Norway : Safety by City
Norway doesn’t try to impress you.
It just quietly delivers jaw-dropping scenery, clean cities, and a quality of life that most countries can only dream about.
Tucked up in northern Europe, it’s where Scandinavia gets serious about nature—glaciers, cliffs, and coastlines that don’t seem like they should all fit in one country.
Most travelers explore the mainland, where regions shift from sleek urban centers to remote mountain villages with stunning backdrops.
Each region offers something different.
Oslo has museums, architecture, and great food.
The western fjords are for those long, silent views that stay with you.
Northern towns like Tromsø give you the Northern Lights in winter and endless daylight in summer.
Central Norway feels quieter, more local, and rich in history if you know where to look.
Norway also includes Svalbard, a frozen archipelago far above the Arctic Circle that feels more like a research outpost than a vacation spot.
It’s part of Norway politically, but logistically and environmentally, it’s in a category of its own.
Norway saw 5.6 million visitors in 2024.
Most come in summer, when the weather’s mild and the hikes are dry.
But every season here has something to offer if you’re ready for it.
Warnings & Dangers in Norway
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Norway is one of the safest countries you can visit, with a low overall risk for travelers. Violent crime is rare, the infrastructure is reliable, and locals are helpful without being intrusive. Stay aware like you would anywhere, but honestly, this is one of the easier places to relax and explore.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Public transport is clean, punctual, and widely used. The risk here is low. Taxis are regulated and safe, but expensive. Rideshare apps are limited outside cities. If you rent a car, just be prepared for steep mountain roads, changing weather, and expensive tolls.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
Pickpocketing is a low risk, but use extra caution in Norway’s busiest tourist areas, especially in Oslo’s transit hubs and crowded events. It’s not widespread, but it happens. Don’t leave phones or bags unattended, and skip the open-back backpack if you’re on public transport or in a crowd.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Low to medium risk, depending on where you go. Avalanches, rockslides, and sudden weather changes are real concerns in mountainous and Arctic regions. Cruise delays and ferry cancellations are common during storms. Check conditions before heading into remote areas or planning anything time-sensitive.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
The risk of mugging is very low in Norway. Street crime is rare, and even late-night walking in major cities feels safer than in many other parts of the world. That said, always trust your gut—trouble is rare, but not impossible.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
Terrorism risk is low, but not nonexistent. Like most of Europe, Norway stays alert for lone actors or politically motivated threats, but attacks are extremely rare. There’s visible security at big events and airports, but no need to be on edge in everyday situations.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
Low risk, but not zero. You won’t encounter the aggressive tourist scams found in some countries, but be cautious of overpriced taxis or sketchy rental listings. Most Norwegians are honest and straightforward, so if something feels off, it probably is.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Traveling solo as a woman in Norway is a very low risk. It’s common, accepted, and safe. Public spaces are well-lit, harassment is rare, and locals tend to mind their own business. Hiking solo is not recommended. Stick with groups and tour guides to explore the backcountry.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
No risk here. Tap water in Norway is not just safe—it’s some of the cleanest in the world. You can drink straight from the faucet, fill up bottles at public fountains, and even drink from many mountain streams if you're hiking.
Safest Places to Visit in Norway
I want to start with a few helpful websites to plan your Norwegian itinerary.
First, the official tourism site is easy enough; visitnorway.com.
Hikers (trekkers) should check out the website dnt.no.
DNT stands for Den Norske Turistforening, which translates to The Norwegian Trekking Association.
They have more than a dozen hiking centers once you’re in Norway, too.
For those interested in learning more about Svalbard, try the website visitsvalbard.com.
Southern and Central Norway are the easiest places to start.
Oslo is the capital and cultural hub, with great museums, waterfront dining, and solid transit.
From there, you can head west to Bergen, the gateway to the fjords, where boat tours, scenic hikes, and historic neighborhoods make it worth a few days.
The famous Flåm Railway and nearby Nærøyfjord offer postcard views without much effort.
Central Norway includes Trondheim, a laid-back university town with Viking roots and good access to inland hiking routes.
Western Norway is where you’ll find the dramatic fjords, winding mountain roads, and classic scenic drives like Trollstigen and the Atlantic Road.
If you’re road-tripping, this is the region to build around.
The Lofoten Islands further north are known for jagged peaks, fishing villages, and beaches that look more like the tropics, minus the warmth.
Svalbard, though technically part of Norway, is its own thing entirely.
Located far above the Arctic Circle, it’s a remote, icy wilderness home to polar bears, glaciers, and more reindeer than people.
The main town, Longyearbyen, has hotels and restaurants, but everything outside it requires a licensed guide—legally.
It’s not for casual tourists, but if you want a serious Arctic experience, Svalbard delivers.
Just know what you’re signing up for.
Places to Avoid in Norway
There aren’t many true “no-go” zones in Norway.
Crime is low, and aside from a few rougher parts of eastern Oslo that most tourists wouldn’t end up in any way, safety isn’t a big concern.
That said, Tromsø and Svalbard require extra planning.
Both are remote, expensive, and come with unique challenges, like polar bears, extreme weather, and limited emergency services.
Svalbard isn’t the place to go for casual sightseeing.
Unless you’re going with a licensed guide and know what you’re getting into, it’s probably not the right destination for first-timers.
Stick to more accessible parts of the country unless you’re prepared for the extremes.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Norway
- The Norwegian police are approachable and professional. For emergencies, dial 112 for police, 113 for medical, and 110 for fire. English is widely spoken, especially by emergency services.
- Norway doesn’t blast alerts to your phone like the U.S., but local news apps and websites like yr.no and varsom.no cover weather, avalanches, and travel hazards. If you’re hiking or heading to remote areas, check daily. Things can change fast in the mountains, and you won’t always have a signal.
- There are no required vaccines to enter Norway, and health risks are minimal. Still, make sure your routine vaccines (like tetanus and MMR) are current. If you’re doing outdoor activities, consider a tick-borne encephalitis vaccine. Ticks can be an issue in forested areas during the warmer months.
- Norwegian weather can flip on a dime, especially along the coast and up north. Cruises may face delays, detours, or full cancellations due to rough seas. If you’re venturing into Svalbard or remote fjords, know that rescue options are limited and weather may leave you stranded longer than planned.
- You’ll need a valid driver’s license, and an International Driving Permit is also recommended if yours isn’t in English. Roads are well-maintained, but narrow, winding, and steep in rural areas. Winter tires are mandatory during cold months, and speed limits are strictly enforced, with hefty fines for violations.
- If you’re heading to Svalbard, polar bears aren’t just a brochure image. They’re a real threat. You’re legally required to carry a firearm outside settlements, or go with a licensed guide who does. Don’t wander solo, and don’t assume you’ll see one from a safe distance. They’re fast and not shy. You can pick up a map of the places where protection isn’t required.
- If you’re planning to hike, use the Norwegian Trekking Association website. It has trail maps, difficulty ratings, hut info, and guided options. Norway doesn’t baby travelers—you’re expected to research routes, know the risks, and bring the right gear. Marked trails help, but nature here is no joke.
- There are daily ferries between Norway and nearby countries like Denmark, Sweden, and Germany. You’ll need your passport or national ID to board, even within the Schengen Zone. Ferry terminals are efficient, but you still need to check in early, especially if you’re bringing a car.
- Norway takes child welfare seriously. Any physical punishment, yelling, or perceived humiliation can lead to intervention by social services. This isn’t a cultural difference. It’s the law. Even a minor incident in public could be reported. If you’re traveling with kids, keep discipline calm and respectful at all times.
- In the summer, parts of Norway, including Tromsø and Svalbard, don’t get dark for weeks. It sounds magical (and it is), but it can also wreck your sleep. Bring a sleep mask and prep for jet lag to feel… different. The opposite happens in winter, with near-total darkness for days.
So... How Safe Is Norway Really?
The U.S., Canada, and Australia all rank it at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions, which is as low-risk as it gets.
Violent crime is rare, and locals tend to be pretty trusting, but that doesn’t mean you should zone out.
Petty theft happens, especially in tourist-heavy areas like train stations or busy streets in Oslo and Bergen.
You don’t need to be paranoid, just pay attention.
Keep your bag zipped, don’t leave your phone on the café table, that kind of thing.
Eastern Oslo occasionally makes headlines for gang-related crime, but unless you’re actively looking to hang out in those neighborhoods, you’re unlikely to stumble into trouble.
Still, like any capital city, Oslo isn’t immune to big-city problems.
Stay aware, especially at night.
Nature, not people, is where Norway gets risky.
The terrain can be rugged, remote, and totally unforgiving.
If you’re planning to hike glaciers or head into the high mountains, you need more than enthusiasm; you need experience.
Rescue services are available, but they’re not your personal backup plan, and you shouldn’t expect quick service if you get stuck or hurt.
In general, common sense and situational awareness will go a long way.
How Does Norway Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Norway | 85 |
| Deadwood | 80 |
| Sturgis | 80 |
| Pierre | 81 |
| Spearfish | 80 |
| Hill City | 83 |
| Temuco | 31 |
| Sevierville | 73 |
| Pigeon Forge | 78 |
Useful Information
Visas
If you're from the U.S., Canada, or most of Europe, you don't need a visa for short stays—just a passport and a plan to leave within 90 days. Norway is in the Schengen Zone, so that time counts across all Schengen countries. Keep in mind that Svalbard is not part of the agreement.
Currency
Norway uses the Norwegian krone (NOK), and yes, everything is expensive. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, even at food trucks and taxis, so you can skip exchanging too much cash. If you do need physical currency, ATMs are easy to find, but expect a stiff exchange rate.
Weather
Norwegian weather depends on when and where you go. Winters are dark and icy (bring layers), and summers are surprisingly pleasant with long daylight hours. Coastal towns stay milder than the inland or northern parts, but rain is always possible. Check the forecast and pack as if the weather will change (because it will).
Airports
Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) is the main international airport, with smooth connections across Europe and beyond. Bergen, Trondheim, and Tromsø also have airports that make domestic travel easy. Norway’s airport system is efficient but not cheap. Budget for flights, or book early if you’re heading way north.
Travel Insurance
Norway has excellent healthcare, but it’s not free if you're not a citizen. Travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and trip disruptions is smart to have. Especially if you’re skiing, hiking, or planning something adventurous, high-risk activity insurance can save you from a costly accident.
Norway Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
-2 | 0 | 4 | 10 | 16 | 20 | 22 | 20 | 15 | 9 | 3 | -1 |
| Low °C |
-7 | -6 | -3 | 1 | 7 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 8 | 3 | -2 | -6 |
| High °F |
28 | 32 | 39 | 50 | 61 | 68 | 72 | 68 | 59 | 48 | 37 | 30 |
| Low °F |
19 | 21 | 27 | 34 | 45 | 52 | 55 | 54 | 46 | 37 | 28 | 21 |
Norway - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Bergen | 71 |
| Kristiansand | 81 |
| Oslo | 78 |
| Stavanger | 80 |
| Trondheim | 86 |
It was a terror attack in 2012 more than 80 people most kids were killed. It was a radical Norwegian that supports the anti-Islam movement.
Bruh, the Norway attacks of 22 Juli 2011
Dude, you are right about this one. stay safe!
a star taken off for bad food
I visited Norway 2 years ago. It was very safe. It was comparable to all the other Scandinavian countries in almost all respects except two: the cost to live there, and the food.
Norway was the most expensive out of all of the countries, with the possible exception of Denmark, which I didn’t stay long enough in to get a feel for.
However, the food at the restaurants was consistently below par, and it was in Norway, as well as the Czech Republic, which is also notorious for its bad food, that I got food poisoning. Maybe it has something to do with not refrigerating eggs? Who knows?
In many respects though, it was a beautiful, wonderful place, and also quite affluent. So, I’m not sure what all this business about “terrorism” or “pick-pockets,” or “muggins,” or “scams” relative to the other Nordic countries.
You probably went to one of the cheaper restaurants like Mcdonalds or Burger King
The Czech cuisine is awesome, and I’ve never had anything but great food experiences there (been there several times). In Norway, you can get anything from the cheapest kebab (that probably will give you food poisoning) to restaurants with three Michelin stars. I won’t know ‘par’ is to you, but I suspect this has more to do with your ability to find good restaurants than what is actually on offer.
if Norway isn't the safest country, then there aren't any safe countries
I know several countries with bad food, and Czechia is amongst them. At least norway has super healthy food, never did I see one single overweight chubby Norwegian. The women are all in perfect shape. Most delicious are the Fiskeburgers which you cannot get in any other country, maybe in name but not as a typical Norwegian dish and several seafood snacks with remoulade. Fiskeboller and Fiskekaker would be my second yummy mouthwatering source of healthy protein. If you guys would rather eat bureks or kebabs go knock yourself out.
there is one other thing I do have to say is that hiking trails are wonderfully marked in Norway, not only by signage but also by yellow and black arrow gates you see the everywhere across the country. A city trip to Stavanger, which you regard as stay in city only-type of holiday has so many nearby outdoors spots it is beyond belief. You can go to Hommersåk, Dalsnuten, Hundvåg and lots more all within the Stavanger municipality.
Definitely not safe, in 2021 29 people were murdered according to Kripos’ murder overview. The proportion of murders committed with firearms has increased. Life became hard for us all.
Not that hard
Oh, how many tourists have been murdered in Norway? I think zero in modern history?
Life is really not that hard here.
Norway
Norway is very safe but very cold and expensive.
Huh?
Huh? What did I miss? Ohhhhh that. I don’t remember that, Norway is safe for tourists
5
safe and not dangerous.
I came here a while ago and while it was expensive to live, it makes up for it.
Great education, amazing would be the least to describe the view and the food is excellent.
The people were really friendly, (most of them), and when they realized I didn’t know an ounce of Norwegian they spoke English. And yes, I learned the language.
Super safe, especially for women
I’ve been to 50 countries and this one is a walk in the park. Super safe.
I see some people are not getting it and give less stars for bad food on a site that literally called “travelsafe-abroad”.
The article is not correct and give a way higher risk for a few things where it should be low. But one thing the article absolutely got right is that the highest risk is in nature. Tourist die every year when they try to get the perfect picture over a waterfall or cliff unfortunately.
Be humble and listen to the locals
If you stay clear of the polar bear’s on Svalbard there is a good chance you will survive. Avalanches ( there is always that one idiot who tries to challenge the forces of Norwegian nature) , base jumping and rafting can also claim lives. Many of these incidents could have been avoided if they just listen to the local authorities
Norway a Must on Bucket List
My son married a Norwegian woman and moved to the Stavanger area. We visit almost every year. In a big city like Oslo or in Bergen there are bad neighborhoods where crime is more likely, but the busy areas of both cities are very safe. I’ve never felt threatened or endangered. We’ve traveled to many places without incident. Public transportation is safe and usually pleasant, though obviously at night it’s best to travel with a friend or small group. It’s a beautiful country and experiencing nature is a must: hiking, boating, skiing if in season. Use common sense. Dress in layers. Rainproof gear is a must. Otherwise, use common sense wherever you go and take advice if mountain hiking, kayaking, or the like. Food and drink are expensive. The tap water is safe. Try speaking the language to impress Norwegians, but they’ll stop you if you use English, because all Norwegians learn English from fourth grade onwards and most like to practice it.
Safe and stunning!
Extremely safe country with very less crime rate.. Just try to stay vigilant near city center in Oslo especially as a lot of immigrants roam there to find a quick catch or tip from you. Otherwise, Norwegian in general are very friendly and peaceful people.. i would stay alert with immigrants and city center apartment owners for rental options, rest everyone is very safe to approach. They simply mind their own business.
Travelers would have no issue during their time spent here. Just their pockets would have a big dent as it’s expensive as hell.
I love it here, BUT
Its A good place to live, and people are nice, BUT, every night I listen to the news and people are getting murdered… but it often happen at night, so I got to say:
At day it is VERY SAFE. But at night it’s average. You better not walk alone at night… you have been warned
Not really true. Just as safe in the night, if not more safe.
Yes, it IS that beautiful
This is supposed to be about safely, but, of course other things bleed through. Incredible beauty virtually everywhere, not just in the West (which is as good as it gets on this planet). The forests that surround Oslo offer amazing hiking trails that are virtually unlimited in scope. Even a trip, land or sea, down Oslo fjord is stunning.
Now, the crux of this post: safely issues. I am American, and while I have lived the largest chunk of my life outside of the US, it has been some years since I lived in Norway. However, Oslo is my city; my east Oslo tinged accent would give me away to any local.The safety issues mentioned are highly exaggerated with one exception:the area around Gronland, East of the train station, esp at night. It was starting to get a tad dodgy years ago, but I have heard that the situation is worse today. Although it is painful to say this, Norwegians are not the problem here. Aside from this, the very occasional drunken lout is your worst problem, and can even occur in Frogner.
Norway is incredibly safe in general, but in 2023… Always keep your eyes and ears open. Anywhere.
Lowest Reoffending rate but here’s a little advice
I never been to Norway but it does have the lowest reoffending rate but the sad reality just because not a lot of people who live there return to societies as criminals again doesn’t mean it will be a pleasant experience. My advice be careful wherever you travel to. Always plan ahead. Always be prepared. Always choose a destination for a vacation carefully. While you’re staying at a destination watch the news in your hotel room before exiting.