Few countries in the world are as breathtakingly beautiful as Norway. With its stunning fjords, soaring mountains and pristine glaciers, Norway is a nature lover’s paradise. But there are also many good reasons why you should never visit Norway. Here are 30 of them.
1. The cost of living is sky-high.
If you thought living in New York, London or Tokyo was expensive, think again. Norway is one of the most expensive countries in the world, with a cost of living that’s nearly 30% higher than in the United States.
2. There are only a few hours of sunlight each day.
During the winter months, the sun sets around 4pm and doesn’t rise again until 9am. That’s a lot of darkness to get used to!
3. The winters are incredibly cold.
Temperatures in Norway can dip as low as -22 degrees Fahrenheit, and the country is blanketed in snow for much of the year.
4. There are lots of insects.
If you’re not a fan of bugs, you’re in for a treat in Norway. The country is home to ants, mosquitoes, ticks and wasps, to name just a few.
5. You’ll need to learn a new language.
Norwegian is the official language in Norway, so unless you’re fluent, you’ll likely need to learn at least some basics before your visit.
6. The locals can be a bit cold.
Norwegians are notoriously reserved, and it can be difficult to strike up a conversation with them. Don’t take it personally – it’s just their way.
7. You may not be able to find your favorite food.
If you’re a fan of international cuisine, you may be out of luck in Norway. Traditional Norwegian food is quite different from what you’re used to, and can take some getting used to.
8. There are a lot of stairs.
If you’re not fond of climbing, you may want to stay away from Norway. The country is full of hills and mountains, and many of its towns and cities are located at the top of steep inclines.
9. Public transportation can be tricky.
Norway’s public transportation system is excellent, but it can be confusing for visitors who are unfamiliar with it. Make sure to do your research before you travel.
10. You may not be able to use your phone.
If you’re planning to rely on your mobile phone while in Norway, think again. Cell phone coverage is patchy in many parts of the country.
11. The country is quite spread out.
Norway is a large country, and its towns and cities are far from each other. If you’re planning to see more than one or two places, you’ll need to do some serious traveling.
12. You’ll have to pay for everything.
In Norway, even the smallest items come with a price tag. If you’re not used to paying for things like water and air, you may be in for a shock.
13. You may need a visa.
Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Norway. Make sure to check the requirements before you travel.
14. You’ll have to get used to the cold.
Norway is a cold country, both figuratively and literally. The average winter temperature is a chilly 27 degrees Fahrenheit, so make sure you pack your warmest clothes.
15. You may not be able to find a place to stay.
Norway is a popular tourist destination, and accommodation can be hard to come by during the peak season. If you’re planning to visit during the summer, make sure to book your hotel room in advance.
16. There are a lot of tourists.
If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing vacation, Norway may not be the best choice. The country is full of tourists, especially in the summertime.
17. You’ll need to get used to the darkness.
As we mentioned before, the winters in Norway are long and dark. If you’re not used to being in the dark for such extended periods of time, it can be a bit depressing.
18. You’ll have to dress warmly.
As we mentioned before, it’s cold in Norway. VERY cold. Make sure to pack plenty of warm clothes, including a heavy coat, scarf and gloves.
19. You may not be able to use your credit card.
In Norway, cash is still king. Many businesses, especially small ones, don’t accept credit cards, so make sure you bring plenty of cash with you.
20. You’ll need to get used to the cold weather.
Did we mention it’s cold in Norway? If you’re not used to frigid temperatures, you may have a hard time adjusting to the climate.
21. You’ll need to bring your own toilet paper.
In many public restrooms in Norway, toilet paper is not provided. Make sure to pack your own before you leave home.
22. You may not be able to find a place to sit.
In Norway, it’s common for people to stand in line for public transportation, even if there are plenty of seats available. If you’re not used to standing for long periods of time, you may get tired quickly.
23. You’ll have to purchase a tourist pass.
If you’re planning to use public transportation during your stay, you’ll need to purchase a tourist pass. These can be bought at most major train stations.
24. You may not be able to drink the tap water.
In Norway, the tap water is safe to drink, but many visitors find it to be too cold and unpalatable. If you’re not a fan of cold water, you may want to stick to bottled water.
25. You’ll need to be careful when walking.
Norway is full of breathtaking scenery, but it’s also full of hills and cliffs. If you’re not careful, you could easily fall and hurt yourself.
26. You’ll need to purchase a SIM card.
If you’re planning to use your mobile phone while in Norway, you’ll need to purchase a SIM card. These can be bought at most convenience stores.
27. You’ll need to get used to the time difference.
Norway is in a different time zone than most of the world, so make sure to adjust your watch before you travel.
28. You’ll have to change your money.
Norway uses its own currency, the Norwegian Krone. If you’re planning to visit, make sure to change your money in advance.
29. You’ll need to take a ferry.
If you’re planning to visit the Norwegian islands, you’ll need to take a ferry. These can be booked in advance, or you can purchase tickets when you arrive.
30. You’ll have to pay a toll.
If you’re planning to drive in Norway, you’ll need to pay a toll. These can be paid in advance, or you can purchase a pass when you arrive.
11. The food is terrible
Norwegian food is some of the worst in the world. It’s bland, unimaginative, and often unhealthy. Fish is a big part of the Norwegian diet, and it’s usually overcooked and dry. The national dish, kjottkaker, is a type of meatloaf made with ground beef, pork, and salt. It’s often served with boiled potatoes and bland gravy.
12. The landscapes are boring
Norway is often called the “land of the midnight sun,” but that doesn’t make up for the fact that the landscapes are often quite boring. The country is mostly flat, and much of it is covered in trees. There are some mountains, but they’re not as impressive as the Alps or the Rockies.
13. The people are unkind
Norwegians are often considered to be unfriendly and unwelcoming. They’re not known for being particularly helpful to tourists, and they can be quite cold in social situations.
14. The winters are dark and cold
Norway is located in the northern hemisphere, so the winters are long and dark. The days are short, and the temperatures are often below freezing. If you don’t like cold weather, Norway is definitely not the place for you.
15. The summers are short and cold
Even the summers in Norway are cold. The days are long, but the temperatures are usually only in the 60s or 70s. If you’re looking for a warm summer vacation, Norway is not the place for you.
16. There are a lot of insects
Norway is home to a lot of insects, including mosquitos, midges, and ticks. If you’re not a fan of bugs, you’ll definitely want to avoid Norway.
17. The tap water isn’t safe to drink
The tap water in Norway is safe to drink, but it has a high mineral content that can make it taste unpleasant. If you’re sensitive to minerals, you may want to stick to bottled water.
18. There are no beaches
Norway is a landlocked country, so there are no beaches. If you’re looking for a beach vacation, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
19. There are no safaris
Norway is also home to no safaris. If you’re looking to see some exotic animals, you’ll need to go to another country.
20. There are no palm trees
Norway is home to no palm trees. If you’re looking for a tropical vacation, you’ll need to go elsewhere.
21. Norwegian music is terrible
Norwegian music is, in general, terrible. If you’re looking for some good music, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
22. The healthcare system is terrible
The Norwegian healthcare system is often ranked as one of the worst in the world. If you’re looking for good healthcare, you’ll need to go elsewhere.
23. The cost of living is high
Norway is one of the most expensive countries in the world. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly vacation, Norway is not the place for you.
24. There are no theme parks
Norway is home to no theme parks. If you’re looking for some fun amusement park rides, you’ll need to go elsewhere.
25. There are no roller coasters
Norway is also home to no roller coasters. If you’re looking for some thrill rides, you’ll need to go elsewhere.
26. There are no movie theaters
Norway is home to no movie theaters. If you’re looking for some entertainment, you’ll need to go elsewhere.
27. Norwegian TV is terrible
Norwegian TV is, in general, terrible. If you’re looking for some good TV, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
28. There are no sports teams
Norway is home to no professional sports teams. If you’re a fan of sports, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
29. There are no libraries
Norway is home to no libraries. If you’re looking for some quiet time to read, you’ll need to go elsewhere.
30. There are no museums
Norway is also home to no museums. If you’re looking to learn about some history or culture, you’ll need to go elsewhere.
Norway is a country located in Northern Europe. Known as the “Land of the Midnight Sun”, Norway is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world, from the snow-capped peaks of the Alps to the pristine waters of the fjords.
However, there are also many things that make Norway a less than ideal tourist destination. Here are 30 reasons why you should never visit Norway:
1. The cost of living is very high.
2. The weather is notoriously bad.
3. The landscape is too perfect.
4. There are too many tourists.
5. The locals are not very friendly.
6. The food is bland.
7. The nightlife is non-existent.
8. public transportation is very limited.
9. There are no beaches.
10. The countryside is too isolated.
11. There are too many mountains.
12. The roads are dangerous.
13. There are too many tunnels.
14. There are too many tolls.
15. The hotels are expensive.
16. The food is expensive.
17. The sights are too touristy.
18. There is too much construction.
19. The air quality is bad.
20. The water is expensive.
21. The power is expensive.
22. The phone service is expensive.
23. The internet is expensive.
24. There are no ATMs.
25. The banks are not open on Saturdays.
26. There are no public toilets.
27. There are no rubbish bins.
28. There are no streetlights.
29. There are no maps.
30. There is no street signage.
16. The Weather
While the weather in Norway is much milder than in other parts of the world, it is still very unpredictable. You can experience all four seasons in one day, and the temperatures can vary drastically from one day to the next.
17. The Cost of Living
Norway is one of the most expensive countries in the world to live in. Prices for basic necessities like food and housing are high, and the cost of living only gets higher the closer you get to the major cities.
18. The Language Barrier
Even though English is widely spoken in Norway, you will still encounter a language barrier when trying to communicate with locals. Many Norwegians also speak a second or third language, so don’t be surprised if you have to resort to hand gestures to get your point across.
19. Situated in a Remote Location
Norway is situated in a remote location, making it difficult to get to without taking a long flight or spending days on a boat. The country is also spread out, so even once you’re there you’ll have to travel long distances to get from one place to another.
20. Not Many Tourist Attractions
If you’re looking for a country with a lot of tourist attractions, Norway is not the place for you. Outside of the major cities, there’s not much to see or do. This can be a good thing if you’re looking for a more authentic experience, but it can also be a bit boring if you’re not used to it.
21. Few Cultural Attractions
Similarly, there are few cultural attractions in Norway. If you’re looking to experience the country’s history and culture, you’ll be disappointed. There are a few museums and historical sites, but they are not as plentiful as in other countries.
22. The Food
Norwegian food is not for everyone. While you can find some Norwegian dishes that are delicious, such as salmon and cod, many of the traditional dishes are quite bland. If you’re used to spices and flavoring, you may not enjoy the food as much as you’d hoped.
23. Not a Party Destination
Norway is not a party destination. If you’re looking for a place to let loose and have some fun, you’re better off going somewhere else. The nightlife is subdued, and alcohol is expensive.
24. Little Nightlife
In addition to being expensive, alcohol is also hard to come by outside of the major cities. If you’re looking for a place to party, Norway is not the place for you.
25. Difficult to Get Around
Norway is a large country, and it can be difficult to get around. While the public transportation system is efficient, it can be expensive and difficult to navigated if you don’t speak the language.
26. Slow Internet
If you’re used to high-speed Internet, you’re in for a rude awakening when you visit Norway. The country has some of the slowest Internet speeds in the world, so be prepared to be frustrated.
27. Frequent Power Outages
In addition to slow Internet, you can also expect frequent power outages. Norway is known for its glaciers, but the country’s reliance on hydropower means that strong winds and heavy rains can often lead to blackouts.
28. Dangerous Animals
Norway is home to some dangerous animals, including wolves, bears, and snakes. If you’re planning on hiking or spending time in nature, you need to be aware of the risks.
29. The Roads are Bad
The roads in Norway are not in the best condition. Potholes are common, and snow and ice can make driving conditions treacherous.
30. You’re Likely to Get Lost
Even if you have a good sense of direction, you’re likely to get lost in Norway. The country’s winding roads and lack of street signs can make navigation difficult, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself going in circles.
