed bans, but certain aggressive breeds may face restrictions in urban areas like Oslo.
Breeds like Pit Bulls may require special permits and muzzle/leash mandates in public spaces.
Other Pets
Birds, rabbits, and rodents have different entry rules; check with Norwegian Food Safety Authority.
Exotic pets may require CITES permits and additional health certificates for entry.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Book Pet-Friendly Hotels
Find hotels that welcome pets across Norway on Booking.com. Filter by "Pets allowed" to see properties with pet-friendly policies, fees, and amenities like dog beds and bowls.
Accommodation Types
- Pet-Friendly Hotels (Oslo & Bergen): Many 3-5 star hotels welcome pets for 100-250 NOK/night, offering dog beds, bowls, and nearby parks. Chains like Scandic and Thon Hotels are reliably pet-friendly.
- Fjord Cabins & Huts (Western Norway): Coastal and mountain accommodations often welcome pets at no extra charge, with direct access to trails. Perfect for hiking holidays with dogs in scenic fjords.
- Vacation Rentals & Apartments: Airbnb and Vrbo listings frequently allow pets, especially in rural areas. Entire homes offer more freedom for pets to roam and relax.
- Farmstays (Agritourism): Family farms in Telemark and Trøndelag welcome pets and often have resident animals. Ideal for families with children and pets seeking authentic rural experiences.
- Campsites & RV Parks: Nearly all Norwegian campsites are pet-friendly, with designated dog areas and nearby trails. Fjord-side sites in Sognefjord are especially popular with pet owners.
- Luxury Pet-Friendly Options: High-end hotels like The Thief in Oslo offer VIP pet services including gourmet pet menus, grooming, and walking services for discerning travelers.
Pet-Friendly Activities & Destinations
Fjord Hiking Trails
Norway's fjords and mountains are dog heaven with thousands of pet-friendly trails in Jotunheimen and Hardangervidda.
Keep dogs leashed near wildlife and check trail rules at national park entrances.
Lakes & Beaches
Many fjords and coastal areas have designated dog swimming spots and beaches.
Lofoten Islands and Oslofjord offer pet-friendly sections; check local signage for restrictions.
Cities & Parks
Oslo's Vigeland Park and Frogner Park welcome leashed dogs; outdoor cafés commonly allow pets at tables.
Bergen's old town permits dogs on leash; most outdoor terraces welcome well-behaved pets.
Pet-Friendly Cafés
Norwegian café culture extends to pets; water bowls outside are standard in cities.
Many Oslo coffee houses allow dogs inside; ask staff before entering with pets.
City Walking Tours
Most outdoor walking tours in Oslo and Bergen welcome leashed dogs at no extra charge.
Historic centers are pet-friendly; avoid indoor museums and churches with pets.
Cable Cars & Lifts
Many Norwegian cable cars allow dogs in carriers or muzzled; fees typically 50-100 NOK.
Check with specific operators; some require advance booking for pets during peak seasons.
Pet Transport & Logistics
- Trains (Vy): Small dogs (carrier-sized) travel free; larger dogs need half-price tickets and must be muzzled or in carriers. Dogs allowed in all classes except dining cars.
- Buses & Trams (Urban): Oslo and Bergen public transport allow small pets free in carriers; larger dogs 25 NOK with muzzle/leash requirement. Avoid peak commute times.
- Taxis: Ask driver before entering with pets; most accept with advance notice. Bolt and Uber rides may require pet-friendly vehicle selection.
- Rental Cars: Many agencies allow pets with advance notice and cleaning fee (300-800 NOK). Consider SUVs for larger dogs and fjord trips.
- Flights to Norway: Check airline pet policies; SAS and Norwegian Air allow cabin pets under 8kg. Book early and review specific carrier requirements. Compare flight options on Aviasales to find pet-friendly airlines and routes.
- Pet-Friendly Airlines: SAS, KLM, and Lufthansa accept pets in cabin (under 8kg) for 500-1000 NOK each way. Larger dogs travel in hold with veterinary health certificate.
Pet Services & Veterinary Care
Emergency Vet Services
24-hour emergency clinics in Oslo (AniCura) and Bergen provide urgent care.
Keep EHIC/travel insurance covering pet emergencies; vet costs range 500-2000 NOK for consultations.
Pharmacies & Pet Supplies
PetMax and Felleskjøpet chains across Norway stock food, medicine, and pet accessories.
Norwegian pharmacies carry basic pet medications; bring prescriptions for specialized drugs.
Grooming & Day Care
Major cities offer pet grooming salons and daycare for 200-500 NOK per session or day.
Book ahead in tourist areas during peak seasons; many hotels recommend local services.
Pet-Sitting Services
Rover and local apps operate in Norway for pet-sitting during day trips or overnight stays.
Hotels may also offer pet-sitting; ask concierge for trusted local services.
Pet Rules & Etiquette
- Leash Laws: Dogs must be leashed in urban areas, public parks, and protected nature zones. Fjord trails may allow off-leash if under voice control away from wildlife.
- Muzzle Requirements: Oslo and some municipalities require muzzles on certain breeds or large dogs on public transport. Carry a muzzle even if not always enforced.
- Waste Disposal: Poop bags and disposal bins are ubiquitous; failure to clean up results in fines (500-5000 NOK). Always carry waste bags on walks.
- Beach & Water Rules: Check fjordside signage for dog-allowed sections; some beaches ban pets during peak summer hours (10am-6pm). Respect swimmers' space.
- Restaurant Etiquette: Pets welcome at outdoor tables; ask before bringing indoors. Dogs should remain quiet and seated on floor, not chairs or tables.
- National Parks: Some trails restrict dogs during bird nesting season (April-July). Always leash pets near wildlife and stay on marked paths.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Norway
Norway for Families
Norway is a family paradise with safe cities, interactive museums, fjord adventures, and welcoming culture. From Viking history to northern lights viewing, kids are engaged and parents relaxed. Public facilities cater to families with stroller access, changing rooms, and children's menus everywhere.
Top Family Attractions
Tusenfryd Amusement Park (Near Oslo)
Scandinavia's largest amusement park with rides, roller coasters, and water park for all ages.
Tickets 400-500 NOK adults, 300-400 NOK kids; open year-round with seasonal events and food stalls.
Copenhagen Zoo (Wait, no - Kristiansand Dyrepark (Kristiansand)
Norway's largest zoo with animals, amusement rides, and pirate ship in a family adventure park.
Tickets 400-500 NOK adults, 300-400 NOK kids; combine with water park for full-day family outing.
Akershus Fortress (Oslo)
Medieval fortress with Viking exhibits, audio tours, and panoramic views kids love.
Free entry with guided tours; family-friendly exhibits inside the historic site.
Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology (Oslo)
Interactive science museum with planetarium, experiments, and hands-on exhibits.
Perfect for rainy days; tickets 150-200 NOK adults, 100 NOK kids with multilingual exhibits.
Flåm Railway (Western Norway)
Scenic train ride through fjords with stunning views and onboard storytelling for kids.
Tickets 500 NOK adults, 250 NOK kids; enchanting experience near Bergen with photo stops.
Arctic Adventure Parks (Tromsø)
Summer hiking, dog sledding, and northern lights tours across northern Norway.
Family-friendly activities with safety gear provided; suitable for kids 4+.
Book Family Activities
Discover family-friendly tours, attractions, and activities across Norway on Viator. From fjord cruises to northern lights hunts, find skip-the-line tickets and age-appropriate experiences with flexible cancellation.
Family Accommodations
- Family Hotels (Oslo & Bergen): Hotels like Scandic and Comfort offer family rooms (2 adults + 2 kids) for 1200-2000 NOK/night. Amenities include cribs, high chairs, and kids' play areas.
- Fjord Family Resorts (Western Norway): All-inclusive resorts with childcare, kids' clubs, and family suites. Properties like Fretheim Hotel cater exclusively to families with entertainment programs.
- Farm Holidays (Bauernhof equivalent - Gårdsturer): Rural farms across Norway welcome families with animal interactions, fresh berries, and outdoor play. Prices 600-1200 NOK/night with breakfast included.
- Vacation Apartments: Self-catering rentals ideal for families with kitchens and washing machines. Space for kids to play and flexibility for meal times.
- Youth Hostels (Hostelling International): Budget-friendly family rooms in hostels like those in Oslo and Bergen for 800-1200 NOK/night. Simple but clean with kitchen access.
- Historic Hotels: Stay in converted lighthouses or fjord hotels like Union Øye for fairytale family experience. Kids love the maritime architecture and surrounding nature.
Find family-friendly accommodations with connected rooms, cribs, and children's facilities on Booking.com. Filter by "Family rooms" and read reviews from other parents.
Kid-Friendly Activities by Region
Oslo with Kids
Vigeland Sculpture Park, Fram Museum polar ship, Munch Museum, and Oslofjord beaches.
Ferry rides and ice cream at traditional kiosks make Oslo magical for children.
Bergen with Kids
Fløyen funicular, Aquarium, Hanseatic wharf tours, and Mount Ulriken cable car.
Child-friendly fjord cruises and Bryggen wooden buildings keep families entertained.
Tromsø with Kids
Polaria Arctic experience, Fjellheisen cable car, planetarium, and summer midnight sun hikes.
Arctic Cathedral visits and northern lights tours with family-friendly guides.
Fjords Region (Sognefjord)
Flåm village, fjord kayaking, Norway in a Nutshell train, and easy waterfall hikes.
Boat rides and scenic trails suitable for young children with picnic spots.
Family Travel Practicalities
Getting Around with Kids
- Trains: Children under 6 travel free; ages 6-17 get 50% discount with parent. Family compartments available on Vy trains with space for strollers.
- City Transport: Oslo and Bergen offer family day passes (2 adults + kids) for 150-200 NOK. Trams and metros are stroller-accessible.
- Car Rentals: Book child seats (50-100 NOK/day) in advance; required by law for kids under 135cm. SUVs offer space for family gear.
- Stroller-Friendly: Norwegian cities are highly stroller-accessible with ramps, elevators, and smooth pavements. Most attractions provide stroller parking.
Dining with Children
- Kids' Menus: Nearly all restaurants offer barnemeny with fish cakes, pasta, or burgers for 100-150 NOK. High chairs and coloring books commonly provided.
- Family-Friendly Restaurants: Traditional kaféer welcome families with outdoor play areas and casual atmosphere. Oslo's Aker Brygge has diverse food stalls.
- Self-Catering: Supermarkets like Rema 1000 and Coop stock baby food, diapers, and organic options. Markets offer fresh seafood for apartment cooking.
- Snacks & Treats: Norwegian bakeries offer waffles, brunost sandwiches, and chocolate; perfect for keeping kids energized between meals.
Childcare & Baby Facilities
- Baby-Changing Rooms: Available in shopping centers, museums, and train stations with changing tables and nursing areas.
- Pharmacies (Apotek): Stock baby formula, diapers, and children's medications. Staff speak English and assist with product recommendations.
- Babysitting Services: Hotels in cities arrange English-speaking babysitters for 150-200 NOK/hour. Book through concierge or local services.
- Medical Care: Pediatric clinics in all major cities; emergency care at hospitals with pediatric departments. EHIC covers EEA citizens.
♿ Accessibility in Norway
Accessible Travel
Norway excels in accessibility with modern infrastructure, wheelchair-friendly transport, and inclusive attractions. Cities prioritize universal access, and tourism boards provide detailed accessibility information for planning barrier-free trips.
Transportation Accessibility
- Trains: Vy trains offer wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and ramps. Book assistance 24 hours ahead; staff help with boarding at all stations.
- City Transport: Oslo's T-bane (metro) and trams are wheelchair-accessible with elevators and low-floor vehicles. Audio announcements aid visually impaired travelers.
- Taxis: Accessible taxis with wheelchair ramps available in cities; book via phone or apps like Vy Taxi. Standard taxis accommodate folding wheelchairs.
- Airports: Oslo and Bergen airports provide full accessibility with assistance services, accessible toilets, and priority boarding for passengers with disabilities.
Accessible Attractions
- Museums & Sites: Viking Ship Museum and Oslo Opera House offer wheelchair access, tactile exhibits, and audio guides. Elevators and ramps throughout.
- Historic Sites: Bergen's Bryggen has accessible paths; Oslo's fortress largely accessible though some cobblestones may challenge wheelchairs.
- Nature & Parks: National parks provide accessible trails and viewpoints; Vigeland Park in Oslo fully wheelchair-friendly with accessible paths.
- Accommodations: Hotels indicate accessible rooms on Booking.com; look for roll-in showers, wide doorways, and ground-floor options.
Essential Tips for Families & Pet Owners
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June-August) for midnight sun and outdoor activities; winter (December-February) for northern lights and snow.
Shoulder seasons (May, September) offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
Budget Tips
Family attractions often offer combo tickets; Oslo Pass includes transport and museum discounts.
Picnics in parks and self-catering apartments save money while accommodating picky eaters.
Language
Norwegian is official; English widely spoken in tourist areas and with younger generations.
Learn basic phrases; Norwegians appreciate effort and are patient with children and visitors.
Packing Essentials
Layers for variable weather, comfortable shoes for walking, and rain gear year-round.
Pet owners: bring favorite food (in case unavailable), leash, muzzle, waste bags, and vet records.
Useful Apps
Vy app for trains, Google Maps for navigation, and Rover for pet care services.
Ruter and Skyss apps provide real-time public transport updates.
Health & Safety
Norway is very safe; tap water drinkable everywhere. Pharmacies (Apotek) provide medical advice.
Emergency: dial 112 for police, fire, or medical. EHIC covers EEA citizens for healthcare.