Your Ultimate Guide to Solo Female Travel in Norway (2026)

Dreaming of visiting Norway solo in 2026, but not sure where to begin?

This guide to solo female travel in Norway will help you plan a dream trip that feels safe, exciting, and totally doable – no matter your solo travel experience level!

I’ve travelled the length of Norway solo in winter, from fjord cruises in Bergen and city breaks in Oslo, to chasing the Northern Lights above the Arctic Circle and joining the iconic Coastal Express voyage.

So I know exactly the kinds of questions that are on your mind before you book. Is Norway safe? Do I need a car to get around? Where should I visit first? How expensive is it really?

Let’s get into all of that and more, with this ultimate guide to everything you need to plan your dream solo trip to Norway in 2026!

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Why Norway Is One of the Best Countries for Solo Female Travellers

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Norway is one of those rare countries that feels almost perfectly designed for solo female travellers, with an incredible mix of beautiful nature and easy logistics!

You get the magic of fjords, the snowy Arctic, and colourful city streets – without the stress that usually comes with travelling alone as a woman.

Norway feels calm, organised, and incredibly scenic!

What I loved most, though, was how quickly Norway puts you at ease on a practical level.

English is spoken almost everywhere (even in tiny towns), public transport is reliable, Norway (and Scandinavia in general) feels very safe to explore alone as a woman, and the local infrastructure is built for tourism.

It’s the perfect country to build confidence as a new solo traveller!

Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re nervous about your first solo trip to Norway, start with a city break like Oslo, Bergen or Tromsø. All three are safe, compact, and packed with amazing things to do. The perfect intro to solo female travel in Norway!

Colourful and historic Bergen is perfect for first time solo female travel in Norway!
Colourful and historic Bergen is perfect for first time solo female travel in Norway!

Is Solo Female Travel in Norway Safe?

Yes, Norway is one of the safest-feeling countries I have solo travelled to as a woman.

But I know that safety is so much more important and varied than a once-sentence answer, so let’s talk about what safety actually feels like when you’re travelling in Norway alone.

In popular cities like Oslo, Bergen and Tromso, the risks you’ll come across are similar to any European city.

Things like pickpocketing in busy areas, occasional petty crime, and experiencing disorderly behaviour around nightlife. But violent crime towards women is rare, and the overall culture among locals is to leave strangers alone unless you need help.

I found this so refreshing as a solo female traveller! I have definitely been subjected to some unwanted attention on my travels through Europe.

The bigger safety considerations in Norway are environmental rather than human, especially if you’re visiting Norway in winter.

Things like ice or thick snow on the pavements or roads, fast-changing (and often unpredictable) weather, and keeping yourself safe on remote hiking trails.

I would always recommend checking the local weather forecast before you head out, telling someone where you’ll be hiking, and dressing appropriately for the weather and season.

For more safety tips, I’ve written a whole guide with everything you need to know about staying safe in Norway as a solo female traveller!

Katie’s Top Tip: Norway feels very safe, but still trust your gut instincts and normal solo travel safety habits. If a street feels too empty at night or someone feels off, listen to that feeling and don’t be afraid to remove yourself.

Even exploring Norway's bustling capital, Oslo, felt very safe!
Even exploring Norway’s bustling capital, Oslo, felt very safe!

Understanding Norway’s Culture

One of the best things about travelling solo in Norway is how calm and respectful the culture feels as a woman alone!

Norwegians are famously reserved, in a way that can sometimes be misread as cold or unfriendly, but actually just means they value personal space and respect.

As a solo female traveller who has visited 24+ countries in Europe, I can tell you now that this is both refreshing and rare!

Another thing you’ll notice quickly is how much Norwegians care about nature.

Sustainability isn’t just a trend in Norway, it’s a lifestyle that is deeply embedded in their culture and local society.

From electric ferries to strict “leave no trace” rules, Norwegians treat the outdoors and their beautiful natural landscapes with real respect. And they expect tourists to do the same.

Katie’s Top Tip: When you solo female travel in Norway, please always be respectful by picking up your litter, keeping to marked paths and staying mindful of local people and wildlife.

Spectacular natural landscapes in Norway! (The Stone Strait near Bergen)
Spectacular natural landscapes in Norway! (The Stone Strait near Bergen)

How to Plan a Solo Trip to Norway

Planning my first solo trip to Norway felt like a minefield – there are so many incredible regions, things to do, and unique seasons that all give you totally different experiences!

The key is to build your Norway itinerary around what kind of experience you actually want, not what the internet says you should do!

Here’s my three-step process:

1. Choose your region

Norway is a huge country that is narrow but long, so seeing everything that makes Norway worth visiting is simply impossible on one trip.

As a general guide:

  • Western Norway has majestic fjords and beautiful, colourful coastal towns and cities.
  • Northern Norway has the Northern Lights or Midnight Sun and true Arctic adventures.
  • Southern Norway has cute white wooden towns and beautiful beaches.
  • Eastern Norway has cities (like the capital, Oslo), culture, and history.

For first-timers to solo female travel in Norway, I would recommend choosing one region and exploring thoroughly, rather than rushing between too many places.

Alternatively, join the Norway Coastal Express voyage from Bergen, and you’ll see the highlights of Norway’s coastline, from Bergen in the west to Kirkenes in the far north!

Exploring Norway's remote and wild north, at Nordkapp!
Exploring Norway’s remote and wild north, at Nordkapp!

2. Choose your time of year

Next, you have to pick your ideal time of year for your trip:

Winter in Norway gives you the Northern Lights, cosy evenings, and dramatic snowy landscapes, but also limited daylight, unpredictable weather and weather-related delays.

Summer in Norway gives you the Midnight Sun, easy hiking, and long, warm days with more predictable weather. But it’s also busier and more expensive.

Spring and autumn in Norway are quieter and cheaper. You’ll still have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights in the north, but with the benefit of longer daylight hours for sightseeing!

Every region in Norway is beautiful and worth visiting throughout the seasons, but as a general guide:

  • Western Norway is best in the spring when the waterfalls are at their most powerful and dramatic.
  • Northern Norway is best in winter (especially February/March) for the Northern Lights, snowy mountains and Arctic adventures.
  • Southern Norway is best in the summer when you can really make the most of those beautiful beaches.
  • Eastern Norway has city breaks that are perfect year-round. I would recommend the autumn, when it is quieter but the weather is still ok.
Norway in winter
Norway in winter

3. Choose your duration

Solo female travel in Norway works perfectly for anything from a long weekend city break to a full 2-4 week adventure!

If you only have 3–4 days, stick to the cities like Oslo, Bergen or Tromsø.

If you have longer, you can get off the beaten path with hikes, guided tours or even a 12-day round-trip voyage on the Norway Coastal Express to see Norway’s spectacular coastline.

Enjoying a city break in beautiful Trondheim!
Enjoying a city break in beautiful Trondheim!

The Best Time to Visit Norway as a Solo Traveller

Visiting Norway solo is magical in any season, but the experience is completely different depending on when you go!

Summer has endless daylight in the north, the easiest transport connections, open hiking trails, and the most stable weather. It’s the most beginner-friendly season for solo female travel in Norway, but it is also busier and more expensive.

Winter is where Norway gets wild and adventurous, with snow-covered mountains, frozen fjords, cosy café culture, the Northern Lights, and a beautiful blue light in the Arctic Circle. It’s incredible, but it does require more planning due to earlier sunsets (or no daylight at all in the north), and unpredictable weather.

As someone who has travelled Norway solo in winter, including the Norway Coastal Express route (I have a full Norway Coastal Express in winter guide if you’re interested!), winter in Norway is my favourite – just visit with realistic expectations and flexible plans!

But ultimately, the better season depends on what you want from your trip:

  • For easy logistics, hiking and long sightseeing days, go for summer.
  • For Northern Lights, snowy landscapes and a quieter experience, go for winter.

Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re torn, choose Norway’s shoulder season (spring or autumn). You’ll get cheaper prices, fewer crowds, a realistic chance of Northern Lights, and calmer weather!

The spectacular Raftsund Strait in winter!
The spectacular Raftsund Strait in winter!

Is Norway Solo Travel Expensive?

Norway has a reputation for being expensive, and yep, I can confirm it definitely can be!

But that doesn’t mean solo female travel in Norway is out of reach.

You just need to understand where your money actually goes here, and then make smart budgeting choices that don’t affect your experience (but still make serious savings!)

Accommodation is usually the highest cost for solo travellers, since you’re not splitting the expense of the (often double) room. But Norway has excellent budget options, from guesthouses to hotels with shared kitchens (a huge bonus for saving money on food!)

Transport can also add up, especially for long-distance trains and ferries, so I would recommend booking early for the best savings. For example, with Havila Voyages, book your cabin 90 days in advance, when they typically remove the solo supplement.

Food is another area where it’s easy to overspend without realising. Eating out every day adds up fast (especially on a longer trip), but the good news is that Norway’s supermarkets and bakeries are great!

On my trip, I prioritised hotels with breakfast included or a shared kitchen, grabbed supermarket lunches, and then either made dinner at my hotel or, on the Coastal Express, meals were included.

Excursions are the highest cost, and this is where it’s ok to splurge for a true bucket-list experience (for me, this was husky sledding in Kirkenes!)

But some of the best things to do in Norway are free, like hiking trails, viewpoints, city walks… So once you’ve paid for transport, you can cut costs by exploring self-guided!

Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re taking the Norway Coastal Express and want to know which excursions are worth it (and which you can do yourself for free), check out my guide to the 7 Havila excursions that are actually worth your money (it applies to Hurtigruten too!)

Included meals on the Norway Coastal Express makes such a difference!
Included meals on the Norway Coastal Express makes such a difference to budget!

How to Get Around Norway as a Solo Traveller

Getting around Norway is surprisingly simple when you know your options, and each mode of transport gives a different view of this beautiful country:

Trains

Norway’s trains are some of the most scenic in the world, especially the Oslo–Bergen line (my personal favourite!) and the Flåm Railway.

Trains in Norway are comfortable, reliable, and I felt very safe as a solo female traveller.

Seats are generally assigned, announcements are clear in both Norwegian and English, and the views out of the window are breathtaking and an experience in themselves!

Winter scenery on the Oslo to Myrdal train!
Winter scenery on the Oslo to Myrdal train!

Buses

Buses are the most budget-friendly way to get around and cover places that trains don’t reach, for example, the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund.

They’re clean, safe, generally punctual and reliable, and are easy to navigate.

The bus is often the best option for reaching rural areas or smaller towns, or navigating within the bigger cities like Oslo, Trondheim, Bergen or Tromsø.

The Coastal Express (Hurtigruten or Havila)

The Coastal Express is one of my favourite ways to explore the highlights of Norway as a solo traveller – especially in winter!

It’s calm, safe and slow, and gives you a front-row seat to Norway’s spectacular coastline and most remote but beautiful communities (that you would never get to see otherwise!)

I’ve written a full guide to this iconic route from my own winter sailing experience: The Norway Coastal Express in Winter: Solo Travel Guide + Review

Onboard Havila Polaris, sailing the Norway Coastal Express route!
Onboard Havila Polaris, sailing the Norway Coastal Express route!

Domestic Flights

Because Norway is such a long and remote country, domestic flights are extremely common (even in the smallest communities).

I personally took a domestic flight with Widerøe from Bergen to Tromsø and found that the experience was safe, stress-free and very time-efficient.

Some of the most popular small airports in Norway are Kristiansand, Alta, Bodø, Kirkenes, Honningsvåg and Svolvaer.

If you’re travelling solo and are short on time, this is the best way to avoid long connections!

A plane flying over Tromsø
A plane flying over Tromsø

Where to Stay in Norway as a Solo Female Traveller

Choosing where to base yourself is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning solo female travel in Norway.

But the good news is that I found Norway to be one of the easiest countries in Europe for finding safe, clean and well-located accommodation!

And I also found that the accommodation standards in Norway were very high.

Even budget hotels are spotless, the included breakfast (where available) was always delicious, and all of the staff I met were genuinely helpful and friendly.

When booking your accommodation in Norway, consider its:

  • Location
  • Transport access
  • Nearby things to do
  • Walkability
  • Nearby restaurants/supermarkets
  • Check-in policies (self check-in vs manned reception)
  • How well-lit and safe the surrounding streets feel

For reference, on my trips I always prioritise walkability, public transport links, lots of things to do nearby and ideally a shared kitchen (or good restaurants/supermarkets nearby).

My cabin in the Norway Coastal Express
My cabin in the Norway Coastal Express

Here are the neighbourhoods and hotels I personally stayed in and recommend for solo travelling in Norway’s major towns and cities, that fit the above criteria:

Oslo

Neighbourhood: Sentrum or Aker Brygge

Hotel: Citybox Oslo

Bergen

Neighbourhood: Sentrum or Bryggen

Hotel: Radisson Blu Royal Hotel

Tromsø

Neighbourhood: The city centre, located on Tromsøya Island

Hotel: Ami Hotel

Trondheim

Neighbourhood: Bakklandet

Hotel: Scandic Bakklandet

Ålesund

Neighbourhood: Ålesund town centre

Hotel: Hotel Brosundet

Katie’s Top Tip: Always check what’s included in the nightly rate. A good breakfast or access to a shared kitchen can save you a lot of money every day!

The Coastal Express ferries are floating hotels and transport in one!
The Coastal Express ferries are floating hotels and transport in one!

What to Pack for Norway Solo Travel

Packing for a trip to Norway depends on when you’re visiting, but you should always pack for practicality.

Weather in Norway changes fast (and often dramatically in winter), so having the right layers and gear makes a huge difference to how relaxed, safe and confident you feel.

The good news is you don’t need to overpack or buy a whole new wardrobe – you just need the right, good quality basics!

If you’re packing for Norway in winter, think warm layers and waterproofs.

I have a full packing list in my ‘Everything You Need to Pack for a Winter Cruise in Norway’ guide, but the essentials are the same on land or at sea:

  • Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
  • Wool or fleece mid-layers
  • A properly insulated, waterproof and windproof coat
  • Warm socks
  • Gloves (ideally touchscreen)
  • Hat
  • Sarf or neck gaiter
  • Reliable waterproof, insulated boots with good grip

In summer, packing for Norway is easier, but the weather can still be unpredictable!

You’ll still want layers, a light waterproof jacket, comfortable shoes for walking, and a warm jumper or fleece for chilly evenings

Katie’s Top Tip: Always pack one just in case warm layer, like a hoodie or fleece, no matter the season. Even in summer, Norway’s weather can be unpredictable!

All bundled up for husky sledding in the Arctic!
All bundled up for husky sledding in the Arctic!

Best Places to Visit in Norway for Solo Travellers

Choosing where to go on your first solo trip to Norway can feel overwhelming because every region is genuinely spectacular and you want to visit all the places – all at once!

Just me?!

Well, the trick to this is to choose a good base city that is:

  • Easy to get to from international airports
  • Served by strong public transport connections
  • Packed with amazing things to do in its own right
  • A hub for good group tour options to explore more of beautiful Norway

With this in mind, for first timers I recommend starting in Oslo, Bergen or Tromsø, as these three cities are walkable, safe, and full of easy day trips that don’t require a car!

Bergen gives you iconic fjord boat trips, the starting point for the Coastal Express and the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf to explore.

Tromsø gives you Northern Lights or Midnight Sun, incredible Arctic activities like husky sledding or reindeer sledding, and the spectacular Fjellheisen cable car.

Oslo gives you museums and culture, a strong foodie scene, scenic boat trips on the Oslofjord and easy connections to Bergen and Flam.

If you want a bigger list covering my favourite fjords, Arctic islands, scenic viewpoints and colourful coastal towns, check out my ultimate guide to the 21 most beautiful places to visit in Norway!

Katie’s Top Tip: If you want an easy first solo trip to Norway, pick one base city and then add a few easy day trips to nearby fjords, hiking trails or smaller towns. This allows you to see more of Norway without constant hotel-hopping!

Mostraumen Fjord, near Bergen is one of my favourite places in Norway!
Mostraumen Fjord, near Bergen is one of my favourite places in Norway!

3 Perfect Itineraries For Solo Female Travel in Norway (First-Timer Friendly!)

Solo Norway Itinerary #1: Stress-Free City Break From Oslo to Bergen

If you’re travelling to Norway alone for the first time and want a break that is scenic, simple, and stress-free, Oslo to Bergen is the most beginner-friendly route!

It mixes culture, fjords, cosy villages, and spectacular train travel.

Plus, everything on this route is connected by clean, safe, reliable public transport, so there’s no need to rent a car or book expensive excursions.

The itinerary:

Start in Oslo, where you can explore a historic fortress, visit the home of Norway’s Royal Family, walk on the roof of the opera house, and take a boat trip on the beautiful Oslofjord.

(I’ve put all of my other favourite spots to visit in my guide to the best things to do in Oslo!)

From Oslo, the iconic Oslo to Flåm Railway (via Myrdal) takes you straight to the iconic fjords, with huge windows that give you spectacular views the whole way.

Flåm itself is tiny, friendly, and safe, and is also where you can join the ferry to Gudvangen via the spectacular, UNESCO-listed Naerøyfjord to continue your journey.

Finally, you’ll arrive in Bergen, Norway’s most beautiful city, with loads to see and do. From the historic, colourful Bryggen Wharf, to the spectacular Mount Fløyen funicular, and regular boat rides to nearby Mostraumen Fjord (my personal favourite day trip from Bergen!)

Walking the opera housre roof in Oslo!
Walking the opera housre roof in Oslo!

Transport & logistics:

Recommended Duration: 5 days

  1. Oslo: Everything in the centre is walkable, and the international airport is easily accessible by train.
  2. Oslo → Flåm: Take the F4 Bergen train from Oslo and then transfer to the Flåmsbana at Myrdal. The total journey is around 6 hours, but it is incredibly scenic!
  3. Flåm → Bergen: You can either take the train back to Myrdal and then connect to the Bergen Line to Bergen, which takes around 3 hours.
  4. Flåm → Bergen: Or take the ferry to Gudvangen (via the UNESCO-listed Naerøyfjord), the bus to Voss, and finally the train from Voss to Bergen. This takes around 4.5 hours.
  5. Bergen: All of the main attractions are easily walkable, and the light rail makes it easy to reach the airport at the end of your trip.
  6. Mostraumen Cruise Day Trip: Departs directly from Bergen’s harbour and takes you round-trip through the spectacular fjord!

Where to stay:

Oslo: Citybox Oslo is clean, modern, safe, and has a shared kitchen.

Flåm: Fretheim Hotel is super cosy, right by the fjord, and popular with solo travellers.

Bergen: Radisson Blu Royal is very central, located right on the iconic Bryggen Wharf.

Katie’s Top Tip: Book your train tickets for the Oslo to Myrdal and Flåmsbana legs of this journey when you confirm dates. The earlier you book, the cheaper it is!

The iconic view from Mount Floyen in Bergen
The iconic view from Mount Floyen in Bergen

Solo Norway Itinerary #2: The Arctic Dream in Tromsø

If you’ve ever dreamt of watching the Northern Lights dance above you, this is the easiest Norway itinerary for a magical Arctic experience!

Tromsø is one of the safest and easiest places for solo travel in Norway’s Arctic, especially in winter when the city fills with fellow solo travellers all chasing the aurora.

Plus, Tromsø is well-connected by an international airport and the centre is compact, walkable, and full of cosy cafés to warm up in!

The itinerary:

Base yourself in Tromsø for the full trip, so there’s no need to stress about navigating in an Arctic winter or constantly switching hotels.

From here, you can customise your dream Arctic itinerary based on your preferences:

And you’ll also of course want to book a guided Northern Lights chase with experts who’ll drive you to the clearest skies for the most likely chance of sightings!

The beautiful, Arctic capital of Tromsø
The beautiful, Arctic capital of Tromsø

Transport & logistics:

Recommended Duration: 3 days

  • Flights: Fly directly to Tromsø from Oslo or other major airports.
  • Getting around: Almost everything in Tromsø is walkable, and then buses cover the rest (for example, to get to the Fjellheisen cable car).
  • Tromsø fjord trips: Get out and explore the best of the beautiful Arctic wilderness on this small-group guided tour that I took, right from the city centre!
  • Arctic experiences: These are my recommended Reindeer Sledding or Husky Sledding experiences in Tromsø.
  • Northern Lights: This small-group guided chase picks up in central Tromsø and drops off at hotels, offers photography help and portraits, and we had a bonfire with snacks!

Where to stay:

Hotel Ami is safe, central, has friendly staff and is affordable (for the Arctic at least!)

Katie’s Top Tip: If seeing the Northern Lights is a non-negotiable for your solo trip to Norway, book your Northern Lights tour for your first night. Then, if the weather causes a cancellation or you don’t see them, you can still try again.

I reviewed my favourite Tromsø Northern Lights tour in my article: The BEST Northern Lights Tour From Tromsø (Review + Tips!)

And I’ve also rounded up the very best attractions too, in my article: 15 BEST Things to Do in Tromsø in Winter for First-Timers.

Seeing the Northern Lights from Tromsø
Seeing the Northern Lights from Tromsø

Solo Norway Itinerary #3: The 12-Day Norway Coastal Express

If you want a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and to see more of Norway, while still feeling safe and stress-free, the Norway Coastal Express is unbeatable!

The itinerary:

The Norway Coastal Express is a 12-day voyage along the entire coast of Norway from Bergen to Kirkenes and back.

Honestly, it’s one of the best ways to see the country without needing to constantly move hotels or manage transport connections!

The iconic route takes you past tiny fishing villages, Arctic towns, snow-covered mountains, and fjords that most tourists never get to see, all from the comfort of your ship.

And because you sleep on board and stop at different ports each day, it removes almost every logistical issue that normally comes with solo female travel in Norway!

I have quite a few guides to this iconic route here on my blog, including:

Norway Coastal Express Itinerary: All Port Stops Explained

7 Havila Excursions That Are Actually Worth Your Money

The BEST Havila Coastal Express Cabin Guide for Solo Travellers

Norway Coastal Express in Winter: Solo Travel Guide + Review

Everything You Need to Pack for a Winter Cruise in Norway

Beautiful scenery on the Coastal Express route, of the iconic Mount Torghatten!
Beautiful scenery on the Coastal Express route, of the iconic Mount Torghatten!

Transport & logistics:

  • Starts: Bergen for the 12-day round-trip or northbound voyage, or Kirkenes if you only want to travel southbound.
  • Duration: 12 days total for the round-trip
  • Cabins: My favourite cabin was the Seaview Superior!
  • Ports: The full itinerary has 34 stops, some as short as 10 minutes and others long enough for full-day excursions.

Where to stay:

Havila: The Seaview Superior cabin with a picture window.

Hurtigruten: The Arctic Superior cabin on board Hurtigruten also has a picture window.

You can find out more about all of Havila’s cabin options in my ultimate guide to the best cabins for solo travellers.

Katie’s Top Tip: If you have the time and can afford it, I would absolutely recommend the full round-trip voyage. But if you’re tight on time or budget, I recommend sailing Northbound, as this leg has the longest and most interesting ports of call on the Coastal Express itinerary.

Crossing the Arctic Circle with Havila!
Crossing the Arctic Circle with Havila!

Eating Alone in Norway

If the idea of eating alone on a solo trip to Norway makes you feel awkward, same!

As a socially anxious solo traveller, this is always the part I worry about most when I am planning my solo trips.

But, more than anywhere else in Europe, Norwegians genuinely don’t care. (And no, I don’t mean that in an unfriendly way!)

Solo dining or going out to grab a coffee alone is incredibly normal in Scandinavia (both for locals and tourists), so you won’t look out of place.

I never experienced any staring or unwanted attention. And equally, I never experienced anywhere that turned me away for wanting a table for 1 (looking at you, Rome!)

Every restaurant I visited was calm, quiet, and very respectful of personal space.

Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re worried about the costs of dining in Norway, look for accommodation with a shared kitchen and then go to the supermarket or bakery to get food. Equally, booking a hotel with breakfast can really help cut costs.

Enjoying a solo lunch on board Havila Polaris!
Enjoying a solo lunch on board Havila Polaris!

How to Meet People as a Solo Traveller in Norway

During my trip, I found that the best connections (to avoid solo travel loneliness) happen in places where people naturally share experiences, like small-group tours, boat trips, and communal activities like a local sauna.

These were some of my favourite excursions and tours:

  • North Cape
  • Northern Lights in Tromsø (nothing bonds people faster than freezing your toes off under the Northern Lights!!)
  • Mostraumen Fjord near Bergen
  • Silent boat tour to Trollfjord
  • The Saltstraumen Tidal Current near Bodø

Or, if you’re travelling on the Coastal Express, I wrote a full guide to the best excursions on Havila that are actually worth your money, and honestly, each is perfect for meeting people!

Equally, the Norway Coastal Express ship itself is one of the easiest, low-pressure ways to meet new people naturally if you want to.

You’re all sailing the same route for up to 12 days, eating together, and experiencing the same ports and excursions.

On my voyage, I was always bumping into my fellow photographers out on deck and was sitting at the table next to a lovely couple at dinner that I actually stayed in touch with!

Katie’s Top Tip: The easiest conversation starter in Norway is to bond over shared experiences. So ask whether they’ve seen the Northern Lights yet, what their favourite place has been so far, if it’s their first trip to Norway… These kinds of questions never fail and feel so natural!

Up on deck on Havila or Hurtigruten is very sociable and low-pressure!
Up on deck on Havila or Hurtigruten is very sociable and low-pressure!

Essential Apps for Norway Solo Travel

When you’re visiting Norway as a solo female traveller, there are a few apps and resources that genuinely make life easier.

Transport & Navigation:

Apps for buying tickets, checking timetables, seeing journey updates and planning journeys.

Weather & Seasonal:

Apps to help you stay safe and prepared for the conditions.

Other:

  • Trivago for comparing hotel prices (Expedia had the cheapest rates when I visited)
  • Hjelp 113 is the emergency app for Norway

Katie’s Top Tip: Screenshot all transport, excursion and hotel tickets/confirmations, and also write down details like booking numbers/timings on paper. Cold affects battery life in winter, and you can’t always guarantee WIFI.

A spectacular Arctic sunset in Norway in winter
A spectacular Arctic sunset in Norway in winter

Final Thoughts

If you’ve made it this far, I hope you feel so much more prepared and excited for your dream solo trip to Norway!

Honestly? Norway is a magical country, and I’m so excited for you!

It’s one of those rare countries that feels both wild and peaceful, with epic natural landscapes, safe cities, endless daylight in summer, and the Northern Lights in winter.

Plus, Norway is genuinely one of the easiest countries in the world for solo female travellers!

Whether you’re planning a fjord-hopping itinerary, sailing the Coastal Express, or bundling up for winter in the Arctic, travelling to Norway solo will give you memories to last a lifetime.

I hope this solo female travel in Norway guide has given you everything you need – from safety tips to practical logistics – to make this bucket-list worthy trip feel doable and exciting!

FAQs About Solo Female Travel in Norway

Do I need to rent a car for a solo trip to Norway?

No. As someone who’s explored Norway solo, I can promise it’s 100% doable and more relaxing without a rental car!

Norway is actually one of the easiest countries in Europe to explore without a car, thanks to its incredible trains, buses, ferries, and domestic flights.

And from popular bases like Oslo, Bergen or Tromsø, you can get almost everywhere using public transport or day tours.

Where a car does help is if you’re visiting rural areas or want maximum freedom in summer. But in winter, I’d only recommend a car if you’re very confident driving in extreme winter conditions.

For most solo trips to Norway, skip the car and join small-group tours or excursions instead. They give you all the freedom without the stress!

When is the best time to visit Norway solo?

This depends on the kind of solo trip to Norway you want.

Winter in Norway is perfect for Northern Lights tours, Arctic adventures, and cosy cities. But expect limited or even no daylight, cold temperatures and unpredictable weather.

Summer in Norway is ideal for hiking, viewpoints, and long, bright days (including the Midnight Sun!) It’s the easiest time of year for solo female travel in Norway, but also the most busy and expensive

Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) are quieter and cheaper, but some attractions reduce their schedules. You do still have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights, though!

Will I meet people easily while visiting Norway alone?

If you want to, you absolutely can meet people easily while solo travelling Norway!

Joining day excursions or Northern Lights trips is the easiest and most natural way to meet new people with shared interests while travelling solo in Norway.

Or, if you join the Coastal Express, you’ll naturally meet the same passengers in the lounge, at dinner or out on deck throughout your voyage, thanks to the ship’s small size.

Is it easy to get around Norway without speaking Norwegian?

Yes, and this is one of the reasons travelling to Norway solo is so stress-free! Almost all locals speak excellent English. Plus signs, announcements, menus and helpful apps/websites are all available in English too.

Do I need cash in Norway?

Nope! Norway is nearly 100% cashless. Even tiny cafés accept card or mobile payments. As a solo female traveller, this makes life so much easier, as it removes the worry of carrying cash, finding legitimate ATMs, or converting leftover currency at the end of your trip!

Is Norway good for first-time solo travellers?

Yes! Honestly, Norway is one of the best countries in Europe for first-time solo travellers!

The safety, reliable public transport system, friendly but reserved locals, and huge variety of small-group day tours make it the perfect destination for women travelling alone.

A trip to Norway is structured enough to feel easy but adventurous enough to feel exciting!

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